Necklace Size Guide
Necklace Size Chart —
Women’s & Men’s Complete Guide
Find the right necklace length in two minutes. Full size charts for women and men, how to measure, and what to do when you’re buying as a gift.
What Length Do
Most Women Wear?
Women’s necklace lengths typically run from 14″ to 22″. The most common everyday length is 16″–18″, sitting at the collarbone or just below. Longer lengths (20″+) work for layering, deeper necklines, and pendant necklaces that need more drop.
Close-fitting, statement look
Universal everyday length
Good for pendants & layering
Layering, deep necklines
| Necklace Length | Where It Falls | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14″ | Base of throat | Choker look, statement | Very close-fitting, not for everyone |
| 16″ | Collarbone | Everyday, delicate chains | Popular with lower necklines |
| 18″ Most popular | Just below collarbone | Universal length, pendant necklaces | Works with almost any neckline |
| 20″ | Mid-chest | Pendants, layering, V-necks | Good for taller women or longer necks |
| 22″ | Lower chest | Layering base, statement pendants | Works well with deeper necklines |
| 24″+ | Upper abdomen | Long layering chains, opera length | Fashion statement, less everyday |
Lengths shown for an average adult woman of around 5’4″–5’6″. Taller women will find each length sits slightly lower.
What Length Do
Most Men Wear?
Men’s necks are broader and their chests wider, so necklaces need to be longer to sit in the equivalent position. A length that falls at the collarbone on a woman will often feel tight on a man. The most common men’s necklace lengths run from 20″ to 24″.
Slim builds, shorter necks
Standard everyday length
Pendants, taller builds
Statement chains, layering
| Necklace Length | Where It Falls | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16″ | Base of throat | Fashion statement, slim builds | Feels tight on most men |
| 18″ | Collarbone | Shorter / slimmer builds | Short for average adult man |
| 20″ Common | Just below collarbone | Everyday, open collar | Shortest comfortable length for most men |
| 22″ Most popular | Mid-chest | Everyday, pendants, gifting | Safest default when buying as a gift |
| 24″ | Lower chest | Taller/broader builds, pendants | Classic pendant & dog-tag length |
| 26″ | Upper abdomen | Statement chains, layering | Works well on taller men |
| 28–30″ | Navel and below | Heavy chains, fashion look | Deliberate style choice |
Based on an average adult man of around 5’9″–5’11”. Taller men will find each length sits slightly lower.
Find Your Necklace Size
in Two Minutes
You don’t need a tape measure — a piece of string and a ruler is all it takes.
Wrap a tape measure or piece of string around your neck at the base — where a collar sits. Keep it level and snug but not tight. Write down this number. Most women measure 13″–14″ at the neck; most men measure 15″–17″.
No tape measure? String + ruler works just as well.To get your necklace length, add the amount of drop below your neck you’re looking for. Collarbone length: add 2″–3″. Just below the collarbone: add 3″–5″. Mid-chest: add 5″–7″. For example, a woman with a 14″ neck wanting a collarbone-length necklace needs 16″–17″.
A crew neck hides the top few inches of a necklace — go 1″–2″ longer if you mainly wear high necklines. If the necklace has a pendant or engraved name plate, go 1″–2″ longer still so the pendant has room to hang clearly rather than sitting tight against the neck.
When in doubt, go slightly longer. A necklace that’s a little long looks relaxed; one that’s too short looks uncomfortable.Which Length for
Which Body Type?
The same necklace length can sit in different positions on different builds. Here’s a quick guide for both women and men.
Shorter lengths tend to be more proportional on petite frames. A 20″ chain can fall lower than expected and lose visual impact.
The standard range covers most women comfortably. Start at 18″ if you’re unsure — it’s the most universally flattering single length.
Taller women often find 16″ sits too close to the throat. 18″–20″ gives a more balanced look on a longer neck and taller frame.
22″ is the safest single length for most adult men — mid-chest, comfortable on a wide range of builds, works with most necklines.
Longer lengths prevent the necklace from looking proportionally short against a wider chest. Going to 24″+ gives the chain room to read clearly.
20″ tends to give the right balance on a slimmer build where 22″–24″ might hang lower than expected.
Getting the Length Right
Without Asking
Fits Any Neck, Any Length Preference
Instead of choosing a fixed length and hoping it’s right, our custom name necklace is fully adjustable — so the wearer can set it exactly where they want it. Engraved with any name, date, or initial, waterproof, eco-friendly, and tarnish-free.
The Necklace That
Means Something
Now you have the right length — here’s the necklace to put at it. Engraved with any name, adjustable, built for daily wear.
A fine chain engraved with any name, date, initial, or word you choose. Adjustable from 15″ to 20″ — so sizing is flexible. Made from eco-friendly, hypoallergenic, waterproof, and tarnish-free materials. Wear it through showers, the gym, and daily life without removing it.
- 📐Adjustable 15″–20″ — no exact sizing required
- ✍️Free engraving — any name, date, initial, or word
- 💧Waterproof and tarnish-free — wear it every day without taking it off
- 🌿Eco-friendly, hypoallergenic — safe for all-day skin contact
- 🎁Ships gift-ready — arrives in a box, ready to give
Necklace Size
Quick Answers
18″ is the most popular women’s necklace length. It sits just below the collarbone on most women, works with the majority of necklines, and is suitable for both plain chains and pendant necklaces including personalised name necklaces.
Most men wear 20″–22″ necklaces. 22″ is the single safest length to choose for an average adult man — it sits at mid-chest and works for most builds and necklines. Taller or broader men may prefer 24″. See the full men’s necklace size chart above.
Wrap a tape measure or string around your neck at the base. Most women measure 13″–14″ and most men measure 15″–17″. Add the amount of drop you want below the neck to get your ideal necklace length — typically 3″–5″ for a standard look.
18″ for a woman, 22″ for a man. These two lengths fit the majority of adults and are the safest single choices when you don’t know the exact size. Alternatively, choose an adjustable necklace so the recipient can set their own preferred length.
For women, 16″ typically sits at the collarbone. For men, 18″–20″ is needed to reach the equivalent position due to broader neck and shoulder proportions.
The Necklace That Fits —
Adjustable, Engraved, Always Right
Adjustable from 15″ to 20″, free engraving on every piece. Waterproof, eco-friendly, tarnish-free, and hypoallergenic.
✦ Free engraving · Adjustable fit · See the full collection