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Necklace Size Guide

Necklace lengths are typically given in inches, but if you’re not used to shopping for jewellery, it can be difficult to work out which size you need, especially if you’re shopping for a gift.

Depending on whether you’re a man or a woman, and depending on your height and shape, necklace lengths can sit differently, so it’s important to work out which necklace size suits you best. 

Check out our guide to men’s and women’s chain sizes and learn how to measure necklace length, so you can find the perfect piece of jewellery for you.

How To Know What Size Necklace You Need

When you’re working out which necklace size would be best for you, it’s important to think about the kind of look you want to go for; maybe you’d prefer a short chain that can be worn discreetly under a collar, or perhaps you’d like a longer statement necklace. 

If you’re shopping for a loved one, think about whether you want them to wear the necklace close to their heart, or if you’re looking for something they can wear over a t-shirt or jumper to showcase their personality. Would they prefer something short and stylish, or long and chunky?

You might want a special necklace to wear on your wedding day, or a chain that can be layered with others to create a unique look. Think about the necklines of the tops or dresses that you tend to wear, and keep this in mind when you’re considering necklace lengths. 

Ultimately, the best way to see which size necklace suits you is to try them on to see what looks good. Find your closest Warren James store to explore our men’s and women’s necklace collections for yourself.

Women’s Necklace Length Guide

Did you know that the average woman’s neck size is 13.5 inches? Try to keep this in mind when you’re shopping for women’s necklaces, as this will give you a good idea of where different necklaces will sit on the body. 

 

  • A women’s 16” (40cm) necklace will sit just above the collarbone, at the base of the neck, peeking out just above a shirt collar, not much longer than a choker
  • An 18” (45cm) necklace - the most popular necklace length for women - will fall on the collarbone itself, meaning it will look gorgeous with any neckline. This length of necklace is also known as a princess length necklace
  • A 20” (50cm) necklace will fall just below the collarbone, looking great with a low-cut dress, or adding an extra accessory over the top of a plain jumper
  • A 22” (55cm) chain - sometimes known as a matinee length chain - will fall just above the top of the bust line. Think carefully about the placement of a pendant on a chain of this length
  • A 24” (60cm) necklace - sometimes referred to as opera length - will fall in the middle of the bust line - the perfect way to make a statement when wearing a plain top or dress

 

 

Men’s Necklace Length Guide

The average collar size for men is 16 inches, so necklace lengths tend to start just above this. Whether you’re looking for a single necklace to make a statement or chains of different lengths that you can layer up, check out our men’s necklace length guide below:

  • An 18” (45cm) chain is probably the best length to go for if you’re shopping for a man with a smaller-than-average neck, where it will fall at the base of the neck
  • A 20” (50cm) chain is the most popular necklace length for men, sitting on the collarbone of the average-sized man
  • A 22” (55cm) men’s chain is a good necklace size for a man with a larger neck; it should fall just below the collarbone on a guy with a 17 ½” collar, so opt for this length if you want a slightly longer necklace for a guy with an average-sized neck
  • A 24” (60cm) chain will fall just above the sternum, adding a statement to any outfit
  • A 30” (76cm) men’s chain will fall mid-chest, meaning it will look great with the addition of a statement pendant

How To Measure A Man’s Neck Size

If you’re not sure what neck size you should be shopping for, it’s handy to know how to measure a man’s collar size at home. Follow the below steps to find out his collar size:

  • Hold a tape measure at the centre of the Adam’s apple
  • Wrap it around the neck until you’re back where you started
  • Take a note of the measurement in inches - this is the collar size

Shop Women’s Necklaces And Men’s Chains At Warren James

Discover a gorgeous collection of women’s necklaces at Warren James, including simple chains, lockets, crucifix necklaces, and a whole host of other pendant designs. Treat yourself to a beautiful new piece of jewellery or find the perfect gift for any occasion, whether you’re shopping for a birthday, Christmas, anniversary, or Valentine’s Day. 

We’ve also got a fantastic selection of men’s chains, from chunky statement designs to more delicate pieces - there’s something to suit every style and budget.

Browse our full collection of women’s jewellery and men’s jewellery, or contact us here if you have a question about one of our designs.