Men's Box Chains

Men's box chains: square links, one clean line

A box chain is made of small square links joined tightly together. Seen from a distance, it reads as one smooth, even line. Up close, the square links give it a crisp, geometric look. It is the most understated chain style, and also one of the most useful: it is the standard chain for carrying a pendant.

This collection has two box chains, both in steel. The Stainless Steel Box Chain Necklace comes in polished silver-tone steel. The Box Chain Necklace in Titanium Steel is made of titanium steel, a stainless steel alloy (not pure titanium), in bare steel or gold-tone plating.

How to choose the width

Box chains are thin by nature. A small change in millimeters makes a visible difference.

• 1.2 mm: very fine. Almost invisible under a shirt, for a small, light pendant.
• 1.5 mm: fine and discreet, offered in both chains. A good everyday choice with or without a pendant.
• 2 mm: the balanced width. Visible over a t-shirt, strong enough for a medium pendant.
• 2.4 mm: a little more presence, for men who also wear the chain alone.
• 3 mm: the widest box chain here. Reads clearly on its own and carries a larger pendant.

A simple rule for pendants: the bigger and heavier the pendant, the wider the chain. A 3 cm pendant is comfortable on 1.5 to 2 mm; a pendant of 5 cm or more looks better on 2.4 or 3 mm.

How to choose the length

On an average adult neck:

• 16": close around the neck. Best for a slim neck.
• 18": at the base of the neck.
• 20": just below the collarbone. A good length for a box chain worn alone.
• 22" and 24": upper to mid-chest. The usual lengths for a pendant.
• 26" and 28": a long drop, for a large pendant or as the lower chain in a layer.

The stainless steel box chain covers every length from 16" to 28". The titanium steel box chain comes in 18", 20", 22" and 24" in silver-tone, and in 18" or 20" in gold-tone.

What to wear on a box chain

A pendant

The smooth, even links of a box chain let a pendant hang straight and slide easily. It is the chain most often used for a cross, a medal or a small charm. Several of our men's cross chains already come on a box chain, like the Lord's Prayer Cross and the Cylindrical Cross, both on 60 cm. For more pendants sold with their chain, see our men's chain pendants.

Alone

Worn without a pendant, a 2 to 3 mm box chain in 20" is a clean, minimal look that goes well with a shirt or a fine knit.

Layered

Because it is so plain, a box chain is an easy base layer. Pair it with a chain that has more texture, like a Figaro chain, and leave about 2" between the two lengths.

Box chain or snake chain?

Both look like a smooth line. A box chain is made of square links and keeps a slightly textured, geometric surface. A snake chain is made of small plates joined so tightly that the surface looks continuous and lies flat. If you prefer that fully smooth look, see the Flat Snake Chain Necklace.

Caring for a steel box chain

• Wipe the chain with a soft, dry cloth after wearing it.
• You can keep it on in the shower, at the gym, at the sea or in the pool. Rinse it in clean water after the sea or the pool, dry it, and keep perfume and cleaning products off it. On the gold-tone version, chlorine and friction wear the plating over time.
• Undo any knot gently with a pin. Fine box chains can kink if you pull them.
• Store it hung or laid flat, apart from other jewelry.

Each box chain comes with a 1-year warranty against defects and 30-day returns.