Necklace lengths have standard names that describe where a necklace of that length falls on the body. Knowing them makes shopping far easier, because the same pendant can look formal or casual depending only on its chain length. The standard scale runs from the 12 to 14 inch collar up to ropes of 36 inches and more.
The Standard Lengths
The collar (12-14 inches) sits tight at the base of the neck. The choker (14-16 inches) rests at the collarbone hollow. The princess length (17-19 inches) is the most common of all, falling just below the collarbone and suiting most pendants and necklines. The matinee (20-24 inches) falls to the top of the bust and works well with higher necklines and business dress.
Beyond that, the opera length (28-36 inches) falls below the bust and can be doubled into two strands, and the rope (36 inches and over) can be doubled, knotted or worn as a lariat-style long line. These names describe typical placement on an average frame; height, neck size and bust all shift where a given length actually lands.
- Collar - 12 to 14 inches, tight at the base of the neck.
- Choker - 14 to 16 inches, at the collarbone.
- Princess - 17 to 19 inches, just below the collarbone; the standard pendant length.
- Matinee - 20 to 24 inches, to the top of the bust.
- Opera - 28 to 36 inches, below the bust; can be doubled.
- Rope - 36 inches and over; doubled, knotted or worn long.
Choosing Your Length
Measure before you buy: wrap a tape or string where you want the necklace to fall and measure that. For pendants, remember the pendant adds its own length below the chain. Layering works best when lengths differ by at least two inches, so each necklace has its own clear line. If you are between lengths, an extender chain of one or two inches makes a single necklace considerably more flexible.
Lengths and Necklines Together
Match the length to the neckline, not just to the outfit. A necklace should either sit clearly inside an open neckline, ending at least an inch above the garment's edge, or fall clearly below it - a chain that lands exactly on the edge of a neckline looks accidental and keeps slipping inside and outside the garment as you move. High necklines take longer lengths worn over the fabric; deep necklines take shorter lengths or long ones that echo the V. When in doubt, the princess length is the safest starting point, and an adjustable or extender chain turns one necklace into several of these standard lengths.
FAQs
- What is the most common necklace length?
- The princess length, 17 to 19 inches, is the most common. It falls just below the collarbone and suits most pendants and necklines.
- What length is a choker necklace?
- A choker is usually 14 to 16 inches and rests at the hollow of the collarbone. Shorter 12 to 14 inch necklaces are called collars.
- How do I measure for a necklace length?
- Loop a soft tape or string around your neck at the position you want, let it fall as a necklace would, then measure its length in inches.