A carefully chosen chain and pendant or a delicate necklace around your neck can easily transform your everyday look into a festive one. Sometimes it's really hard to choose the best length of necklace or chain. Especially if you buy online. So what length and style of pendant necklaces or chains is best for you and your neckline? Or maybe you're just generally confused about necklace lengths and types and don't know where to start? Choosing the right one can be very important when you want to look beautiful and add a touch of personality to your style. To help you decide, here is some information that we hope you will find useful. 

NECKLACE/NECKLACE LENGTHS

Our chain length table below shows most of the standard lengths of women's chains, pendants and necklaces that you will come across online. However, it's important to remember that we all come in different shapes and sizes, so we recommend that you try it on in front of a mirror to see what length of chain suits your body.

Please also find below a brief description of each category. 

Collar type chain

Wearing position: close to the neck

This type of chain is the shortest of all neck jewellery and can be made from a wide range of materials, including metal, stones and fabrics (lace and velvet are the most popular). Unlike longer necklaces, these necklaces/chains do not fall out of place when worn because they are firmly attached to the neck. Such necklaces are best suited to open-necked garments, V-neck or scoop necklines, and garments that expose the shoulders.

Choker type chain

Wearing position: at the neckline.

The choker is a classic and very popular necklace length which is universally flattering and versatile. Classic pearl necklaces are usually in this length. This type of necklace goes well with any outfit and can be worn on many occasions and can be successfully combined with both casual and evening wear.

Princess (standard) type chain

Wearing position: on the collarbone or just below the collarbone

Princess is one of the standard chain lengths. This type of necklace is designed to be worn on or just below the collar bone. Thanks to its versatile length, this neckpiece is perfect for a wide range of women's clothing, including everything from button-down shirts to evening dresses.

Matinee chain

Wearing position: between the collarbone and the chest

The length of the Matinee chain is suitable for both casual and business attire. It is usually 2-4 cm below the collarbone and slightly above the chest, which is why it is a favourite when layering multiple chain lengths. This length is particularly well suited to collared shirts and higher necklines. If you are tall or have a larger neck, try this length rather than the standard (princess) length.

Opera length chain

Position: just below the bust

This is a necklace that, depending on body shape and height, is placed on or just below the lower part of the chest. They are often worn wrapped around the neck twice, so this length of chain or necklace is perfect for layering. It is a common choice for evening dresses. 

 Rope length chain

Location: on or below the waist

A rope-length necklace is any necklace longer than the size of an opera-length necklace. Rope necklaces are very versatile as they can be worn in many different ways: wrapped several times, tied in different knots or extra long to the waist, alone or layered with other pendants and necklaces.

And if the standard length doesn't work for you, an adjustable chain can be the perfect solution.

Knowing which size of chain and necklace is right for you and the outfit you're planning will help you look stylish and tasteful.

If you want to find out quickly what length suits you best, measure the length of the most commonly worn chain or necklace. 

It's also worth thinking about your body lines, your face shape, chest size, height and general body type. Of course, the neck is the most important thing - whether it is thin or thick, whether it has wrinkles. With a long neck, you can wear almost all types of necklaces and chains. For short and wrinkled necks, not all necklaces may be suitable, so in this case it is better to choose slightly longer chains or adjustable lengths. 

LENGTHS OF MEN'S CHAINS 

Men, unsurprisingly, have fewer options, but a chain of any length can be worn with a shirt or sweater.

Men's chains by length:

35-45 cm - quite snug and will be visible above the shirt.

50-55 cm - falls at the collarbone and is the most common length for men's chains. Can be worn under or over a shirt.

55-61 cm - falls in the middle of the chest and looks great with a medallion, pendant or chips. Can be worn under or on the outside of the shirt.

61-76 cm - to be worn over the shirt. Looks best with a larger pendant or thicker chain. Such chains really draw attention.