How to Choose the Perfect Necklace Length | GLDN

Written by GLDN Team — July 25, 2024

POV: you’re buying a new necklace…but have no clue which length to buy. Should you opt for something short (like a collar or choker necklace) or a longer, stackable necklace? Depending on your style, body shape and goals for your new piece, the answer might be either, both or somewhere in between. Luckily, we offer custom lengths on most of our necklaces so you can find the perfect fit for you! In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most popular necklace lengths, what we love about each and how to pick your ideal necklace length.

Popular necklace length and fits

Choker Length

Perhaps the edgiest of all necklace lengths, the collar-length necklace (typically 12-13”, though it depends on your specific neck size) sits snugly around the neck, even higher than the more common collar-length necklace. You’ll often see these made of velvet or lace, and they’ll usually stay securely in place due to how tightly they’re worn. We love pairing this with t-shirts or high-neck tanks (since you can see them above the collar of those shirts) or with a deep v-neck to accentuate your neckline. Historical fun fact: chokers really had their time in the sun during the 1920s and 1930s’ art deco movements and have been popular ever since! For comfort reasons, we recommend choosing a dainty chain—nothing too thick or rigid.

Our favorite chains to wear at choker length:

Collar Length

Next up, we have the collar-length necklace which typically measures around 14-16” (though, again, this really differs depending on your own neck size!). We believe everyone should have a collar-length necklace in their jewelry collection. They’re comfier than the choker-length necklace—though they give a similar effect—and can be worn alone, worn with charms and stacked with longer necklaces. To measure your perfect collar length, we recommend measuring just above your collarbone (at the base of your neck) for the perfect fit.

Our favorite chains to wear at collar length:

Princess Length

The most popular necklace length by a landslide, the princess-length necklace is a versatile, everyday necklace size that’s universally flattering and easy to style. Depending on your individual neck size, a princess length can fall anywhere from 15-16” (on a smaller neck) to 17-18” (on a larger neck). Odds are, most people own or have owned a princess-length necklace at some point, because it works with every look and every situation. This necklace length falls just just below the collarbone, and is ideal for pendant necklaces and chains to layer over even longer necklaces. If you’re just starting out your jewelry collection or don’t have a princess-length necklace in your jewelry wardrobe, we’d recommend this as your next purchase! Also, if you’re getting married soon or know someone who is: this necklace length is perfect for brides, as it flatters wedding dresses like no other.

Our favorite necklaces to wear at princess length:

Matinee Length

The matinee-length necklace (20-24”) falls between the collarbone and the bust, and brings a hint of drama to your look. We especially love matinee-length necklaces in the winter (to wear over sweaters or sweatshirts) or paired with t-shirts for a casual vibe. Depending on how you style them, they can come across as either carefree or extra glamorous, making them a great addition to your collection if you’ve been looking to switch up your necklace look. Whereas a princess-length necklace looks great with smaller charms and pendants, a matinee-length necklace is the perfect time to experiment with bolder pendants that may be too overwhelming for a shorter necklace.

Our favorite necklaces to wear at matinee length:

How to measure necklace size

First, grab some string, ribbon or soft measuring tape and stand in front of a mirror. Drape your ribbon around your neck (and tie each end together or use a safety pin to make this easier!) to see where different necklace lengths will fall on you. Take note of what you like and what you don’t like about each length—and try on different clothing necklaces as you do this! This will give you a better idea of not only which necklace lengths are the most flattering on you, but which work best with your current wardrobe, too.

Remember that necklaces with pendants will fall lower than those without, so take that into consideration as you do this. If you have an extra pendant lying around, string that on your ribbon or piece of string to get a better idea of how a pendant or charm will affect how a necklace drapes on you.

Top tips for choosing the right necklace length

Consider your body shape

Above all, the best necklace length for you is the one that flatters you and accentuates what you want to accentuate—so consider your best features and let that influence your necklace length choice. For example, if you have a shorter neck, a longer necklace length may help elongate your necklace. On the other hand, if you have a long neck, a shorter necklace length may help give you a more balanced and harmonious look. Remember: depending on your own neck size and the thickness of the necklace or chain in question, you might need to size up or size down on the lengths listed above (and that’s okay)! Just be sure to measure your own neck with the tips we shared to find your perfect fit.

Let your personal style lead the way

Do you dress more casual or formal? Is your style more modern or bohemian? If you’re looking for a new signature necklace to add to your everyday stack, your personal style is one of the biggest factors in choosing a necklace length! In general, longer necklace lengths give off a more casual and free-spirited vibe, shorter choker-length necklaces often come across as edgy and alternative, and princess-style necklace lengths evoke an elegant, timeless vibe.

Experiment with layering

Let’s say you already have a few princess-length or matinee-length necklaces in your collection. A shorter chain for layering might be exactly what you need! When choosing a necklace length to layer with others in your collection, be sure to choose a length that allows the other necklaces to be visible (that is, choosing necklaces that aren’t so close in length that they cover each other up) and figuring out which textures and widths will make your other necklaces shine.

Some of our favorite chains for layering:

Remember comfort is key

Nobody wants a piece of jewelry that doesn’t fit well, feel good to wear or make them feel confident—so make sure that your next necklace length ticks all the boxes of comfort. On a more practical note, if you plan on wearing your new necklace to play sports or during a hands-on job, a shorter necklace (18” and below) may suit your lifestyle better—just another thing to keep in mind!

Think about your full jewelry collection

When pairing necklaces with earrings, striking a balance is key! Are you someone who loves a statement earring? A shorter, daintier necklace might be your best bet to avoid clashing with your earrings. On the other hand, if you prefer a small, subtle ear stack—with mostly huggie hoops, small hoops or studs—you may have more flexibility for a longer matinee-length necklace in your collection! Just ask yourself: which necklace length will not only flatter myself and my personal style, but the jewelry I already own as well?

Your perfect necklace length awaits

Whether you choose a typical necklace length (like the 17-18” princess length), a shorter necklace length (like the 14-16” choker) or a longer matinee-length necklace for layering, we hope this guide helped you figure out what’s best for you and your personal style. These tips are also great for giving necklaces as gifts—just let your recipient’s personality lead the way, and you’ll be sure to land on the best necklace length for them.

Happy shopping! ✨

Team GLDN

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