Depending on the occasion and the attire chosen by the wearer, chain lengths may vary greatly. The jewelry industry uses five standard chain lengths for women and four for men. In case of women, you can choose the necklace length from the following: choker length, collarbone length, below collarbone length, neckline length, and below neckline length. Since men also wear chains and necklaces, for them, the industry lengths are as follows: base of the neck length, collarbone length, below collarbone length, and above sternum length.

 

 

What length of chain should you buy?

 

It all depends on personal preferences. While there are industry standards, as showed earlier, this does not mean that all individuals are standard. Quite the contrary, people are very different from one another, which mean that they need a different type of chain length when they go shopping for necklaces.

Personal customization may also be necessary when the available chain lengths do not fit your taste. In case you want to shorten your chain, make sure that you keep the remaining links, as you may want to lengthen your necklace at a later date, or you may need them for repairs.

 

How women should choose necklace length

 

Women like various styles of clothing, and their jewelry should complement their look. For instance, a choker length necklace looks dashing with a cocktail dress. Also, a neckline length necklace is ideal for office attire. The length of the chain may also vary depending on season. In winter, women prefer wearing longer chains because shorter ones do not look good over sweaters or turtlenecks. Your height should also have something to say in your choice. For instance, a long necklace may look good on a tall woman, but may drop too low on a shorter woman.

 

How men should choose chain lengths

 

 

Usually, men are more conservative when it comes to necklace length. Most of them wear chain lengths that match the collarbone line. However, in case there is a medallion or a tag hanging on the necklace, they can also consider longer lengths.

It is not so unusual for men to appeal to a layered look and wear chains of different lengths at the same time. However, their choices are a bit less various than in the case of women.

 

When you want to decide what length of chain you should buy, keep in mind that your own measurements matter. Stock models may be alright, but if you have special requirements, do not forget to instruct the jeweler to make the necessary adjustments.