What is the Best Chain Size for a Pendant?

Lester Fangonilo - October 19, 2021

Are you sure about the chain size for the pendant you’re wearing? Know which is the best chain size for pendants in this article.

24-inch Silver Necklace with Compass Pendant

When it comes to men's jewelry, most guys tend to go in either one of two directions: overkill by layering chain on chain with massive pendants and a host of bracelets, bangles, and rings; and more subtle with a single chain with an elegant pendant paired with sheer sartorial splendor.

For the most part, 50cm (20 inches) is the standard for men as it falls between the two top buttons of one's shirt - but this measurement works best if you're wearing a chain on its own. 

If you're planning to wear the chain with a pendant, the length should be between 53 and 63cm (22 to 25 inches), slightly longer than a chain that you wear alone. Wearing chains of this length ensures that the pendant falls squarely into the middle of the wearer's chest.

3mm Cuban Chain Silver

If in doubt, be sure to check out this guide before you make your selection:

• 35-45 cm (14-18”) – These are practically choker-length and will fit closely to your skin. These form-fitting chains will be visible well above the collar of your shirt.
• 50-55 cm (20-22”) – As stated earlier, this is the most common size range for men’s necklaces. These fall to the wearer’s collarbone and you can wear them in or out of your shirt.  
• 55-61 cm (22-24”) – Slightly longer than the previous size range, these chains fall to the middle of one’s chest and work better with heavier pendants like medallions, chunky avant-garde pieces, and even dog tags. You can wear them inside or outside your shirt, but these are striking when you wear them with a shirt with an open collar. 
• 61-76 cm (24-30”) – This size is a great favorite among the hip-hop crowd. Longer with considerably chunkier links, these are a visual spectacle, especially when paired with huge statement pendants that are bound to grab everyone’s attention. 

Which Chain Works Best with Men's Pendants?

Dove Pendant Necklace

Cable Chains are the most popular when it comes to men's necklaces and these are also the most appropriate for use with pendants. They may not make too many statements with their simplicity, but they serve as a magnificent backdrop for a good pendant.

Rope Chains are also an excellent choice and they add a hint of rustic charm to an outfit, especially when used with quirky, avant-garde pendants with a playful look. These are also among the most durable chains and they will serve you well for a long time.

Wheat Chains are made with tiny oval links that are looped together to make them look like the tips on a wheat-stalk. These are also great to use with smaller, more understated pendants.

Box Chains are sturdy where wheat chains have a more delicate look, making them a great chain to pair with more substantial-looking pendants.

Snake Chains are chains made with fine links that form a smooth, somewhat rounded zig-zag pattern reminiscent of snakeskin - are also excellent for wearing with pendants and even add a somewhat wild twist.

Ball Chains are bolder, more masculine to look at. For this reason, these work best with dog-tag pendants or heavy metal emblems rendered in silver or pewter. They exude more strength than elegance, but these are perfect for wearing with rugged outfits, leather, and denim.

Cuban Chain - most popular chain design and looks like rolo chain only this is bigger and thicker.

Franco Chain - design is based off of the Italian curb pattern. Two to four v-shaped links are interwoven together to form the franco link chain. 

Figaro Chain - one of the most popular link chains that is almost the same as cable and rolo chains, however, unlike the other two, Figaro link chains don't follow a uniform pattern. It uses a pattern of 2:1 2 small circular links and 1 elongated link after. 

Mooncut Chain - it has a diamond-cut design that focuses more on the light reflecting off of it. The hand-crafted design allows light to reflect from different angles. 

Byzantine Chain - has a very unique design inspired by ancient styles.

Herringbone Chain - its design is like a herringbone’s flesh and is made of v-shaped links interlocked with one another to achieve a flowy chain.

Rolo Chain - is a common link chain made of round or oval links that are connected together in an alternating pattern.