Hi, I’m Avery! Today, I want to talk about necklace lengths. I’ve got seven different lengths to cover, and I’ll explain their proper names and which necklines they pair best with.

Choker: 12-13 inches

Let’s start with the shortest one: the 13-inch necklace, which is a choker. This necklace lays flat around your neck. It was a big trend in the '90s and came in all sorts of materials, from leather to plastic. Today, though, it has a more sophisticated twist, and many people are opting for metal chokers.
Personally, I love wide chokers—especially the ones that feature multiple chains that hang down. Those look amazing. A choker typically pairs well with strapless or off-the-shoulder tops, but these days, people also wear them casually with regular necklines.

Collar: 14-16 inches

Next up, we have the 16-inch chain, which is called the collar length because it sits right on the collarbone. This is a popular length because it's so versatile. And also, I noticed online that a lot of people are switching names here, calling this one the choker, and the 14-inch one the collar. But from what I've discussed, I feel like the choker should be the one that sits snug around your neck, while the collar should rest on the collarbone. So, that’s my take on it! You can pair a collar-length necklace with a square, v-shaped, or big round neckline. The simple shape resting just above the collarbone circles a beautiful neck and highlights your fashion style.
Collar necklace length

Princess: 17-18 inches

The 18-inch chain, also known as the princess length, is usually the most popular length. I’m a shorter person, it tends to look slightly longer on me, but this is probably the most common length you’ll find. Also it's very versatile, and goes with a lot of necklines. It typically hangs just below the base of the neck, resting around the collarbone and creating a nice line. This length works great with collared shirts, crew necks, sweetheart necklines—basically, a lot of options!
Princess necklace length

Matinee: 20-24 inches

Then it's the 20-inch chain, known as the matinee length. The matinee necklace rests on your chest pointing gracefully towards your cleavage.This length is great for business,. It especially pairs well with collared shirt because you can wear it under the collar, laying it over the buttons. If you’re wearing a charm or pendant, you don't want it getting caught underneath your shirt. So this length is perfect for showcasing your jewelry. Also, it's ideal for creating layered necklace looks.
Matinee necklace length

Opera: 28-30 inches

The next length is the 28-inch, which is called the opera length. This one is a little bit longer, so you're probably not going to wear it directly on bare skin. It’s best worn over a shirt, especially one with a higher neckline. Even a boatneck or crew neck can work well with this length. As you go lower, they tend to look more elegant, so they’re great for formal occasions. This necklace can bear a medallion pendant and other statement pieces.
necklace length opera

Rope: 32-36 inches (or longer)

The longest length I'm talking about today is the 32-inch length, also known as a rope style. You see it a lot in stores, and many designers are making pieces in this length. This luxurious length can be both elegant and sexy. It's also really perfect for winter—great with sweaters or thicker materials. A rope length necklace can be worn in multiple ways: wrapped around a few times, knotted it in a classic lariat style, or left long and flowing down to your waist. It looks great on its own or layered with other necklaces and pendants.
necklace length rope

Extender

And also let's talk about extenders, these are really important. Extenders are a great add-on for necklaces. They come in lengths ranging from one to three inches. I think it's always a good idea to offer an extender with a choker, because depending on the person’s neck size, you may want it to sit at a slightly different length. It’s nice to have that option, especially depending on what you're wearing.
 

Tips for measuring your necklace length

A lot of factors come into play when choosing the right length for a necklace, such as your height, chest size, and even hair length—whether you’re wearing your hair up or down can make a difference too. People usually struggle to figure out which length will work best for them when people buy necklaces online. And now, here are some tips for measuring your necklace length:
1. Take a measurement around your neck and keep the tape parallel to the floor;
measuring neck length
2. Add 2 inches to find out your choker length;
3. Add 4 inches to find out your collar length;
4. Add 6 inches to find out your princess length.

Things to Think About When Choosing Necklace Length

Height

Your height plays a big role in picking the right necklace length that flatters your figure. If you’re under 5'4", necklaces between 16 to 20 inches work best. Longer styles can overwhelm a smaller frame. If you’re between 5'4" and 5'7", you can pretty much wear any length. And for those over 5'7", longer necklaces really shine, as they highlight a tall frame beautifully.

Body Type

When it comes to necklaces, remember that people’s eyes will stop where the necklace ends. If you don’t want attention drawn to that area, avoid necklaces that finish there. If you have a smaller bust, long, thin chains or layered looks will look great. Full-figured women should steer clear of necklaces that sit below the bust, as they won’t hang nicely. Instead, opt for a piece that sits higher up, around 18 to 22 inches.

Face Shape

Necklaces aren’t just accessories—they can frame your face, too! Just like with body types, the right necklace can highlight your best facial features and change how others perceive your face.

If you have a round face, steer clear of short necklaces or chokers, as they can emphasize the roundness. On the flip side, if you have an oval face, you’re in luck—almost any necklace style, length, or type will look great on you!

For those with long faces wanting to soften their features, shorter necklaces are the way to go. Look for choker or princess styles in the 16 to 18-inch range to avoid adding extra length.

Finally, heart-shaped faces shine with chokers or short necklaces, which create balance and add fullness to a narrow chin.

If you feel my article is helpful, please check our blog for more about jewelry advice for daily outfits.