The Complete Guide to Standard Mens Necklace Length

Introduction

The most common error males make when choosing a necklace is selecting an incorrect chain length. A short chain appears constricting, while a long one likely will not show and will not hang correctly.

This guide provides an overview of standard mens necklace lengths. You will learn which lengths are suitable, how to determine the correct thickness, and how to match chain size with your height and clothing style.

Types of Men’s Chain Lengths

Short Necklaces

Short chains rest right on your collarbone, at about the height of your shirt collar. These fit round-neck and V-neck shirts, staying above the neckline. Little pendants are okay here; big ones might look too crowded.

Medium Necklaces

Medium-length chains are the most popular for a good reason. They are long enough to fall just underneath the collarbone, providing a natural resting point. They can be worn with most outfits and around most necks.

Most men will start with medium-length chains since they are the least likely to cause an issue. They can be worn beneath a button-up shirt with the top button left undone or over a t-shirt.

Long Necklaces

Long necklaces are eye-catching. Long necklaces drop below the chest or halfway down the torso. The length isn’t for everyone, but when done properly, it can provide a very fashionable addition to any outfit.

Understanding the Standard Men’s Necklace Lengths

18 Inches (45 cm): The Collarbone Chain

The 18-inch chain rests low on your neck, just above your collarbone. This is the shortest standard length available.

• Where it fits: Suitable for guys with a wiry build. If you have a thicker neck or wider shoulders, the 18-inch chain may feel restrictive, like a choker.

• How to wear: You can wear unadorned chains at this length. If you do wear a pendant, make sure it’s small and lightweight. It does okay against crew-neck shirts and pairs well with casual clothing.

20 Inches (50 cm): The Most Standard

A standard chain length for men is 20 inches, which hangs at approximately the same height as a man’s collarbone. Many people see this chain length as being ideally suited to most men.

• Why is it standard length?: It works for every size of neck. It’s long enough to be comfortable yet short enough to remain visible. For example, when you leave the top button of your collared shirt unbuttoned, a 20-inch chain hangs directly on your chest.

• Work with Pendant: This chain length is also ideal for making a statement with your pendant. The pendant will hang in the perfect spot for all to see it without being too obviously over-the-top.

22 Inches (55 cm): The Mid-Chest Layer

The 22” chain length falls just below the collarbone, right at the top of the sternum.

• Good for layering: If you want to wear two chains, the 22” chain complements the 20” chain. The 2” of space between them allows for attractive layering without tangling.

• Over a shirt: The 22” chain length looks good over a t-shirt or casual top. Medium pendants look nice because they have space to move and sparkle.

24 Inches (60 cm): The Mid-Torso Statement

The 24-inch chain sits somewhere in the sternum (mid-breastbone) area. At this length, your chain makes a statement: you care about your accessories.

• Ready for statement pieces: the 24-inch chain is where you start adding larger pendants, dog tags, and religious cross medallions. The added length allows your pieces not to weigh so heavily on your neck.

• On the outside: 24-inch chains are meant to be worn outside of your clothes. They are easily visible and many times an accessory statement piece to your outfit. If you’re looking for something discreet, this isn’t your length.

28-30 Inches (70-75 cm): The Long Chain

Long chains (28-30 inches) are removed from your chest, sometimes down to the area of your naval. This is only for experts – not the casual or everyday guy.

• Only statement pieces: Chunky Cuban links, rosary, or hip-hop. These are the centrepiece of your whole appearance.

• Watch the thickness: Long chains can appear bulky if done wrong. Think thick, not too chunky. Thin chains may not work with long chains, but big chains may overwhelm a smaller guy.

How to Choose the Thickness for Necklace Chain

Chain thickness is as important as chain length. A 2-6mm thick chain works for most guys. This thickness looks good, can carry a light to medium pendant, and blends well with most attire.

1-6mm

1-6 mm thick is the average chain thickness in men’s jewelry. The thickness doesn’t look obtrusive or too flashy. A 3-4 mm chain can hold a small to medium pendant without looking overwhelmed.

If you are looking for your first chain, go for a 2-4 mm thick chain. This thickness works for business casual and, importantly, for weekends. The majority of good chain options are 2-4 mm thick.

6-10mm

Chains in the range of 6-10mm are bold, daring, and have an overall presence. At this thickness, the chain itself is the focal point of the jewelry; therefore, there is no need for a pendant. Two of the most popular styles at this thickness are Cuban chains and Figaro chains.

If you are larger or like to wear streetwear-style clothing, then this thick chain will appear very natural on you. On smaller frames, however, a chain 8 mm or thicker may seem too heavy.

How to Choose the Right Length for You

Consider Your Body Type & Height

Depending on your body type, some chain lengths will work better than others. Taller guys above 6 feet or those with large chests can wear longer chains between 22 inches and 24 inches. Anything shorter may appear too tight.

Men shorter than 5’8″ or with slim builds should wear 18-inch to 20-inch long chains to achieve better proportions. A 24-inch chain on a small frame hangs too low, creating an imbalanced look.

Factor in the Pendant Size

Your pendant size dictates your chain length more than anything else. Anything under 1 inch will need a 20 – 22 inch chain. Popular choices here include small religious symbols, geometric shapes, and initials.

Dog tags, medallions, and other things over 2 inches need a minimum of a 22 – 24 inch chain. Heavy pendants drag down the chain, leaving an uncomfortable weight on your neck. Large pendants also require a thicker chain – usually 4mm or more.

Think About Your Wardrobe

Your choice of apparel determines the location of your chain and the appropriate lengths.

Crew neck T-shirts: A 20-inch length or longer will protrude through the strange material. If you need the chain out there, go for 20 to 22 inches.

Collared shirts (unbuttoned): The very convenient 20-inch length. That will fit squarely across your chest if you have the appropriate one or two buttons unfastened. You can incorporate great products from stainless steel jewelry manufacturers with this as well.

Turtlenecks and sweaters: Medium chains fight with high necklines. You need to choose either a long chain (24 inches +, preferably resting outside the clothing) or a short chain (18 inches, preferably sitting on top of the clothing).

Advanced Styling: Layering Necklaces

Chain layering has become increasingly used in fashion to elevate your style, and therefore should be carefully planned. Here are tips on how to effectively layer chains.

• The 2-chain rule: Layer no more than two chains at once. Layering three or more chains can overwhelm your look. Maintain at least a 2 inch space between the two chains. The 20 inch and 22 inch chains are the most commonly paired combination for the best layered appearance, displaying ample space while not being excessively spaced apart.

• Texture contrast: Mix and match chain shapes to add variety to your look. Try a thick Cuban chain with a thin ball chain, or a rope chain with a flat Figaro chain. And, the difference in thickness separates the chains and makes sure they don’t get tangled.

• The pendant layer: One of the most foolproof ways to layer chains is to keep a simple chain (typically 20 inches) as your shorter one and add a chain with a pendant (usually around 22 inches). This gives you a nice focal point with the bottom chain and depth with the top chain.

Conclusion

The 20-inch chain is the most standard size for guys. It works well with almost any outfit, fits all body sizes, and hangs pendants at the appropriate spot. Consider your body, your outfit, and the pendant you want to wear.

OOTB has a full selection of men’s chain necklaces in all common lengths and widths. Please call us for product questions and made-to-order information.

Frequently Asked Questions