The short answer: 45 cm suits most women, 55 cm suits most men, and if you are unsure, choose an adjustable chain. The long answer is still worth reading, because whether a necklace gets worn every day or stays in the drawer comes down to a few centimetres. Here you will learn where each length sits, how to work out your preferred length from your neck circumference or measure it at home, and what to keep in mind with pendants. You will find all Mizodia chains at the end of the article.
The common necklace lengths at a glance
The necklace length is always the total length of the open chain including the clasp. A pendant is not included; it hangs lower by its own height. The photo shows where the four common lengths sit on an average-sized woman.
| Length | Where it sits | Works with |
|---|---|---|
| 40 cm | close to the base of the neck, just above the collarbone (choker) | no pendant or a 15 mm charm, the short chain in a layered look |
| 45 cm | on the collarbone, pendant in the hollow below it | almost every neckline, 15 and 20 mm pendants, everyday wear |
| 50 cm | a little below the collarbone | larger pendants, turtlenecks, V-necks |
| 55 cm | at the breastbone | men, deliberately long looks, shirts and jumpers |
| 60 cm | on the chest or lower | statement pendants, the longest chain in a layered look |
How low a necklace actually falls depends on your height and neck circumference. On a slim neck a 45 cm chain sits a little lower, on a stronger neck a little higher. That is why the rule of thumb in the next section is worth using.
Rule of thumb: neck circumference plus 10 cm
The right necklace length follows from your neck circumference: neck circumference plus 5 cm gives a choker, plus 10 cm the classic length on the collarbone, plus 15 cm a chain that falls below the collarbone. With a neck circumference of 35 cm that is 40, 45 and 50 cm. Measure your neck circumference with a tape measure loosely around the middle of the neck, without pulling.
How to measure your necklace length at home
With a piece of string and a mirror you can find your necklace length in a minute.
- Lay the string around your neck the way you want the necklace to sit. Mark the point where the ends meet.
- Measure the string up to the mark. That is your necklace length.
- If you already own a necklace that fits well: lay it open on the table and measure it from the clasp to the last link.
Tip: measure while wearing the top you will combine the necklace with most often. A high collar makes a chain look shorter, a deep neckline makes it look longer.
Necklace length and pendants: what goes together
A pendant visually lengthens the chain by its own height, at Mizodia by 15 or 20 mm. On a 45 cm chain a 15 mm pendant sits exactly in the hollow of the collarbone, a 20 mm pendant a little below it. Both look balanced.
At 40 cm a 20 mm pendant quickly becomes tight because it then rests against the base of the neck. The smaller charm fits better here, or you wear the short chain on its own and combine it with a second, longer chain with a pendant. Two chains with a 5 cm difference in length are the simplest layered look, because the pendants do not overlap.
Which length suits which neckline
The necklace should end where the neckline is still open, never on the edge of the fabric.
- Crew neck and T-shirt: 45 cm, so the chain rests on the edge of the fabric or just above it.
- V-neck: 45 to 50 cm. The pendant should end inside the V and not rest on the fabric.
- Shirt or blouse with an open collar: 40 to 45 cm, so the chain stays visible in the open area.
- Turtleneck: 50 cm or longer, otherwise the chain disappears into the collar.
- Strappy dress or off-shoulder: 40 cm as a choker or 45 cm with a pendant. Both highlight the collarbone.
Necklace length for men
For men, 50 to 55 cm is the right necklace length, up to 60 cm with a pendant. The Mizodia men's curb chain is 55 cm long and 2.5 mm thick. It ends at the breastbone and can be worn under a shirt as well as over a T-shirt. If you prefer the chain closer to the neck, 50 cm is a good choice.
Necklace length for children
Children's necklaces are 35 cm long and should be adjustable, because children grow quickly. The Mizodia children's anchor chain is 35 cm with an adjustable clasp. Important: children should only wear necklaces under supervision and never while sleeping.
Adjustable chains: the answer when you are unsure
If you are torn between two lengths, or you are buying a gift and do not know the measurements, choose an adjustable chain. The Mizodia anchor bead chain, Singapore chain and box chain are 44 cm long with a 5 cm extender, so you can hook them in anywhere between 44 and 49 cm. At 44 cm the chain rests on the collarbone with the pendant in the hollow below it. Fully extended to 49 cm it falls a little below the collarbone, which is the 50 cm position from the table. All three come in gold, white gold and rose gold, made of stainless steel with 18-karat plating, each for €29.90.
Would you like a 40 cm choker? We do not currently offer one; the shortest setting is 44 cm. The solid gold chains in 333 and 585 gold have a fixed length of 45 cm without an extender, so measure beforehand.
Conclusion: when in doubt 45 cm, for gifts adjustable
45 cm is the length that works for most women and most necklines. For men, 55 cm is the safe choice, for children 35 cm adjustable. If you are unsure or buying a gift, choose an adjustable chain of 44 to 49 cm. And before you order: put the string around your neck once, or add 10 cm to your neck circumference. It takes a minute and saves you a necklace that never gets worn. You will find the matching chains in all three link styles here.
