The short answer
The most popular necklace length for women is 18 inches (46 cm), which sits on the collarbone and suits most tops. Go shorter, 14 to 16 inches (36 to 41 cm), for strapless, off-the-shoulder and square necklines. Go longer, 20 inches (51 cm), for V-necks and scoop necks so the pendant follows the line.
Your neckline decides your necklace length more than your height or your style does. The same chain that looks perfect over a crew-neck knit can vanish under a strapless dress or float awkwardly above a deep V. That is why a length chart only gets you halfway. This guide starts with the full chart in inches and cm, then pairs each length with the necklines and outfits it flatters, so you can pick the right chain in seconds. Every necklace we picked has an adjustable chain or an extender, which means one piece can move between lengths as your outfit changes. When you know your lengths, browse our necklaces collection and build a small, mix-and-match rotation for every plan.
Necklace length chart in inches and cm
| Length (inches) | Length (cm) | Where it sits | Best necklines and outfits |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14 in | 36 cm | Snug around the neck (choker) | Strapless, off-the-shoulder, square necks |
| 16 in | 41 cm | Base of the neck | Crew necks, boat necks, strapless dresses |
| 18 in | 46 cm | On the collarbone | Most everyday tops, open-collar shirts |
| 20 in | 51 cm | Just below the collarbone | V-necks, scoop necks, open collars |
| 22 in | 56 cm | Top of the bust | Deep V-necks, layered looks |
| 24 in | 61 cm | At the bust | Deep V-necks, the longest layer in a stack |
| 30 to 36 in | 76 to 91 cm | Below the bust | Turtlenecks, knit dresses, long layers |
Length (cm)
- 14 in
- 36 cm
- 16 in
- 41 cm
- 18 in
- 46 cm
- 20 in
- 51 cm
- 22 in
- 56 cm
- 24 in
- 61 cm
- 30 to 36 in
- 76 to 91 cm
Where it sits
- 14 in
- Snug around the neck (choker)
- 16 in
- Base of the neck
- 18 in
- On the collarbone
- 20 in
- Just below the collarbone
- 22 in
- Top of the bust
- 24 in
- At the bust
- 30 to 36 in
- Below the bust
Best necklines and outfits
- 14 in
- Strapless, off-the-shoulder, square necks
- 16 in
- Crew necks, boat necks, strapless dresses
- 18 in
- Most everyday tops, open-collar shirts
- 20 in
- V-necks, scoop necks, open collars
- 22 in
- Deep V-necks, layered looks
- 24 in
- Deep V-necks, the longest layer in a stack
- 30 to 36 in
- Turtlenecks, knit dresses, long layers
Necklace length for women, by neckline
1. Measure at home, then start at 18 inches
Wrap a piece of string or a soft tape measure around your neck and let it fall where you want the necklace to sit. Mark the spot, lay the string flat and measure it with a ruler. That number is your length. If you are unsure, start at 18 inches (46 cm): it lands on the collarbone and works with most everyday tops.
Tip: A pendant hangs below the chain, so check where the charm lands, not only the chain.
2. Strapless and off-the-shoulder: 14 to 16 inches
Bare shoulders and straight necklines leave a wide open space, and a long chain gets lost in it. A short length of 14 to 16 inches (36 to 41 cm) sits at the base of the neck and frames the collarbones instead. The Nora Choker Necklace is a slim chain in silver or gold that sits neatly at the base of the neck.
Tip: Pair a choker with drop earrings and a satin slip for party nights.
3. Crew necks and high necklines: 16 to 18 inches
A crew neck, a mock neck or a buttoned shirt needs a chain that sits on skin, not tangled in the fabric. Aim for 16 to 18 inches (41 to 46 cm) so the pendant rests just above the neckline. The Flora Necklace has an adjustable sterling silver chain and a dainty floral pendant, so it looks polished over soft knits and office shirts.
Tip: Wear the chain shorter for a crew neck and longer for an open collar.
4. V-necks and scoop necks: 18 to 20 inches
A V-neck draws the eye down, so let the necklace follow it. A length of 18 to 20 inches (46 to 51 cm) drops below the collarbone and points toward the V, which lengthens the neckline. Scoop necks work the same way. The Kate Chain Pearl Necklace is a fine gold-plated chain with pearl accents that rests in the open space of a V.
Tip: Keep the pendant above the point of the V so the two lines work together.
5. Party dresses: one statement collar, worn high
For a sequin dress, a black slip or an open party neckline, one bold piece beats a pile of chains. Choose a collar that sits high, in the 14 to 16 inch (36 to 41 cm) range. The Jane Pink Radiance Crystal Necklace lines up oval crystals in hot pink, blush and amber on a gold-plated chain that sits high and close like a collar.
Tip: Let it be your only necklace, and add simple gold hoops.
Layering two or three lengths
Layering works when each chain has room to show. Space your necklaces about two inches (5 cm) apart, so a 16-inch chain sits above an 18-inch one and a 20-inch chain finishes the stack. Keep the shortest piece the simplest, such as a plain chain or a choker, and let the longest one carry the pendant or charm. Stick to one metal for a clean look, or mix gold and silver on purpose by repeating each tone at least twice. Adjustable chains make layering easier because you can shift each piece up or down until nothing tangles or overlaps. The Marina Palm Leaf Necklace adjusts from 16 to 18 inches, so it can play the middle layer, while the Emily Margarita Time Necklace has an adjustable chain and a gold-plated martini glass charm that turns a stack playful. Wear the pair over a white tee and jeans for weekends.
Care and keeping
Gold-plated and silver chains both keep their shine longer with a little care. Put your necklace on last, after perfume, lotion and hairspray. Take it off before you shower or swim. Wipe it with a soft, dry cloth after wearing, and store each piece separately in a pouch or box so chains don't tangle or scratch.
Frequently asked questions
Is a 16 or 18 inch necklace better?
Neither is better; they do different jobs. A 16-inch (41 cm) necklace sits at the base of the neck and suits crew necks, strapless and off-the-shoulder tops. An 18-inch (46 cm) necklace falls on the collarbone and is the easier everyday length. An adjustable 16 to 18 inch chain gives you both.
Is a 20 inch necklace too long for a woman?
No. A 20-inch (51 cm) necklace sits just below the collarbone, which makes it a natural match for V-necks, scoop necks and open collars. It can look long on a very petite frame or under a high neckline, so try an adjustable chain set at 18 inches first and let it out.
What is the most attractive necklace length?
The most flattering length is the one that works with your neckline. As a starting point, 18 inches (46 cm) is the most popular length because it sits on the collarbone and suits most tops. Go shorter for bare shoulders and longer for V-necks to frame your face and neckline.
