The Ultimate Wig Length Chart: Find Your Perfect Length
Finding that perfect wig can be transformative. If you want to change up your appearance, a quality wig can help you boost your confidence and add new pizazz to your look.
When shopping for your soul-wig (that’s your soulmate, but in a wig) color, style, and texture are important — but don’t forget to consider the length. The length of your wig will greatly impact its overall look, and your day-to-day experience of styling and caring for it.
In this blog, we’ll go over the different wig lengths (including an easy-to-follow wig length chart), how to accurately measure a wig, and how to choose the right wig length for you. Let’s dive into our wig length guide so you can find your perfect match!
Understanding Wig Measurements
When you order a wig, you can choose short, medium, long, or extra-long styles. But what exactly does each of those lengths mean? How many inches is each length? We’ll break them down so you understand what you’re getting with each range of wig inches. Guide measurements include:
- Short: Short wigs are approximately 12 to 16 inches in length. On the shorter end, you’ll see short bobs that fall just below the jawline, and on the longer end, you’ll see bobs that fall just above the collarbone.
- Medium: Medium-length, also called Mid length wigs, are 17 to 20 inches long. They brush or fall just below the collarbone at around 17 inches and to about chest height at 20 inches.
- Long: Long wigs will typically be 21 to 24 inches long. The longest ones within this range might fall to your waistline.
- Extra-long: Extra-long wigs are wigs longer than 24 inches. They might fall to the top of your hip, your mid-hip, or even below that.
Wig Length Charts for Various Styles
We get it — remembering these measurements and their associated lengths can be confusing. So we’ve created a simple wig length chart that you can reference while shopping. While this includes specific wig styles Milano Collection offers, the concept can be applied to other wigs as well. And, of course, there are additional wig lengths within this chart, but this gives you an overall feel for the different lengths and where they fall relatively speaking.
It’s important to understand that Milano Collection wig measurements measure the wig from the top of the crown to the end of the longest strand, pulled taut. However, the texture of the hair will impact where it actually falls. Straight hair will be true to length, but any amount of wave or curl will make the wig appear shorter than it measures. Additionally, every wig company measures wig lengths differently, so when in doubt, ask how they are measuring their wig length when in doubt.
Body Wave Length Chart
As mentioned above, wig length charts for body waves are slightly different. If you are ordering a wavy wig, consider ordering it an inch longer than you want because the wave will cause it to rise about an inch. If you’re ordering a curly wig, order it two inches longer than you want because the curl will shorten it by about two inches.
How to Measure Wig Length
It’s a good idea to know how to measure your wig and not solely rely on the hair length chart. Front-to-back is our favorite way to measure, and you can follow these simple steps to get an accurate measurement of your wig:
-
Step 1: Prepare the Wig
- Place the wig on a hair mannequin so you can see how it falls on a real head shape.
- Avoid placing it flat on a table, as this will not provide an accurate measurement due to the curvature of your head.
-
Step 2: Get the Right Tools
- Use a soft measuring tape. Rigid ones won’t be able to hug the curvature of the head accurately.
-
Step 3: Position the Measuring Tape
- Place the measuring tape's “zero” marker at the crown of the head, just where the scalp begins to slope downward.
-
Step 4: Measure the Wig Length
- Hold one end of the measuring tape on the crown.
- Slowly pull the remainder of the tape down to the bottom of the wig, to the end of the longest strand of hair.
-
Step 5: Account for Texture
- If the hair has any wave or curl to it, pull it straight.
- The measurement at the end of that longest strand — pulled taut — is the accurate length of the wig.
Choosing the Right Wig Length for You
Now that you understand the many wig length options, let’s go over how to choose the right wig for the particular style you want, as well as your preferred beauty routine.
Choosing the Right Density
Wig density refers simply to how thick a wig is. It’s expressed sometimes as a percentage, and in other cases, as the number of grams involved. Milano Collection, lists the grams for the different wig and topper styles, in the Wig Wisdom section of their website. Just click on the style you’re interested in, and scroll down to find the details for that style, include density as reported in grams.
- Extra-light: This will be around 50 percent density
- Light: Light density is at around 60 to 100 percent
- Medium density: This density has a percentage of around 130 to 150
- High density: High-density wigs have a percentage of 180 to 250
When choosing the density, there are a few things to consider. We typically recommend increasing density with wig inches. An extra-light, extra-long wig, for example, might look too thin. Meanwhile, a short, high-density wig might appear heavy and unnatural. However, it’s important to consider the density of your natural hair, too. If you already have thick hair (lucky you!), then getting a high-density wig might look bulky.
The higher the density, the more volume you’ll have, so ask yourself how much volume you want to add. But we always say that when you want a glam look for a formal event or special occasion, you can’t go wrong with a high-density wig!
Conversely, lower density wigs, such as Milano’s Ponytail, or Divine Wigs, can give you more styling versatility - so you can wear your hair up, down or in a ponytail. They’re also a little more lightweight than higher density wigs.
Matching Your Face Shape
Now let’s go over choosing a wig for your face shape. Finding the right wig length for your face is all about achieving symmetry. Let’s discuss the most common face shapes and which wig length best complements each one.
- Oval: If you have an oval-shaped face, consider yourself lucky because you can wear just about any wig length you want! Rock a short bob if you’re feeling feisty, go long for a luxurious look, or choose a medium length for an easy-to-style, everyday wig. (We do recommend avoiding thick bangs, though, which can make oval faces look longer than they are).
- Round: Round-faced beauties look terrific with longer lengths. A long wig will help elongate the face for a slimmer appearance. You can always choose some shorter layers by the face to add variety and softness.
- Square: If you have a square (sometimes called a rectangular) face, consider a short wig with layers. Having those layers right there near your cheekbones will soften your face and create a slightly rounder appearance.
- Heart-shaped: Individuals with heart-shaped faces look stunning with short or long bobs. Having that extra volume around the jawline can create the appearance of a rounder chin.
Personal Style and Preferences
Ultimately, your wig should make you feel more confident and complement your beauty routine. In addition to considering things like texture and length, think about what you want the freedom to do with your wig.
Do you want to create various styles with hot tools? `Longer wigs give you more area to work with, allowing you to change your aesthetic from one day to the next. They also are popular for those who want to achieve a glamorous, voluminous look. Alternatively, if you’re looking to simplify your life, a short wig might be your best bet. Less hair means less to tame and style. When it comes to how to care for your wig, washing short wigs takes slightly less time than washing long ones and come with a smaller risk of tangles than long wigs.
Price is another factor to consider. Longer wigs require more material, which means a higher price tag. Whether you go for a human hair or synthetic wig, more length will almost always result in a higher cost. So if you want to play with different looks while on a budget, shorter wigs will usually cost less than long ones.
Frequently Asked Questions
Choosing the perfect wig can transform your look and help you fall back in love with your hair. We understand you want to get it right. If you still have questions about how to choose your wig, you can find answers to our FAQs below.
What is the most popular wig length?
We’ve found that wigs ranging from 18 to 22 inches are our most popular. So think medium to long lengths. These give you plenty of surface area to work with in terms of styling, without being so long that they’re difficult to maintain.
How long is a 16-inch wig?
A 16-inch wig that is true to length will fall to just about chest level — think around where your bra straps meet your bra cups. We say “true to length” because waves or curls impact length. Curly wigs can shorten the length by two inches and wavy ones can shorten them by roughly one inch.
How long is a 20-inch wig?
A 20-inch wig will fall around your waistline (or just above it if you have a low waist). It’s perfect for a glamorous look. Again, don’t only go by the wig length chart. Body wave will impact where the wig falls. So if you’re ordering a curly or wavy wig, order it a bit longer than the intended length.
How do I ensure my wig is true to length?
If you’re ordering a straight-hair wig, it should be true to length. However, if you are ordering a wavy wig, consider ordering it an inch longer than you want because the wave will cause it to rise about an inch. If you’re ordering a curly wig, order it two inches longer than you want because the curl will shorten it by about two inches.
Find Your Perfect Wig Length with Milano Wigs
Whether you want to try a playful bob, luscious long locks, or something else, wigs give you the freedom to explore and express your own versatility. Plus, they’re the perfect product to make you feel flawless for a special occasion. With tons of high-quality human hair wigs, hair toppers, wig caps, styling tools, and more, we have everything you need to craft a look you’ll love. Available in a range of lengths, textures, and densities, our products empower you to play with different aesthetics and have fun with your look!
Selecting the right wig requires expertise, so we provide complimentary virtual consultations with one of our wig experts. A wig specialist will take their time getting to know the look you’re after and your personal preferences regarding styling, lifestyle, and budget. They will make sure you’re getting every characteristic you want — including texture, density, body, and wave. A length chart is a great place to begin your wig-shopping journey; a consultation with one of our experts is the perfect way to complete it.
Book your free virtual consultation today!