Men's Chain Length Guide: How to Choose the Right Necklace Length

The wrong chain length is the most common reason a men's necklace ends up in a drawer. Too short and it feels tight; too long and the pendant disappears under your shirt. Here's how to get it right the first time.

The short answer

Start with 60cm (24"). It sits just below the collarbone on most men and works with a tee, an open collar or a singlet. If you're unsure, that's the length to buy.

Where each length sits

• 45cm (18"): high and close at the base of the neck. Suits slimmer builds and a minimal look.
• 50cm (20"): just above the collarbone. Neat under a crew-neck tee.
• 55cm (22"): on the collarbone. The cleanest length for an open-collar shirt.
• 60cm (24"): just below the collarbone. The most popular length for men and the safest choice for a pendant.
• 70cm (27"): mid-chest. Made for layering under a shorter chain, or for a bolder pendant look.

Match the length to your build

Chain length is about your neck and chest, not your height. As a rough guide:

• Slim build or neck under 38cm: 45–55cm.
• Average build: 55–60cm.
• Broad chest or neck over 43cm: 60–70cm, so the chain doesn't sit tight.

Measuring tip: run a piece of string around your neck where you want the chain to sit, mark it, and measure it flat with a ruler. Add 5cm if you'll wear a pendant, as the pendant pulls the chain down into a V.

Box, Figaro or Cuban?

• Box chain: square links, smooth and minimal. Lets the pendant do the talking.
• Figaro chain: a classic pattern of three short links and one long. More texture without being loud.
• Cuban chain: flat, interlocking curb links. The boldest look, and it reads from across the room.

Layering two chains

Leave at least 5cm between chains so they don't tangle: a 55cm chain with a 60cm pendant, or 60cm with 70cm. Keep both chains the same finish, gold with gold or silver with silver, for a clean look.

Find your chain

El Bloque comes in all five lengths, in gold or silver, on a box, Figaro or Cuban chain. Browse every pendant and chain in Men's Necklaces, or build a set in Sets & Gifts. Buy any 2 jewellery pieces and save 15%, or 3 and save 20%, automatically at checkout.

Got the wrong length? Change-of-mind returns are accepted within 30 days. See Shipping & Returns.