Necklace Lengths for Men
18 inches: Sits at the base of the neck. A snug, classic fit for slimmer builds. Works well under a crew neck or open collar.
20 inches: Falls just below the collarbone. The most common and versatile length—ideal for everyday wear and suits most body types.
22 inches: Rests at the upper chest. A great option for a slightly longer, more relaxed look. Pairs well with pendants and open shirts.
24 inches: Falls at mid-chest. Perfect for a laid-back vibe or layering with shorter chains. Works well over tees and casual outfits.
Choosing the Right Necklace Length for Your Body and Style
18 inches: A close, stylish fit that works well for shorter or medium-length necks and smaller frames. Sits right at the collarbone, making it perfect for casual wear—clean, minimal, and ideal with crewnecks or fitted shirts.
20 inches: The most versatile length, great for men with average builds. It rests just below the collarbone and suits a wide range of outfits—from casual tees to button-downs and semi-formal looks. Also perfect for layering with shorter or longer chains.
22 inches: Falls at the upper chest, making it ideal for taller or broader body types. Offers a balanced, relaxed fit that pairs well with dress shirts, blazers, or pendants. It also works as a middle layer in a stylish stacked necklace look.
24 inches: Best for muscular or athletic builds, this length provides a longer, looser fit that complements broader shoulders. It hangs around the middle of your chest and gives a relaxed, casual look. Perfect to wear over T-shirts or hoodies, and great for layering or showing off bigger pendants.
Tips for Layering Necklaces
Vary Lengths: Create visual depth with different chain lengths. Example: pair a 18-inch chain with a 20- or 24-inch one.
Mix Chain Style: Combine flat, rope, or box chains in various materials (silver, gold, stainless) to add texture and contrast.
Keep It Balanced: Stick to 2 or 3 chains max. Too many can feel crowded—aim for intentional layering, not clutter.
How do I care for my necklace?
To keep your necklace looking sharp:
- Wipe it regularly with a soft cloth to remove oils, dirt, and buildup.
- For silver or gold, use a gentle jewelry cleaner or a mild soap-and-water solution.
- Dry it thoroughly before storing.
- Keep it in a soft pouch or jewelry box to prevent scratches and tangling.
Is there a universal necklace length for men?
Yes—20 inches is widely considered the most versatile and flattering length.
- It sits just below the collarbone
- Fits most body types comfortably
- And works effortlessly with both casual and dressy looks
| Length | Fit & Placement | Best For Body Type & Style | Styling Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18 Inches | Sits at base of neck, snug fit | Slimmer builds, shorter/medium necks; casual, minimal look | Works well under crewnecks or open collars; great casual |
| 20 Inches | Falls just below collarbone | Most body types; versatile for everyday and semi-formal wear | Layer with shorter or longer chains; suits tees, shirts |
| 22 Inches | Rests at upper chest | Taller or broader builds; relaxed, balanced fit | Pairs with pendants, dress shirts, blazers; good layering middle layer |
| 24 Inches | Falls at mid-chest | Muscular or athletic builds; casual, streetwear vibe | Great over tees or hoodies; ideal for layering and larger pendants |