The Ultimate Guide to Mens Chains & Necklaces

Accessories play a significant role in enhancing men’s style, and one accessory that has gained immense popularity in recent times is the mens chain necklace. A well-chosen chain can add a touch of sophistication, personality, and masculinity to any attire. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore different types of men’s chains and necklaces, their significance, and how to style them effortlessly.

KEY TOPICS WE DISCUSS: –

1. Which Style Chain Necklace is Best For Men?
2. What is the Best Chain Length For Men?
3. Which Width is Best For a Men’s Chain?
4. Which Colour Chain is Best For Men?
5. What Is The Best Material For a Men’s Necklace?
6. Styling Tips for Men’s Chains & Necklaces
7. Should Men Wear Necklaces?
8. How Should Men Layer a Necklace?

Which Style Chain Necklace is Best For Men:

Curb chains are the most popular chain style for men. Read on to find out why.

When it comes to men’s chains, there is a wide range of styles to choose from, each with its own unique characteristics. Let’s explore some popular chain styles available to choose from:

1) Curb Chains: Curb chains are classic and timeless, featuring a series of uniform links that lay flat when worn. They offer a sophisticated and versatile look. A curb chain style is the most popular necklace for men due to its understated and timeless appeal. Some of the mens curb chains we offer are below:

2) Figaro Chains: Figaro chains are characterized by a pattern of three small links followed by one elongated link. This design creates an eye-catching look, perfect for both casual and formal occasions. The 5mm width Figaro Chain from Alfred & Co. London combines durability and style effortlessly.

3) Rope Chains: Rope chains are known for their intricate twisting pattern, resembling a rope. These chains are versatile and can be worn on their own or with a pendant. We offer Rope chains in a range of widths and lengths.

4) Belcher Chains: Belcher chains, also known as rolo chains, feature uniform and symmetrical links. They offer a robust, sleek and masculine look.

5) Cuban Chains; now how could we possible talk about men’s necklaces without mentioning the popular Cuban chain. Cuban necklaces, also known as Cuban link chains, are a vibrant and iconic accessory that exudes a sense of style, confidence, and urban flair.

The thickness of the Cuban chain adds to its commanding presence, making it an ideal accessory for the modern man who appreciates both fashion and individuality. It’s a versatile piece that can be worn solo or paired with other necklaces to create a unique layered look, giving you the freedom to express your personal style. Smooth, sleek and bold and crafted with meticulous attention to detail, these necklaces are a must-have for fashion-forward men.

WINNER: Curb chains are the most popular chain style for men.

RUNNER UP: Cuban chains are a very popular choice of men’s chains and finish a close 2nd!

What is the Best Chain Length For Men?

20 inches (50.80cm) is the average length chain for a man. Read on to find out more.

Selecting the appropriate chain length is crucial to ensure a comfortable fit and complement your style. The following are popular chain lengths for men:

a) 18 inches: An 18-inch chain typically rests just above the collarbone. It’s a popular choice for those who prefer a shorter and more discreet necklace. We would usually recommend an 18 inch length for anyone 5 feet 6 inches or below in height.

b) 20-22 inches: These chain lengths fall at the collarbone or slightly below, offering a balanced and versatile look suitable for most necklines.

20 inches (50.80cm) is the average length chain for a man. Most men look & feel their best when wearing a 20 inch necklace.

c) 24-30 inches: Longer chains, ranging from 24 to 30 inches, create a statement look. They are perfect for layering or wearing with open-collar shirts. Also great for those bigger fellas – anyone 6 foot 4 and over.

You can can use the size guide below to get an idea of the mens necklace length you should choose:

Alternatively here’s one of the guys, Andy, from Alfred & Co. London talking about why size really does matter…when it comes to men’s necklaces!

WINNER: 20 Inches is the most popular men’s chain length

RUNNER UP: 18 Inches

Which Width is Best For a Men’s Chain?

A 2mm-4mm width chain is the best and most popular width for a mens chain overall. In 2nd place is gold. Read on to find out more.

When choosing the best chain width you should go for, several factors need to be considered to ensure a stylish and comfortable look. The ideal chain width typically ranges from 2mm to 7mm, striking a perfect balance between subtlety and prominence.

For men with smaller frames or those seeking a discreet minimalistic necklace style, a 2mm – 4mm width chain would be a perfect choice. These thinner width chains exude sophistication and elegance while effortlessly complementing both casual and formal attire.

On the other hand, men with larger builds or a preference for a bolder statement piece may opt for a 4mm – 7mm chain. These widths provide a more pronounced appearance without overwhelming the overall look.

Furthermore, personal style and individual preferences play a crucial role in the decision-making process. It’s essential to consider factors such as neck size, facial features, and outfit choices to ensure the chain’s harmonious integration.

Ultimately, the best chain width for men will vary depending on their unique characteristics and desired aesthetics. Whether it’s a subtle accent or a daring focal point, the right chain width will enhance a man’s style, exuding confidence and timeless charm.

WINNER: A 2mm-4mm width chain is the best and most popular width for a mens chain overall

RUNNER UP: The 2nd most popular width chain for men is 5mm-7mm

The below shows a side by side comparison of some of the different width chains available for men:

Which Colour Chain is Best For Men?

The most popular colour for a mens chain is silver due to its timeless appeal. Read on to find out more.

Choosing the right colour chain is a crucial decision that can significantly impact your overall look and style. When selecting the perfect mens necklace colour, there are a few factors to consider that will help you make an informed decision.

1. Skin Tone: Your skin tone plays a vital role in determining which necklace colour complements you best. Generally, warm skin tones (with yellow or olive undertones) tend to look great with gold or brass-toned necklaces. On the other hand, cool skin tones (with pink or blue undertones) often suit silver, white gold, or platinum necklaces. If you have a neutral skin tone, consider yourself lucky, as you can pull off both warm and cool-toned necklaces with ease – silver or gold the decision is yours!

2. Personal Preference: While skin tone is a helpful guideline, personal preference should always be a primary consideration. If you have a strong inclination towards a specific colour, go for it! Your confidence and comfort in wearing the necklace will ultimately enhance your overall style and appearance.

3. Occasion: Think about the occasions or events where you intend to wear the necklace. For formal or sophisticated settings, classic gold or silver necklaces can add an elegant touch to your outfit. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more casual or bohemian vibe, stick with silver or gunmetal.

4. Versatility: If you’re looking for a chain necklace that can easily match a variety of outfits, opt for a neutral colour such as silver or gold. These colours are incredibly versatile and can seamlessly transition from day to night, from casual to formal wear.

5. Clothing Colour: Consider the colours of the clothing you typically wear. A complementary necklace colour can enhance your outfit, while a clashing colour might create a disjointed look. For example, a silver necklace can beautifully accentuate cool-toned clothing, while gold pairs well with warm-coloured attire.

6. Gemstones or Accents: If you’re choosing a necklace with gemstones or decorative accents, take their colours into account. A gemstone with your birthstone or a favourite colour can add a personal touch and make the necklace more meaningful.

7. Trend vs. Timeless: While trendy colours can be fun and stylish, classic necklace colours like silver and gold are timeless investments. They will remain stylish for years to come and can be easily passed down as heirlooms.

Choosing the right colour necklace is a combination of considering your skin tone, personal preference, the occasion, and the versatility of the colour. Ultimately, the perfect necklace should reflect your style and enhance your confidence. Whether you opt for a classic silver or gold piece or decide on a bolder colour, embrace the chain that speaks to you and complements your unique sense of style.

WINNER: Ideally get one of each; silver, gold and rose gold! If you’re still unsure, the most popular colour for a mens chain is silver due to its timeless appeal.

RUNNER UP: Gold

What Is The Best Material For a Men’s Necklace?

Choosing the right material for your chain is essential for both style and durability. Here are some commonly used materials available at Alfred & Co. London:

Stainless steel is the best material for a men’s chain due to its durability and ability to retain its lasting shine. Overall stainless steel is a better material than sterling silver for a men’s necklace. Read on to find out more.

a) Stainless Steel: Stainless steel chains are renowned for their durability, affordability, and resistance to tarnish. They are an excellent option for those seeking a modern and rugged look. A key advantage of stainless steel over sterling silver is that it is much stronger, 100% waterproof, and much more durable overall – stainless steel lasts longer and retains its overall shine for longer than silver. It’s for this reason that stainless steel is the preferred choice material for a men’s chain instead of sterling silver! If you’re interested in finding out more about why stainless steel jewellery is better than sterling silver you can read this article.

b) Sterling Silver: Sterling silver chains are elegant and timeless, making them a popular choice for men. They offer a brilliant shine and pair well with various outfits. Overtime sterling silver will inevitably begin to tarnish and lose its brilliant shine due to the oxidation process which takes place.

c) Gold Plated: For a touch of luxury, gold-plated chains are an excellent option. They offer the look of gold at a more affordable price point.

WINNER: Stainless steel is the best material for a men’s chain due to its durability and ability to retain its lasting shine.

RUNNER UP: Gold Plated chains are a highly popular men’s chain due to their luxurious appeal.

Styling Tips for Men’s Chains & Necklaces:

a) Casual Look: For a laid-back, casual outfit, pair a simple chain with a t-shirt or an open-collar shirt. A chain always works unbelievably well when layered with one of our stylish pendant necklaces.

b) Formal Attire: To elevate your formal attire, opt for a more refined chain, such as the Thin ice chain or another one of our slimmer/minimal styles.

c) Layering Chains: as already mentioned above, experimenting with layering is a great way to showcase your personal style. Combining different chain lengths and styles, like the Rope Chain paired with the Compass necklace can create a fashionable and eye-catching look.

WINNER: LAYERING LOOK

RUNNER UP: CASUAL

Should Men Wear Necklaces?

These days it’s hard to catch a glimpse of a top-notch male celebrity who isn’t wearing wearing men’s chains. From Brooklyn Beckham and Thor’s Chris Hemsworth to Drake with his diamonds, male jewellery is everywhere. And here’s why:

1) Wearing a necklace shows you’re happy with your masculinity and, in fact, that you have the nerve to wear something other guys are afraid to. And anyway, the days when it was only women who wore visible jewellery, are long gone. Both sexes can now wear whatever they like. Remember Connell Waldron’s (Paul Mescal) single silver chain in Normal People? Now he was hot!! And so was the chain – it even had its own Instagram account (@connellschain).

2) A single, thin, chain necklace can be sexy. It draws the eye to the chest. area – and if, you’ve been working out and have toned pecs, then ‘bingo.’ Wearing a long, chain necklace is a great way to highlight what you’ve achieved with all those work-outs.

3) It shows you keep up to date with fashion trends in that you don’t want to get left behind. Not only that but you care about your image and of being ‘modern’ and up to date. Your personal style is important to you. In fact, designer Marc Jacobs went one step further when he referred to his pearl necklace as “part of my ritual of self-care, and I can be of service to other people when I take care of myself. So, it is kind of a symbol of my well-being in a way, you know, that I care.”

4) Wearing men’s chains with a pendant, such as a Jewish star or some other religious symbolism, allows men to display a bit more of their identity. In other words, it’s a means of self-expression (and a lot more sophisticated one than a cartoon tie, for instance).

5) If that chain has been given to you by someone special ie spouse, parent or child, then it can have an emotional attachment. Think of it as the bodily equivalent of having a photo of a loved one on your desk.

6) Wearing several chains allows you to declare your own fashion statement. And taking of which, Harry Styles and his pearl necklace certainly got plenty of folk talking – despite the fact Marc Jacob had got there first – in 2020, in fact.

7) It’s more likely to get you a date. A YouGov survey of over 4000 participants found that 31 per cent of those surveyed believed jewellery made a man appear more attractive than if he wore none. Less than 10 per cent though jewellery was a turn-off. 

How Should Men Layer Necklaces?

Layering men’s chains is a great look – provided it’s done properly. What are we talking about? Well, read on…

What are you Wearing?

Patterned shirts and V-necked jumpers aren’t a great base for layering necklaces. Why? There’s too much going on to interfere with the layering look. The best items to wear are crew neck t-shirts or jumpers in a plain colour.

Let one necklace shine

Too many chains with pendants will ruin the effect. They’ll clash with each other. Instead, have one knock-out pendant piece and the rest plain chains so as not to divert from the ‘prize’ pendant.

Keep it matchy-matchy

Don’t mix up your silver, gold and copper jewellery. Stick to the one precious metal. And that doesn’t just apply to necklaces but other items you’re wearing too, such as metal belt buckles and rings. Otherwise you’ll look as if you don’t know what you’re doing style-wise. And no one wants to make that faux pas.

Vary lengths

Don’t have several men’s chains of the same length all ‘clumping’ together to form one mega-chain. Instead, make sure they’re all of different lengths – a short, medium and long chain (if you want to wear three – but two chains look good too). A distance of up to 10cm between chains is advised (unless it’s a large pendant in which case, give that eye-opener more space).

Use chains to ‘point’

What do we mean by this? We mean use the most dramatic of your men’s chains to draw the eyes to a feature of your body you want to emphasise. It could be a short chain which makes people look at your face, or a longer version to draw the eyes to your pecs (a low-hanging dangler beneath your nipples).

You’re not Mr T

So, don’t wear all your heavy men’s chains at once, otherwise it’ll just look like one big clunky gold or silver mass. Get your big (or medium) sized pendant show-stealer and arrange thinner men’s chains around this. That way the thinner chains will be a subtle backdrop to your attention-grabbing piece. Now, off you go and layer it right…

Summary:

Men’s chains and necklaces are versatile accessories that can elevate any outfit, adding a touch of individuality and style. By understanding different chain styles, choosing the right length and material, and following simple styling tips, you can confidently incorporate chains into your wardrobe. Alfred & Co. London offers a wide range of men’s chains and necklaces, each crafted with precision and quality. Explore our full men’s chains collection to find the perfect chain that complements your style and expresses your unique personality. With the right chain, you’ll effortlessly exude confidence and style in every situation.