Men's chain necklaces are extremely popular today. Not only chain necklaces are trendy, but they are also timeless and effortless to wear. Depending on how you wear your chain, it can make you look like a gentleman or give you street credit. You can wear a neck chain by itself or add a pendant on it.
If you're looking for the most popular chain necklaces for men, you've come to the right place. To help you find your perfect style, we have put together a quick guide about all the most popular chain necklace types that any man can pull off.
We made sure to only include on our list chain necklaces that are affordable yet made of high-quality, anti-allergic, durable materials. If you choose one of the classic chain necklace designs we have picked for you, you can be sure to know the design is timeless and the chain lasts with you for years to come.
Without further ado, let's get to it!
1. Rope chain necklaces
On the left: 2mm Silver Rope Chain Necklace, €19.95 EUR.
On the right: Gold Rope Chain in 2mm, 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, 6mm, and 7mm.
Rope chain necklaces are one of the most popular chain necklace types, year after year. The chain consists of small links that form a twisted, spiral-like pattern, just like a rope. Rope chains are worn by a range of men, from businessmen to rappers. The elegant and beautiful design looks amazing by itself but carries any pendant in class as well.
A rope chain is one of the strongest chains. If you have a heavy pendant and wish to have a rather thin chain for it, a rope chain is probably the best option for you. It doesn't break easily, especially if it's partly or fully made of stainless steel.
Wearing a two-tone chain is a great way to add interesting detail to your outfit. Normally, wearing gold and silver jewelry simultaneously is a big fashion mistake, but if it's a jewelry piece made of different metal tones, wearing one is extremely trendy. 2mm Silver Gold Rope Chain Necklace, €29.95 EUR. Also available in 4mm and 6mm.
A timeless classic, a simple silver-toned rope chain necklace like this is durable and looks expensive. It will complement your outfit effortlessly on any occasion, special or mundane. The chain carries a silver pendant beautifully. 2mm Silver Rope Chain Necklace, €19.95 EUR. Also available in 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, 6mm, and 7mm.
2. Curb chain necklaces
On the left: 5mm Gold Curb Chain Necklace, €29.95 EUR.
On the right: Silver Curb Chain in 3.5mm, 5mm, 6.4mm, 8mm, and 10mm.
Curb chain necklaces are another classic style, adored by both men and women. A curb chain is probably the most basic chain design you can go for. The chain consists of identical links that lay flat even while interlocked.
If you're looking for a subtle everyday chain that you can wear on any occasion, a curb chain thinner than 5mm is a great choice. If you're looking for something flashier, choose a thicker chain. Curb chains are most often worn without a pendant.
A curb chain is probably the most basic chain type there is. A sure choice for all occasions, a curb chain enhances your attire, no matter your style. Gold color looks good on warm skin tones. 3.5mm Gold Curb Chain Necklace, €27.95 EUR. Also available in 5mm, 6.4mm, 8mm, and 10mm.
Black is not the most traditional chain necklace color there is but it is increasing in popularity day by day. Black chain necklaces are very masculine and look exceptional with an all-black outfit. 3mm Black Curb Chain Necklace, €24.95 EUR. Also available in 4.5mm, 6mm, and 7.5mm.
3. Figaro chain necklaces
On the left: 4.5mm Gold Figaro Chain Necklace, €26.95 EUR.
On the right: Silver Figaro Chain in 3mm, 4mm, 5.5mm, 6mm, and 7mm.
Figaro chains are similar to curb chains but have a longer, oval-shaped link after every three links. The figaro chain was originally designed in Italy. Its popularity peaked during the 1990s, but it is still one of the most wanted chain types.
The simple yet interesting design makes it a great every-day necklace for men that like to keep things sophisticated and not at all boring. It's the neck chain choice for a man with high standards. The figaro chain is usually worn without a pendant. However, one of the current necklace trends is to wear a pendant on a thin figaro chain.
Gold sophistication designed in Italy. Wearing a gold-toned figaro chain indicates you know what you like and won't settle for less. The optimal ratio of round and oval links create a harmonic combination. 3mm Gold Figaro Chain Necklace, €24.95 EUR. Also available in 4.5mm, 6mm, 7.5mm, 9.5mm, and 11mm.
The same chain, yet in pure silver color. Whether you like your jewelry in silver or gold is up to your personal preference. A good rule of thumb is that gold looks good on warm skin tones and silver on cool skin tones. 3mm Silver Figaro Chain Necklace, €21.95 EUR. Also available in 4mm, 5.5mm, 6mm, 7mm, 9mm, and 13.5mm.
4. Box chain necklaces
On the left: 4mm Silver Box Chain Necklace, €36.95 EUR.
On the right: 3mm Silver Box Chain Necklace, €32.95 EUR.
Box chains are very strong chains made of square links. The box chain is an elegant and sturdy alternative to a ball chain, usually seen on dog tag necklaces. The unique and durable design makes it stand out from the crowd, and endure daily wear easily for years. A timeless classic, wearing a box chain necklace gives you a sophisticated look.
A gold-toned box chain looks sturdy and is durable, thus, being the perfect chain to support a heavy pendant. The thicker the chain, the better its details show. 2mm Gold Box Chain Necklace, €28.95 EUR. Also available in 3mm, 4mm, and 5mm.
A black box chain gives you an instant trendy vibe. Wear it with or without a pendant. In any case, wearing one tells you're on top of your fashion game. 2mm Black Box Chain Necklace, €26.95 EUR. Also available in 3mm and 4mm.
5. Wheat chain necklaces
On the left: 7.5mm Stainless Steel Wheat Chain Necklace, €33.95 EUR.
On the right: 3mm Gold Wheat Chain Necklace, €28.95 EUR.
Wheat chain necklaces look great with or without a pendant. The links create a beautiful, braided pattern that resembles a wheat stalk. The design is very harmonious and symmetrical, pleasing the eye in any thickness. A thin 3mm wide wheat chain looks exceptional with a pendant. Thicker chains are best worn by themselves. Although wheat chains are popular, they're not the most traditional chains. Therefore, if you're looking for a beautiful chain not everyone wears, a wheat chain is a superb option.
Symmetrical on all sides, a wheat chain is a treat to the eye. The chain is mesmerizing to look at, thanks to the seamlessly blending links. A silver-toned wheat chain like this looks great with or without a pendant. 3mm Silver Wheat Chain, €28.95 EUR. Also available in 5mm, 6mm, and 7mm.
The pattern of the wheat chain combined with a gold color reminds of a field full of wheat stalks bathing in warm sunlight. 3mm Gold Wheat Chain Necklace, €28.95 EUR. Also available in 5mm, 6mm, and 7mm.
6. Rolo chain necklaces
On the left: 2.4mm Silver Rolo Chain Necklace, €43.95 EUR.
On the right: Gold Rolo Chain in 1.6mm, 2.4mm, 3mm, 4mm, and 5mm.
Rolo chains are the most delicate chain type on this list. Rolo chains are the standard of thin chains. If you think of a typical dainty chain, you probably picture a rolo chain. Some like to wear one without any ornaments, but a rolo chain is designed to carry a charm or a pendant on it. If you have an amulet you want to bring out, choosing a rolo chain makes sure it gets all the attention instead of the chain.
A delicate rolo chain gets character from bold black color. It is the perfect basic chain to pair with a black pendant. Even though a rolo chain is thin, it is still extremely strong and holds a pendant easily. 1.6mm Black Rolo Chain Necklace, €43.95 EUR. Also available in 2.4mm, 3mm, 4mm, and 5mm.
Silver and gold are the classic colors, equally popular among men. Choose your preferred length for this silver-toned rolo chain and pair with a pendant of the same color. 1.6mm Silver Rolo Chain Necklace, €41.95 EUR. Also available in 2.4mm, 3mm, 4mm, and 5mm.
7. Thick chain necklaces
On the left: 8mm Silver Herringbone Chain Necklace, €59.95 EUR.
On the right: 10mm Gold Curb Chain Necklace, €34.95 EUR.
Thick chain necklaces are what you want to wear if you want a flashy chain that catches the eye. The only right way to wear a thick chain necklace is to wear it alone as a focal piece of jewelry, with no pendants, unless you want to look like a hip hop artist. The thicker the chain, the more masculine it will look.
If a thick chain is what you want to go for, you can counterbalance the thickness by choosing a flat chain. Examples of flat chains include herringbone, snake, curb, and figaro. While flat designs are the most popular of thick chains, a rope, franco, or wheat chain can look amazing as well.
A flat herringbone chain, especially in gold color, looks exquisite and expensive. No wonder why it's one of the favorite chains of wealthy men. If your goal is to look rich, a gold-toned herringbone chain is your top choice. Even though this chain is flat, it is made of strong stainless steel, making sure it doesn't kink in any circumstance. 8mm Gold Herringbone Chain Necklace, €59.95 EUR. Also available in 5mm.
A franco chain is a modification from the traditional curb chain. It is thicker, sturdier, and more often worn by men than women. The links on a franco chain form a refined V-shape. 8mm Silver Franco Chain Necklace, €62.95 EUR. Also available in 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, and 6mm.
8. Designer chain necklaces
On the left: 6mm Antique Cable Chain Necklace, €27.95 EUR.
On the right: 9.5mm Chunky Designer Chain Necklace, €69.95 EUR.
Designer chains intrigue men who want something more than just a basic chain. While most of the chain styles on this list are classic, timeless, and simple, designer chains add a little more to the equation. It may be the details, an unusual color, or a special way the links are connected.
A designer chain doesn't necessarily fall under any traditional chain style. That's why it's not easy to put a designer chain into any specific compartment, and people may not easily recognize or find a similar chain. If you want your style to be unique, a designer chain is what you should go for.
The links close to each other, this chain is a designer's take on a traditional curb chain. Made of solid stainless steel, this chain never loses its color or shine. 8mm Stainless Steel Link Chain Necklace, €25.95 EUR.
A chunky mariner chain necklace decorated with infinity symbols. Designed for men who are not afraid to draw attention, this chain necklace lacks no size or details. 9.5mm Chunky Stainless Steel Chain Necklace, €69.95 EUR.
9. Leather chain necklaces
On the left: 5mm Woven Leather Chain Necklace, €34.95 EUR.
On the right: 3mm Leather Chain Necklace With Gold Details, €35.95 EUR.
Leather necklaces consist of a leather cord and are usually secured with a metal clasp. The cord surface can be smooth or braided. Both are equally popular.
You can wear a leather chain necklace as a good alternative for a regular metal chain. The weight is often light and the feel is soft, making a leather necklace very comfortable to wear daily. Some like to wear a pendant on their leather chain and some like to wear it solo, and in our opinion, both ways look amazing.
A braided leather chain necklace made of long-lasting black vegan leather. Although you can wear the necklace with the clasp on the back, a clasp like this looks great on the front side of the necklace as well. 3mm Black & Silver Leather Chain Necklace, €35.95 EUR. Also available in 4mm and 5mm.
A braided black leather chain necklace with a gold clasp elevates your outfit instantly. Add a pendant or wear it solo. 3mm Black & Gold Leather Chain Necklace, €35.95 EUR. Also available in 4mm and 5mm.
10. Bead chain necklaces
On the left: 6mm Black Onyx Bead Chain Necklace, €34.95 EUR.
On the right: 8mm Tiger Eye Bead Chain Necklace, €63.95 EUR.
Beaded necklaces are their own class, easy to tell apart from metal chains. What usually comes first in mind, are hippies and surfers that rock natural bead chains, made of stone, puka shells, or wood beads. However, there is another school that is into beaded chain necklaces.
Wealthy men often prefer elegant, usually quite expensive, bead necklaces made of semi-precious stone beads over easy-going surfer bead necklaces. These necklaces are regularly complimented with precious metal details and possibly some gemstones. These necklaces are a whole different class and can be seen sported by men of wealth and style. The bead chain examples below belong to the latter class because we are all about affordable high-class accessories.
A luxurious bead chain necklace made of brown tiger eye stone, black lava stone, and stainless steel. The beads are heavy and feel very valuable. The necklace resists water and doesn't tarnish so you can wear it anywhere, every day, for years to come. 8mm Tiger Eye Stone Bead Chain Necklace, €63.95 EUR.
A long bead chain necklace made of black onyx stone and stainless steel. The elegant combination matte-finished black onyx beads and silver details give your attire a fine finish. 6mm Black Onyx Bead Chain Necklace, €34.95 EUR.
The list of the most popular chain necklaces has come to an end. We hope you now have a better understanding of what chain styles are the most popular among men.
All the picks on our list are affordable and come with an extremely high price-to-quality ratio. Each chain is made of stainless steel or silver and will last with you for many years. We know some men prefer gold over stainless steel, even though it is not as strong and not as easy maintenance, and for those men, this GQ's article titled the Best Chain Necklaces Bring The Flash Your Fits Have Been Missing is a great read. And, if the price point of the chains in this post was right but you're looking for something more, visit our Men's Necklace Collection.
Also, before you purchase any necklace, you should consider the length of the chain. The same chain in a different length can give a completely different vibe, so it is very important to choose the correct length.
The most popular men's necklace lengths are 18 inches, 20 inches, and 22 inches. One of those is a safe choice if you are unsure of the optimal length. Anything shorter can look like a choker around thick necks, and longer ones create a laid-back, casual look. The chain length chart below gives a nice idea of how chains of different lengths fall on a man's neck. Before purchase, you should think of what you want to communicate with your necklace and choose the length accordingly.
Thank you for reading!
Suggested reading
Best Men's Pinky Rings With Affordable Prices & High Quality
The Cheapest Tourbillon Watch In The World
