56 cm Chains

Men's 22 inch chains: a relaxed drape just below the collarbone

A 22" chain sits just below the collarbone on an average neck. It hangs a little looser than a 20", shows clearly with an open collar and gives a pendant room to clear the neckline of a T-shirt. It is also the easy pick for a larger neck or a broad build.

Every chain in this collection comes in a 22" option. Some styles start at this length: the Franco Link Chain Necklace (316L stainless steel, 6, 9 or 13 mm) starts at 22", and the Byzantine Chain in Stainless Steel (4, 5 or 8 mm) comes in 22" only.

Who should choose 22 inches

• Men with a larger neck. As a rule of thumb, from about 17 inches up, 22" sits where a 20" would sit on a slimmer neck.
• Men who wear wider chains. A 9 or 13 mm chain takes up room around the neck, so 22" keeps it comfortable.
• Pendant wearers. A medium cross or medal hangs clear of the collar instead of resting on it.
• Open-shirt style. With two buttons undone, 22" lands right in the opening.

If you want the chain to rest on the collarbone instead, our 20 inch chains are the closer fit. For a mid-chest drop, see the 24 inch chains.

How to choose the width at 22 inches

At this length the chain sits a little further from the face, so a medium width looks balanced. Options available in 22":

• Fine, 1.2 to 3 mm: the box chains, the geometric link chain, the 3 mm braided rope and the 3 mm Figaro. Best with a pendant.
• Medium, 4 to 6 mm: the 4 mm Byzantine, the 6 mm Franco, the 4 or 6 mm Cuban chain, the rope and wheat chains. Strong enough to wear alone.
• Bold, 8 mm and up: the 8 mm Byzantine, the 9 and 13 mm Franco, the heavy curb and Cuban chains. Wear them alone, over a plain tee.

Pendants at 22 inches

22" is a natural length for a cross or a medal. The pendant sits a few inches below the collarbone, which keeps it visible under an open collar. Some pendants in this collection come on a fixed 22" (55 cm) chain, like the Cross Pendant Necklace with Cable Inlay and the Dog Tag Cross Pendant Necklace. The Slim Cross Pendant Necklace lets you choose 22" or 24". For more faith pieces, see our cross chains.

Layering with a 22 inch chain

For two chains, leave about 2 to 4 inches between them so they do not sit on top of each other. A 22" chain works as the long layer under an 18" or as the short layer above a 26". Mix one smooth chain with one textured chain, and keep the same tone for both.

Caring for a steel chain

Our chains are stainless steel or titanium steel, in bare steel (silver-tone), gold-tone plating or black plating depending on the model. Wipe the chain with a soft cloth after wear, wash it now and then with warm water and mild soap, and dry it fully. Avoid bleach and harsh cleaners on plated finishes. Store chains apart so they do not tangle.