From the biggest celebrities to your hometown buddies, every guy suddenly seems to have a chain necklace. Men’s chains may be the hottest accessory of the 2020s. But if you still don’t know much about men’s chains, don’t worry: you’re not alone. Plenty of guys are just starting to learn more about jewelry and how to style it. So, we created this guide to answer some of the most common questions we get about men’s chains, and to help you feel more confident buying one for yourself. 

Chain Types

Rope Chains

Rope chains are formed by twisting several links into metal ‘knots’ until the chain looks like a woven rope. The dense twists make it one of the strongest chain types on the market. Rope chains are closely associated with street style thanks to early rap groups like Run DMC, whose members popularized the rope chain in the ‘80s. They often wore large, flashy rope chains without pendants or other necklaces–one impressive chain was enough! 

Curb Chains

Curb chains are made from interwoven links, which are twisted so that they lie flat. Curb chain links can have flat edges or rounded edges–as long as the links are uniform, it counts as a curb chain. Curb links are not as tightly packed as the links on a Cuban chain, so they have a less dense appearance. They’re less likely to kink or twist thanks to the flat faces of the links. 

Cuban Chains

Cuban chains are made of thick, rounded links that, when interwoven, form a chain that looks flat from the front but rounded from the sides. They differ from curb chains in that they are typically heavier and the links are more tightly packed.The flat front makes it look particularly shiny. Many people consider Cuban links the classic men’s chain style. 

Figaro Chains

Figaro chains were also developed in Italy and are named after the character Figaro, who appeared in several popular Italian operas. It consists of two or three flattened, circular links followed by one elongated oval link. This unique design makes it a real standout piece. 

Box Chains

Box chains are made from three-dimensional cube shaped links. The links are tightly woven together to give the chain a dense and dynamic look. The box chain was invented in Venice in the 6th century, and because of this it is also known as the Venetian chain. Like other tightly woven chains, box chains are very durable and a great choice if you’d like to experiment with adding pendants to your chain. 

Mariner Chains

Mariner chains are made from oval links with bars in the centers. The links resemble an anchor, which is how this style earned its seaworthy name. Mariner chains can be flat, but they’re also commonly made with a ‘puffed’ design–i.e., rounder and thicker links. 

Franco Chains

Franco chains consist of tightly interwoven V-shaped links. These unique links have some major benefits. For one, they’re extra sturdy and durable. It’s harder for the chain to break, and it’s strong enough to hold pendants if you’d like to add one. The V-shape also makes the links easy to solder in case you need a repair, and also makes it more difficult for the links to tangle. 

Singapore Chains

The Singapore chain can be considered a fusion of the curb chain and the rope chain. Instead of the tight, woven look of a classic rope chain, Singapore chains feature looser, braided interlocking links. This intricate design makes the Singapore chain a great choice for anyone looking for a unique piece. These chains are more delicate than others, so be sure to wear yours with care. 

Chain Length Chart

Length is one of the most important factors to consider when buying a chain. You might prefer a chain that sits closer to your neck to pair with high-collared shirts or to layer with other, longer chains. Or, you might prefer a chain that sits in the middle of your chest. The chain length chart below is a good visual guide. 
 Keep in mind that the same chain length can look very different on two people with differing body types. A 24” chain might look shorter on someone with broad shoulders and a muscular build, and longer on someone with a more slender frame. So, be sure to take your body type into consideration when choosing a chain length. 

Chain Thickness

2-3mm: These chains are thin, understated pieces. They’re perfect if you want to add a subtle touch of shine to your look. You’ll also want to have a couple of these for layering purposes. Thin chains are easy to add into any stack. 
4-5mm: Chains between 4mm and 5mm are ideal for everyday looks. Thick enough to catch the eye but not enough to be a statement piece, rock these chains solo or in a stack.
6-9mm: Chains in this range are sturdy enough to hold pendants. They’re great for both wearing solo or layering along with chains of other lengths and thicknesses. 
10mm and up: These chains are statement pieces on their own! Chains of this thickness don’t need any additional pendants or layered chains to stand out, though you can, of course, wear them however you’d like. 

How to Style a Men’s Chain

For Casual Occasions

Chains are one of the easiest and most foolproof ways to spice up a casual outfit. If you opt to wear a solo chain, you can keep it subtle, or choose a thicker or longer chain for a statement piece. You can also rock bold colors, such as black or blue stainless steel links, or add a pendant for some extra flair. 
Layering chains is a fun way to express your personality through your jewelry. Try building a stack of chains by mixing and matching pieces with different colors, link shapes, widths and textures.

For Work

Chains can add a touch of class to your business attire. However, it’s best not to be too flashy with your workwear. For your office looks, we recommend using a thinner chain. Go for a simple monochrome chain, such as one made from white or yellow-toned stainless steel. 
The office is a good place to wear your more intricate, delicate chains, such as Singapore chains or thin Franco chains. The detailed designs add a bit of intrigue without being too bold.

For Formal Occasions

Formal occasions like weddings and fancy date nights are a great place to show off your classier chains. You can choose an understated piece that lets your outfit take center stage, or a statement piece such as a chain with diamond accents. Coordinate your chain with a ring, bracelet or watch for a curated look.

Caring for Men’s Chains

Caring for your stainless steel men’s chain is easy, and you can do it with items you already have around the house. Follow these simple steps to keep your chain looking as shiny as it did the day you bought it:

1. In a bowl, mix a few drops of dish soap with warm water.
2. Place your chain in the water and allow it to sit, fully submerged, for about 10 minutes.
3. Take a soft-bristled toothbrush and gently scrub your chain to remove any residue.
4. Carefully rinse your chain under warm water.
5. Let it air dry, or dry it with a soft cloth such as a microfiber towel. 

How often you should clean your chain depends on how often you wear it. The more you wear it, the more it’s exposed to dirt, grime, dust and oils. If you wear your chain every day, it’s probably best to give it a quick scrub once every 2-3 weeks. If you wear it less frequently, once a month or once every couple of months may work best for you. Pay attention to how your chain looks–if it starts to lose its luster, it’s probably time for a clean. 

Find Your Men’s Chain at Robert Alton

We hope this blog helped you feel more confident about buying a men’s chain! And whether it’s your first chain or just the latest in your collection, we hope you start your search here at Robert Alton. We carry a wide variety of men’s chains, all crafted from the finest alternative metals and built to last you a lifetime. Explore our men’s chains to see more!