7 Types Of Necklaces Every Stylish Man Should Consider

Think jewellery is just for girls? OK, Grandad. Sorry to burst your bubble, but genderless dressing is very much here, and far from being a bad thing, it means guys now have more options than ever before in terms of expressing themselves through the way they dress.

Necklaces are perhaps the perfect example of this. Once seen as strictly women’s jewellery – ornate, delicate and sentimental – they’ve quietly made their way into menswear, moving from the subcultures on the fringes of fashion and into the mainstream via numerous celebrity adopters.

Stars like A$AP Rocky, Pharrell, Harry Styles and Tyler, The Creator have helped to change perceptions around men’s jewellery, making necklaces for men more socially accepted – even pearls have made their way into the mainstream.

If you’re thinking of dipping a toe in, we’d encourage you to do so. Below you’ll find a selection of the types of necklaces for men we believe are worthy of consideration.

Pendant

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When you think ‘necklace’, you probably picture a pendant. This style of necklace consists of a charm or token suspended from a chain – usually something modestly sized, sentimental and just heavy enough to gently pull the chain into a ‘v’ shape in the centre of the chest.

It’s a great option if you’re not sure where to start because it invites meaning – it’s not just jewellery for jewellery’s sake. It could be a nod to your heritage, a family symbol, something religious or a birthstone. Whatever it is, the point is that it adds a little flourish to your outfit without stealing the show.

If you’re going to buy just one necklace, make it one of these.

Dog Tag

David Yurman

Like many of the best things in menswear, dog tags have military roots. Dangling from a silver chain, these swinging tags were initially used for identification purposes, but just like peacoats, cargo pants and field jackets, they’ve become style items in their own right over the years.

This is about as ‘masculine’ as necklaces get, so if you’re a self-confessed bloke’s bloke and are apprehensive about experimenting with jewellery, this is a good place to start. It essentially accomplishes the same goal as a pendant but in a more traditionally ‘manly’ way… if you care about that sort of thing.

Curb Chain

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There are several types of plain chains to consider. These can be worn with a pendant or simply on their own if you prefer a minimalist look. We’ll start by looking at the curb chain. It consists of a series of small interlocking loops cut so that they lay flat when draped around the neck or placed on a flat surface.

Gold and silver are the most common choices, but whichever you choose, don’t go too big and chunky. A chain should be a subtle accent within your outfit, not the main event.

Cable Chain

Serge de Nimes

This is your classic chain. The type a child will draw if you ask them to draw a chain. It’s made up of interlocking loops of metal, but unlike the curb chain there is no fancy shape that allows them to sit flat.

These chains are probably the most common type, and they look their best when they’re nice and slim, so the individual links are barely noticeable. Pair it with a pendant to give a plain tee a focal point, or leave it blank for a pared-back vibe.

Rope Chain

Serge de Nimes

The last type of chain we’ll touch on is the rope chain. It’s made with small, twisted interlocking links that give it a rope-like appearance.

It’s a clean look that boasts superior durability and looks great with or without a pendant.

Beaded Necklace

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A beaded necklace is a good option for a laid-back, summery look. But proceed with caution because this one is notoriously easy to mess up. Get it right and it’s the breeziest style move you can make. Get it wrong and you’re a gap-year student who just returned from South East Asia in a pair of elephant-patterned harem pants.

The key is to keep it low-key in terms of sizing and steer away from anything too wooden. Stone or glass are good alternatives that can add a splash of colour.

We’d also recommend going for a medium length and avoiding anything long and pendulous or tight and high on the neck.

Pearl Necklace

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Here in 2025, wearing a pearl necklace as a man is no longer the outlandish style move it once was. The look has been popularised by the likes of Harry Styles and Tyler, The Creator, and now almost anyone can pull it off without raising too many eyebrows.

Keep it simple and small and go for a shortish length option that sits relatively high on the neck.