For most men, a 20-inch chain sits just below the collarbone and a 22-inch chain a couple of inches lower; those two lengths cover the majority of men and the majority of situations. Go 22″ to 24″ for a pendant, 18″ if you are slim or want the chain close to the neck, and 24″ and up for a long, layered look. Here is how to measure so you are not guessing, and how build, height, and pendants shift the answer.
Key takeaways
- 20″ is the most popular men’s chain length; 22″ is the second. If you can only pick one without measuring, pick 20″ for a plain chain or 22″ for a pendant.
- Measure your neck and add 2″ for a close fit, 4″ for a chain that sits below the collarbone.
- A pendant adds visual length, so size the chain so the pendant sits where you want it, not the clasp.
- For layering, keep 2″ to 4″ between chains: 18″ and 22″, or 20″ and 24″.
- Taller and broader men usually go one size longer; see Build and height.
Where each length sits
Chain length is measured end to end with the clasp closed, so a 20″ chain forms a loop with a 20″ circumference. Where that loop falls depends on your neck size: the bigger the neck, the more of the chain is used going around it and the higher it sits. The positions below assume a man with a 15″ to 16″ neck; add or subtract as described in the next section.
| Length | Where it sits (15–16″ neck) | How it reads | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16″ (41 cm) | Tight at the base of the neck, like a collar | Choker; unusual on men except in very slim builds | Slim men who want a close chain; rarely sold in men’s widths |
| 18″ (46 cm) | At the base of the neck, resting on the collarbone | Close, neat, visible with any collar open | Slim builds, smaller necks, the top chain in a layered pair |
| 20″ (51 cm) | Just below the collarbone | The standard; sits inside a T-shirt neckline or shows with a button undone | Most men, plain chains worn alone |
| 22″ (56 cm) | A couple of inches below the collarbone, on the upper chest | Relaxed; the chain shows over a crew neck | Pendants, larger builds, a chain worn over clothing |
| 24″ (61 cm) | Mid-chest, about halfway down the breastbone | Long; the chain swings when you move | Heavy chains, large pendants, the bottom chain in a layered pair, tall or broad men |
| 26″–30″ (66–76 cm) | Lower chest, down to the bottom of the breastbone | Very long; worn over clothing as a deliberate statement | Rosary styles, oversized pendants, layering three chains |
How to measure for your own neck
- Measure your neck. Wrap a soft tape measure, or a string you then lay against a ruler, around the base of your neck where a shirt collar sits. Keep it snug but not tight. Most men measure 14½″ to 17″ (37–43 cm); a dress-shirt collar size is the same number.
- Add for the fit you want. Add 2″ for a chain that sits at the base of the neck, 4″ for one that rests just below the collarbone, 6″ for the upper chest, and 8″ for mid-chest.
- Round up to the nearest even number. Men’s chains are sold in two-inch steps. When you are between sizes, go longer; a chain that sits a little low is normal, a chain that feels tight is not.
- Check with string. Tie a loop of string to the length you have in mind, put it on, and look in a mirror. It takes a minute and removes all doubt.
| Neck size | Close fit+2″ | Below collarbone+4″ | Upper chest+6″ | Mid-chest+8″ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14½″37 cm | 16″–18″ | 18″–20″ | 20″–22″ | 22″–24″ |
| 15½″39 cm | 18″ | 20″ | 22″ | 24″ |
| 16½″42 cm | 18″–20″ | 20″–22″ | 22″–24″ | 24″–26″ |
| 17½″44 cm | 20″ | 22″ | 24″ | 26″ |
| 18½″47 cm | 20″–22″ | 22″–24″ | 24″–26″ | 26″–28″ |
Build and height
Neck size does the heavy lifting, but two other things matter. A broad chest pushes a chain outward, which makes it sit shorter than the same chain on a narrow chest, so broad-shouldered and heavier men generally look better in 22″ to 24″ even with an average neck. Height changes proportion rather than position: on a 6′3″ frame an 18″ chain reads short and a 24″ reads right; on a 5′7″ frame the reverse. If you are tall or broad and unsure, go up one size. If you are slim or under 5′8″, 18″ or 20″ will usually look more deliberate than 22″.
With a pendant
A pendant hangs below the chain, so the pendant ends up 1″ to 2″ lower than the chain itself. Decide where you want the pendant and work backward: for a pendant at mid-chest, a 22″ chain on an average neck; for a pendant that shows over a T-shirt, 22″ or 24″; for a small pendant tucked under a shirt, 20″. Pendants over about 1½″ (38 mm) tall look crowded on a chain shorter than 22″, and a heavy pendant pulls the chain down, so a 20″ chain carrying a big pendant behaves like a 21″. Match the chain’s width and weight to the pendant too; our chain buying guide covers that.
Layering two or three chains
Layered chains work when they do not touch. Keep 2″ to 4″ of difference between each chain so they sit at distinct heights: 18″ and 22″, or 20″ and 24″, are the classic pairs. Vary the width as well as the length, with the shorter chain thinner and the longer chain heavier, and keep the styles related (a 3 mm curb over a 5 mm curb, or a 2 mm box with a pendant over a 4 mm Figaro). For three chains, 18″, 22″, and 26″ is the standard spacing. Chains of equal length tangle and look accidental.
Collars and necklines
- Crew-neck T-shirt: an 18″ or 20″ chain sits inside the neckline and shows a little at the collar; a 22″ chain sits over the shirt.
- V-neck or henley: 20″ or 22″ sits in the opening; a pendant at 22″ to 24″ fills it.
- Button-up with one or two buttons open: 18″ or 20″ shows at the base of the neck without fighting the collar.
- Under a dress shirt with a tie: 20″ keeps everything hidden; anything longer risks showing at the placket.
- Over a hoodie or jacket: 24″ and up, in a width that can hold its own against the fabric.
Common mistakes
- Buying 18″ because it is the first size listed. It is a women’s standard; most men need 20″ or 22″.
- Buying 24″ for a plain chain to be safe. On an average build it swings mid-chest and looks loose. Measure instead.
- Forgetting the pendant. Size for where the pendant hangs, not where the chain hangs.
- Layering chains 1″ apart. They will tangle within an hour.
- Ignoring the clasp position. On a long chain, a heavy clasp drifts around to the front. Choose a lighter lobster clasp on chains over 22″ that are worn without a pendant.
FAQ
Is 20 inches a good chain length for a man?
Yes; it is the most popular men’s length for a reason. On a 15″ to 16″ neck it sits just below the collarbone, works alone or under a shirt, and suits most builds. If you are broad or over 6′, 22″ may look more proportionate.
Is 22 inches too long for a man?
No. It is the second most common men’s length and the best choice for a pendant. On a slim man with a small neck it sits lower, closer to mid-chest, which can still look right if the chain is substantial.
What chain length is best for a pendant?
22″ for most men, 24″ for a large pendant or a bigger build. The pendant hangs an inch or two below the chain, so a 22″ chain puts a pendant around mid-chest.
Can a chain be shortened or lengthened?
A jeweler can shorten any chain by removing links. Lengthening requires matching links and is not always possible, so if you are torn between two sizes, buy the longer one. Some chains come with a 2″ extender, which lets you choose between two lengths.
What is the average man’s neck size?
About 15½″ to 16″ in the US, which is why 20″ and 22″ chains are the standard sizes. Measure yours; the difference between a 15″ and a 17″ neck is the difference between a 20″ chain sitting below the collarbone and sitting on it.
Bottom line
Measure your neck, add 4″, and round up to an even number: for most men that is 20″ or 22″. Go 22″ to 24″ for a pendant, 18″ if you are slim and want it close, and keep 2″ to 4″ between chains if you layer. When in doubt, buy the longer of two sizes.
Related guides
- Sterling Silver Chains for Men: The Complete Buying Guide
- Men’s Silver Chain Styles Compared
- Men’s Bracelet Size Guide
Positions describe a typical man with a 15″ to 16″ neck; use the measuring method above for your own. Conversions use 1 inch = 2.54 cm. Read our editorial policy.
