The right necklace pulls together any outfit and can create a focal point on the body. The science is an amazing study in body proportion and we are going walk you through just how it works. The first step is to understand standard lengths and then learn where these different necklace lengths fall on your unique body proportions.
Standard Necklace Length Guide
Necklaces are typically sold in even-inch lengths. Most guides show where a necklace length in inches falls on the “average” body, but this will not necessarily show you where it could fall on you! For example, “traditionally” a 16” necklace falls around the base of the neck, like a collar. But on a petite person, it hangs loosely around the neck and falls just at the collarbone. On a tall or plus-sized person, it might sit higher like a choker.
Instead of using the lengths as a guide, I prefer to think of each as a location on the body unlinked from a specific length since it truly is different for each person. The list below is translated into the locations that each length is meant to hit, which means those areas will be highlighted by wearing a necklace that ends there. This allows you to choose where you want the eye to land and what specific part of the body you want to highlight. If you want to show off your waist, end at the waist! Have great decolletage? Choose a length that ends right at the bust.
- On the Neck (traditionally 14″) Wraps closely around the neck, like a choker
- Base of the Neck (traditionally 16″) Falls around the base of the neck, like a collar
- Collarbone (traditionally 18″) Sits elegantly on the collarbone
- Between Collarbone and Bust (traditionally 20″) Falls in the flat area between the collarbone and bust
- Top of Bust (traditionally 22″-24″) Falls at or just above the top of the bust
- Middle of Bust (traditionally 26”-28”) Lands in the middle of the bust at the nipple.
- Waist (traditionally 30”-36”) Lands at the natural waist (which is typically not where your pants begin!)
Factors to Consider
When selecting a length for your necklace, it’s important to consider features such as your neck size, body type, face shape, as well as the size and shape of the necklace.
Necklace Shape
Pendant necklaces are V-shaped and create a more vertical line that lengthens the area they cover and are wonderful for adding length to your neck, or your entire frame. The V-shape also breaks up and softens a strong shoulder or large bust. A traditional rounded necklace has a more horizontal line and a shorter version will tend to add interest and volume to small shoulders or a small bust.
Neck Size
Before purchasing any necklace, take the time to measure around your neck and down to the focal point you prefer. Using a string or another necklace is an easy way to do this. Write down your measurement. For chokers, add two inches to your neck measurement for a comfortable length. For pendants or a name necklace, be sure to include the length and width of the pendant in your measurement. Adding about four inches to your measurement is ideal.
Body Type
In terms of necklaces, remember that people’s eyes will stop at the point where your necklace ends so if you don’t want people looking at your bust, avoid necklaces that end there. Use this knowledge to your advantage and choose the area you prefer to show off. Love your waist? A long necklace that ends at the natural waist highlights this area. For women with smaller busts, a long thin chain or long layered chains looks great on you.
A necklace that lands just below the bust line should be avoided by larger-busted women simply because this length will not hang properly and will either bounce around or get caught on one side or the other! Instead, try a longer version that can land easily and fully below the bust, or a matinee necklace that sits slightly higher on the body just above the bust.
Face Shape
Another purpose of necklaces, aside from being a fabulous accessory, is that it actually helps frame your face. As with the body type, a necklace can help showcase your strongest facial features and alter the way your face is perceived. Women with round faces should avoid short necklaces or chokers as they tend to accentuate roundness in a face.
Oval-shaped faces can take advantage of any necklace trend since they can wear almost any shape, length, or type of necklace.
For those with long-shaped faces who look to broaden the shape of your face, choose shorter necklaces. Short, round necklaces will keep from adding length.
Heart-shaped faces look great with chokers or any short necklace as they create an illusion of fullness and balance out a narrow chin.