Men's Thick Link Necklace

Chunky link necklaces for men: how to wear them with what you already own

A chunky link necklace is easy to buy and harder to wear well. The chain is not the problem; what goes around it is. This page is a styling guide: which outfits show a wide link best, when to keep it alone, and when a pendant makes sense. Every necklace here is steel, 316L stainless steel or titanium steel (a stainless steel alloy), in silver-tone, gold-tone or black depending on the model. To choose by width, see our main thick chains page.

Outfit by outfit

For a buttoned collar, our thin chains are the better choice.

Keep it alone, or add a pendant?

Most chunky chains look best alone. Two wide chains together, or a wide chain with a large pendant, often look crowded. There are two exceptions. The Franco link chain, with its square, four-faced links, is the strongest base we have for a heavy pendant; take it in 26" so the pendant has room. And if you mainly want a cross, the minimalist cross pendant necklace comes with its own round box chain, with a cross of 30, 43 or 53 mm.

Matching the tone

Match the necklace to your watch or your ring: silver-tone with a steel watch, gold-tone with a gold-colored case. Black plating, offered on the Franco and the Cuban link chain necklace, works with dark clothes and a black watch. If you add a bracelet, use the same link and the same tone; the chain and bracelet sets page shows matching pairs.

Everyday wear

You can wear it in the shower, at the gym and at the sea or the pool. Rinse with clear water after salt water or chlorine. Perfume and chlorine wear gold-tone and black plating over time; put the necklace on after perfume.