Necklaces add so much more than sparkle—they shape your face, complete your outfit, and add balance to your look. The length of a necklace can make a simple chain look elegant or a pendant become a statement. So, whether you are searching for your first lab grown diamond necklace or want to add to your growing fine jewelry collection, by knowing different necklace lengths and how to style them you can find the perfect length that is both fashionable and comfortable.
Standard Necklace Lengths Explained
Necklaces come in a variety of standard lengths, each designed to sit at a specific spot on your neckline. Understanding standard length is your first step to selecting the perfect necklace for everyday wear, for layering, or for special occasions.
14 Inch Necklace (Collar)
The 14 inch necklace can be worn high at the base of the neck. Collar necklaces look confident and elegantly striking particularly with off-the-shoulder styles or V-necks. The 14-inch collar adds instant drama and sophistication to your look.
16 Inch Necklace (Choker)
The 16 inch necklace is considered to be the "classic" necklace length. The 16 inch necklace sits just above the collarbone and provides a flattering, versatile, and comfortable addition to casual and formal attire. Diamond chokers or fine chain chokers can be layered with other necklaces for an elegant arrangement.
18 Inch Necklace (Princess)
The 18 inch necklace is often considered the most popular length. At approximately the length of the collarbone, the 18 inch length is perfectly situated for most pendants, such as a modern solitaire diamond pendant necklace, and pairs well with nearly every neckline.
20–24 Inch Necklaces (Matinee)
Matinee necklaces are longer, hitting between the collarbone and bust. Using a matinee length is a great choice for subtle glamour in the workplace, layering, or daytime elegance. I personally love this length for diamond station necklaces as well as delicate chains.
28–36 Inch Necklaces (Opera)
Opera necklaces bring instant drama, hitting at around the bust or below. They look gorgeous worn long as one single strand or layered for maximum 'wow'. This length is great for evening or making a chic statement.
36+ Inch Necklaces (Rope or Lariat)
The most versatile length, rope or lariat length can be wrapped, knotted, or layered in infinite ways. A long necklace automatically spells luxury and creativity, so there's no question that rope or lariat necklaces are one of the best options for statement necklaces.
Necklace Length Chart
| Length (inches) | Name / Style | Where It Falls | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14" | Collar | Tightly around the base of the neck | Bold, dramatic looks; off-the-shoulder necklines |
| 16" | Choker | Just above the collarbone | Everyday wear; layering; versatile styles |
| 18" | Princess | At the collarbone | Most popular; perfect for diamond pendants |
| 20–24" | Matinee | Between collarbone and bust | Workwear; layered styles; daytime elegance |
| 28–36" | Opera | Around or just below the bust | Evening wear; doubling up for chic layers |
| 36"+ | Rope / Lariat | Below the bust, adjustable | Statement looks; creative wraps and knots |
How to Measure for the Right Necklace Length
Finding your ideal necklace length is all about comfort, proportion, and how you want your jewelry to accent your neckline. Here are some initial tips to support you getting the best length for you.
Measuring Your Neck and Preferred Drop
One of the best ways to find your length is to measure your neck and desired drop. You can do this by using a soft measuring tape and wrapping it around your neck, leaving a little adjustment for comfort. Depending on how low you want the necklace to drop, you need to add two to four inches to your neck measurement. For instance, if your neck measures 14 inches, a standard 16-inch necklace will rest comfortably at your collarbone.
Using an Existing Necklace as a Guide
Do you already own a necklace that you love? Lay it flat, measure it from end to end, and then use that measurement as a basis for purchasing another necklace. This will work well if you are shopping for a diamond pendant necklace and want it to sit at the same length as your favorite chain.
Look for Adjustable Chains
Many fine necklaces are now available with adjustable styles (usually 16-18 inches). The adjustable length provides many options if you like to style necklaces with different necklines or layer your jewelry. The adjustable clasp is a particularly useful feature for every day lab grown diamond necklaces that was mentioned above, as it will allow you to change your look without needing to switch chains.
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Necklace Length by Style and Occasion
The right necklace length not only complements your neckline, but it can also influence the tone for the occasion. When deciding necklace length, always keep in mind whether the occasion is causal or formal. Here is how to choose the right lengths based on your activities.
Everyday Necklace Lengths
For daily wear, comfort and versatility are key. Choker (16 inch) and princess (18 inch) lengths are the most popular for daytime wear, as they rest just above the collarbone. They both layer well with t-shirts, blouses and casual dresses. A simple diamond pendant necklace, such as a bezel solitaire oval diamond necklace in 14K white gold, at this length is perfect for daytime wear while easily transitioning to night with more formal attire.
Layering Multiple Necklaces
For those who do enjoy layering necklaces, you can throw in several lengths to create great style and dimension. Start with a dainty choker and add a princess length necklace as your centerpiece, like a Toi et Moi emerald and pear lab grown diamond necklace with a Starry Charm station necklace. Finish with a longer chain to create a balanced, personalized stack. Varying textures, metals, or pendants of different kinds can add a fresh element to a stack of necklaces.
Choosing Necklace Lengths for Formal Wear
For special occasions, longer lengths add elegance and drama. Matinee (20–24") or opera (28–36") necklaces pair beautifully with evening gowns or plunging necklines. Statement tennis necklaces or lariat designs in these lengths offer an opulent touch, perfect for weddings, galas, or anniversaries.
The Perfect Necklace Fit for Your Proportions
The way a necklace fits can help determine if it highlights your natural features, from face shape to overall proportions. The right length accentuates all of the great traits you love about your appearance.
Flattering Necklines and Outfits
Make sure your necklace compliments your outfit not works against it. A 16-inch choker pairs effortlessly with scoop necks and strapless tops. Princess lengths (18-inch necklaces) will pair with absolutely everything; crew neck sweaters to button-ups tops. Longer matinee and opera lengths look stunning with higher necklines or evening gowns.
Lengths by Face Shape
- Round faces: Elongated necklaces (20 inches and above) help create length and balance.
- Oval faces: Almost any length flatters, though chokers emphasize symmetry beautifully.
- Heart-shaped faces: Princess lengths (18") soften sharp angles and draw attention to the collarbone.
- Square faces: Longer lengths with soft curves add balance and elegance.
Lengths by Height and Build
Petite frames are often best complemented by shorter lengths (16–18") that won’t overwhelm the neckline, while taller individuals can wear longer chains (20"+) with ease. For those who want to add extra impact, layering different lengths is an easy way to add visual balance and create dimension.
Optimal Length for Different Necklace Types
Not all necklaces are worn the same way. The style you choose often determines the length that will flatter it the most.
Diamond Pendant Necklaces
Pendant necklaces shine brightest at 16–18 inches, where the stone rests just above or at the collarbone. This placement keeps the diamond visible and lets it layer easily with other chains. A solitaire lab grown diamond pendant at this length is one of the most versatile and timeless options.
Tennis Necklaces
Known for their continuous line of diamonds, tennis necklaces are usually worn at 16–18 inches for a refined, close-to-the-neck style. Longer tennis necklaces (20 inch) make a bolder choice, great for evening wear or layered with a shorter chain.
Station and Chain Necklaces
Station necklaces can have diamonds or gemstones spaced evenly throughout the necklace. Strung along the chain of the necklace, station necklaces are fantastic worn at 18–24 inches, and diamond chains at this length are especially nice worn in every day settings. Station necklaces add sparkle (without showing off), and layered with shorter pieces add interest and dimension.
Tips for Choosing the Perfect Necklace
Choosing the right necklace length isn't just a matter of inches, it's also about comfort, lifestyle, and how you want to wear, layer, and style your jewelry. Here are a few things to think about when you shop for your next necklace.
Match the Length to Your Lifestyle
Shorter lengths like the 16-inch choker and the 18-inch pendant are good, practical and versatile pieces you can wear day to day. If you like to dress to impress on special occasions, longer necklaces like opera or rope lengths are dramatic and elegant choices.
Adjustable Options for Versatility
Consider a necklace that comes with an adjustable chain, often 16–18 inches, to have the option to wear your piece with a variety of outfits, necklines, or layered combinations without needing several chains. Adjustable clasps are especially valuable when wearing a classic diamond pendant necklace or other station chain necklaces.
Invest in Classic Lengths First
If you're building your jewelry collection slowly, start with the classic 18-inch princess length necklace, for every day wear, and, an 16-inch choker necklace to layer. Once you get each of these lengths covered, then get other pieces like matinee or opera pieces for greater versatility.
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FAQs
What is the most popular necklace length?
The 18 inch necklace, also called princess length, is the most popular. It sits at the collarbone, works with most necklines, and is perfect for pendants or everyday wear.
Should I choose 16 or 18 inches for my necklace?
Which length you choose depends on your style. A choker will fit quite high on your neck, giving a more modern and chic look, while an 18-inch will lie on your collarbone giving it more versatility. Many people suggest having an adjustable 16 inch to 18 inch chain for layering.
What necklace length is best for layering?
The best layered looks combine multiple lengths—start with a 16 inch choker, add an 18 inch pendant, and finish with a 20–24 inch station necklace. This creates dimension and balance without tangling.
What necklace length is best for pendants?
Most pendant necklaces look best at 16–18 inches, where the pendant rests just above or at the collarbone. This position allows you to see the diamond or charm easier and allows for easy layering with other chains.
How do I know my necklace size?
Use a soft measuring tape around your neck and add 2–4 inches, depending on where you want the necklace to fall. You can also measure a necklace you already own to find your ideal length.
Can necklace length be adjusted?
Yes—most fine necklaces will come with an adjustable clasp that usually allows you to extend up to 2 inches (i.e., a 16–18 inch necklace). This option gives you the ability to use the same necklace for several different outfits and necklines.
What necklace length is best for men?
For men’s necklaces, popular lengths are 20 inches, which sits near the collarbone, and 22–24 inches, which fall mid-chest. These lengths work well for chains, pendants, and everyday styling.
