51 cm Chains

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.