WORDS BY SOPHIE HENDERSON
If, like the rest of the nation, you’ve binge-watched BBC’s Normal People in one sitting, it’s likely you’ve also developed a second, inanimate love. If it isn’t already clear, we’re referring to the object that exists between Marianne and Connell’s on-screen romance — which happens to be a silver chain. More than just a prop, the necklace has a personal fan account with 185k followers (@connellschain), and a charity raffle amounting to £62k. It’s time you found your own.
With the addition of men’s jewellery to an outfit comes a unique and personal touch. Necklaces come in all shapes and sizes, but you’ll want to get things just right — length, style and charm included. So, what are the different types of men’s chains? What is a curb chain? And how long should your chain be?
We've done the research and chosen our favourite modern day style icons, complete with their matching men’s chains. From the tough-luxe hardware of 1017 ALYX 9SM — courtesy of Matthew Williams — to the Tokyo aesthetic of Yoon Ahn’s Ambush, find the perfect jewellery brand (and style) for your everyday wardrobe.
Whether it be Stranger Things’ Charlie Heaton or Star Wars’ John Boyega, Gucci muse Harry Styles or London MC Skepta, these are the men who are getting it right. They’ve unlinked the secrets to the chain game and they’re not bound to the rules. Scroll down for our edit of the best men’s necklaces and how to wear them.
How to wear men's jewellery
Skepta
Coming from a man who once famously rapped that he ‘shut down Fashion Week,’ Skepta (real name, Joseph Junior Adenuga) is no stranger to out-of-the-box style. From founding Boy Better Know to dubbing himself the King of Grime, the Tottenham MC retains his geezer-edge — he’s known to sport England’s red away strip and button-up tweed jackets on the Chanel frow.
His friendship with Verbal and Yoon from the Japan-based label Ambush has led to some key looks, and he’s never without a statement chain. Channel the high school locker vibe and keep your look on lock with this padlock necklace from Emanuele Bicocchi.
Harry Styles
In the last century BC, Julius Caesar ordered that pearls could only be worn by members of the ruling class. In the 21st century, Travis Scott, A$AP Rocky, and Lil Uzi Vert have all worn their own strands — not to mention ‘70s-inspired style icon, Harry Styles.
Challenging the very notions of masculinity with his gender-fluid aesthetic, Styles follows Alessandro Michele’s maximalist vision at Gucci. He’s made it cool for men to be seen wearing all kinds of jewels.
Pearl-effect stones grace the strand of this Gucci necklace with the iconic GG logo scattered throughout. But that’s not all, look to the crystal-embellished clasp fastening that comes in the quirky shape of a strawberry — inspired by archival cartoon prints from the ‘70s.
Daniel Kaluuya
Starring in Black Panther and Get Out, Daniel Kaluuya was writing and starring in episodes of Skins while he was still at school. The award-winning actor always steps out in a sharply-tailored suit, mixed in with casual pieces reflective of the London streetwear scene. Spotted wearing a long-length chain at the Louis Vuitton show in Paris, Kaluuya also layers a silver curb chain under his red carpet blazer.
We’ve picked out this sleek chain from Nialaya Jewelry — made in Los Angeles. Whether it be a Byzantine twisted rope link design or a flat-link curb chain, a minimal necklace is enough to elevate your outfit.
Charlie Heaton
Stranger Things star Charlie Heaton takes the act of ‘couple dressing’ to new heights with his girlfriend and co-star, Natalia Dyer. The duo’s Parisian-chic attire includes nods to the ‘70s, with all-black ensembles, preppy shirts and matching grandma’s curtain-esque florals.
Heaton adds a gold chain to his fit with effortlessness. Falling just under his shirt, the cable design is minimal and retro-inspired. Open your wardrobe to this gold-plated chain from Tom Wood — a Norweigan minimalist designer at heart. It’s a statement on its own, worn with a T-shirt or a suit.
John Boyega
From his big screen role in Star Wars to a powerful Hyde Park speech, John Boyega wins praise and support across the world, especially within the Black Lives Matter movement. It turns out everyone’s favourite stormtrooper also knows how to dress.
Often adding a pendant necklace to his outfit, Boyega curates a statement look that’s built around one piece of jewellery. For a similar style, we’ve turned to Versace — reinventing the 'medallion man' with a series of gold-tone Medusa medallion necklaces. Play with proportion and enter the golden age.
Lewis Hamilton
Lewis Hamilton’s style evolution is bold. He’s not afraid to take risks — taking up to 6 G’s on the Formula 1 track (which is six times his bodyweight) and layering a daring range of men’s jewellery styles.
Mixing logos, clashing prints and merging statement accessories are all key to Hamilton’s aesthetic. A blindingly-bright and bold chain against an all-black look brings attention to detail. From diamond tennis chains to more chunky additions, heads are guaranteed to turn with this 18kt white gold pavé diamond link necklace from SHAY — it’s one for the ‘treat yourself’ days.
Sam Fender
This Geordie boy knows how to wear a chain. From his sharp jawline to his power-indie anthems, Sam Fender takes on modern masculinity in both song and style. With a Brit Award in his back pocket, the simple look of a T-shirt and slim-cut jeans remains his uniform.
We’ve picked out this Rond 2.1 necklace from LE GRAMME — every piece of men’s jewellery is named after it’s metric weight. Drawing strength from its simplicity and shape, the rolo chain style matches Fender’s laid-back look with an indie edge.
How long should your chain be?
Chain lengths chosen for men typically fall at the collarbone, which is usually around 18-20 inches in length. If that necklace includes a medallion or charm, we’d go for a slightly longer pendant to elevate your look. Why not layer a few different chain lengths to curate a truly personal look?