There are plenty of ways to add a subtle edge to your daily style choices. Adding a cuff to those dark selvedge jeans. Choosing sunglasses with a pop of color. And, of course, accessorizing with a silver chain necklace.

The key here: subtle. The best silver chains for men—outside of more niche sartorial leanings like pearl necklaces, hoop earrings, and gold bracelets, that is—add just enough personality to your look without forcing the issue. In terms of durability and a versatile look, you can’t do much better than a thin Figaro or Cuban chain that falls within the sweet spot of about 20 inches in length.

There’s plenty of room to play, of course. Your style is your style, and far be it from me to tell you what that is. But if you’re looking for 10 universally handsome silver chains for men to help elevate your fits, you’re in the right place.

Key Takeaways 

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or toying with the idea of trying on a “chain guy” persona, you can’t argue with the universal appeal and general versatility of a silver chain necklace. My top pick, Miansai’s Figaro chain necklace, is handsome, sturdy, and just the right length to work with almost any outfit. And if you’re on a budget but aren’t willing to sacrifice those same qualities, Miabella’s 925 chain will serve you well.

For every type of garment and every accessory you own, there needs to be a pillar that holds up the rest of the collection. A staple piece that goes with everything, is subtly handsome and was made to last people who take pride in their work. When it comes to silver chains for men, that pillar is Miansai’s Figaro Chain Necklace.

The Italian-made, Sterling silver chain will work nicely for layering necklaces or as a standalone piece draped over a T-shirt or crew neck sweater. And at 25-inches long, it falls just below the typical sweet spot but isn’t so long as to distract.

Yes, Represent was founded in 2011, which hardly qualifies as “up and coming,” but hear me out. The British label experienced great success in Europe and didn’t take long to become a household name among the sartorial-aware. But long after its founding, Represent is now (and has been for quite some time) taking off stateside.

Great. The stage is set. Now onto the reason you’re here—Represent’s Initial Pendant necklace. The 18-inch box chain is punctuated by a subtle pendant of the brand’s signature “R,” giving the perfect amount of streetwear edge to an otherwise classic necklace. This is a strong T-shirt play, and would also look great next to an unbuttoned button-down or jean jacket.

Oliver Cabell may be best known for its footwear, but as fate would have it, the brand also makes a hell of a Cuban chain. Fate, right? Silly fate.

At 5mm wide, this is a necklace that wants to be seen but doesn’t want to be all “look at me, look at me” about it. And since it’s waterproof, sweatproof, and heat-resistant, feel free to pop it on before heading to the beach, the gym, or the hiking trail. I’ll also accept “wherever.”

At 3.5mm, the design and style of Miabella’s 925 curb chain take things up a notch in terms of a standout aesthetic. That said, it’s still the type of necklace that you can team up with almost any outfit either on its own or layered.

Another durable Sterling silver chain, it’s available in seven lengths and comes in a gift box should you be so inclined. “Cool. Thanks. But is it super inexpensive?” That was you because you saw the word “budget” up there. “Ah, thought you’d never ask. Yep.” That was me, letting you know that I’m not a liar.

Founded in Miami in 2008, Miansai has developed a reputation for producing some of the most attractive, high-quality jewelry and accessories available—at fair prices, no less. As you know, most products on Amazon can be a bit of a crap shoot in terms of quality. Miansai is a trusted brand, and its Cuban chain is my pick for the best of its kind on Amazon.

At 2mm wide and 24-inches long, the Sterling silver links come together to create yet another jack of all trades chain. Pop it on before hitting the office or coworking space, layer it up during the weekend if you’re feeling yourself, or dress it up with a band-collar shirt and jacket.

Luxury silver chains. Oh, the places we could go with that pairing. Gaudy places. Seven-figure places. Places that you will most definitely sniff out on your own if you want to go there bad enough. But as I’ve mentioned, we’re keeping things versatile here. Elegant. Universally wearable regardless of your chain-wearing skill level.

With that, it’s time to meet Bottega Veneta’s Sterling Silver Chain Necklace in all its Sterling silver, Italian-made glory. Of course, if you’re paying a luxury price for a chain, you don’t want it flying too far under the radar. To wit, this necklace features a wide chain link pattern that stands out in all the right ways while still managing to look tasteful.

It can be argued that most of the chains on this list would make solid staple pieces. Simple, understated accessories that work overtime to make sure you’re making the right style statement. So actually, let’s not argue after all. Instead, we’ll just agree that a staple is what you make it and depends wholly on your personal sense of style.

Piling on in the best way possible is Detroit-based Shinola’s Simple Chain Necklace. It’s… a simple chain necklace. But it’s an impossibly dapper one made of Sterling silver and clocking in at a crowd-pleasing 20 inches. It’s one of the best classic chains you’re likely to find, especially for under 100 bucks.

Remember that one time a few paragraphs ago when I said that most of the best silver chains for men could be considered staples. We had some great times back there. Seriously. That was nice. But it’s true, they can, and Mejuri’s Round Box Chain Necklace is here to back me up on that.

It’s made of 925 Sterling silver (meaning 92.5% of its makeup is pure silver) and is the perfect width and length to make its elevated presence known. If you’re looking for a sturdy, entry-level chain that you won’t have to overthink when you’re parsing together an outfit, you’d do well to put this one toward the top of your shortlist.

Pendant necklaces can say a lot about your style, interests, and personality. Some are obnoxious and loud, others are subtle and understated, and some fall right in the middle. Le Gramme’s Entrelacs Le 1 offering resides firmly in the subtle and understated camp thanks to its tiny interlaced pendant.

The pendant smacks of sophistication, but not so much that you can’t wear it with a T-shirt or stylish tank top. Made in France, the Sterling silver piece has been polished to create a glossy finish that demands attention, adoration, and high praise from your adoring fans. Just go with it. Way more fun that way.

English-Bulgarian label Chopova Lowena is not the place you turn when you’re looking for safe. But it is the place you turn when you’re looking for an adorable smiley face pendant dangling from a unique palladium-plated brass curb chain.

That old chestnut.

Now, is this a necklace you should procure if you’re not into the more playful side of fashion and design? Nope. Is it a necklace you should procure if you have the right clothing and accessories to team it up with? Damn right, it is. Bonus points for this inevitably becoming an instant conversation starter in every room you walk into.

What To Look For In The Best Silver Chains For Men

Length

How long your chain is says a lot about your personal style and the aesthetic you’re trying to put out there. A common sweet spot is 20 inches, but 18- and 24-inch necklaces are also common. If you’re not able to try on the best silver chains for men in person, make sure you’re checking the length online before making any decisions.

Style

Rope chains. Curb chains. Figaro. Herringbone. Like men’s rings, ear piercings, and other niche accessories, chain necklaces come in dozens of styles. Do a little homework and figure out which options will best pair with your existing wardrobe.

Material

Two of the most popular materials used in the best silver chains for men are Sterling silver and stainless steel. The former is widely recognized as the best overall material for necklaces, while the latter is a popular choice thanks to its durability and affordability.

Final Verdict 

The best silver chains for men are subtle, elegant, and made from quality materials that are built to last. If you’re looking for a universally versatile piece that’s priced fairly (especially for its exceptional quality), Miansai’s Figaro chain necklace is the way to go.