Chain Length Guide

One of our most frequently asked questions is, “what chain length should I get?” And while it can be a difficult question to answer since there are so many different variables, we will do our best to lay it all out here - with pictures! Plus, we've just moved to adjustable chains on ALL of our necklaces! That includes necklaces with charms, like the Mini Dog Tag Necklace, and festooned necklaces where the pendant is attached to the chain, like our Skinny Bar Necklace.

What is the standard necklace length? 

Women’s chains are standardly sold in even-inch lengths. The shortest, 14”, fits most women like a choker, fitting closely around the neck, while the longest (that Tiny Tags offers), 24”, typically falls between the collarbone and the bust. We offer most of our necklaces from 16” - 24”, and our Nameplate Collection is offered from 14” - 18”. Our new adjustable chains allow for an additional 2" of length options. They are available in the following sizes: 

(Madi Nelson is wearing a 16" Nameplate necklace layered with Mini Dog tags and a Pave Date charm on a 24" chain)

How to measure necklace length? 

The best way to measure to see what necklace length will work best for you is to take a piece of string (or other fabric), lay it out and measure a length you think you would like. Cut it, and then put it around your neck as if it were a necklace. Or, measure a necklace you already have!

(Pictured above: our Skinny bar necklace in 14", Reflection Pendant at 20", and Luna choker, which is adjustable 12.5-15")

It is also worth noting that chains can stretch over time. Keeping your chain clean and removing it during any kind of activity that may put it at risk can help limit how much it stretches. However, some stretch can happen from normal wear and tear over time. Here is an article for more tips on chain stretching and how to avoid it. 

Necklace length chart

Here’s a necklace length chart to give you an idea of where chains will fall. Please note that everyone and everybody is different, so if an 18” works well for one person, it might be too short for another.  

How to choose the right necklace length when online shopping?

To choose the right necklace length when online shopping, there are a few factors to consider. What is your lifestyle like? How active are you? What’s the weather like? What kind of necklines do you like to wear? 

If you’re very active, you might prefer a shorter chain length so it doesn’t get in the way. Shorter chains can also be worn with higher necklines. 16”-18”chains can work with v-neck tops, and 20”-24” chains can be worn over the top of most shirts. 

(Pictured: Cable choker, 16" Mama Nameplate necklace, and a Mini Dog Tag necklace on an 18" chain)

How to shorten necklace length without cutting?

If you’ve ordered a necklace from us and it’s too long, there are a couple of tricks you can try to shorten the necklace length without cutting it. The first is using an earring through the chain like this. There are also “necklace shorteners” you can try - this post has a video on how to do it. But the best thing to do is email us (info@tinytags.com) so we can swap out the chain for you! 

(Our Circle Pendant on an 18" chain, layered with a Mama Nameplate necklace on a 16" chain)

We hope this guide helps you decide what necklace chain length will work best for you. We are always here to help! We have pictures of different necklaces and lengths on our site, and on our Instagram too, to help give you an idea of sizes. And as always, feel free to email us with any questions - info@tinytags.com