How to Wear Chokers

Finding a Choker that Suits You

Choose a choker material. Look for a material that will be comfortable against your neck and complement your outfit. You can choose from fabrics such as lace, velvet, ribbon, or a simple strip. You could also opt for a choker made of metal, leather, plastic, or beading. Fabric or leather are likely to be the most comfortable choker materials.

Choose a length for your choker. While a standard choker length is 16 inches (41 cm), chokers can range in length from close-fitting to long strands or strips. Longer chokers can be wrapped multiple times around your throat for a layered look. Shorter chokers can be paired with other necklaces or worn by themselves for a simpler, more minimalistic look. Measure your neck before shopping for chokers. Make sure to add 2 inches (5.1 cm) to your neck measurement in order to find a comfortable fit.

Select a width. Sizes range from thicker, more structured pieces to thin, delicate strands. For a more subtle look, go for a thin choker made of natural materials or a simple chain. If you want more of a statement piece, choose a thicker, heavier style with more room for embellishment. Large metal chokers are a popular statement accessory.

Pick a neutral or statement color. Basic neutrals will likely match more outfits and give you more options. Colors like black, navy, or white are perfect for fabric chokers. Metals are often very versatile, so pick a metal that matches your skin tone. You could also choose a choker for in bright colors such as turquoise or red for a statement piece. Silver jewelry often looks best on cool-toned skin, while gold looks best on warm-toned. Determine your skin tone to decide which metals will complement you best.

Choose a style of choker. For a simple, versatile option, go for a delicate chain or a thin strip of black velvet. If you’re looking for a more adorned piece, look for chokers with a pendant, charm, or studded details. You could also choose a statement piece that accents a specific style. For example, you could choose a geometric piece, such as something metal, structured, and more architectural. You could also opt for something more boho, such as a braided leather strand.

Putting on a Choker

Locate and identify the choker’s type of closure. Many chokers will have a metal clasp or hook in the back. However, some chokers may use knots or wrapping instead of clasps, such as plastic, wrapped, or fabric chokers. If your choker has a clasp, check for an adjustable chain with several loops to choose from, or just one loop to attach the clasp to. Plastic tattoo chokers should be stretchy enough to fit over your head and around your throat. Wrapped chokers should comfortably circle your throat several times, with the ends tied or left hanging. Fabric chokers should wrap around your throat once and tie in the back, with the ends loose.

Put the choker around your neck and settle it into place. Some chokers sit higher on the neck, such as stretchy or fabric chokers, while others settle over the collar bone. The fit will depend on the length of your choker and whether or not it has an adjustable chain. Close the clasp, if the choker has one, once you find a comfortable position. To attach the clasp, you may want to turn the necklace around so the clasp is in the front, then look in a mirror to have a clear view. Close the clasp, then rotate the choker back around so the clasp is at the back.

Check if the choker is too tight. A good way to tell if your choker is too tight is fit a finger between the choker and your neck. If your finger doesn’t fit, your choker is likely too tight. You should also be able to rotate the necklace around your neck. If the choker won’t move or pinches and hurts when you try to turn it, then the choker is too tight.

Adjust the choker to fit your throat comfortably. The choker should sit comfortably on your throat without feeling too tight or restrictive. Adjust the length or re-tie the ends, depending on what kind of choker you’re wearing, until the choker feels comfortable and sits where you want it to. If your choker is not adjustable and continues to feel uncomfortable or too tight, it may be too small for you. Look for a different choker that you can adjust to get the perfect fit. If you have trouble finding a choker that fits, measure your neck’s circumference with a tailor’s measuring tape or a piece of string, then look for chokers specifically in your size.

Styling a Choker

Add 2 longer necklaces to make a trio. Choose 2 longer necklace with delicate chains—such as a bar necklace and a pendant necklace—to pair with a sleek, minimalistic choker that rests at your collarbone. Your choker should be a little thicker than the chains of the other 2 necklaces so it anchors the look. Generally, you shouldn’t mix metals, so choose 2 longer necklaces made from the same metal as the choker. For example, pair silver with silver and gold with gold—this will make your necklace trio look more cohesive. Vary the necklaces’ lengths for a more balanced, curated look. The second necklace should be around 22 to 24 inches (56 to 61 cm) and the third necklace should be around 30 to 32 inches (76 to 81 cm).

Pair a plastic “tattoo” choker with a 90s-style outfit. The stretchy black tattoo choker is a classic 90s accessory. To complete your 90s-inspired outfit, wear a plaid shirt, jean shorts, and dark lipstick. You could also wear a patterned dress and some knee high socks.

Wear a monochromatic outfit and choker for a simple, clean look. Wear an outfit in a head-to-toe neutral, such as all black, navy, or white. Add a tied fabric choker in the same color to make your outfit look seamless and cohesive. A monochromatic dress and jacket or pantsuit are great options for professional events or office wear. Show off your choker by wearing a scoop or V-neck.

Add a braided leather choker for a boho look. Wear a single braided leather choker or a longer, wrapped leather choker to achieve a classic boho look. Pair the choker with a flowy dress and some ankle boots for a complete outfit.

Wear a glitzier choker for a night out. When you’re going out for the night, opt for a sparkly statement piece and choose a choker decorated with little diamonds or crystals. Pair it with a dress or V-neck top with a lower neckline to showcase the choker’s sparkling details.