Guide
Necklace length guide
The standard necklace lengths are 14 inches (choker), 16 inches (collar, at the base of the neck), 18 inches (princess, on the collarbone), 20 inches (matinee, just below the collarbone), 24 inches (opera, mid-chest) and 30 inches (long, below the bust). For most women, 18 inches is the most flattering everyday length.
Shop by length
Necklace length chart
Where each length falls on an average neck of 13 to 14 inches. On a fuller neck, every length sits a little higher.
| Length | Name | Where it sits | Wear it with |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14" | Choker | Close around the neck | Strapless, off-the-shoulder, open collars |
| 15–16" | Collar | At the base of the neck | Crew necks, boat necks, layering as the top strand |
| 17–18" | Princess | On the collarbone | Almost everything; the classic gift length |
| 20" | Matinee | Just below the collarbone | V-necks, button-downs, over fine knits |
| 24" | Opera | Center of the chest | High necks, dresses, evening wear |
| 30"+ | Long | Below the bust | Turtlenecks; doubled as a two-strand |
How to measure necklace length
Necklace length is measured end to end, clasp included, with the necklace laid flat in a straight line. To find your own length, wrap a soft tape measure (or a piece of string you then measure) around your neck where you want the necklace to sit, and read the number.
For a comfortable fit, add about 2 inches to your neck measurement. A 14-inch neck wears a 16-inch necklace close at the base of the throat and an 18-inch necklace on the collarbone.
18-inch necklaces, the collarbone length
How to choose the right length
Let the neckline lead. A necklace looks best when it sits an inch or two above or inside the neckline rather than fighting it.
Beaded gemstone necklaces sit differently from fine chains. A strand of substantial stones keeps its shape and rests a little higher, so a 15-inch beaded necklace reads as a collar and an 18-inch one rests neatly on the collarbone.
Buying as a gift and unsure? Choose 18 inches. It suits the widest range of necklines and neck sizes.
Questions
What are the standard necklace lengths?
The standard necklace lengths are 14 inches (choker), 16 inches (collar, at the base of the neck), 18 inches (princess, on the collarbone), 20 inches (matinee, just below the collarbone), 24 inches (opera, mid-chest) and 30 inches (long, below the bust). For most women, 18 inches is the most flattering everyday length.
How do you measure the length of a necklace?
Lay the necklace flat in a straight line and measure from one end of the clasp to the other.
How do I measure my neck for a necklace?
Wrap a soft tape measure or string around your neck where you want the necklace to sit and add about 2 inches for a comfortable fit.
Where does an 18-inch necklace fall?
On most women an 18-inch necklace rests on the collarbone, which is why it is the most popular length for gifts.
What length is a choker?
A choker is about 14 inches and sits close around the neck. A 15 to 16-inch necklace sits a little lower, at the base of the neck.
