Our bodies come in all shapes and sizes, so the first step in purchasing a necklace is to measure the neck or collar size. As a rule of thumb, the shortest necklace that will fit is the measured length plus two inches
NECKLACE LENGTHS - FEMALE FRAME
14" - fits most like a choker
16" - falls perfectly around the base of the neck like a collar. On a petite frame it will hit the collarbone while for plus size it might feel more like a choker.
18" - a common choice that will fall just below the throat at the collarbone. This length is popular for adding pendants which will hang over a crew neck.
20" - will fall a few inches below the collarbone and allow a little more breathing room. Perfect for a low, plunging neckline or if you want to wear it over a turtleneck.
22" - falls at or above a low neckline.
24" - falls below any neckline.
30" - will hang below the bust.
NECKLACE LENGTHS - MALE FRAME
18" - fits most like a choker and may fall an inch below the Adam's apple.
20" - most common length for the male frame, will likely fall between the first and second button on a shirt or at the collarbone. This length necklace can be worn inside or outside a shirt.
22" - another common length, usually falling a few inches below the collarbone, this length is usually worn outside a shirt.
24" - usually falling in the middle of the sternum and worn outside a shirt
30" - this length is designed to be worn outside the shirt without any kind of pendant.