— Sommarnox Complete Style & Size Guide

Tennis chains and Cuban link chains stopped being “just another necklace” a long time ago.
They’re part of your look, part of your attitude, and a piece of your lifestyle.

But the moment you actually start shopping, the questions hit you:

• 3mm, 5mm, 8mm… what’s the real difference?

• 18 inches or 22 inches?

• Iced out or plain metal?

• Yellow gold, white gold, or silver?

• Moissanite, lab diamond, CZ… which one makes sense?

This guide follows a simple order: vibe → length → width → material → budget.
Think of it as a checklist you can use on any product page—especially when you’re browsing Sommarnox—so you know exactly what you’re buying instead of letting a product photo decide for you.

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1. First Things First: What’s a Tennis Chain and What’s a Cuban Link?

1.1 Tennis Chain

A tennis chain is basically a clean line of stones set one after another.
Traditionally it was all diamonds; now you’ll see moissanite, lab diamonds and more.

Key traits:

• Sleek, simple outline

• 360° shine all the way around

• Common widths from 2mm to about 6.5mm

• Looks good by itself or layered over a thicker chain

If you’re going for “elegant but still has presence”, a tennis chain is a strong first pick.

1.2 Cuban Link Chain

A Cuban link chain is built from interlocking, chunky links.
It’s one of the most iconic silhouettes in hip-hop jewelry.

Key traits:

• Strong presence even with no stones

• Can be all metal or fully iced out

• Widths run anywhere from 4mm up past 20mm

• Instantly gives you that “street + luxury” feel

If you care more about shape, weight and attitude than pure sparkle, you’re probably a Cuban link person.

1.3 When Do You Choose Which?

Quick way to think about it:

• Tennis chain → clean lines, continuous shine, “precision main character”

• Cuban link → bold outline, heavy metal, “power main character”

For a first serious chain, ask yourself three quick questions:

• Dress more clean, minimal, semi-formal most days? → Start with a tennis chain.

• Live in hoodies, oversized tees, streetwear? → Start with a Cuban link.

• Already love layering and making content? → You’ll want both sooner or later; it’s just a question of which one comes first.

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2. Step One: Lock in Your Vibe Before You Look at Sizes

Don’t start with “what length do most people buy?”.
A better first question is:

“What do I want people to feel the first second they see my chain?”

Pick the vibe that sounds most like you.

2.1 Low-Key but High-Quality

You want a piece that:

• Works for work, classes and dates

• Looks expensive up close, not loud from far away

• Goes with shirts, jackets and simple tees

Good choices:

• Tennis chain: 3–4mm, 18–20 inches

• Cuban link: 4–6mm, 18–20 inches

If your wardrobe is mostly black/white/grey, lean toward silver / white-gold tone.
If you like vintage, earth tones and warmer colors, yellow gold tone will feel more natural.

2.2 “I Am the Main Character”

You want:

• Your chain to show up in every selfie and group photo

• Lights in the club or on stage to hit and explode

• Motion in video to throw off flashes of light

Good choices:

• Tennis chain: 5–6.5mm, 20–22 inches

• Cuban link: 8–12mm, 20–24 inches

A mid-width tennis chain stacked with an iced-out Cuban is a classic “rapper, but still tasteful” combo.

2.3 Business / Formal Events

You often wear:

• Shirts, blazers, trench coats

• Need to show up at weddings, dinners, meetings

Good choices:

• 3–4mm tennis chain, 18–20 inches, in silver / white-gold tone

• Non-iced Cuban link, 4–6mm, 18–20 inches

In these settings, the chain is a detail, not the star of the show.
It’s there to add polish, not to drag all the attention away from your face.

2.4 Daily Commute / Gym / Travel

You want something that:

• Isn’t too delicate

• Can handle sweat, travelling and everyday life

• Doesn’t need babying every single day

Good choices:

• 6–8mm Cuban link in 316L stainless steel with high-quality gold plating / PVD,

• 3–4mm tennis chain with solid settings and a secure clasp

Sommarnox leans into that “street-ready but still crafted” direction,
so sizes are usually chosen to balance looks and wearability—not just to look dramatic in photos.

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3. Step Two: Get the Length Right

3.1 Common Lengths in Real Life

For quick reference (mainly for men):

• 16" (40cm) – shorter, almost choker length

• 18" (45cm) – sits around the collarbone

• 20" (50cm) – just below the collarbone, very versatile

• 22" (55cm) – upper chest

• 24" (60cm) – mid-chest

• 26"+ – long chains, more for layered and street looks

Most men end up in the 18–22" range.
Most women choose somewhere in the 16–20" range.

3.2 Height & Build vs Length

• Shorter (≤170cm / 5'7")

• 18–20" usually looks more balanced

• 24"+ can drag your visual center down and look too long

• Average height (170–183cm / 5'7"–6'0")

• 18": shorter, sharper look

• 20": the all-rounder

• 22": leans more into streetwear territory

• Taller (≥183cm / 6'0")

• 20–22" works as a solid daily choice

• 24" on a tall frame can look powerful instead of “too long”

3.3 Don’t Forget Your Neck Size

Gym guys or anyone with a thicker neck will find the same length sits higher than it does on the model.

Easy way to check:

1. Use a soft tape measure and wrap it around the thickest part of your neck.

2. Neck is 16" and you want a snug but comfortable fit? → Go for 18".

3. Want a more obvious drop? → Start from 20".

3.4 Planning to Layer?

If you already know you’ll layer later, plan ahead:

• Top chain: 18–20"

• Bottom chain: about 2 inches longer

Examples:

• 18" tennis + 20" Cuban

• 20" tennis + 22" Cuban

That 2" gap is enough to give each chain its own space so they don’t fight each other.

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4. Step Three: Pick the Right Width

Width controls presence and weight.

4.1 Tennis Chain Widths

• 2–3mm

• Very fine, great for women, dressy looks or stacking

• 3–4mm

• Sweet spot for everyday wear on almost anyone

• Noticeable but not over the top

• 4–5mm

• Photographs beautifully

• Still wearable daily if you don’t mind attention

• 5–6.5mm

• A lot of chain, a lot of shine

• Perfect for nightlife, photos, video; may feel bold at a very conservative office

At Sommarnox we usually recommend:

• First tennis chain → 3–4mm

• Already own one and want more impact → 5–6.5mm

4.2 Cuban Link Widths

• 4–6mm

• Easiest size range for daily wear

• Works with shirts and tees

• 7–9mm

• Already has that low-key rapper energy

• Great if you’re into hoodies and streetwear

• 10–12mm

• Strong, heavy, very present

• Better on medium to bigger frames or taller heights

• 14mm+

• More for stage, photoshoots and statement looks

• Heavy and not practical for most people every day

For a first Cuban link, something around 6–8mm is a very safe starting point.

4.3 Match Width to Your Build

• Slim / smaller frame

• Tennis: 2.5–4mm

• Cuban: 4–7mm

• Average build

• Tennis: 3–5mm

• Cuban: 6–9mm

• Bigger / muscular build

• Tennis: 4–6.5mm

• Cuban: 8–12mm

Look in the mirror and ask yourself:

“Is this chain helping my look, or completely stealing the show?”

If it looks like a thin string on you, size up.
If it looks like armor that’s wearing you, size down.

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5. Metal, Color and Stones

5.1 Color: Gold vs Silver vs Rose Gold

Yellow Gold

• Classic hip-hop look

• Pops against darker skin tones and dark clothing

• Feels rich and vintage

Silver / White-Gold Tone

• Clean, icy, modern

• Pairs well with black/white/grey and streetwear

• Makes moissanite look extra “ice cold”

Rose Gold

• A bit more niche

• Works nicely if you want something unique and fashion-forward

If you’re only buying one chain:

• Wardrobe mostly black, white and grey → start with silver / white-gold tone

• More into vintage fits, browns, creams and earth tones → start with yellow gold tone

5.2 Base Metal: 925 Silver, 316L Steel, Solid Gold

You’ll commonly see:

• 925 Sterling Silver

• Used in a lot of mid- to high-end jewelry

• Can oxidize slightly over time but cleans up easily

• 316L Stainless Steel

• Sweat-resistant and tough

• Popular for thicker, more “everyday warrior” pieces

• 10K / 14K / 18K Solid Gold

• Holds value, but costs a lot more

For most people who want looks + durability + sane pricing,
a good 316L steel or 925 silver base with quality plating is more than enough.

5.3 Stones: Moissanite, Lab Diamonds or CZ?

This matters mostly for tennis chains and iced-out Cubans.

Moissanite

• Insane brilliance and fire—often looks brighter than diamonds under certain lights

• Hardness close to diamond

• Much more affordable than natural diamonds

• High-quality moissanite is usually graded (VVS, D color, etc.)

Lab-Grown Diamonds

• Chemically real diamonds grown in a lab

• Cheaper than natural diamonds, still not cheap

• For people who want “diamond” specifically for emotional or traditional reasons

Cubic Zirconia (CZ)

• Very budget-friendly

• Can look good at first, but scratches and clouding show up faster

If you want serious shine, solid durability and reasonable price,
moissanite is why a lot of modern street / hip-hop brands—including Sommarnox—lean this way.

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6. Face, Neck, Style: How They Change Your Choice

You don’t need a personal stylist, but a couple of small details go a long way.

6.1 Neck Length

• Shorter neck

• Avoid very thick 14mm+ chains and super tight 16" choker-style pieces

• 18–20" tennis or mid-width Cuban will lengthen your neckline visually

• Longer neck

• 16–18" can look good and elegant

• You can get away with quite chunky chains without feeling crowded

6.2 Face Shape

• Round face

• Slightly longer chains (20"+) create more vertical lines, balancing the roundness

• Long / oval face

• 18–20" tends to look softer and more balanced

• Very long chains can exaggerate the vertical line even more—it’s a look, just make sure you actually like it

6.3 Clothing Style

Ask yourself:

• Do you want people to only notice your jewelry up close?

• Or do you want it to be visible from across the room?

If you prefer up-close appreciation:

• Tennis: 3–4mm

• Cuban: 4–6mm

• Lengths: 18–20"

If you want from-a-distance impact:

• Tennis: 5mm+

• Cuban: 8mm+

• Lengths: 20"+, with moissanite or other stones for extra flash

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7. One Chain, Two Chains or a Full Stack?

7.1 Only Buying One Chain? Don’t Waste the Slot

Think about what you wear 70% of the time:

• Mostly streetwear / casual →

• First chain: 6–8mm Cuban, 20–22"

• More clean, smart casual, office fits →

• First chain: 3–4mm tennis, 18–20"

If budget only allows one good piece right now, a mid-width Cuban is often the most versatile main chain you can own.

7.2 Classic Two-Chain Formula

A very safe, very stylish setup:

1. Top layer: 3–4mm moissanite tennis chain (18–20")

2. Bottom layer: 6–8mm Cuban link (20–22")

Each piece works on its own.
Together, they hit that sweet spot between hip-hop and refined.

7.3 For the Heavy Layering Fans

If you already feel naked without a stack:

• Top: 2.5–3mm tennis, 18"

• Middle: 4–5mm tennis, 20"

• Bottom: 8–10mm Cuban, 22–24"

This is a very content-friendly setup—great for photos, reels, MV shots.
Just keep the outfit simple: plain white tee, black tee, neutral hoodie.
The more the chains talk, the quieter the clothing should be.

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8. What to Check Before You Actually Buy

8.1 Clasp

• For tennis chains / iced-out Cubans → box clasp with extra safety locks is ideal

• For simpler chains → a solid lobster clasp still does the job

The clasp is the easiest part to ignore and the easiest part to regret.
No clasp, no chain—it doesn’t matter how pretty the rest is.

8.2 Stone Setting

• Stones lined up straight with no obvious gaps

• No stones leaning forward or twisted

• Prongs holding the stones securely rather than looking thin and weak

Good setting just looks clean and disciplined when you glance at it.

8.3 Feel and Weight

Your hand will tell you a lot:

• Do the links move smoothly or feel jerky?

• Does the chain drape like a “metal liquid” or like a stiff rod?

• Does the weight match the way it looks, or does it feel suspiciously hollow?

If it feels cheap in the hand, you’ll never fully love it on your neck.

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9. Budget: How to Spend Smart

9.1 First Time Buying on a Tighter Budget

If you’re getting your feet wet:

1. Put the money into one main chain (6–8mm Cuban or 4mm tennis).

2. Choose 316L steel / 925 silver with good plating for durability.

3. For stones, moissanite if you want shine, or plain metal if you want pure metal texture.

The goal is a chain you actually wear every day, not five pieces you regret later.

9.2 Already Own One Chain? How to Upgrade

The second chain should do something the first one can’t.

• First chain is a 4mm tennis →

• Second chain: 8mm Cuban.

• First chain is a 7mm Cuban →

• Second chain: 3mm tennis for layering.

9.3 Long-Term Mindset: Build a “Chain System”

Instead of randomly buying five pieces, think in terms of a small system:

• 1–2 daily core chains – mid-width, durable, easy to style

• 1–2 heavy statement chains – thicker, flashier, for nights out and content

• Then expand into bracelets, rings, earrings, grillz that echo the same style so everything feels intentional.

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10. Ready-Made Formulas You Can Copy

10.1 Clean Everyday / Office-Friendly (Unisex)

• 3–4mm tennis chain, 18–20"

• Silver / white-gold tone

• Moissanite or lab diamonds

Works with shirts, knitwear and coats without shouting for attention.

10.2 Men’s Street Starter Pack

• 6–8mm Cuban link, 20–22", yellow-gold tone

• Base metal: 316L steel or 925 silver with quality plating

Throw on a plain oversized tee and you’re good.

10.3 Club / Photos / Stage

• 5–6.5mm tennis chain, 20–22"

• 8–10mm iced-out Cuban, 22–24"

All you need on top is a black tee or black hoodie. The chains handle the rest.

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11. Basic Care: Keep Your Chains Looking New

11.1 Daily Habits

• Take them off before showering or swimming (especially in chlorinated pools).

• Put on cologne and hair products first, then your jewelry.

• When you’re not wearing them, keep them in pouches or a jewelry box instead of tossing them in with keys and coins.

11.2 Simple Cleaning Routine

Works for most plated chains and moissanite pieces:

1. Mix lukewarm water with a few drops of mild dish soap.

2. Soak the chain for a few minutes.

3. Use a soft toothbrush to gently scrub between links and around prongs.

4. Rinse with clean water.

5. Pat dry with a soft cloth and let it air dry completely before storing.

Do this from time to time and you’ll be surprised how much “fire” comes back to your moissanite and iced-out pieces.

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12. Quick Q&A

Q1: For everyday wear, is a tennis chain or a Cuban link easier to live with?

Assuming similar quality, a Cuban link is usually less demanding.
Tennis chains have lots of tiny settings that trap sweat and oil, so they need more cleaning.
If you want something you can almost forget about, start with a mid-width Cuban.

Q2: If I want to add a pendant in the future, what kind of tennis chain should I buy now?

• Width: 2.5–4mm

• Length: 20–22" for most men, 18–20" for most women

Too skinny and your pendant will overpower the chain.
Too thick and the chain will steal the spotlight from the pendant.

Q3: Is a moissanite tennis chain really okay for daily wear?

Yes—just keep two things in mind:

1. Avoid hard knocks against sharp edges.

2. Give it a gentle clean every now and then so sweat and oils don’t build up in the settings.

With decent craftsmanship, moissanite is more than tough enough for everyday use.

Q4: Does chain length have to follow my height mathematically?

No formulas needed.
The easiest way is to measure a necklace you already like, then stick close to that.
If you don’t have one, use the height and neck tips earlier as a starting point, then adjust based on how it looks in the mirror.

Q5: Can I sleep or shower with my chain on?

Once in a while won’t kill it, but as a long-term habit it will speed up wear on the plating and build up soap residue.
If you want your chain to last as long as possible, the simplest rule is:Off for showers, pools and sleep.

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13. Final Thoughts: Using a Chain to Tell Your Story

Choosing between a tennis chain and a Cuban link isn’t about copying what everyone else wears.
It’s about how well that piece fits your life, body and wardrobe.

If you remember just a few things, you’ll avoid most of the common mistakes:

1. Style first, numbers later. Decide whether you’re going for subtle, sharp, or loud.

2. Length matters more than you think. Most guys are fine in the 18–22" range; leave a 2" gap if you plan to layer.

3. Match width to your frame. Slim → finer; average → medium; big → bolder.

4. Let your lifestyle and budget pick the materials.

5. Everyday + value → 316L / 925 with good plating

6. Want crazy sparkle → moissanite

7. Start with one solid main chain and build from there.

Once you know what you want, every new piece you buy isn’t just another impulse purchase.
It’s another part of a setup that feels like you: a collection that can handle streetwear, formal nights, long days and long stories.

Next time you’re scrolling through product pages—whether it’s at Sommarnox or anywhere else—pull this guide back up.
Run through the quick checks on vibe, length, width, color and material, and you’ll know exactly which chain deserves to sit on your neck.