Diamonds might be a girl’s best friend, but gold is a man’s lucky charm.
The right chain around your neck can elevate your style in seconds, taking it from casual to cool with the hook of a clasp.
Love the idea of a dazzling necklace but not sure how to rock it? You’re in luck.
Today, we’re sharing the ultimate guide to gold chains for men, helping you make a sophisticated and suave statement every time. Ready to learn more? Let’s get into it!
Consider the Style You Want
When we think of chains for men, it’s easy to conjure up images of decked-out rappers with platinum rings and grills to match. However, most versions are way more understated than that.
To find the one that works best for you, consider your personal style. What do you want the chain to say about you and what are you most comfortable wearing?
If the answer is a thick, braided chain, go for it! Just keep the rest of your ensemble neutral and subtle so your star accessory can shine. On the other hand, you might prefer a thinner chain that’s more appropriate for everyday wear. This way, you can tuck it under a shirt when you want to, or you can reveal it when the timing is right.
Want to strike a balance between the two extremes?
You can always layer a few gold chains on top of one another! This way, you have dimension and scale as you would with an oversized chain, but the setup looks more put-together. Plus, you can easily a chain off if it feels too heavy (literally or figuratively).
Add a Charm
Charms aren’t only for women or teenage girls! By adding a simple one to the middle of your chain, you can send a powerful message about the people, places or things that are most important to you.
For instance, if your religion is one of the pillars of your life, you can find charms that represent your faith. Or, you can add one of your favorite sports team, the initials of a loved one, or even a mythical or gothic symbol that you enjoy. You can also slide on a dog tag, gemstone or a special heirloom pendant!
Rather than stacking the charms as you would on a bracelet, keep the look simple by sticking to one significant one. This way, it can take center stage and become an excellent conversation starter!
Understand Your Face Shape
The reality is that not every chain will look perfect on every man. To find the right one for you, first consider the shape of your face.
Is it more on the round side? If so, you can strike a contrast by choosing a long, V-neck chain that serves to elongate your chin and help add length. Conversely, longer and thinner faces look better with shorter, chunkier chains. You can even rock a gold choker!
Choose the Right Length
Now that you know the shape of chain to choose, let’s talk about length.
You can find men’s gold necklaces in a range of lengths. While most tend to hover between 20 and 24 inches long, there are plenty that reach all the way to 30 inches or even longer. At the same time, you’ll find a ton of choker-style options that are 18 inches or shorter.
Below, we’re breaking down the difference between short, medium and long chains. For more information and a helpful visual, check out this necklace length chart.
Short Chains: 14 to 18 Inches
A chain this length is normally considered a choker. Before buying one of these, you’ll need to measure the width of your neck. Even a small choker on the longer scale (around 18 inches) might still be too tight.
If you prefer this length, consider how you want the choker to lay on your neck. If you want it to be tight, choose a smaller size. If you’d rather it lie on your collarbone a little, you can size up a few inches. Keep in mind that this style is usually visible above your clothes, so if you work in a suit-and-tie office environment, you might want to go with a slightly longer version.
Medium Chains: 20 to 24 Inches
Most gold chains for men fall in this medium range. For most men, a 20-inch chain will fall between the first and second button of a work shirt. This gives you flexibility and allows you to wear it above or beneath your clothes.
If you add a dog tag, pendant or another kind of charm to your chain, you’ll want to go a little longer, preferably around 22 to 24 inches.
Long Chains: 26 to 30 Inches (and Beyond)
Want to really stand out and turn heads? A longer chain is what most people consider to be the “blingiest” of all. These are designed for showcasing and are meant to be worn outside of your clothing.
Whether you add a charm or let the necklace speak for itself, expect to get plenty of attention when you rock one of these!
Choose the Right Thickness
In general, the thickness of the chain will correspond with its length. That means a shorter chain will be thinner and vice versa. In this category, your options run the gamut. You can find men’s chains as thin as one millimeter wide or as thick as a U.S. quarter!
This is why it’s important to consider the statement you’re after. If you want to go bold, a thick, a long chain is best. Otherwise, a thinner, shorter one is more practical and ideal for long-term wear.
Discover Gold Chains for Men and Express Yourself
Are you looking for a new and exciting way to stand out in a crowd or add a little pizazz to your work wardrobe? If so, it’s time to take a closer look at gold chains for men.
Fashion-forward, on-trend and more wearable than you might think, there’s a chain out there for every man. The key is knowing your personal style, as well as the kind of chain that will look best on you. Take your time, shop around and impress your friends with this statement piece that will last a lifetime.
Want more insider tips on how to live, work, and play well? Keep reading our blog! This post on student loans can help you get back on your feet if that gold chain cost a little more than you thought!