Key Takeaways
- The necklace size should enhance your figure. For example, petite women (less than 1m60) are enhanced by necklaces of 40 to 50 cm, while taller women can opt for longer lengths.
- A short women's necklace size like a women's choker chain perfectly balances a heart-shaped face, while a longer necklace softens a round or oval face.
- To choose the right necklace size, measure your neck and add 5 cm for a choker or 10 cm for a classic pendant.
Explore our jewelry collection and find the perfect necklace size on Gisel B !
Necklace Size Guide
Standard Necklace Lengths
Necklaces come in different sizes, with standard lengths often corresponding to even inch measurements, such as 16", 18", 20", 22", 24" and 30".
Whether you're looking for a short women's necklace length that hugs your collarbone or a longer style that falls over your chest, our step-by-step guide will help you choose the right necklace size for you. Learn about the most common lengths, how they fit, and the outfits they pair perfectly with.
1. 16 inch necklace
- Women's necklace size - 40 cm
- Fit : Sits gently around the base of the neck, just above the collarbone.
- Wear with : V-necks, crew necks, boat necks, and button-down blouses.
Also called a women's choker chain or choker, this necklace offers a discreet and elegant touch that suits most outfits.
16 inch necklace. Source : Borsheims®
2. 18 inch necklace
- Women's necklace size - 45 cm
- Fit : Falls just below the collarbone.
- Wear with : Goes with most necklines.
The 18-inch length, also called a "princess" necklace, is the most popular. This versatile style works well with both casual and dressy looks.
18 inch necklace. Source : Borsheims®
3. 20 inch necklace
- Necklace chain length - 50 cm
- Fit : Falls a few inches below the collarbone.
- Wear with : Complements most necklines.
So-called "matinee" collars typically measure between 20 and 24 inches and reach the area between the collarbone and the sternum.
20 inch necklace. Source : Borsheims®
4. 22 inch necklace
- Women's necklace length - 55 cm
- Fit : Falls midway between the collarbone and lower bust.
- Wear with : Ideal for plunging or deep necklines.
This mid-length is perfect for accentuating outfits with lower collars.
22 inch necklace. Source : Borsheims®
5. 24 inch necklace
- Women's chain length - 60 cm
- Fit : Hits or sits just above the chest.
- Wear With : Looks great when layered with other chain lengths.
The 24-inch necklaces, the longest of the "matinee" styles, are ideal for creating elegant layers with shorter necklaces.
24 inch necklace. Source : Borsheims®
6. 30 inch necklace
- Women's chain length - 75 cm
- Fit : Falls just below the bust.
- Wear with : Perfect for high necks like turtlenecks, boat necks or draped collars.
Necklaces that measure between 28" and 36" are called "opera" necklaces. These long styles add a touch of elegance while adding visual interest to the torso.
30 inch necklace. Source : Borsheims®
Necklace Size Guide
This women's necklace size guide helps you understand where each necklace length sits on the body and how to choose the one that best suits your needs and style. Whether you're looking for a fitted women's choker or a stylish long chain, these descriptions will help guide you in your choice.
Necklace size guide. Source: FARUZO
1. Short necklace
- Necklace size - 12''-13'' / 30-33 cm
- Position : Tight around the neck.
The short necklace is the shortest of all necklace styles, fitting tightly around the neck. This type of necklace can be made from a variety of materials, including fabrics like lace or velvet, which are particularly popular.
Unlike longer necklaces, the short necklace stays in place thanks to its tight fit. It adds an elegant and bold touch to any outfit.
2. Choker
- Women's choker chain - 14''-16'' / 36-41 cm
- Position : At the base of the neck.
The choker is a classic and very popular length that suits all body types and styles.
With a necklace size of 14 to 16 inches, this necklace sits just above the collarbones, against the base of the neck. Perfect for classic pearls or modern designs, the choker works well for both daytime and evening looks.
Choker. Source : Gisel B
3. Princess necklace
- Women's necklace length - 17''-18'' / 43-46 cm
- Position : On or just below the collarbone.
The princess necklace is a standard length that typically measures 18 inches. This style sits at or just below the collarbone, making it extremely versatile.
It can be worn with button-down shirts, evening dresses or casual outfits, offering a touch of timeless elegance.
4. Morning necklace
- Necklace chain length - 20''-24'' / 51-61 cm
- Position : Between the collarbone and the chest.
The matinee length is perfect for both casual and professional outfits. This necklace typically falls 2 to 4 inches below the collarbone and just above the chest.
It's a great choice for layering with necklaces of varying lengths. Plunging evening dresses, including wedding dresses, pair especially well with a matinee necklace.
5. Opera necklace
- Women's chain length - 28''-36'' / 71-91 cm
- Position : Just under the chest.
Opera necklaces fall on the lower half or just below the chest, depending on body shape and size.
Often wrapped twice around the neck, these long necklaces are perfect for layering with other necklaces. They also work well with formal evening wear adding a sophisticated elegance.
Opera necklace. Source : Gisel B
6. Long necklace
- Women's necklace size - 36''-51'' / 91-130 cm
- Position : At waist level or lower.
Sautoir necklaces are the longest available on the market, often paired with pearls. Versatile, they can be worn in a variety of ways: wrapped multiple times around the neck, tied in a lariat style, or worn extra long to the waist.
They can also be layered with other pendants for a sophisticated and creative look.
Long necklace. Source: Gisel B
Choosing the Right Necklace Length for the Female Body
Choosing the right women's necklace size can transform an outfit and highlight a woman's body features. Necklace length plays a vital role in balancing and enhancing your body shape.
When choosing the right women's chain length, consider factors such as your neck size, height, body shape and face shape.
Neck size
Before purchasing a necklace, especially a women's choker chain, take the time to measure your neck. To do this, use a soft tape measure and gently wrap it around your neck.
- For a choker necklace : Add 5 cm (2 inches) to your neck size for a comfortable size (usually 40 cm or 16 inches).
- For a pendant necklace or a name necklace : Add 10 cm (4 inches) to your neck size for an ideal size (usually 45 cm or 18 inches).
Choker necklaces are best suited for people with long necks. If you have a short neck, opt for longer necklace lengths to visually elongate your neck.
Height
Your height also influences the choice of the ideal necklace chain length:
- Under 5'4 " (1m60): Necklaces that are 16 to 20 inches (40 to 50 cm) long work best, as a long chain can overload a petite figure.
- Between 1m60 and 1m70 (5'4” to 5'7”): You can wear necklaces of any length.
- Over 5'7 ” (1m70): Long chains are especially flattering on tall women, as they accentuate a slender silhouette.
Morphology
The point where your necklace ends naturally draws the eye. Consider this effect when choosing your women's necklace size:
- Small bust : Thin, long chains or layered necklaces highlight a delicate silhouette.
- Fuller bust : Avoid necklaces that fall below the bust line, as they may not fit properly. Opt for necklaces that are 18 to 22 inches (45 to 55 cm) long and sit slightly above the bust.
Face shape
Necklaces can also highlight your facial features and balance its shape:
- Round face : Avoid short necklaces or fitted chokers, as they will accentuate the roundness of your face.
- Oval Face : You are lucky enough to be able to wear all lengths and styles of necklaces.
- Long Face : Short, rounded necklaces, such as chokers and princess necklaces (16 to 18 inches), help to widen and soften the shape of your face.