Cuban Link Chain: How to Choose the Width and Length

The Cuban links and Cuban-style bracelets in this guide are in the hip hop chains collection.

Cuban link chains come in widths from 2 mm to 20 mm and lengths from 16 to 30 inches. That range is why people buy the wrong one. Here is how each width actually looks and what it is for.

Width, in plain terms

• 2 to 3 mm: barely there. Sits under a collar, works with a small pendant. Reads as "wearing a chain" only up close.
• 4 to 5 mm: the everyday width. Visible over a T-shirt, not loud. This is the one to buy if you own no chains.
• 6 to 8 mm: a clear statement. The chain is the first thing people notice. Pairs with studs, not with a pendant.
• 10 to 12 mm: full hip hop weight. Heavy enough that you feel it. Best on a broad frame, over a hoodie or open collar.
• 14 mm and up: stage jewelry. Not for daily wear.

Length

For a Cuban worn alone, 20 inches is the safe length on most men and 22 inches on anyone over 6 feet or with a wide chest. 18 inches only works on narrower frames or as a layering chain. If you plan to hang a pendant, add 2 inches so the pendant sits mid-chest rather than at the throat.

The clasp is where chains fail

Most Cuban links use a lobster clasp. On chains over 8 mm the clasp should be a box clasp with a safety latch, because a lobster clasp on a heavy chain will eventually open when the chain catches. Check the clasp before you check the plating.

Wrist version

A Cuban link bracelet follows the same width logic in a 7 to 9 inch length. Measure your wrist and add half an inch for a snug fit or one inch for a loose one. Our Cuban link CZ bracelet sets small stones into each link for the iced version of the same shape.

Plated, steel or silver

At 5 mm and under, gold plating over stainless steel holds up well because the chain does not flex much. At 8 mm and up, plating wears faster where the heavy links rub each other. If you want a wide chain to last more than a season, buy stainless steel or S925 silver and accept the different colour. The men's jewelry collection is sorted by metal so you can filter to one.