A lariat necklace is a long necklace with no traditional clasp at the back. Instead, the chain is looped, crossed over, or passed through a ring or opening so that one or both ends hang down the front, usually forming a Y or lasso shape. The name comes from the Spanish la reata, a lasso rope, and the free-hanging drop is the whole point of the design.
How a Lariat Is Worn
There is no single correct way to close a lariat, which is why the style is so versatile. The simplest method is to place the chain around the neck, cross the ends, and loop one end through the loop or ring provided. A second method folds the chain in half, puts the fold at the back of the neck, and draws both loose ends through the fold. A third simply knots the ends loosely at the chest.
Because the drop can be lengthened or shortened at will, a lariat works like several necklaces in one. Worn high, the drop is short and neat; worn low, it becomes a long, dramatic pendant line that follows a V-neck or an open shirt front.
- Loop-through lariats - a ring, bar or decorative loop captures one end of the chain.
- Knotted lariats - the chain itself is tied in a soft knot that can slide up or down.
- Double-drop lariats - both ends hang, often finished with matching beads, tassels or charms.
Styling and Care
Lariats suit low, open and V necklines best, because the drop needs somewhere to fall. They are a natural partner for buttoned shirts, wrap dresses and plain knitwear, where the hanging end adds the detail the garment lacks. Keep the chain untangled in storage by fastening the drop through its loop before putting it away, and store it hanging or laid flat rather than coiled tightly, which can kink fine chain.
Choosing a Lariat Necklace
Choose the chain first: a fine chain gives a delicate drop, while a slightly heavier chain with a decorative loop or ring makes the closing mechanism part of the design. Check that the loop, ring or opening is smooth and large enough for the end to pass through easily, and that any tassel, bead or charm finishing the drop is securely attached. Try the necklace at the length you intend to wear it, because a lariat that works at one drop length may not sit as well shortened or lengthened, and the end should clear the neckline of the clothes you plan to pair it with.
FAQs
- How long is a lariat necklace?
- Most lariats are 30 to 36 inches or longer before they are looped, so that after looping there is still a visible drop of several inches down the front.
- Does a lariat necklace have a clasp?
- Usually not. A lariat closes by looping, knotting or passing one end through a ring or opening, rather than with a spring-ring or lobster clasp at the back.
- Can a lariat be worn with a pendant neckline such as a turtleneck?
- A lariat can sit over a turtleneck or a high crew neck, where its long drop adds a vertical line, but it shows to best advantage over open and V necklines.