The Complete Guide Layering Necklaces: How to do and how to prevent tangling.

There is absolutely no denying that layering necklaces gives you a bit of extra confidence and makes you feel a little bit more special. 

At the end of the day there is no right or wrong, however sometimes you need a guide, so here are some pointers:

How to Layer Your Necklaces

1. START WITH A VARIETY OF CHAIN LENGTHS

When layering necklaces, the first step starts with choosing several different lengths. A good rule of thumb (but rules can always be broken) is to have your necklaces 2” apart (for example, a 16”,18”, and 20” chains). The size of any pendant will also influence the chain length.

2. MIXING VARIOUS NECKLACE STYLES

Try choosing different styles, such as a snake chain, a beaded chain or necklace, and a link chain. 

3. COMBINE THICK AND THIN

Combine thinner chain necklaces with thicker chain necklaces. Adding contrasting textures & styles will make your stack more interesting, 

3. SELECTING A FOCAL POINT

A focal point garners attention and is where you want eyes drawn when people look at your necklaces.  First pick the necklace that you want to be the star of the stack, then pick a few more necklaces to wear with it that will accent it. Your focal point might include a pretty pendant, a striking stone, or a bright cluster of jewels. This not only makes your stacked necklaces look great but can accentuate your entire look.

4. STICK TO ONE PRIMARY METAL AS THE MAIN

Generally, you don't want to mix too many different metals or materials, maybe just one “off” material. For instance, if wearing three necklaces, have the “main” silver for 2 of them and beads for one, or 2 silver and one gold necklace, etc…

5. DON’T OVERDO IT WITH TOO MANY PIECES

One of the most important things to remember when learning how to stack necklaces is not to overdo it. When deciding the best way to wear stacked necklaces, there isn't an official maximum number of necklaces you can wear.  Wearing too many pieces can give you that too-busy look and may distract from the rest of your outfit though.

How to keep layered necklaces from twisting and tangling:

 However, layering necklaces comes with its own set of problems. 

 The most common problem is that the chains tend to  tangle and twist with each other, which is never any fun. So here are a few ways to decrease twisting and tangling.

1 – DIFFERENT WEIGHTS

Just like lengths, you can always mix chains and pendants of different weights. Wear a lightweight chain and layer it with a heavy chain or a chain that has a heavy pendant or charm. The different weights of the chains will make sure that each chain stays in its place and does not get tangled with the other.

2 – NECKLACE DETANGLER

The most convenient way to stop layered necklaces from tangling is to use a necklace de-tangler. You just have to buy these and then link your chains to its clasps and voila! your necklaces will stay in their place as the de-tangler will keep each chain distant from the other, thus, keeping the chains from getting tangled. The necklace de-tangler comes in a variety of styles, which gives you plenty of options to choose from. 

So many of the commercial ones are big and bulky in my opinion that I've actually created one of my own,  and it is finally on my website! Find this small, pretty, silver de-tangler here!

Watch Video to see how small and pretty it is, as well as easy to use.

looking for a chain extender too? check out the necklace De-tangler with chain extender.

3 -MIXING CHAINS

Another very useful tip is to use different chains when layering the necklaces. By different chains, !mean chains made from different materials or in different styles. For example, one could be a snake chain, one box, and the other could be a beaded chain or even a rope chain. When you wear different types of chains, it is most likely they will not get tangled with the other due to their different textures.

4 – MAKE USE OF YOUR THICKER CHAINS

Thinner chains are most likely to get mangled and tangled with each other. But that is no reason to be disappointed, this just gives you the opportunity to experiment with the ‘chunky’ necklaces that you have. Layer them up and you won’t be disappointed. Use your thick chains or even the pearl necklaces that you own to put together a stunning look and avoid tangling at the same time.

5 – FOLLOW THE MOST BASIC LAYERING RULE

The most basic yet important rule when it comes to how to layer necklaces without tangling is to put them on in the “right order”. It is not always correct to start layering with the shortest necklace first but it is always better if you start by wearing the thinnest chain first. This way, the chain will not get tangled with the other thicker necklaces.

Hack for Layering 2 Necklaces

This is a great hack! You can use it to layer 2 necklaces of the same length or different lengths.

Clasp the 2 necklaces together so they are one long necklace- put them around your neck twice and clasp in the back at usual. Then adjust!

or

– Put two necklaces on, then turn them around so the clasps are on your chest.

– Unclasp the necklaces.

– Re-link each clasp to the link in the other necklace.

– Twist them around and see the results.

If you use this method, not only will you get fewer tangles in your necklaces, you can also adjust the length more easily.

From there, you can also only unclasp one part so you can put them both back on again next time.

It really is the simplest things that end up staying with us, so keep this trick in mind for perfectly-layered necklaces with not a tangle in sight.

 

If you are looking for the perfect gemstone layering necklace, check these out!

And if you are frustrated by your chain clasp always coming to the front, read the blog How to Keep Your Neckace Chain Clasp in the Back.