Necklace Length Guide

Women’s necklace lengths at a glance

• 14″–16″ Choker — close to the neck, above the collarbone.
• 16″ Classic — at the base of the neck. A clean everyday length for small pendants and name necklaces.
• 18″ Classic — just below the collarbone. Works with most necklines and is an easy first layer.
• 20″ Extended — a few inches below the collarbone; sits nicely over a crew neck.
• 22″–24″ Long — on the upper chest, above the bust.
• Over 24″ Extra long — at or below the bust, made for long layering.

Men’s chain lengths

Men’s chains run a little longer. 20″–22″ sits at or just below the collarbone and is the classic choice; 22″–24″ sits lower and works well with pendants or over a T-shirt; 18″–20″ is a shorter, closer fit.

How to measure at home

1. Drape a string or ribbon around your neck and let it fall where you would like the necklace to sit.
2. Mark the spot where the two ends meet.
3. Lay the string flat and measure it with a ruler. That is your length.
4. Already own a necklace you love? Lay it flat with the clasp closed and measure it end to end.

Pendants sit lower than the chain

A pendant hangs below the chain by roughly its own height. If you want a pendant to land at a specific spot—say, just below the collarbone—choose a chain about 1″ shorter than you would for a plain chain.

How to layer necklaces

• Leave about 2″ between layers so each piece shows—for example 16″, 18″ and 20″.
• Mix textures: a fine chain, a pendant and a slightly bolder chain read better than three identical chains.
• Put the largest pendant on the longest chain so the layers don’t tangle.
• Put layers on from shortest to longest and fasten each clasp at the back of your neck.

Necklines and lengths

• Crew neck: 18″ to sit above the neckline, or 20″–24″ to sit over it.
• V-neck: a pendant on an 18″–20″ chain follows the line of the V.
• Scoop or open collar: 16″–18″ fills the space at the base of the neck.
• Turtleneck: 24″ and longer, worn over the fabric.

Adjustable and multi-length styles

Many of our necklaces are adjustable—for example 16″–19″—or come in a choice of 16″, 18″ or 20″. On adjustable styles the length class is based on the shortest setting, and the extra range lets you wear the piece a little longer. Each product page lists the exact length options.