Choosing the Right Necklace Size
An accessory is an item that turns an ordinary style into a shining star. The importance of accessories is in creating unique details, and one of the most important accessories is the necklace. But what necklace? What height is suitable for a particular style or a particular body? What factors should you consider when choosing the right necklace size?
Wearing a beautiful but inappropriate necklace not only does not help you look better, but it can also make a gorgeous outfit look worse. For this reason, choosing the size of the necklace will be of great importance in the beauty of your style.
Necklace Length Measurement Guide
To get the right necklace size, you need to know the standards and methods for measuring necklace size. Let's start with what you have. You probably have a necklace that suits you and that you wear a lot. Maybe you need a similar size necklace, or you want to buy a necklace that you can wear in multiple layers next to this one. So you need to find the right size necklace. There are two easy ways to do this.
1. Measure Your Current Necklace
Take the necklace of the right size and measure the necklace from the clasp to the hook you wear it with a ruler. You can tie the necklace to a regular hook, and then measure from the hook to the end, and then double that measurement
2. Use a String for Measurement
When you don't have a necklace on hand, the best way to measure is to use a string. Wrap the string around your neck and lower it to the right size, and adjust it. Once you have it at the right size, measure the string with a ruler.
Standard Necklace Lengths
The good news for those who are unsure about necklace size is that there is a standard. Of course, the necklace size chart is a good guide, but not completely accurate. Because the placement of the necklace may be slightly different for petite and larger people.
- · Collar necklace: This type fits snugly around the neck and sits slightly higher. It pairs well with dresses that have open necklines, such as boat necks and V-necks.
- · Choker necklace: A choker sits slightly lower than a collar necklace. But it is still considered a short necklace.
- · Princess necklace: This necklace size sits on the collarbone and matches most outfits.
- · Matinee necklace: A Matinee necklace can be used to create multiple layers of accessories. This necklace sits between the collarbone and the chest. It also works well with dresses with closed collars, such as turtlenecks.
- · Opera Necklace: Long necklaces are very striking. Such necklaces are used with models such as chokers to create a special style.
- · Rope or Lariat Necklace: The longest of all necklace types, the rope necklace is ideal for formal evening dresses, closed collars, and layered styles with multiple accessories.
The table below is a quick guide to identifying the types of necklaces, choosing the right necklace size, and the styles that fit each size.
Necklace Length |
Inches (approx.) |
Where it sits |
Best Styling & Necklines |
Collar |
12″–14″ |
Snug around the neck |
Looks great with open collars, off-the-shoulder, strapless, or deep necklines. |
Choker |
14″–16″ |
Base of the neck |
Pairs well with scoop necks, boat necks, and V-necklines. Can be elegant or edgy depending on style. |
Princess |
17″–19″ |
On the collarbone |
Most versatile; Works with almost all necklines (crew, sweetheart, V-neck, etc.) |
Matinee |
20″–24″ |
Between the collarbone & bust |
Great with plunging necklines or layered over high neck tops. Adds sophistication. |
Opera |
28″–36″ |
Around the bust or below |
Ideal for layering or wearing as a loop; elegant with eveningwear or high-neck tops. |
Rope / Lariat |
36″+ |
Below the bust |
Wrap it, knot it, or layer it. Fashion-forward over turtlenecks, dresses, and blouses. |
Important factors for choosing the right size
When choosing a beautiful necklace that complements your style, it is not enough to just pay attention to the size of the necklace. You need to consider several other factors. The shape of your face, body shape, and of course, the collar of your dress are also important. Considering these points, you can highlight your best features while drawing attention away from less flattering points.
Choosing the Right Size for Your Face Shape
Round face: Chokers and short necklaces can make your face look rounder than it is. Therefore, according to beauty standards, try to use longer necklaces to create more balance in your face.
Oval face: People with oval faces are lucky, both for hairstyles and for choosing accessories, because most choices are suitable for their face. You can use all kinds of necklaces according to your body and clothes, and you will have few restrictions.
Heart-shaped faces: Such faces have a wider forehead and a narrower chin. You can use collars and chokers to create balance, which will highlight the chin line more.
Square face: Square faces can make their faces look longer if they create a long line in their accessories. For this reason, we suggest you use necklaces that are longer than the collarbone. The Matinee, Opera, and Rope models will suit you more.
Matching Necklace Size with Necklines
We have already talked a little about the types of collars and the appropriate necklace size. Choosing the right necklace size with this method can be much easier. In the table below, we have briefly discussed the most popular collars and the necklaces that go with them. In addition to this table, you can also consider the formality or informality of the dress. For example, a gold-plated necklace in choker size can be used in semi-formal styles or layered with other necklaces.
Neckline |
Best Necklace Length(s) |
Crew neck |
Collar, choker, princess |
V-neck |
Princess, matinee |
Scoop neck |
Choker, princess |
Strapless / Off-shoulder |
Collar, choker |
Turtleneck |
Matinee, opera, rope |
Button-up shirt |
Collar (under collar), princess (inside open collar) |
V-Neck |
Princess |
Matching Necklace Size with Body Type
Buying a necklace can be just like buying a dress. A beautiful necklace should match your body shape to show off your best side. The most important thing to consider when choosing the right necklace size is your overall body shape.
For petite people, wearing very long necklaces is not a good idea. Instead, use choker or princess necklaces. People with a fuller figure can wear long necklaces. If you have a full neck, a choker is not a good choice. Instead, use a Matinee necklace.
Choosing the right size necklace for tall individuals is relatively straightforward. Long necklaces can look stunning, and layering multiple necklaces can enhance their style.
Your Personal Style
Your style will influence the size of your necklace. Take a look at your wardrobe. What clothes do you wear with what types of collars? How about accessories? If you buy a necklace with the ideal size that you feel more comfortable wearing and complements most of your outfits, you can easily wear it many times.
A Smart Buyer's Guide
For a great purchase, you need to know your style and favorite necklaces and choose necklace size based on them. A few tips below will guide you to a great purchase.
- · Create contrast to create a layered style. You can use several necklaces with different sizes, such as chokers and princesses. You can even pair necklaces with different textures. But in any case, the necessary coherence and coordination between the necklaces should be maintained.
- · Adjustable chains are a very smart choice for daily use with different outfits.
- · For daily activities, use short necklaces that are less likely to tear.
- · Simpler necklaces in princess sizes are easier to match with different outfits.
Necklaces add a personal touch to your style and give it a distinctive identity. Paying attention to the details of your necklace is essential. Consider combining necklaces of different lengths, ensuring the proportion of the necklace matches the collar style of your dress, and, most importantly, paying attention to the face and body type when selecting a necklace, will all help you look more beautiful. Therefore, choosing the right necklace size is one of the most important elements in achieving a stylish look for both everyday and special occasions.