Cuban link chains are sized two ways: width in millimeters, which decides how bold the chain looks, and length in inches, which decides where it sits on your body. Get both right and the chain looks like it was made for you. Get one wrong and even an expensive chain looks off.
Cuban link width chart
Width is measured across a single link. Most Cuban chains run from about 3mm to 20mm.
| Width | Look | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| 3 to 5mm | Clean and subtle | Daily wear, layering, smaller frames, light pendants |
| 6 to 8mm | Clearly visible without being heavy | The everyday sweet spot for most men; medium pendants |
| 9 to 12mm | Bold | Statement chains on their own or with a large pendant |
| 13mm and up | Heavy and loud | Showpiece chains, often iced, usually worn alone |
Quick picks: a 5mm Cuban link chain is the safe first chain. An 8mm Cuban link chain is the most popular all-rounder. A 10mm Cuban link chain is where it starts to read as a statement.
Cuban link length chart
These positions are for an average adult neck. A thicker neck pulls every length up a little.
| Length | Where it sits |
|---|---|
| 16 to 18 inches | Close to the base of the neck |
| 20 inches | Around the collarbone, the most common men’s length |
| 22 inches | Just below the collarbone |
| 24 inches | Upper to mid chest; good for medium and large pendants |
| 26 to 30 inches | Mid chest and lower; for big pendants and layering |
How to measure yourself
- Wrap a piece of string or a soft tape around the base of your neck where a chain would rest.
- Note the measurement in inches.
- Add 2 inches for a chain that sits close, or 4 inches or more if you want it to drop to the chest.
Match the width to your build
Proportion matters more than any rule. Slimmer frames usually look best in 3 to 6mm. Broader shoulders and chests carry 8mm and up without the chain looking lost. If you’re unsure, go one size thinner than your first instinct; a chain that’s slightly understated always looks better than one that wears you.
Solid, hollow or semi-solid?
- Solid links are filled metal. Heavier, stronger and easier to repair. Best if you’ll hang a pendant on it.
- Hollow links are tubes. They look the same width for much less metal and money, but dent more easily and are hard to repair.
- Semi-solid sits between the two.
In 925 sterling silver, solid Cuban chains give real weight at a fraction of gold prices, which is why they’re popular under iced pendants.
Iced Cuban links
An iced Cuban link has stones set into every link, usually in prongs, and normally closes with a box clasp that is also set with stones. Moissanite is a popular choice here because it’s hard enough for daily wear and far cheaper than diamond; see moissanite vs diamond. An iced Cuban is heavy and very bright, so most people wear it alone or with a single simple pendant.
Adding a pendant?
The pendant changes which chain you need. Check that the bail fits the chain, that the chain is strong enough for the pendant’s weight, and that the length lets the pendant sit on your chest rather than your throat. All of this is covered in how to pair a pendant with the right chain.
FAQ
What size Cuban link should I get for a first chain?
A 5 to 8mm chain at 20 or 22 inches suits most men and works with or without a pendant.
Is 10mm too big?
Not for a broad frame or a statement look. On a slim frame it can overpower; try it on or compare against a ruler first.
Do women wear Cuban links?
Yes, usually 2 to 6mm at 16 to 18 inches, often layered.
For more on chains, pendants and stones, start at our complete guide to hip hop jewelry. Retailers looking for iced pendants to sell alongside Cuban chains can message us on WhatsApp for the wholesale catalogue.