Which chain length is right for you?
Where 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 and 26 inch chains sit on a man's neck and chest, and how to pick the right length for your build and style.
Chain length changes the whole look. Here's where each length sits on an average build, plus how to measure your own.
16–18 inch: close to the neck
16" sits at the base of the neck, almost like a choker. 18" sits on the collarbone. Both are neat under a shirt collar and work best on slimmer necks.
20 inch: the everyday choice
20" sits just below the collarbone and is the most popular length for men. It shows above a crew-neck tee and works with almost any chain style.
22–24 inch: over a tee
These sit on the upper to mid chest and show over a t-shirt. They're the best lengths for pendants, dog tags and ring pendants, and for broader necks and shoulders.
26 inch and longer
Lower chest. Mostly for layering with a shorter chain, or for a bold statement piece.
How to measure
Wrap a string around your neck where you want the chain to sit, mark it, and measure it flat. If you're between sizes, go longer: a chain that's too tight is uncomfortable, while slightly long still looks right. Rule of thumb: if your collar size is 16 or more, start from 22".
Layering tip
When layering, keep at least 2 inches between chains (for example 20" + 22" or 20" + 24") so they don't tangle.
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