Some of the most stylish male celebrities, from Harry Styles to Jake Gyllenhaal and Ryan Gosling all wear a chain from time to time and you’ll no doubt have spotted this year’s male Love Island contestants wearing one while they're grafting.
Roll back to 2020 and chains for men became something of a phenomenon, thanks to the TV adaptation of Sally Rooney’s Normal People - fans really couldn't get enough of one key part of the show: Connell’s chain.
The character's chain necklace, a subtle silver curb chain, sparked a major men's style trend that saw sales of chains for men go off the chart – and it’s still a major trend that you’ll see on men through the seasons. Plus, it makes a great Valentine's Day gift for him.
The good news is there are lots of styles for men, and these are the very best chains to shop.
Best silver chains for men
Connell Style Flat Cut Stainless Steel Chain, from £8.99/$10, Etsy
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Almost identical to the chain that sparked the trend, this Etsy design is available in lengths from 14cm to 30cm.
Oval Pendant, £220/$250, Otiumberg
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Normal People's Paul Mescal was spotted in this pendant necklace, which can be engraved for the personal touch.
Sterling silver chain, from £10, Not On The High Street
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Available in multiple lengths, this versatile design is an everyday classic.
Figaro Chain, £89.99, H.Samuel
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This classic figaro style chain measures at 20 inches and will be a subtle addition to his everyday outfits.
Rope Chain, £76, Astrid & Miyu
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For something a little more bold, Astrid & Miyu’s is a chunky chain that can be worn alone to make a statement.
Gucci Chain, £605, Selfridges
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Gucci's silver curb chain has the addition of a green enamel logo bar for a cool investment piece.
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Hexagaon Pendant, £35, Orelia & Joe
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This simple silver chain has an engravable hexagon-shaped pendant, for something more personal.
Unisex bracelet link chain silver, £75, Coeur de Lion
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If he'd prefer to wear it around his wrist, Coeur de Lion has a collection of classic unisex chain bracelets, like this one with striking stainless steel links.
Best gold chains for men
Curb Chain Necklace, £115, Pandora
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This chain is closed with a slider clasp, so he can change the length depending on his style.
Stainless Steel Chain, £30, Reiss
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For something a little different, Reiss' gold chain has flat links - very stylish.
Chunky Curb Chain, £257, Missoma
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Chunky gold chains have become de rigeur and Missoma’s will see him through summer.
Curb Chain, £56, Ana Luisa
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A great classic gold chunky chain for men, this 14k gold necklace is finished with squared off links.
Round Box Chain, £550, Mejuri
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A simple, everyday classic he’ll wear again and again, Mejuri’s chain is handcrafted in 14k solid yellow gold and has a bracelet to match.
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