After you awakened this morning, yawned, stretched, and scratched your decrease again with each fingers for some motive, did you then look within the mirror and say, “You know what, I think I’m going to start being a chain guy?”
Ought to have. Completely ought to have.
As a result of not solely are they right here to remain, however there are extra sorts of chains for males obtainable now than ever earlier than. Rope chains. Curb chains. Customized chains. Figaro chains. Gang’s all right here—and that’s barely scratching the floor.
However with so many sorts of necklace chains for males to select from, you’re going to wish some assist sussing all of it out. Herewith, are 15 sorts of chains for males and when it is best to put on them.
1. Gold Chains
Gold chains present a standout look that oozes confidence—however solely in the precise fingers. Sure, the educational curve is steep, however in no way do you have to shrink back from them. There are a number of sorts of chains for males that fall beneath the “gold” class. There’s stable gold, after all, which is the true deal. From there, inexpensive choices vary anyplace from plated to hole gold.
For those who’re going gold, go daring. To that unintentionally rhyming finish, my high choose for this class needs to be Oliver Cabell’s 8mm Cuban Chain. Made in Italy out of 18-karat gold, this head-turning piece shouldn’t be too thick and never too skinny.
When You Ought to Put on Them
Oliver Cabell presents this chain at an inexpensive value level, that means you don’t need to be too valuable about the place you put on it. Pop it on for work in case your workplace is informal, or throw it over a t-shirt in your strategy to comfortable hour. This one’s up for something, together with an identical gold bracelet in case you’re actually feeling your self.
2. Silver Chains

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Probably the most timeless seems on the market, silver chains will be worn with virtually any look. It additionally makes for a pleasant impartial choice for the chain-curious. In different phrases, in case you’ve by no means worn a series earlier than however want to take the search for a take a look at drive, you may’t go mistaken with a skinny silver chain.
Neutrale’s silver chain necklace matches that invoice fairly properly. It’s simply the precise size and width to make an announcement with out begging for consideration, and its hallmark sterling silver development can stand as much as no matter your neck can throw at it.
When You Ought to Put on Them
Silver chains will be dressed up or down with a t-shirt or worn casually with a jacket and crisp button-down. The one restrict is your confidence.
3. Rope Chains

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Rope chains are one other stable choice in case you’re into the look of chains however don’t need mentioned chain to take over your complete look. Most rope chains are skinny and barely make a peep over a crisp t-shirt. However whenever you’re out for drinks having a dialog with an fascinating particular person for whom particulars matter… that’s when the rope chain’s superpowers actually kick in.
Talking of superpowers, Jaxxon 4mm Rope Chain has them in spades and is my choose for this understated but essential class. Its diamond reduce is designed to catch the sunshine, delicately pinging it again into the eyes of onlookers close to and much. Theoretically. Hopefully.
When You Ought to Put on Them
This isn’t the chain to put on in case you’re attempting to make a (loud) assertion. However fortunately this one nonetheless stands in a league of its personal, at 4mm it provides just a little heft to this sometimes delicate magnificence.
Nonetheless, rope chains are an amazing choice for the chain beginner—mainly, anybody attempting to construct up the boldness to rock a necklace for the primary time. Begin by carrying it over a t-shirt whenever you’re out to drinks with associates. Low stakes. If that feels proper, preserve graduating.
4. Herringbone Chains

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The herringbone type of chain—named such as a consequence of its resemblance to the herring fish’s bone construction—dates again to Historical Egyptian instances. The fashionable man can go a few methods with this.
The primary is, after all, to pile on the thickness, gold, and machismo. Truthful sufficient. To every their very own. Another choice: Perceive that it is a daring look by itself and doesn’t want rather more of a push in your finish.
Right here with yet one more noteworthy addition to your neck’s arsenal is Oliver Cabell and its herringbone gold chain. Fashion this piece by itself for an understated-only-not-at-all-understated look, or double it up in case your aim is to by no means be forgotten within the “guy wearing chain” division.
When You Ought to Put on Them
This is among the bolder sorts of chains for males. Prefer it or not, the herringbone design doesn’t essentially make for the very best on a regular basis put on. Break this look out for gallery openings, rooftop comfortable hours with reside music, or any time you’re feeling like flexing for no different motive than flexing.
5. Figaro Chains

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Figaro chains are characterised by alternating hyperlinks working all through the size of the necklace. These hyperlinks kind a particular sample that stands out from the extra refined sorts of chains for males. They arrive in a number of width choices—if you wish to showcase your sample to a wider viewers of cheering onlookers, go together with a thicker chain.
Our choose for the very best figaro chain comes from Oliver Cabell. It’s fabricated from 18K gold, and at 3mm, it’s one of many thinner chains on this listing. All of the extra motive to attract the precise somebody in for a better take a look at the main points.
When You Ought to Put on Them
Figaro chains aren’t woven as tightly as, say, a curb chain. As such, they are typically a bit extra fragile. Put on your figaro to night cocktails, dinners, and the theater. Go away it at dwelling whenever you hit the seaside or your pickleball league. At this level, we simply assume everybody’s caved and joined a pickleball league.
6. Cross Chains

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Of all of the sorts of necklace chains for males, cross chains need to be essentially the most ubiquitous (and timeless). They’ve had a significant resurgence currently, thanks in no small half to the staggering quantity of corporations which are manufacturing them. Cross chains will be chunky, refined, and in every single place in between, making them a flexible choice that pairs nicely with each dressed-up and dressed-down seems.
If turning heads is what you’re going for (and let’s face it, in case you’re carrying a cross-chain, it’s), the search ends with David Yurman’s 18K gold Roman Cross Amulet Pendant. It swaps the usual 90-degree-angle cross search for a extra historic, multidimensional aesthetic. No matter you do, don’t conceal this stunner beneath your shirt.
When You Ought to Put on Them
There’s a throughline among the many chain neighborhood (if there isn’t a series neighborhood, there ought to be). And that throughline is versatility. So long as you put on them with confidence, all sorts of chains for males will be worn in all sorts of situations. Cross chains aren’t any exception.
7. Diamond Chains

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Ah sure, the diamond chain. It’s a series. It has diamonds. It’s one of the vital well-liked sorts of chains for males. What else is there to say about it? Seems, so much. Diamonds reign supreme within the normal look-at-me class, and for good motive.
For those who’re available in the market for a diamond chain necklace, chances are high you’re additionally available in the market for some severe consideration. Diamond necklaces are an funding and ought to be handled as such.
Although extra refined choices exist, in case you’re going for a diamond chain, it’s virtually at all times greatest to go large. And ideally proper to NYC’s diamond district. The whole size of Uneek 18k Yellow Gold Diamond Necklace is laced with round-cut diamonds, making it a real head-turner.
When You Ought to Put on Them
Except carrying dozens of diamonds round your neck doesn’t transfer the needle for you, think about this a special day chain. Slap it on whenever you’re heading out for the evening and your confidence stage is peaking.
8. Cuban Chains

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Cuban hyperlinks are one of the vital well-liked sorts of chains for males. Its signature look is characterised by oval hyperlinks fused collectively to kind an often-thicker cable sample. Hip-hop legends from Slick Rick to Jay-Z have worn this sort of chain, and so they’re simply as well-liked now as they have been again within the day. Avenue cred apart, Cuban chains even have a traditional look that pairs with a number of kinds.
Anybody can discover a conventional Cuban hyperlink chain, and it is best to positively have one on standby. However whilst you’re at it, simply go for it with Hatton Labs’ Cuban Crown XL. It’s a gloriously loud piece impressed by 2013’s Carlton Resort jewellery heist.
When You Ought to Put on Them
This sort of chain is a superb match for all issues streetwear and ought to be given high precedence with most outfits. Don a Cuban chain anyplace informal, or gown it up over a crisp t-shirt and beneath a fastidiously chosen blazer. Protip: the practically common attraction of this sort of chain also can make for a pleasant present thought.
9. Thick Chains

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Chains will be present in all lengths and widths. The preferred thickness is across the 1-2 millimeter vary, and the stakes get significantly increased on the subject of 8-12mm chains. You want excessive sartorial stakes, proper? Good, as a result of there are thick chains obtainable in all stripes.
When it comes to width, our choose falls someplace between the conservative and the acute. John Hardy’s curb chain necklace presents a beneficiant thickness vary, however the elusive 7mm feels excellent.
When You Ought to Put on Them
You’ll need to keep away from carrying thick chains to the health club or outside when it’s scorching. Extra floor space and weight equal extra sweat. Aside from that, although, these are honest sport each time dressing down is the play.
10. Stainless Metal Chains

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Stainless-steel is among the most sturdy sorts of chains for males and a good selection for anybody who desires their chain to be round for years to come back. It’s largely rust-resistant however could also be vulnerable to fading over time. General, it’s one of many many sorts of necklace chains for males that may take a beating and nonetheless preserve its integrity.
Our choose within the stainless-steel class is the tremendous reasonably priced foxtail chain necklace from Zales. Its 6.5mm thickness is a pleasant center floor between too quiet and too loud, and the silver coloration performs good with any outfit.
When You Ought to Put on Them
Summer season BBQs. Skate park periods. Glad hour. You title it. The stainless-steel chain can accompany you anyplace. And in case you reside an lively way of life, bonus factors for its approachable value level (worse involves worst, you may simply exchange it) and rugged development.
11. Skinny Chains

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One other glorious choice for individuals who are new to the entire chain factor, skinny chains are eye-grabbing and add curiosity to any look, however not too a lot curiosity. It is a very talked-about look that provides quiet confidence to its wearer.
John Varvatos makes our listing with this skinny chain fabricated from 100% oxidized sterling silver. Handcrafted in Turkey with a novel, standout design, that is a formidable piece that ought to discover its approach into your neck’s life sooner reasonably than later. Your neck positively has a life. We checked.
When You Ought to Put on Them
When do you have to not put on a skinny chain? This little man will make a giant impression irrespective of the place you select to carry it, from the workplace to the seaside. Sure, skinny chains each can and ought to be pulled off shirtless.
12. Curb Chains

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Curb chains fall inside the cable chain household. Their hyperlinks are twisted collectively and infrequently flattened to create a crisp, uniform look. Curb chains are able to coordinating with different necklaces, so don’t be scared to combine issues up just a little bit round your neck.
The curb chain from Mejuri checks all of the packing containers on the subject of this type of necklace. Coming in at 22-inches, it’s the right size for demanding the proper of consideration. This type additionally someway manages to trip the road between elegant and informal, making it an on a regular basis sort of chain.
When You Ought to Put on Them
Present it off over a light-weight and brilliant t-shirt in the course of the summer season or drape it over a knit sweater subsequent to the fireplace pit come fall. No matter whenever you determine to drape a curb chain round your neck, know that they’re sometimes light-weight, so that you don’t have to fret about them weighing you down.
13. Field Chains

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True to their title, field chains are made up of a sequence of squares linked collectively. It is a sturdy, eye-catching look that’s been well-liked for years and will probably be well-liked for years to come back.
For us, the very best field chains are skinny with a sterling silver end so as to add a pleasant pop when the sunshine hits it. It’s a glance that’s not flashy and never modest. It’s excellent. Exhibit A: Mejuri’s Spherical Field Chain necklace. It is a necklace that’s meant to be worn in every single place and with the whole lot, so don’t overthink it.
When You Ought to Put on Them
Like our favourite field chain above, this is among the sorts of necklace chains for males that’s about as versatile because it will get. Key for protecting this look common is sticking to a thinner design and selecting a coloration that goes with the whole lot, like silver or titanium.
14. Glass Bead Chains

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Glass bead chains could get a nasty rap within the males’s necklace world, however that’s all about to vary as we speak. Or perhaps not, however right here goes anyway. Styled thoughtfully and paired with the precise mindset, beaded chains will be game-changing additions to any man’s look.
Eliou Rochelle beaded necklace—obtainable at Finish.—steps in and offers that addition. The remaining is as much as you. The necklace is punctuated by nice colourful glass beads that add a refined contact of curiosity to any outfit.
When You Ought to Put on Them
Glass bead chains are typically light-weight and colourful (though monochromatic ones actually exist). This and different traits make this type of chain, like lots of the different choices on this listing, good for on a regular basis put on. Pair your glass beaded chain with linen shirts in the summertime, light-weight sweaters within the fall, and black-tie galas. Okay, minus the black-tie galas.
15. Beaded Chains

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Shut your eyes and film a beaded chain. Whose neck is it round? What’s it fabricated from? Did you see a late-’70s surfer and a few variation of a puka shell? If that’s the case… certain, we get it. If not, there’s hope for you but.
Immediately’s beaded chains honor the previous of their type and ease, however the supplies used to make them are extra refined, sturdy, and trendy than ever. Like different kinds we’ve talked about, it’s greatest to go large or go dwelling on the subject of beaded chains. This 14-karat yellow gold, diamond reduce, hole bead chain necklace from jeweler The Black Bow caught our eye for all the precise causes. Hopefully, it catches yours, too.
When You Ought to Put on Them
As with all males’s chain, this one will be worn year-round over a t-shirt or any buttonless long-sleeve shirt. That mentioned, we see this explicit piece working properly with an earth-toned sweater and a few crisp fall climate.
Closing Verdict
For those who’re dipping your toe into the huge world of males’s chain necklaces for the primary time and aren’t trying to begin a set, scoop up one of many extra common seems like curb chains or any tightly woven silver chain. Nevertheless, there are such a lot of several types of males’s chains, that it will be straightforward to fall down the rabbit gap and discover your distinctive type.
Keep on with middle-of-the-road widths like 2-3mm and preserve the size round 18- to 20-inches. These parameters lend themselves to virtually any wardrobe mixture for nearly any event. With just a little steerage and a contact of confidence, any man can pull off this versatile sort of bijou.
FAQ
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- The usual size for all sorts of chains for males is anyplace between 18- and 36-inches. A normal rule of thumb on the subject of which size to go together with: The longer your persona, the longer the chain. Keep on with that mantra, and there aren’t any mistaken turns.
- Such as you would with the very best males’s rings or every other piece of bijou, let the type of the chain decide your subsequent sartorial transfer. Tremendous thick chains are going to staff up greatest with streetwear or any outfit with edge. Mid-length, skinny chains in conservative silver are extra common and will be worn on daily basis with virtually any informal outfit or fastidiously curated formal look.
- For those who’re going to layer several types of chains for males, begin with the plain and preserve the colours comparable. Play with barely totally different lengths, widths, and textures to maintain issues visually fascinating, however watch out to not create a chaotic look by mixing issues up too a lot.
- Such as you would with the very best males’s rings or every other piece of bijou, let the type of the chain decide your subsequent sartorial transfer. Tremendous thick chains are going to staff up greatest with streetwear or any outfit with edge. Mid-length, skinny chains in conservative silver are extra common and will be worn on daily basis with virtually any informal outfit or fastidiously curated formal look.
- The usual size for all sorts of chains for males is anyplace between 18- and 36-inches. A normal rule of thumb on the subject of which size to go together with: The longer your persona, the longer the chain. Keep on with that mantra, and there aren’t any mistaken turns.