The Mens Chain Styling Guide: How to Wear the Ascent Drop
Time to read 9 min
Chains are one of the simplest pieces of jewellery a bloke can wear, but somehow the most blokes get wrong. Too long. Too short. Too thin for the build. Too many at once. Wrong tone for the outfit. This mens chain styling guide is built to crush every one of those mistakes.
We just dropped the Ascent Collection. Two years in the making. 36 pieces of chains, bracelets and necklaces in 316L stainless steel with rhodium plating in silver, or 18K gold infusion, all sealed with a heavy duty protective coating built to last years, not seasons. Slim to heavyweight. Made to rise with you.
This mens chain styling guide walks you through exactly how to style every piece in the drop. How to pick the right one for your build. How to layer them. How to mix silver and gold without it looking like an accident. And how to dial it in so it looks effortless, every single day.
Why a Mens Chain Styling Guide Actually Matters
Chains are deceptively simple. From the outside they look like the easiest piece of jewellery to throw on. The reality is, the wrong length, the wrong thickness, or the wrong layering ratio can make even the most expensive chain look off.
A proper mens chain styling guide gives you the formula. Not strict rules. Not "you must wear this with that." Just the basics that work on every guy, every body type, every wardrobe. Once you know the formula, you can break it however you want.
Three things every bloke needs to nail before he starts styling chains:
Length: Matches your build and your shirt.
Thickness: Matches the energy you want.
Tone: Matches your watch, your other jewellery, or your skin.
Lock those three in and the rest is just personal style.
Step 1 of the Mens Chain Styling Guide: Pick the Right Length
This is the single most important call you make. The wrong length kills the look before you even leave the house.
The Ascent Collection chains come in two lengths: 52cm (our standard) and 45cm (our shorter option). Here's how to know which one is right for you.
52cm: The Standard for Medium to Big Frames
52cm is the length we recommend for the majority of blokes. Medium and bigger builds. It's our most-bought length across the entire brand because it's the length that suits how most guys are built.
Bigger frame or broader chest: 52cm sits where a chain should sit on you, with the right drop and presence to balance your shoulders and chest. The Cuban Necklace and Boston Necklace sit beautifully here.
Medium build: 52cm hits just below the collarbone, the sweet spot for chains you want visible without dominating. Slim Figaro or Slim Curb chains work perfectly at this length.
If you're a medium or bigger build, default to 52cm. That's the Billie Jo recommendation.
45cm: The Move for Smaller Frames or Stacking
The 45cm length is built specifically for smaller frames, stacking, or for her if you're shopping a piece across the both of you.
Smaller frame: 45cm is what we recommend. It sits closer to the neck, hits the collarbone, and balances a slimmer build without overwhelming it.
For stacking: 45cm is the perfect base layer to sit underneath a longer 52cm chain. The tightness of the shorter chain framed against the drop of the longer one is what gives a stack its structure.
For her: 45cm doubles as the right length if you're picking up a chain for your partner.
Slimmer Builds Wanting a Longer Chain
If you're slimmer and you specifically love the look of a longer chain, you can absolutely wear 52cm. It'll sit lower on your chest with more drop. From a styling point of view, this isn't the Billie Jo recommendation, you'll get a cleaner, more balanced look in 45cm. But style is personal. You do you.
Step 2 of the Mens Chain Styling Guide: Pick the Right Thickness
Thickness is the second decision most blokes get wrong. Too thin and the chain disappears under your shirt. Too thick and it overwhelms your frame.
Here's the breakdown across the Ascent Collection.
Slim Chains (2mm to 3mm)
Slim chains are the easiest entry point in this mens chain styling guide. They sit subtly, layer easily, and work with literally any outfit.
Slim Curb Necklace (2mm): Cleanest pick in the entire drop. Sits low-key, layers under anything, can be your everyday forever chain.
Slim Figaro Necklace (3mm): Slightly more texture, still subtle. The classic chain look every bloke can pull off.
Slim chains are perfect for guys new to wearing jewellery or for layering as the base of a multi-chain stack.
Mid-Weight Chains (4.5mm to 5mm)
Mid-weight chains have presence without going full statement. The sweet spot for blokes who want their chain noticed but not dominating.
Boston Necklace (4.5mm): Solid, considered, weight that feels right on the neck. Stands out on its own, plays well with a slim layered underneath.
Cuban Necklace (5mm): The classic Cuban link, the most universally loved chain style globally. Confident without being over the top.
Mid-weight is the safest "I want to be noticed" pick in this mens chain styling guide.
Heavier, Bolder Chains
The Ascent Collection includes thicker chain styles we couldn't offer in our solid silver range without pushing into luxury pricing. The Cuban and Boston are the bolder picks here. If you want serious presence at the neck, this is your categor
Step 3 of the Mens Chain Styling Guide: Pick the Right Tone
The Ascent Collection comes in two finishes: rhodium-plated silver (over the 316L steel core) and 18K gold infusion. Both are bonded to the steel, both are sealed under a heavy duty protective coating, both look the same in five years as they do day one.
So which one is right for you?
Go Silver If...
You wear a silver watch.
Your existing jewellery is silver.
You wear cooler-toned clothes (greys, blues, blacks, whites).
You want something that disappears into your style.
You have cooler-toned skin
The silver Ascent pieces have the same finish energy as our sterling silver range, just in steel underneath. Same Billie Jo look, more accessible price point.
Go Gold If...
You wear a gold watch.
You already have a couple of gold pieces.
You wear warmer-toned clothes (browns, creams, olives, rust).
You want your chain to stand out, not blend in.
You have warmer-toned skin.
The 18K gold infusion finish gives the warmth of gold against the skin without the gold price tag. This is the first time we've ever offered a full range of gold chains, so if you've been waiting for Billie Jo gold, this is your moment.
Go Both If...
Mixing metals is officially in. The rules of "never mix gold and silver" died years ago. Done well, mixing the two looks expensive and considered. We'll cover exactly how to do it below.
How to Layer Chains: The Pro Move in This Mens Chain Styling Guide
Layering is where the styling really opens up. One chain looks sharp. Two layered correctly looks expensive. Three is where most blokes start to overthink it.
Here's the formula we give every guy who comes into our Gold Coast flagship asking how to layer.
The Two-Chain Stack
The cleanest, easiest stack in any mens chain styling guide.
Chain 1: 45cm slim base layer. Sits closer to the neck. The Slim Curb Necklace (2mm) is the perfect base.
Chain 2: 52cm heavier feature layer. Sits lower for contrast. The Cuban Necklace (5mm) or Boston Necklace (4.5mm) work brilliantly.
The contrast between the shorter, slimmer base and the longer, thicker feature chain is what makes the look. Two chains the same length and thickness look uniform and a bit flat. Mix the lengths, mix the weights.
The Three-Chain Stack
For blokes ready to commit. Same logic as above, just one more layer.
Chain 1: 45cm shortest, slimmest. Sits high on the neck. Slim Curb (2mm).
Chain 2: 52cm mid thickness. Slim Figaro (3mm).
Chain 3: 52cm heaviest. Cuban or Boston.
The progression from short-and-thin to long-and-thick is what gives a three-chain stack its structure. Get this wrong and it looks chaotic. Get this right and it looks intentional.
Mixing Silver and Gold in Your Stack
This is the move most blokes are still nervous about. Don't be. Mixed metal stacking is one of the strongest looks in this mens chain styling guide right now.
Easiest formula: two silver + one gold, or two gold + one silver. One tone dominates, the other accents. Done properly, it looks deliberate.
The bolder move: alternate gold and silver layer by layer. Works best with three chains where the middle tone breaks up the two outer ones.
If you're new to mixing, start with a silver Slim Curb and add a gold Slim Figaro. Two chains, two tones, low risk, high reward.
Bracelet Styling in This Mens Chain Styling Guide
The Ascent Collection isn't just necklaces. The bracelets are designed to either anchor a wrist on their own or pair perfectly with a watch.
Wearing One Bracelet
Keep it simple. The Slim Curb Bracelet or Slim Link Bracelet sit next to a watch without competing. The Rope Bracelet adds a bit more texture if you want presence without thickness.
Watch + Bracelet Combo
The most popular wrist styling move in this mens chain styling guide.
Watch on one wrist, bracelet on the other: Classic, balanced, easy. The Figaro Bracelet is a strong pick because it carries enough character to hold its own on a bare wrist.
Watch and bracelet on the same wrist: Looks expensive when done right. Match the bracelet tone to your watch (silver watch + silver bracelet, gold watch + gold bracelet). Keep the bracelet slim so it doesn't compete. The Slim Curb Bracelet or Slim Figaro Bracelet are made for this.
Stacking Multiple Bracelets
For blokes who want maximum wrist energy. Stack two or three bracelets of different textures but the same tone. Example: Slim Curb + Rope + Slim Figaro in silver. The different link patterns create visual interest, the unified tone keeps it clean.
Styling by Outfit: The Real-World Mens Chain Styling Guide
Theory is fine. Real outfits are where the styling has to actually work. Here's how the Ascent Collection plays across the outfits you actually wear.
Boardies & a Tee
Coastal default uniform. Any chain works. Lean into the silver Slim Figaro Necklace or Slim Curb for a relaxed daily look. Add a Rope Bracelet to balance the wrist.
Black T-Shirt & Jeans
The most popular bloke outfit on the planet. The Cuban Necklace (silver) is the move. Heavy enough to anchor the look, classic enough to fit any styling. Want it more elevated? Swap to the gold Cuban.
Smart Casual / Going Out
Linen shirt, white tee under a jacket, chinos. The Boston Necklace sitting just under the shirt line is the sharpest move in this mens chain styling guide. Pair with the Figaro Bracelet on the wrist.
Workwear / Streetwear
Black on black, layered, structured. This is where you can go bolder. Stack two or three chains. Mix tones. The gold Cuban plus a silver Slim Curb looks seriously sharp against an all-black fit.
Suiting
Keep it subtle, keep it silver, keep it under the shirt. The Slim Curb Necklace (2mm) is your suit chain. Visible only when you want it to be.
Quick Questions We Get Asked About Our Mens Chain Styling Guide
What's the most popular chain in the Ascent Collection?
The Slim Figaro Necklace and Slim Curb Necklace are the early bestsellers. Slim enough for daily wear, refined enough to dress up. The Cuban Necklace is the front-runner for blokes wanting more presence.
Can I really mix gold and silver chains?
Yes, and you should. Mixed-metal stacking is one of the strongest looks going right now. The easiest way to start: two of one tone, one of the other. One tone dominates, the other accents. Looks deliberate, looks expensive.
What length chain should I get?
Our standard length is 52cm and that's what we recommend for medium to bigger frames, which covers the majority of blokes. We also offer a 45cm length for smaller frames, for stacking as the shorter top layer, or for her. If you're slimmer but love a longer chain, you can wear 52cm, but from a styling point of view 45cm gives you a cleaner look.
Will the gold infusion wear off?
No. 18K gold infusion isn't standard plating, it's bonded to the steel core through a high-temperature process and sealed under a heavy duty protective coating. It's built to last years, not seasons. Worn through showers, the ocean, the gym, daily life.
How do I clean my Ascent chain?
You don't really need to. The protective coating handles most of the work. If it picks up surface gunk from sweat or sunscreen, a quick rinse with warm water and a soft cloth sorts it. Full details in our care guide.
Can I shower, swim, and surf with these chains?
Yes. The Ascent Collection is built for it. 316L stainless steel core, rhodium or gold-infused finish, heavy duty protective sealant. Wear it through everything.
Shop the Ascent Collection
Two years in the making. 36 pieces. Slim to heavyweight. Silver and gold. Built to rise with you.