What Length Chain Do I Need? // Men's and Women's Guide to Chain Length

Wondering what chain length you might need? The pictures below will help! For better reference, I (Abby) am 5'5'' and Malachi (model for men's chains) is 5'8''

Choosing a Necklace That's Actually Worth Wearing

The right chain length matters, but so does what's hanging from it.

I'm Abby, the jewelry artist behind Mettle by Abby. I hand-forge every piece in my studio in Woodstock, Georgia, just outside Atlanta. I work with natural gemstones, solid 14k gold, and Argentium sterling silver to create jewelry that's as individual as the person wearing it.

Every piece is genuinely one of a kind. No mass production, no plating, no duplicates. Just thoughtfully designed fine jewelry, made by my own two hands.

Whether you prefer an 18-inch chain that sits close to your collarbone or a 20-inch chain with a little more breathing room, the best necklace is one that feels like you.

Explore my one-of-a-kind handmade gemstone necklaces

Each piece exists only once. When it's gone, it's gone.

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Here's a quick run down on chain lengths for women:

• 14'' - (not pictured) typically a good size chain for children or petites,  most chains can be shortened to this length if needed
• 16'' - hangs at the collar bone. This length is good for above the neckline length. It can feel a little tight on some people.
• 18'' - hangs right at the top of your sternum. This is the most common length chain
• 20'' - hangs about 1'' below the top of the sternum but also a comfortable size for taller or larger people
• 24'' - hangs at heart level. This is a great length for larger pendants or pieces you want to wear on your torso without having the piece right on you chest.
• 30'' - hangs center of chest. This length is nice for a variety of sized pendants. Be aware that it often hangs front and center of your chest.

Even if you're the same height as me, there are a number of factors that can contribute to chain fit. Most chains can be shortened. My favorite solution (especially if you're deciding between sizes) is to have a chain extender added so you can wear it 2-3'' longer.

What about chain lengths for men?

Here's a quick run down on chain lengths for men:

• 18'' - hangs at the collar bone and not usually comfortable to most, but this length is good for children, especially if you're wanting a longer chain
• 20'' - hangs at the top of the sternum, like an 18'' chain would on a woman, but in my experience this is not the most popular chain length for men
• 24'' - hangs near center of sternum. This is the most popular size chain for men and what I typically recommend. It's long enough to go over necklines (even V-neck) and not too long to get in the way.
• 30'' - hangs a little below heart level. This is a good chain length for larger or taller men that want a longer chain or as a more dramatic length for a pendant.

Men tend to need longer chains. As a rough rule of thumb, I'd say add 2 inches to a chain that fits a woman if you want the fit to be the same for a man, maybe even 3-4''

Head over to my top choice, most popular Sterling Silver chains!

If you found this article helpful, please share it with someone! And if there is anything I left out or you want to know more about, feel free to contact me here.

If you want to see how different chain lengths actually look in real pieces → browse what’s available here

About the author

Abby Meadows is the artist and metalsmith behind Mettle by Abby, an independent fine jewelry studio in Woodstock, Georgia. She holds a BFA in Jewelry & Metals from Winthrop University and has more than two decades of experience creating handcrafted jewelry with natural gemstones, solid gold, and Argentium sterling silver.