Tips on measuring yourself for the prefect length necklace

Continuing from yesterday's article Ever wondered which necklace length to wear?, I thought it would be a good idea to share with you how to measure yourself for the perfect length necklace.


The standard necklace length is 16 to 20 inches or 41 – 51 cm, which sits just between the base of the throat and the collarbone for most people.


To measure yourself for a necklace, wrap a piece of ribbon, string or or any non-stretchable cord around the base of your neck and then drape it to the place where you would prefer to wear your necklace. Measure the ribbon, string, etc. against a ruler or measuring tape to determine your desired necklace length.

Here are a few more tips for measuring yourself for a collar or choker necklace as well as how to measure a necklace for the man in your life!

•  To find the ideal length for a collar necklace that will sit just above your collarbone, use a measuring tape to measure your neck and add 2 to 4 inches or 5 to 12 cm. This will ensure a looser, more comfortable fit.

Halle Berry wearing a
collar length necklace

•  If you want a choker, choose the standard size, which is 16 inches or 41 cm. For a more snug fit, measure around your neck and go no more than an inch or 3 cm less, depending on your preference. (Add on an inch or 3 cm if you are not a standard size.)

Angelina Jolie wearing a
choker length necklace

Johnny Depp

• For men, the necklace should sit at the collarbone when it is worn with an open shirt collar. If worn with a pendant or medallion, the chain should be slightly longer. Men's chains generally measure between 18 inches or 46 cm and 20 inches or 51 cm in length for a necklace that will lie at the collarbone. 

Denzel Washington

And just like style, the correct length for you is based on personal taste!

It's also great for you to have different sizes and styles of necklaces in your jewelry collection for the various occasions and events you attend or just because you like variety!