Aug 12, 2026

What Necklace Length Should You Choose? 16, 18, 20 & 22 Inches Explained

Choosing the right necklace isn't only about finding a design you love. The length of the chain can completely change how a necklace sits, how it works with your outfit, and how noticeable the pendant or personalization appears.

If you've ever wondered, “What necklace length should I get?”, you're not alone. With popular options including 16, 18, 20, and 22 inches, it can be difficult to picture where each one will actually sit once you're wearing it.

This necklace length guide explains the differences between the most common necklace lengths, how to choose between them, and what to consider when selecting a chain for a personalized necklace.

Necklace Length Chart: 16, 18, 20 & 22 Inches

Here's a quick overview before we look at each size in more detail.

Necklace Length	Where It Typically Sits	Great For
16 inches	Around the base of the neck	Short necklaces, open necklines and layering
18 inches	Around the collarbone/upper chest	Everyday wear, name necklaces and pendants
20 inches	A little below the collarbone	Larger pendants, personalized necklaces and layering
22 inches	Lower on the upper chest	Longer necklace looks, statement pieces and layering

These positions are approximate. Where a necklace sits can vary depending on your neck size, height, body shape, pendant size and the design of the necklace.

What Does a 16-Inch Necklace Look Like?

A 16-inch necklace is one of the shorter standard necklace lengths. On many adults, it sits close to the base of the neck or just above the collarbone.

Because it sits relatively high, a 16-inch chain can work particularly well with open necklines, V-necks and outfits where you want the necklace to remain clearly visible.

It's also useful for necklace layering. A shorter 16-inch necklace can form the top layer, followed by an 18-inch or 20-inch piece underneath.

However, 16 inches can feel quite close-fitting depending on your neck size. If you prefer a little more room around your neck, an 18-inch chain may be more comfortable.

What Does an 18-Inch Necklace Look Like?

An 18 inch necklace is one of the most versatile necklace lengths.

On many adults, an 18-inch chain falls around the collarbone or upper chest. This gives the necklace enough room to sit comfortably while keeping a pendant or personalized design visible.

It's an especially useful length for everyday jewelry because it works with many different necklines and outfits.

An 18-inch chain is also a popular starting point for personalized pieces such as name necklaces and initial necklaces. If you're unsure which size to choose, 18 inches is often a practical option to consider.

At Gemsmode, for example, our Personalized Name Necklace is available with an 18-inch chain as well as longer 20-inch and 22-inch options.

Is an 18-Inch Necklace a Good Everyday Length?

For many people, yes.

An 18-inch necklace is long enough to provide some space around the neck without hanging particularly low. This makes it easy to wear with T-shirts, sweaters, dresses and many other everyday outfits.

It's also a convenient length if you want your personalized necklace to be noticeable without making it the only focal point of your outfit.

What Does a 20-Inch Necklace Look Like?

A 20-inch necklace usually falls a little lower than an 18-inch chain, typically somewhere below the collarbone on many adults.

Those extra two inches may sound like a small difference, but they can noticeably change how a necklace looks.

A 20-inch chain is worth considering if:

You prefer your necklace to sit lower on your chest.
An 18-inch chain feels too close to your neck.
You're wearing a slightly larger pendant.
You want to layer it underneath a shorter necklace.
You prefer more space between your neckline and necklace.

For personalized jewelry, 20 inches can also give a nameplate or family-style pendant more room to sit comfortably.

For example, the Gemsmode Personalized Family Heart Necklace, which can be customized with up to six names, is available in 18, 20 and 22-inch chain lengths.

What Does a 22-Inch Necklace Look Like?

A 22-inch necklace creates a noticeably longer look.

Rather than sitting around the collarbone, a 22-inch chain generally falls farther down the upper chest. This makes it useful for people who prefer longer jewelry or want their necklace to sit comfortably over certain tops.

The additional length can also work well with larger personalized designs.

A 22-inch chain is particularly worth considering if you want to create a layered necklace combination. For example:

16" → 18" → 20" → 22"

Each necklace sits progressively lower, helping create separation between the pieces.

16 vs. 18-Inch Necklace: Which Should You Choose?

The main difference is where you want the necklace to sit.

Choose 16 inches if you prefer a shorter necklace that sits closer to your neck.

Choose 18 inches if you want a little more room and a versatile length that generally sits around the collarbone.

If you're buying a personalized name or initial necklace and aren't sure where to start, 18 inches can be a useful reference point.

18 vs. 20-Inch Necklace: What's the Difference?

An 18-inch necklace generally sits higher, while a 20-inch necklace gives you an additional two inches of chain and therefore a lower position.

Consider 18 inches if you:

Want the necklace around your collarbone.
Prefer a classic everyday position.
Plan to wear the necklace alone.
Want a shorter personalized necklace.

Consider 20 inches if you:

Prefer a lower fit.
Want additional room around your neck.
Have a larger personalized pendant.
Want to layer the necklace underneath an 18-inch piece.

Neither length is universally better. The right choice depends on how you want the necklace to look on you.

20 vs. 22-Inch Necklace: Which Is Better?

Both are longer options, but 22 inches creates a more noticeable drop.

A 20-inch necklace can be a good middle ground if you want something longer than the standard collarbone position without going particularly low.

A 22-inch chain is better suited to someone who specifically prefers a longer necklace or wants more separation when layering multiple pieces.

When choosing between them, think about the clothing you usually wear as well. A longer necklace can remain visible with certain higher necklines where a shorter necklace may be partially hidden.

What Necklace Length Is Best for a Name Necklace?

There's no single perfect length for every name necklace.

For many people, 18 inches is a versatile starting point because it tends to place the name around the collarbone or upper chest. This can make the personalization easy to see without hanging particularly low.

However, 20 or 22 inches may be preferable if you want the name to sit lower.

Gemsmode's Personalized Name Necklace, for example, can be ordered with an 18, 20 or 22-inch chain, allowing you to choose the position that best suits your preference.

If you're exploring different styles, you can also browse our Personalized Necklaces collection to compare name, initial, family and other personalized necklace designs.

What Necklace Length Is Best for an Initial Necklace?

Initial necklaces often feature a smaller focal point than longer nameplates or multi-name designs.

An 18-inch chain can therefore work particularly well if you want the initial positioned prominently around the collarbone.

For example, the Gemsmode Personalized Old English Initial Necklace features a Cuban chain and an 18-inch (45 cm) length.

The best choice ultimately depends on the necklace design and where you personally want it to sit.

How to Choose the Right Necklace Length for Your Neckline

Your clothing can make a significant difference to how a necklace looks.

V-Neck

A necklace that follows the open area created by a V-neck can create a balanced look. Depending on how deep the neckline is, 18 or 20 inches may work particularly well.

Crew Neck

Because a crew-neck shirt sits relatively high, you'll generally want either a necklace that remains above the neckline or one long enough to fall clearly below it.

Scoop Neck

Scoop necklines leave more of the upper chest visible, making them compatible with several necklace lengths. An 18-inch necklace can work particularly well here.

Turtleneck

Longer chains such as 20 or 22 inches can work well over a turtleneck because they provide more room for the necklace to remain visible.

Strapless or Off-the-Shoulder

Shorter lengths such as 16 or 18 inches can draw attention toward the neck and collarbone when paired with an open neckline.

How to Measure Your Ideal Necklace Length at Home

You don't have to guess your ideal necklace length.

If you already own a necklace that sits exactly where you like it, lay it flat and measure it from one end of the chain to the other.

If you don't have one, you can use a soft measuring tape or piece of string.

Wrap the measuring tape or string around your neck and bring it down to the point where you'd like your necklace or pendant to sit.

Mark that point and measure the length.

For example, if the position you like measures approximately 18 inches, an 18-inch necklace may give you the look you're trying to achieve.

Remember that pendant dimensions can also affect the final appearance. A larger pendant may extend below the point where the chain itself sits.

How to Choose a Necklace Length for Layering

Different chain lengths can create separation between necklaces and reduce the amount of visual overlap.

A simple combination might be:

16 inches: Short top layer
18 inches: Second layer around the collarbone
20 inches: Middle/lower layer
22 inches: Longest layer

You don't necessarily need four necklaces. Even combining an 18-inch and 20-inch necklace can create a simple layered look.

Pendant size matters too. If two necklaces have large pendants, giving them more distance from each other can prevent the designs from competing for the same space.

So, What Necklace Length Should I Get?

If you're still asking “What necklace length should I get?”, start by thinking about where you want the necklace to sit.

Choose 16 inches for a shorter, close-to-the-neck look.

Choose 18 inches for a versatile length that generally sits around the collarbone and works well for everyday necklaces.

Choose 20 inches if you prefer a little more length, additional room around the neck or want to position a personalized pendant slightly lower.

Choose 22 inches if you prefer a longer necklace that falls farther down the upper chest or want to create separation when layering necklaces.

There isn't one necklace length that's perfect for everyone. Your neck size, body proportions, clothing, pendant design and personal preference can all influence which length looks best.

Necklace Length FAQs

What is the most common necklace length?

18 inches is a widely used necklace length for adult jewelry and is particularly versatile for everyday necklaces and pendants. However, the best length depends on the wearer and necklace design.

Where does an 18 inch necklace sit?

On many adults, an 18 inch necklace sits around the collarbone or upper chest. The exact position will vary depending on neck size and body proportions.

Is a 16 or 18-inch necklace better?

Choose 16 inches if you prefer a necklace sitting closer to your neck. Choose 18 inches if you prefer more room and want the necklace positioned closer to the collarbone.

Is a 20-inch necklace too long?

Not necessarily. A 20-inch necklace is only two inches longer than an 18-inch chain and can be an excellent choice for someone who wants a slightly lower fit.

What necklace length is best for a personalized necklace?

18 inches is a versatile starting point for many personalized necklaces, but 20 and 22-inch chains can work better if you prefer a lower position. The size and shape of the personalized pendant should also be considered.

Does height affect necklace length?

It can. Height and overall body proportions can influence how a particular chain length looks, which is why measuring where you want your necklace to sit is more reliable than choosing based only on a standard size.

Find Your Perfect Personalized Necklace

Once you know which chain length suits your style, the next step is choosing the personalization that makes the piece yours.

Explore Gemsmode's Personalized Necklaces to discover name necklaces, initial necklaces, family designs and other personalized styles available in 18K gold, silver and rose gold finishes.

Whether you choose an everyday 18-inch necklace or prefer the additional length of a 20 or 22-inch chain, the right necklace length can help your personalized piece sit exactly where you want it.