Tennis Chain Sizes: What Size Tennis Chain Should You Get?
Tennis chains are one of the top accessories for men today for their iconic, sleek style. Whether you’re trying to treat yourself or that special guy in your life, though, understanding the different tennis chain sizes is an important part of choosing the perfect piece.
These can vary in length and thickness, and the differences in sizes play a role in how the chain feels and looks. It’s not something you should take lightly. Bigger isn’t always better, either.
We’ll cover all the common sizes below and help you pick the perfect fit based on your unique body, budget, and style preferences. After walking you through a brief tennis chain size chart we’ll also cover a few other factors to consider in shopping for your chain.
But whether you’re interested in a choker-style fit or something more relaxed, a subtle 3mm chain or a 10mm statement piece, your search for the men’s tennis chain of your dreams ends here at Adamans. Browse our catalog and see what catches your eye!
Quick Tennis Chain Size Chart
| Length | Fit | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 18 inches | Close to the neck, fitted | Layering, minimalist styles |
| 20 inches | Sits on the collarbone | Versatile for casual and formal looks |
| 22 inches | Falls on the upper chest | Relaxed, polished style |
| 24 inches | Hangs lower on the chest | Bold, statement-making appearances |
| Thickness | Style Impact | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 3mm - 4mm | Sleek, subtle, minimalist | Layering, understated looks |
| 5mm - 6mm | Balanced, noticeable yet refined | Solo wear or layering, standout accessory |
| 7mm - 8mm | Bold, eye-catching, luxurious | Solo statement pieces and high-impact looks |
| 9mm - 10mm | Dramatic, heavyweight, ultimate luxury | Commanding presence with bold fashion choices |
Overview of Tennis Chains
You probably already have a basic grasp of what this type of jewelry is, but you might not realize just how versatile it is. Tennis chains are characterized by a continuous line of identical gemstones, usually set in a simple, elegant metal.
Unlike bulkier chain styles such as the Cuban, tennis chains keep the focus on the gems themselves - letting the dazzle do the talking. The style initially became popular when professional tennis player Chris Evert famously wore her diamond bracelet on the court.
Today, tennis chains are worn every day and on special occasions alike. They can effortlessly be dressed up or down depending on the setting. Wear a chain alone for a minimalist look or layer it with other chains - either way, it’s the perfect finishing touch on any outfit.
Tennis chains come in various lengths and thicknesses so it’s easy to find the perfect fit for your preferences and budget. But all the different tennis chain sizes can also be a source of confusion and decision overwhelm for those who are just starting out.
So, let’s take a look and help you weigh your options with a tennis chain size chart below.
Common Tennis Chain Sizes
One of the most common misconceptions we see men make when shopping for a tennis chain is thinking that they should buy the biggest size they can afford.
Sure, you might get more eyes on you when you enter a room - but you need to take a more meticulous approach to sizing your chain. You also need to account for length. Before we unpack the common tennis chain sizes, let’s touch on the role sizing plays in the first place.
How Length and Thickness Affect the Look
Length and thickness influence how the chain sits on your neck and how it’s perceived.
Shorter lengths like 18 inches sit higher on the neck and create a more fitted, polished appearance, often ideal for layering or pairing with a pendant. Longer chains, (22-24 inches) hang lower on the chest for a more relaxed, bold look, perfect as standalone pieces.
The thickness of the chain can also alter its vibe, influencing how subtle or flashy the chain comes off as. Thinner chains are typically classified as around 3mm and appear more minimalist and refined. In contrast, a thicker chain - somewhere above 5mm - commands attention.
We’ll talk more about this in a moment, but choosing the right size tennis chain ultimately comes down to how you want it to look.
Standard Lengths for Tennis Chains
- 18-Inch Tennis Chain: Sits close to the neck for a clean and classic look. It’s great for people with smaller frames or for those looking to layer multiple chains together.
- 20-Inch Tennis Chain: The most popular length. It sits just below the collarbone and offers a balanced look that works well with casual and formal outfits alike.
- 22-Inch Tennis Chain: Falls further down the chest and gives off a more relaxed, yet still polished, vibe. It's ideal for those who prefer a little extra length.
- 24-Inch Tennis Chain: A bolder, statement-making size that hangs lower on the chest. This is often chosen by those looking to stand out and pair well with larger pendants.
Standard Thickness for Tennis Chains
- 3mm to 4mm: These thinner chains are perfect for those craving a subtle, sleek look. They’re understated, perfect for everyday wear or for layering with other chains.
- 5mm to 6mm: A middle-ground choice that strikes a balance between subtlety and boldness. They’re noticeable without being overwhelming, great for those who want their chain to be the centerpiece but without too much flash on themselves as a whole.
- 7mm to 8mm: These thicker chains are where the piece starts to command serious attention. They’re heavier, more luxurious, and stand out as a bold accessories for those who want their jewelry to make a statement.
- 9mm to 10mm: These massive chains exude luxury and confidence. Ideal for solo wear as they bring a dramatic, high-impact look for those who want a more prominent presence in their accessories.
So, What Size Tennis Chain Should I Get?
Being aware of all the different tennis chain sizes at your disposal is just the first step. Then, it becomes a matter of figuring out which is best for your unique preferences and budget. Here are some tips so you can choose your chain with confidence.
Personal Style Preferences
Not everyone is buying a chain because they want it to be the first thing people notice when they enter a room. If that’s your thing, there’s nothing wrong with that - but maybe you just want something that can tie the rest of your outfit together.
Ask yourself a few questions. Do you lean toward subtle, minimalist pieces that accent your outfit without taking center stage? Or do you like bold, statement-making jewelry that draws attention? There are no right or wrong answers here.
A thinner, shorter chain (around 3mm in thickness and 18-20 inches in length) works well for a clean, minimalist look. It can be worn on its own or layered with other chains.
A thicker chain (7mm-10mm) with a longer length (perhaps 24 inches) gives off a stronger, more noticeable presence. This would be a better option for someone who wants to stand out from the crowd.
Comfort and Practicality
Style is just one piece of the puzzle. You also need to account for comfort and practicality in purchasing a tennis chain. After all, what’s the point if you don’t like wearing the chain often?
Chains that are too short or thick might feel tight or heavy, especially if worn all day. The middle ground tends to be the safest bet here, with lengths like 20-22 inches and thicknesses such as 5mm being comfortable and practical.
Matching Chain Lengths to Body Type
There’s no one size fits all answer to the optimal tennis chain sizes. Those with smaller frames will typically be better suited to a shorter chain (18-20 inches) to complement their build without looking disproportionate.
Those with larger builds can wear longer chains 22-24 inches and still have them sit comfortably on the chest while maintaining proportionality.
Think about the size of your neck as it pertains to chain thickness. If you have a broader neck a thinner chain may look silly, but a thicker chain will create a more cohesive, balanced appearance. The opposite is true - those with thin necks shouldn’t wear massive chains, or the jewelry would look out of place.
Measuring Your Neck
Since neck thickness plays an important role in tennis chain sizes, start by figuring out how thick your neck is. Use a soft measuring tape and wrap it around the base of your neck, leaving a bit of slack for a comfortable fit.
Those who want a snug fit might want to add 2 inches to the measurement when selecting chain length. On the other hand, you could ad as much as 4 inches for a looser, more relaxed fit. This will impact where the chain sits on your body.
The Budget Side of Things
At a certain point your budget influences what size tennis chain you should buy. You’ll typically find that bigger chains cost more, and it makes sense since more materials are needed.
Thinner chains (3mm-4mm) are generally more affordable than thicker ones (7mm-10mm), and shorter lengths (18-20 inches) cost less than longer ones.
Still, don’t buy the biggest chain just because you can afford it. Think carefully about the factors above and make an emotionless decision based on your actually style preferences along with comfort and practicality.
More Tips on Choosing the Perfect Tennis Chain
We’ve covered everything you need to know about tennis chain sizes, but this is just one aspect of picking the perfect chain. You should also consider metal types and quality, the gems in the chain, and a few other things to make sure you’re buying your dream chain.
Metal Types and Quality
Different metals bring unique characteristics to the piece, from color to long-term wearability. Just as with sizing, there are a few options here to consider:
- Yellow Gold: A timeless option that exudes a classic, warm look. Available in different karat options, with 18k and 14k being the most common. The higher the karat, the purer the gold, but lower karats (like 14k) are more durable and better suited for daily wear.
- White Gold: Popular for a sleek, modern look. It's plated with rhodium for a bright, shiny finish. Despite its beauty, though, this plating wears off over time. Still, white gold complements the brilliance of diamonds and other clear gemstones perfectly.
- Rose Gold: Gaining popularity for its unique pinkish hue, achieved by alloying gold with copper. It’s durable and offers a distinctive, vintage-inspired look for those wanting something different from the usual yellow or white gold.
- Sterling Silver: A more affordable choice that offers a bright, clean look. While it’s durable, silver can still tarnish over time with frequent wear.
- Platinum: Known for its strength and durability. It’s naturally hypoallergenic for sensitive skin, too. Platinum’s higher price tag is justified by its longevity and resistance to tarnish.
Gemstone Options for Tennis Chains
Most people associate tennis chains with diamonds, and rightfully so. But there are other choices at your disposal as well. The gemstones in your tennis chain define its brilliance and overall aesthetic. Here are some of the most popular gemstones:
- Diamonds: Unparalleled brilliance and durability. Graded on the 4Cs (cut, clarity, color, and carat), and thus can be tailored to fit any budget. Whether you prefer flawless stones or those with slight inclusions, these remain the ultimate symbol of luxury.
- Moissanite: Known for its exceptional fire and sparkle, with a higher refractive index than diamonds, that gives off more colorful flashes of light. It’s also durable, making it a practical yet luxurious choice for everyday wear. It’s far more affordable than diamonds.
- Cubic Zirconia (CZ): Another cost-effective diamond substitute for creating eye-catching tennis chains on a budget. While it doesn’t have the same hardness as diamonds or Moissanite, CZ provides a bright, glassy look for fashion-focused jewelry.
- Colored Gemstones: Sapphires, rubies, emeralds, and other colored gemstones can create a vibrant and unique tennis chain with a pop of color. Some designs even mix diamonds with colored stones for a contrasting, custom look that stands out.
- Lab-Grown Diamonds: The same chemical composition as natural diamonds in a sustainable and more affordable option. They provide the same sparkle and durability without the environmental and ethical concerns tied to mined diamonds.
Different Types of Clasps
The clasp on a tennis chain is often overlooked, but it’s actually one of the most important features to consider for functionality and security. Here are your options:
- Lobster Clasp: The most common and secure type, it’s easy to operate with one hand. Reliable for daily wear, especially for longer or heavier tennis chains.
- Box Clasp: Often found on thicker, higher-end chains as it provides extra security with a built-in safety latch. This double-locking mechanism is ideal for tennis chains worn for special occasions or those featuring larger, more valuable gemstones.
- Spring Ring Clasp: A smaller, simpler option typically found on lighter or more delicate chains. Despite its functionality, it’s less durable than the lobster or box clasp.
- Magnetic Clasp: A convenient choice for those who struggle with traditional clasps. They offer a secure hold and can easily snap into place with minimal effort. But, they may not be ideal for heavier chains given the strength needed to keep them fastened.
Treat Yourself to a Tennis Chain That Won’t Break the Bank at Adamans
From iced-out tennis chains that dance in the light to two-tone chains that command attention, Adamans is your trusted choice for GRA-certified jewelry online.
We believe you shouldn't have to sacrifice quality for affordability when it comes to tennis chains, and offer tons of choices that fit your budget - no matter what it is.
Each tennis chain is designed with precision and built to last, featuring high-quality materials like solid gold, sterling silver, and the most brilliant stones. Plus, every chain comes with a lifetime guarantee, so you can wear your piece with confidence knowing it’s protected for life.
Whether you want a CZ or moissanite chain for men, Adamans has you covered. Browse simple, subtle styles and statement pieces. The perfect chain is a click away.
Wrapping Up Our Tennis Chain Sizes Guide
As we draw our tennis chain sizes guide to a close we want to remind you that it’s not as simple as picking the biggest, bulkiest chain you can afford. It comes down to balancing style, comfort, and practicality with your budget.
Whether you prefer a sleek, minimal piece or a bold, statement-making chain, finding the right fit ensures your tennis chain complements your personal style. No matter what your preferences may be, Adamans has an unbeatable selection to choose from.
Don’t just take our word for it, though. Take a look and see which of our chains catches your eye. Discover the perfect piece for daily wear or special occasions today!
