For most people, an 18-inch chain is the safest choice: on women it sits just below the collarbone, and on men it rests at the base of the neck. Men who want a chain to sit lower on the chest usually size up to 20 or 22 inches, while women layering delicate pieces often start at 16 inches. Chain length is measured tip-to-tip along the chain, including the clasp.

Choosing a chain length is the single biggest factor in whether a necklace looks right on you, and it is the question people get wrong most often when buying online. This guide gives you a simple size chart, explains exactly where each length sits, and helps you pick the right one for your body and your style. Every chain in this guide is available in 18K gold plating and rhodium plating over hypoallergenic 316L stainless steel, so it stays waterproof, sweatproof and tarnish-resistant whatever length you choose.

How chain length is measured

Chain length is measured from one end of the clasp to the other, laid flat in a straight line. This total figure is the number you see on a product page, so a 20-inch chain is 20 inches of actual chain including the clasp, not the drop from your neck. Lengths are commonly listed in inches: 16, 18, 20, 22 and 24 are the standard sizes, and centimetre equivalents are roughly 40, 45, 50, 55 and 60 cm respectively.

Necklace length chart: where each size sits

Because everyone's neck and build differ slightly, treat these as reliable starting points rather than exact rules. Larger neck sizes and broader frames shift each length up by an inch or two.

• 16 inches (40 cm): Sits snugly at the base of the throat on most women, like a choker-to-collar length. On men it fits close around the neck and is usually too short for everyday chest wear.
• 18 inches (45 cm): The most popular length. Falls just below the collarbone on women and at the base of the neck on men. The most versatile all-rounder and the best default if you are unsure.
• 20 inches (50 cm): Rests a couple of inches below the collarbone on women and just below the collarbone on men. A common men's everyday length that shows nicely over a t-shirt.
• 22 inches (55 cm): Sits at the top of the chest on men, ideal for pairing with a pendant. On women it drops to the middle of the sternum for a longer look.
• 24 inches (60 cm): Reaches the middle of the chest on men, a bold statement length, and works well for pendants or thicker chains that need room to hang.

What chain length should a man get?

For men, 20 inches is the everyday default and 22 inches is the go-to when you want the chain to sit lower on the chest or carry a pendant. A 20-inch chain typically rests right around the collarbone, which flatters most builds and layers well. If you have a larger neck size (17 inches or more) or a broader chest, size up: a 22 or 24-inch chain gives the proportions room to breathe. A slimmer Figaro chain reads more refined at 20 inches, while a bolder Cuban-style Luxor chain can carry a longer 22 to 24-inch drop.

What chain length should a woman get?

For women, 16 to 18 inches covers most looks. An 18-inch chain sits just below the collarbone and pairs with almost any neckline, which is why it is the most requested women's length. Choose 16 inches for a closer, higher fit or when you want a delicate chain to sit above a lower neckline. If you are building a layered look, mix lengths deliberately, for example 16, 18 and 20 inches, so each piece has its own space and none of them tangle. Our Luxor Set is built around this idea, pairing complementary lengths that layer cleanly out of the box.

Chain length for pendants

Pendants generally look best with a little extra length so the charm sits on the chest rather than the throat. For men, a 22 to 24-inch chain lets a pendant rest at a natural, visible point. For women, 18 to 20 inches usually places a pendant just below the collarbone. As a rule, add roughly two inches to your usual plain-chain length when you add a pendant.

How to measure your ideal length at home

You do not need special tools. Take a piece of string or a soft tape measure, hold it around your neck, and adjust it until it sits where you want the chain to fall. Mark the point where the two ends meet, then lay the string flat and measure it against a ruler. That measurement is your ideal chain length. If the number lands between two standard sizes, round up rather than down, since a chain that is slightly long is far more comfortable and versatile than one that sits too tight.

Frequently asked questions

What is the most popular chain length?

18 inches is the most popular and most versatile length overall. It suits women just below the collarbone and men at the base of the neck, which is why it is the safest default when you are buying without trying it on.

Is a 20-inch or 22-inch chain better for men?

A 20-inch chain is the everyday standard and sits near the collarbone. Choose 22 inches if you want the chain lower on the chest, if you are pairing it with a pendant, or if you have a broader build or larger neck size.

How do I know my chain length without a measuring tape?

Wrap a piece of string around your neck, adjust it to where you want the chain to fall, mark where the ends meet, then measure the string against any ruler. Round up to the nearest standard size if you land in between.

Will the plating wear off at any length?

No. Length has no effect on durability. Every Flaire chain is 18K gold or rhodium plated over 316L stainless steel and is waterproof, sweatproof and tarnish-resistant, backed by a 1-year warranty and 30-day returns. Explore the full gold jewellery collection to see finishes across every length.

Still unsure? Start with an 18-inch chain if you want maximum versatility, or size up to 20 to 22 inches for a lower, statement look. Browse every style and length in our chains and necklaces collection and find the fit that is right for you.