Chain Size Guide: How to Choose the Right Length & Width
Works for Tennis Chains, Cuban Links, Rope, Franco, and Pendant Chains. Save this guide for gifting, too.
Quick take:
- Measure your neck size (neck circumference)
- Pick your chain length (inches) — most everyday styles fall between 18–24"
- For pendants, many people go 2" longer than their daily chain
1) Measure Your Neck Size
Use a soft tape and wrap it around the base of your neck. Keep it level and not too tight. No tape? Use a string/paper strip, mark the overlap point, then measure it with a ruler.
Fit notes (simple):
Snug: sits closer to the neck (clean, minimal).
Comfort: the most popular everyday fit.
Loose: better for thicker/heavier chains and layering.
Comfort: the most popular everyday fit.
Loose: better for thicker/heavier chains and layering.
2) Where Each Length Sits (Visual Guide)
Placement varies by height, shoulders, and neck size, but this chart gives you a solid reference.
3) Quick Length Chart (Inches & Centimeters)
Common chain lengths and what they usually look like.
| Length (in) | Length (cm) | Look / Placement | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16 | 40.6 | Choker / close to neck | Layering base, minimalist |
| 18 | 45.7 | Base of neck | Everyday wear, small pendants |
| 20 | 50.8 | Collarbone | Most popular all-around |
| 22 | 55.9 | Upper chest | Tennis chains, layering |
| 24 | 61.0 | Mid chest | Cuban links, bigger look |
| 26 | 66.0 | Lower chest | Pendants, statement |
| 28 | 71.1 | Upper stomach | Heavy pendants, street style |
| 30 | 76.2 | Extra long drape | Outer layer, bold styling |
Pendant tip: If your daily chain is 20", try 22" for a pendant—it sits cleaner and layers better.
4) Chain Width Guide (mm) — The “Vibe” Switch
Width often changes the look even more than length. Here’s a quick reference:
- 2–3mm: clean and subtle (great base for layering)
- 4–6mm: everyday statement (most popular for daily wear)
- 7–10mm: bold street look (Cuban / iced tennis)
- 12mm+: heavy hitter (high impact, statement piece)
5) Easy Picks by Style (No Overthinking)
Tennis Chain:
18–22" for daily wear. Go 22–24" if you want more drape or a louder look.
18–22" for daily wear. Go 22–24" if you want more drape or a louder look.
Cuban Link:
20–24" is a safe range. Thicker/heavier Cubans often feel best at 22–24".
20–24" is a safe range. Thicker/heavier Cubans often feel best at 22–24".
Pendant Chain:
Usually 2" longer than your daily chain (common picks: 22–26").
Usually 2" longer than your daily chain (common picks: 22–26").
Layering:
Keep 2–4" difference between chains (example: 18" + 22" + 24").
Keep 2–4" difference between chains (example: 18" + 22" + 24").
6) FAQ
Q1: Between two lengths—what should I pick?
Most of the time, go a bit longer. It’s more comfortable and easier to style—especially with thicker chains.
Q2: Buying as a gift—what length is “safe”?
The safest everyday picks are usually 20" or 22". For chunky Cuban links, 22–24" is often preferred.
Q3: Length feels right but it still looks “off”—why?
It’s usually the width (mm) or layering combo. Try one thinner chain (2–4mm) + one thicker chain (6–10mm).