What length to choose for a chain?
You’ve found the pendant of your dreams, or you’d like to give a silver necklace or chain as a gift, but when it comes to choosing the right length, you’re left wondering. How do you choose the perfect length of chain to show off a beautiful pendant or to match your figure? What are the different lengths of chain available for men and women, and how are they worn?
It’s not always easy to choose the right necklace size, so here are a few tips to help you find the ideal length.
1 – What necklace length for a woman?
The Choker – 36 to 40 cm :
Elegant and sober, the Ras-de-cou and Choker necklaces are best suited to smaller pendants. This is the ideal length to showcase a medallion, a simple pendant, a diamond solitaire or even to be worn as a simple, delicately worked chain. They fit at mid-height or at the base of the neck and are best suited to long, slender necks.
They can be worn with V-necks or boat necklines, and look very elegant with off-the-shoulder outfits.
Princess Necklace – 42 to 48 cm :
The princess necklace is undoubtedly the most popular length of necklace for women. This length comes down to the top of the bust and is ideal for medals and pendants. It adapts to all necklines and outfits, and can even be worn over a turtleneck.
Sautoir or Matinee Necklace – 50 to 60 cm :
Slightly longer than the princess necklace, the matinée necklace is 50 to 60 cm long. It reaches chest height and is usually worn over a garment. It adapts to all neckline styles and can easily be combined with a turtleneck sweater.
Opera – 70 to 80 cm:
Very trendy, the opera generally reaches below the bust. This necklace length adapts to all outfits and necklines. It can also be worn as a choker by wrapping it several times around the neck.
2 – What length of chain for a man?
The different lengths :
- 45 cm: the chain reaches the bottom of the neck. This length is often adopted for wearing a chain alone.
- 50 cm: this is the standard length worn by most men. It reaches down to the collarbones.
- 55 cm: the chain stops just below the collarbones.
- 60 cm and over: the chain descends to the level of the sternum.
3 – How long is the chain for a child?
- For a baby under 3 years of age: 30 to 35 cmThe size of a chain obviously depends on the wearer’s neck size. To be sure of choosing the right length, measure your baby’s neck size, add 5 to 10 cm to the measured value and round up to the nearest centimeter.
- For a child aged 3 to 13: 35 to 38 cmFor a younger child, you may opt for a slightly longer chain, but here again it’s best to measure your child’s neck size using the method described above.
- For a child aged between 8 and 13: 40 cmA 40 cm chain is probably the best compromise for a young teenager. Depending on the size of the wearer’s neck, it may be worn close to the neck, or slightly lower and more discreetly.
- From age 13: 40 cm to 50 cmFor an older teenager, it’s best to choose an adult-size chain that can accompany him as he grows.40 to 45 cm is the classic length for a girl’s necklace.45 cm is perfect for a young boy, but will probably prove too short as an adult. A 50 cm chain is preferable if you want him to be able to keep it much longer.
4 – How to measure his ideal collar size?
Measure your neck size:
Wrap a flexible tape measure around your neck and take your measurement. Add 5 to 10 cm to determine the shortest length of necklace or chain you’ll be able to wear.
- If your neck is between 36 and 38 cm, a 45 cm chain is the minimum size to choose.
- For neck sizes from 38 to 42 cm, choose a 50 cm chain.
- And if your neck is between 42 and 48 cm, choose a 55 cm chain.
Your questions:
– “Are your necklaces adjustable?”
Most of our women’s necklaces are chain-adjustable to fit most female morphologies. You’ll find length details on the description sheet for each of our products.
– “How do I choose a necklace or chain length according to my size?”
Your size is also a factor to consider when choosing a necklace. If you’re small in stature, a long necklace is likely to drop too low. On the other hand, if you’re taller, you’ll need to opt for a long necklace, as a short one may not be in harmony with your look.
- If you’re under 1.60 m tall, we recommend necklaces between 40 and 50 cm.
- Between 1.60 and 1.70 m, any length of necklace will do.
- Over 1.70 m, long necklaces are preferable.
– “Is there a standard women’s collar size or a standard men’s collar size?”
Yes, there is! For more information, we invite you to read our chapters on Which necklace length for a woman? and Which chain length for a man?
– “How can I calculate my necklace size knowing my female (or male) neck size?”
To do this, we invite you to read our chapter on How to measure your ideal necklace size?
