51 cm Chains
Steel chains, made to be worn every day.
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Won't turn your skin green
Stainless steel doesn't rust or react with skin.
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Measured to the millimetre
Width and length listed, so it looks as you expect.
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Wear it every day
Shower, gym, sea: the steel doesn't rust, so it can stay on.
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Free shipping over NZ$110
30-day returns1-year warranty
Read before you choose
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Mens Chain Necklace Length GuideDiscover the exact mechanics of men's chain sizing. Master the 20-inch standard, analyze chest proportions, and choose the perfect length with Marco...Read the guide
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How Should a Mens Chain Necklace Fit? Core Sizing GuideUnderstand exactly how should a mens chain necklace fit. Discover precise sizing rules, drape dynamics, and measurement techniques for a perfect proportion.Read the guide
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Mens Chain Necklace Size Guide By Body TypeDiscover the definitive mens chain necklace size guide by body type. Learn how proportions, length, and thickness elevate your physique with Marco...Read the guide
Men's 20 inch chains: the length that rests on the collarbone
If you only own one chain, 20" is the safest length to buy. On an average neck it rests on the collarbone: not tight, not hanging. It shows with a T-shirt, sits flat under an open collar and works with or without a pendant.
Every chain in this collection comes in a 20" option. Choose that length on the product page. Several chains, like the Braided Titanium Steel Chain (3 mm) and the Bold Cuban Link Chain (10 mm), start at 20".
Why 20 inches suits most men
- It fits a wide range of necks. As a rule of thumb, a 20" chain sits comfortably on a neck of about 15 to 17.5 inches. Measure yours with a string if you are unsure.
- It works with most necklines. Crew neck, henley, polo or an open button-down: the chain lands where the eye goes.
- It takes a pendant well. A small or medium pendant sits just below the collarbone, visible but not low.
If your neck is slim and you want the chain higher, see our 18 inch chains. If your neck is larger or you want a looser drape below the collarbone, go to our 22 inch chains.
How to choose the width at 20 inches
At 20" a chain is close enough to the face that width changes the whole look. Here is how the options in this collection break down:
- 2 to 3 mm, discreet: the flat snake chain, the geometric link chain, the 3 mm Figaro and box chains. Good for the office, and the right base for a pendant.
- 4 to 6 mm, everyday presence: the Cuban Link Chain Necklace in 4 or 6 mm, the rope chain in 4 or 5 mm, the wheat chains. Clearly visible over a T-shirt without being loud.
- 8 mm and up, statement: the heavy curb chain, the gold-tone Cuban chain from 8 mm and the 10 mm bold Cuban. Worn alone, usually over a plain tee.
A tip: wider chains wear a little shorter, because the links take up room around the neck. If you pick 10 mm or more, check that 20" is not snug, or move to 22".
What to wear with a 20 inch chain
Bare steel (silver-tone) goes with everything, from grey and navy to black. Gold-tone looks warm with white, cream, olive and denim. Black plating suits a dark, minimal outfit. If you wear a watch or a bracelet, matching the tone of the chain keeps the look clean.
For a pendant look that is ready to wear, the Hollow Double Cross Pendant Necklace comes on a single 50 cm (about 20") box chain.
For layering, 20" is often the shorter chain. Pair it with a 24" chain so there is a clear gap between them, and mix textures: a smooth snake or box chain at 20" with a rope or wheat chain below.
Caring for your chain
Our chains are stainless steel or titanium steel (a stainless steel alloy), in bare steel, gold-tone plating or black plating depending on the model. To keep them looking right:
- Wipe with a soft cloth after wear.
- Wash now and then in warm water with mild soap, then dry fully.
- Avoid bleach and harsh cleaners, especially on plated chains, where friction and chemicals wear the finish over time.
- Store each chain on its own so links do not scratch or tangle.
20 inch chain FAQ
Is 20 inches a good chain length for men?
Yes. It is the most common choice because it rests on the collarbone on most necks and works with or without a pendant.
Where does a 20 inch chain fall on a man?
On an average neck, right at the collarbone. On a larger neck it sits a little higher; on a slim neck, a little lower.
Should I wear a pendant on a 20 inch chain?
It works both ways. Without a pendant, a 4 to 6 mm chain looks complete on its own. With a pendant, choose a finer chain of about 2 to 3 mm so the pendant stays the focus.
Is 20 or 22 inches better for a pendant?
20" keeps a small pendant near the collarbone. 22" lets a medium pendant clear the top of a T-shirt or the button of an open shirt.
What if 20 inches does not fit?
You have 30-day returns to check the fit at home, and every chain comes with a 1-year warranty against defects.
What length chain should I get for my height?
Height matters less than neck and chest size. Slim or average build: 18 to 20 inches (45 to 50 cm). Broad build or thick neck: 20 to 24 inches (50 to 60 cm). Add one size if you plan a pendant. The Cuban Link Chain Necklace comes in 18, 20, 22 and 24 in. Shop by length: 20 inch chains.
What does a 20 inch chain look like on a guy?
A 20 inch (51 cm) chain rests at the collarbone on most men, the most common length. It shows at an open collar and over a T-shirt. Try the Cuban Link Chain Necklace or the Braided Titanium Steel Chain; more in our 20 inch chains.
How long is a chain that sits right at the collarbone?
20 inches (51 cm) on most men. On a slim neck it may fall a little lower, on a broad one a little higher. Most of our plain chains come in 20 in, like the Figaro Link Chain Necklace or the Cuban Link Chain Necklace. See 20 inch chains.
What does an 18 inch chain look like on a man?
An 18 inch (46 cm) chain sits close to the base of the neck, just below the collarbone on a slim build, higher on a broad one. It is a clean, short look with an open collar. See our 18 inch chains, for example the Cuban Link Chain Necklace or the Box Chain Necklace in Titanium Steel.
22 inch or 24 inch chain for a man?
22 in (56 cm) falls on the upper chest and leaves room for a pendant; 24 in (61 cm) hangs mid-chest, a looser look that suits a broader build. For layering, wear both: about 2 inches between chains, like 20 with 22 or 22 with 24. Browse 22 inch chains and 24 inch chains.
How long should a men's chain be if he has a thick neck?
Go up a size: 22 or 24 inches (56 or 61 cm) usually sits right on a thick neck, where 18 inches would feel tight and ride high. The Cuban Link Chain Necklace comes up to 24 in and the Franco Link Chain Necklace starts at 22 in and goes to 30 in.
Do you make a 16 inch chain for men?
Yes, 16 in (41 cm) sits at the base of the neck, close like a choker on most men. Options: the Figaro Link Chain Necklace (16 to 26 in), the Flat Snake Chain Necklace (16 to 24 in) and the O-Link Chain Necklace in Titanium Steel, which comes only in 16 in. Measure your neck first: 16 in suits a slim neck.
What length chain looks good with a crew neck T-shirt?
Either short enough to sit just above the collar (18 in) or long enough to fall clearly below it (22 to 24 in). A 20 in chain can land right on the seam. Over a crew neck, try the Cuban Link Chain Necklace (6 mm) at 22 in, or the O-Link Chain Necklace in Titanium Steel (16 in) that sits just above the collar.
