What is the Most Popular Necklace Length?

One scroll through your social feeds and it's clear to see layered necklaces have long-lasting popularity. As much as we love layering necklaces, though, there's no denying that it can sometimes be a chore. Considering the accessories are sold in so many different lengths and styles, it can be risky to buy blindly without understanding where each necklace will fall. Because of this, we felt it was high time to take a deep dive into the most common necklace lengths. Keep reading to uncover which necklace length is best for you, which lengths pair best together, tips to prevent tangling, and more.

The Most Common Necklace Lengths are:
Collar: 11 to 15 inches, hugs the throat
Choker: 16 inches, falls right below the clavicle
Princess: 18 inches, falls in the center of the upper chest
Matinee: 20 to 24 inches, falls slightly lower on the chest
Opera: 24 to 30 inches, falls below the bust
Rope: 35 inches, falls to the navel

"The most popular length, and safest length to gift or purchase, is 16 inches," says jewelry expert Eileen Lofgren. "This will fall right between the clavicle bones on your chest. Any shorter may wear as a choker. Any longer will start to give more of a distinct styling look."

While 16-inch chains are the universal necklace length, chains can be as short as 11 inches and as long as 24. According to a Missoma representative, short and medium-length necklaces (typically in the 15- to 18-inch range) are the ultimate base for any layered necklace look. "They're your anchor for whatever comes next," they say, whether that's a choker above them or an opera necklace below.

Of course, if you don't want to have to worry about tailoring your necklace lengths or purposefully buying varying lengths for a well-spaced stack, pre-styled layered necklaces exist, too. For example, if you're looking for a minimalist stack, you might pick the Child of Wild Gilded Layered Necklace, which features three dainty chains ranging from 16 to 20 inches.

Lastly, always remember to choose a necklace that complements your outfit and resonates with your personal style. Whether you're looking for a diamond studded choker, a pearl necklace, or a simple gold chain, Robinson's Jewelers has a vast collection to cater to your needs.