Pick the Right Necklace Length for Men & Women: An Expert Guide
If you are confused about selecting the right necklace length, you are not the only person. People are usually concerned about the trick of selecting the optimum necklace length. This guide is going to help you.
This article presents tips to find a necklace that complements any outfit and body type both for men and women.
Standard necklace length
Few options are available to select regarding the selection of necklace lengths. For example, the standard length of a necklace is 18 inches. However, there are other popular options such as 16 inches, 20 inches, 22 inches, and 24 inches are well that can be opted for. These options can be chosen keeping in view the neckline and height of a person.
16 and 18-inch necklaces are the best options for a petite. It sits just below Adam’s apple. However, if you are taller, then you can use a longer necklace of 20 inches or more.
Another important factor to consider is the neckline of your shirt. A shorter necklace is the better option for those who have high-neckline. Conversely, a longer necklace is a better option for those who wear a V-neck or scoop neck.
The different standard necklace lengths are elaborated below.
Choker (14″ to 16″)
Wearing this necklace will hit the base of your neck and can be used with low as well as high necklines.
Princess (17″ to 19″)
This necklace length is very popular as it can be worn with different necklines. This is suitable for a taller person. Additionally, this necklace size can be worn with any outfit- from relaxed to glamorous evening appearance.
Matinee (20″ to 24″)
This necklace can be effectively used with other necklaces or along with most necklaces. This is perfect for low and falling necklaces. Furthermore, this necklace is fit for lower necklaces.
Opera 28 inches to 34 inches
Opera length can be used in a versatile manner. It can be worn in a variety of ways to create different looks. In the case of petite, this length can be reduced. However, if your height is high, you can stress your neck.
Rope 36 inches or linger
This is the longest necklace and can be easily selected by taller women. It reaches your stomach and is usually worn alone. This necklace can prove pleasing for those who have cowl, boat, and turtlenecks.
Chain length selection for women
If you select the right necklace, your outfits can be taken to the next level and polished as well. So, the deciding factor is the average necklace length for woman. For this purpose, one has to consider the neckline, height, style, body type, and face shape.
The chain selection requires some tips to understand. They are discussed below.
- 24 to 30 inches of thin and layered chain is suitable for women with smaller busts.
- It is suggested to avoid wearing necklaces below the breast line. It is because they may not hang properly. Furthermore, 18 to 22-inch long necklaces are better as they can sit slightly higher on the body.
- If you have a carefree style, it is suggested to wear 24 to 30-inch layered necklaces. They look elegant both for business and evening wear.
- A sleek and simple chain is better for those who prefer a cleaner look. For instance, one can wear a 16 to 18-inch chain.
- 20 to 22 inches Matinee chain is a better option for those who like to adopt classic style.
- Those women who have round faces, short necklaces, and chokers are not suitable for them.
- Women having oval-shaped faces can wear necklaces of any length, shape, or type.
- The shorter necklaces can be effectively used to make their face look shorter. For example, one can choose choker or princess-length necklaces of 16 inches to 18 inches.
So it is suggested that as one selects other items such as jeans, one should select the necklace style as well according to one’s body and style.
Chain length selection for men
The selection of an average chain length for men is important because it maintains comfort and style. The average necklace length for men is 18 inches. But they can use any chain with a length from 14 inches to 36 inches. However, there are certain factors, such as face, style, shape, and composition, that have to be considered to select the necklace length.
Body type
Each person has to consider the body type before deciding on the necklace length. For example, a longer chain will be suitable if you have a large or solid body. A 6-foot-tall person can safely select 24 24-inch necklaces. Conversely, a shorter chain will be suitable for a slim person and a 14 to 16-inch chain can be worn in this case.
Face type
If you have a long face, then to create an illusion of width, you can use a shorter chain. In this case, a sixteen-inch long chain will be the best option. However, to elongate your facial features, you should wear longer chains. For this purpose, you can use twenty-four inch necklace.
Wearing Style
If you like that the chain length would be such that it sits at the collarbone, you should use 20 20-inch long necklace. But if you like a necklace with a cross or medallion tag, a longer necklace is the better option. Additionally, a shorter chain length is the better option for a casual look.
The most preferred necklace length
There’s no one answer to the question of what is the most popular necklace length. It depends on various factors, including personal preference, the style of the necklace, and the outfit’s neckline. However, many experts agree that an 18-inch necklace is the most common. Why?
18-inch is a versatile length that can be worn with various outfit necklines. Plus, it’s not too short or long, making it the perfect choice for many people.
This necklace will sit right at the base of your neck, above any lower-cut clothing or higher-necked outfits. Pendants worn at this length will sit in a V shape that flatters your face.
If you’re looking for a necklace that you can wear daily, an 18-inch chain is a great option.
Considerations to choose right necklace
The necklace selection can prove to be sophisticated or wrong for your outfit. So there are some important factors that need to be considered in the selection of the right necklace. They are following.
Measure the size of your neck
It is vital to consider the circumference of your neck before purchasing your necklace. It will save money and time. Your neck can be measured easily with the help of a piece of string. For this, you need to wrap the string around your neck and measure it with the help of a ruler where the two ends meet. You can also use a measuring tape.
After the measurement of your neck, you will choose the necklace length. You can easily add 4 inches to your neck measurement to select the necklace length. The size should be such that it falls down in a V-shaped. On the other hand, you just need to add 2 inches to your measurement of your neck so as to look fit with you.
Measure the length of your neck
The next thing to consider is to measure the length of your neck. You can do it with the help of a flexible tape. You need to start with the base of your neck add the Adam’s apple and then note down the measurement of the neck.
In case your neck is shorter, then it is suggested to avoid bulky necklaces because in such cases your neck will look shorter. It is therefore suggested to use dainty chains or pendants falling below the collarbone.
In the case of a long neck, you can use any necklace. But in this case, you will need to consider the width of your chain. Therefore, it is suggested to use a thin chain instead of a thick one. It is because here a thin chain looks more elegant.
Calculate your neck’s width
To measure the width of your neck, it is suggested to start from one side of your neck to the other side. In case you have a wide neck, you will be required to use a choker-style necklace two inches more than a normal chain. The average width of a neck is around five inches.
Consider your height
The height of a person is also a determining factor in the selection of necklace size. If your height is less, it is suggested to avoid long necklaces. It is because in this case, you will look shorter. Here it is suggested to use a necklace that falls on or below the collarbone.
Don’t forget to consider the body type
In case you are petite, it is suggested to avoid bulky necklaces. Rather you need to wear dainty chains or pendants. With a plus size, you need to make sure that the necklace you use is in proportion to your body. It should not look too small or dainty.
Think about your face shape
The shape of the face is also an important factor in the selection of a necklace. If you have a round face, then avoid chokers that hit the base of your throat. Rather, it is suggested to consider the necklace that falls below the collarbone.
If you have an oval shaped face, you can use any type of necklace. But it is important that the necklace you use is in proportion to your body and is not too small.
Imagine your style
The style of a person also plays important role in decision about the choosing a necklace. A person with a casual style can use a simple necklace and avoid formal-looking necklaces.
However, a glamorous and elegant person is suggested to wear a statement necklace.