HOW TO FIND THE PERFECT NECKLACE LENGTH
NECKLACE LENGTHS
The sketch above is of a 6'1" tall, medium-build model with a 14.5" neck. For most men, a 20 inch necklace is standard.
But men aren’t ‘standard’...
Regardless of the type, it’s up to you where you want your necklace to fall. Where a 20 inch necklace will fall depends on the thickness of your neck and the shape of your shoulders.
Have a thick neck? Go with a longer necklace. Have huge traps? Add more length.
1. MEASURE YOUR NECKLACE LENGTH
Find the perfect necklace length for your desired fit using a string.
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- Put a long piece of string behind your neck.
- Bring the ends together in front of your chest.
- Mark the string where you want the pendant to fall.
- Measure the distance between the marks to find your length.
How to do it with a necklace you already own:
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- Lay your necklace flat in a straight line.
- Measure its full length, including the clasp and ring, to determine your size.
2. CHOOSE A DESIGN
BEADED NECKLACES
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Beaded necklaces are laid-back and earthy, typically falling at collarbone level or just below. They’re often worn as casual accessories, perfect for festivals or beach days. The beads can vary from wood to stone, making each piece unique and adding a natural vibe to your look.
Length range for an average man: 19.7 - 23.6 inches.
BEST-SELLING BEADED NECKLACES
Wave | Silver-Tone & Dark Grey Wood Surfer Beaded Necklace
$32.00
Black Wooden Pearl Beaded Necklace
$19.00
Red & Brown Wooden Pearl Beaded Necklace
$19.00
Rico | Black Lava & Yellow Tiger's Eye Skull Necklace
$115.00
Amager | 7 mm Silver-Tone Stainless Steel & White Pearl Curb Chain Necklace
$75.00
Wave | Silver-Tone & Natural Wood Surfer Beaded Necklace
$32.00
Wave | Natural Wooden Surfer Beaded Necklace
$32.00
Simple Black Beaded Necklace
$38.00
Multicolor Wooden Beaded Necklace
$25.00
Yellow Wooden Pearl Beaded Necklace
$19.00
Wooden Simple Beaded Necklace
$32.00
Ocata | Gold-Tone Curb Chain & Pearl Necklace
$85.00
Ocata | Gold-Tone Curb Chain & Black Pearl Necklace
$85.00
Ocata | Silver-Tone Curb Chain & Pearl Necklace
$85.00
Rico | Black Lava & Green Tiger's Eye Skull Necklace
$115.00
Rico | Black Lava & Snowflake Obsidian Skull Necklace
$115.00
WhitWave Bracelet and Necklace Summer Bundle
$65.00
Rico | Black Stainless Steel Box Chain & Lava Rock/Snowflake Obsidian Necklace Set
$149.00
Rico | Gold-Tone With Imperial Jasper & White Turquoise Necklace Set
$149.00
Rico | Gold-Tone With Lava Rock & Brown Tiger's Eye Necklace Set
$149.00
CHAIN NECKLACES
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Classic and versatile, chain necklaces typically sit around the base of the neck or below. They can be subtle or bold depending on the thickness, making them great for both formal and casual looks. A simple chain adds a sleek touch without being too flashy.
Length range for an average man: 17.7 - 23.6 inches.
BEST-SELLING CHAIN NECKLACES
Essentials | 1/5" (5 mm) Gunmetal Black Wheat Chain Necklace
$59.00
Essentials | 1/3" (8 mm) Silver-Tone Rope Chain Necklace
$65.00
Essentials | 1/5" (4 mm) Gunmetal Black Rope Chain Necklace
$49.00
Essentials | 1/5" (4 mm) Gold-Tone Rope Chain Necklace
$49.00
Essentials | 1/16" (2 mm) Gunmetal Black Rope Chain Necklace
$42.00
Essentials | 1/16" (2 mm) Silver-Tone Rope Chain Necklace
$42.00
Essentials | 1/5" (4 mm) Gunmetal Black Herringbone Chain Necklace
$49.00
Essentials | 1/5" (4 mm) Silver-Tone Herringbone Chain Necklace
$49.00
Essentials | 1/8" (3 mm) Gunmetal Black Square Box Chain Necklace
$49.00
Essentials | 1/8" (3 mm) Gold-Tone Square Box Chain Necklace
$49.00
Essentials | 1/8" (3 mm) Silver-Tone Square Box Chain Necklace
$49.00
Essentials | 1/16" (2 mm) Gunmetal Black Square Box Chain Necklace
$44.00
Essentials | 1/16" (2 mm) Gold-Tone Square Box Chain Necklace
$44.00
Essentials | 1/16" (2 mm) Silver-Tone Square Box Chain Necklace
$44.00
Essentials | 1/32" (1 mm) Gunmetal Black Square Box Chain Necklace
$42.00
Essentials | 1/32" (1 mm) Gold-Tone Square Box Chain Necklace
$42.00
Essentials | 1/32" (1 mm) Silver-Tone Square Box Chain Necklace
$42.00
Essentials | 1/5" (5 mm) Gunmetal Black Curved Box Chain Necklace
$59.00
Essentials | 1/5" (5 mm) Gold-Tone Curved Box Chain Necklace
$59.00
Essentials | 1/5" (5 mm) Silver-Tone Curved Box Chain Necklace
$59.00
CROSS NECKLACES
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Cross necklaces usually hang at or below the chest and carry both style and meaning. Often worn as a symbol of faith, they blend well with casual or smart outfits. The design can range from minimalistic to intricate, depending on personal taste.
Length range for an average man: 21.7 - 39.4 inches.
Check out the 9 most popular necklace chain types for men.
BEST-SELLING CROSS NECKLACES
Silver-Tone Stainless Steel Cross Cable Chain Necklace
$38.00
Black Stainless Steel With Black & White Cross Cable Chain Necklace
$47.00
Ankh | Silver-Tone & Black Stainless Steel Ankh Curb Chain Necklace
$49.00
Ankh | Black Stainless Steel Ankh Curb Chain Necklace
$49.00
Ankh | Gold-Tone & Black Stainless Steel Ankh Curb Chain Necklace
$49.00
Gold-Tone Unique Curvy Cross Cable Chain Necklace
$32.00
Gunmetal Stainless Steel Dog Tag & Cross Cable Chain Necklace
$42.00
Silver-Tone Stainless Steel With Smooth Black Cross Cable Chain Necklace
$42.00
Silver-Tone Stainless Steel With Leaf Cross Cable Chain Necklace
$42.00
Silver-Tone Stainless Steel Gothic Cross Cable Chain Necklace
$42.00
Silver-Tone Stainless Steel With Black Thin Cross Ball Chain Necklace
$38.00
Ankh | Silver-Tone Stainless Steel Ankh Curb Chain Necklace
$38.00
Black Stainless Steel Cross Cable Chain Necklace
$38.00
Silver-Tone Stainless Steel Inlined Cross Cable Chain Necklace
$42.00
Silver-Tone Steel Jesus On The Cross Rosary Necklace
$19.00
Gold-Tone With Inlined Cross Cable Chain Necklace
$42.00
Iconic | Silver-Tone Stainless Steel Cross Curb Chain Necklace
$42.00
Iconic | Black Stainless Steel Cross Curb Chain Necklace
$42.00
Silver-Tone Stainless Steel Classic Cross Cable Chain Necklace
$38.00
Silver-Tone Stainless Steel Unique Curvy Cross Cable Chain Necklace
$32.00
DOG TAG NECKLACES
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Inspired by military style, dog tag necklaces usually rest on the chest, right above the sternum. These are bold and masculine, often engraved with personal details or designs. They add a rugged touch to casual, streetwear, or outdoor looks.
Length range for an average man: 21.7 - 35.4 inches.
BEST-SELLING DOG TAG NECKLACES
Silver-Tone Stainless Steel With Double Dog Tag Ball Chain Necklace
$42.00
Panther | Black Carbon Fiber Dog Tag Necklace
$49.00
Gold-Tone With Motivational Dog Tag Cable Chain Necklace
$49.00
Gunmetal Stainless Steel Dog Tag & Cross Cable Chain Necklace
$42.00
Zodiac | Gold-Tone Libra Star Sign Dog Tag Cable Chain Necklace
$49.00
Zodiac | Silver-Tone Stainless Steel Aquarius Star Sign Dog Tag Cable Chain Necklace
$49.00
Zodiac | Gunmetal Stainless Steel Virgo Star Sign Dog Tag Cable Chain Necklace
$49.00
Zodiac | Gunmetal Stainless Steel Leo Star Sign Dog Tag Cable Chain Necklace
$49.00
Zodiac | Silver-Tone Stainless Steel Capricorn Star Sign Dog Tag Cable Chain Necklace
$49.00
Gold-Tone Dog Tag Ball Chain Necklace
$42.00
Zirconia-Studded Silver-Tone ID Pendant Necklace
$49.00
Black Stainless Steel Dog Tag Ball Chain Necklace
$42.00
Silver-Tone Stainless Steel Believe Dog Tag Cable Chain Necklace
$42.00
Black Stainless Steel Believe Dog Tag Cable Chain Necklace
$42.00
Black & Silver-Tone Stainless Steel Dog Tag Cable Chain Necklace
$38.00
Silver-Tone Stainless Steel Scratch Dog Tag Cable Chain Necklace
$49.00
Silver-Tone Stainless Steel Dog Tag Cable Chain Necklace
$32.00
Silver-Tone Stainless Steel Motivational Dog Tag Cable Chain Necklace
$49.00
Silver-Tone Stainless Steel World Map Cable Chain Necklace
$38.00
Silver-Tone Stainless Steel Dog Tag with Barcode Cable Chain Necklace
$38.00
LEATHER NECKLACES
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Leather necklaces bring a rustic, boho feel and typically sit just at the base of the neck or just below the collarbone. They’re simple, often featuring small pendants or knots, perfect for casual, everyday outfits. The natural texture of leather adds a rugged vibe.
Length range for an average man: 17.7 - 25.5 inches.
BEST-SELLING LEATHER NECKLACES
Tenvis | 1/8" (3 mm) Brown Leather Necklace
$32.00
Tenvis | 1/5" (5 mm) Black Leather Necklace
$32.00
Tenvis | 1/8" (3 mm) Black Leather Necklace
$32.00
Tenvis | 1/5" (5 mm) Gold-tone Onyx Leather Necklace
$42.00
Tenvis | 1/8" (3 mm) Black Onyx Leather Necklace
$42.00
Tenvis | 1/8" (3 mm) Gold-tone Onyx Leather Necklace
$42.00
Tenvis | 1/8" (3 mm) Silver-tone Onyx Leather Necklace
$42.00
Brown Leather With Gold-Tone Anchor Necklace
$42.00
Brown Leather With Black Stainless Steel Anchor Necklace
$42.00
Tenvis | 1/5" (5 mm) Brown Leather Necklace
$32.00
Brown Leather With Rose Gold-Tone Clasps Braided Necklace
$65.00
Tenvis | 1/5" (5 mm) Black Onyx Leather Necklace
$42.00
Tenvis | 1/5" (5 mm) Silver-tone Onyx Leather Necklace
$42.00
Tenvis | 1/5" (5 mm) Sand Leather Necklace
$32.00
Tenvis | 1/5" (5 mm) Red Leather Necklace
$32.00
Tenvis | 1/5" (5 mm) Blue Leather Necklace
$32.00
Tenvis | 1/8" (3 mm) Sand Leather Necklace
$32.00
Tenvis | 1/8" (3 mm) Red Leather Necklace
$32.00
Tenvis | 1/8" (3 mm) Blue Leather Necklace
$32.00
Iconic | Brown Leather With Silver-Tone Stainless Steel Triangle Necklace
$42.00
PENDANT NECKLACES
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Pendant necklaces feature a hanging charm that usually falls on the upper chest. The pendant itself is the focal point, with designs ranging from symbols to initials. These necklaces add a personalized touch to your look, offering a bit of flair while keeping things simple.
Length range for an average man: 25.5 - 35.4 inches.
BEST-SELLING PENDANT NECKLACES
Atlas | Silver-tone Compass and Azurmalachite Pendant Necklace
$85.00
Ace | Silver-tone Black Ace Pair Double Pendant Necklace
$69.00
Atlas | Silver-tone Steel North Star Pendant Necklace
$75.00
Zirconia-Studded Silver-Tone ID Pendant Necklace
$49.00
Atlas | Silver-tone Stainless Steel Rotating Azurmalachite World Pendant Necklace
$99.00
Atlas | Silver-tone Stainless Steel North Star Pendant Necklace
$85.00
Atlas | Silver-tone Azurmalachite and North Star Pendant Necklace
$95.00
Atlas | Gold-tone Compass and Azurmalachite Pendant Necklace
$85.00
3. PICK THE RIGHT SIZE FOR YOUR DESIRED FIT
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The product page of each necklace features a size guide. Refer to that to find the best length of necklace for how you want to wear it.
If you have a thick neck or large trapezius muscles, the necklace will fall higher than on an average man.
Size up if that's the case.
Discover the top necklace trends for men here.
4. TRY IT ON FOR COMFORT
Our 365-day return policy covers size exchanges. When you receive your necklace, try it on – preferably without removing the packaging if possible.
Want it longer or shorter? Return it for a different size.
Better yet, get a necklace with an adjustable-length chain, and you’ll always be able to adjust its length to match your outfit.
THE SHORT VERSION
For most men’s chains, 20 inches is the average length. This falls at the collar bone between the top two buttons on a shirt and looks good inside or outside the shirt. If you're wearing a pendant necklace, opt for 22 - 25 inches, so the pendant falls at the middle of your chest.
- 14 - 18 inches: Quite tight-fitting and will be visible above your shirt.
- 20 - 22 inches: Falls at the collarbone and is the most common size for men's necklaces. Can be worn inside or outside the shirt.
- 22 - 24 inches: Falls in the middle of the chest and looks great with a medallion, pendant, or dog tags. Can be worn inside or outside the shirt.
- 24 - 30 inches: Designed to be worn on the outside of your shirt. Looks best with a larger pendant or a thicker chain. Total attention-grabber.
Please note, the numbers above apply to an “average” sized man. Adjust to your build.
For more, check out our ultimate guide to necklaces for men.
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