How to Wear a Chain with a Hoodie

Co-authored by Melissa Young and Janice Tieperman

Last Updated: August 21, 2024 References

Chains are a tried and true fashion statement that tell a story of identity, as well as your own style preferences. This simple type of necklace works well with a variety of outfits, but is especially stylish when worn with a hoodie. The key with choosing and wearing chains is to not overthink it too much, and to pick out a piece of jewelry that’s comfortable and representative of you.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Choosing a Suitable Chain

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Invest in chains made with high-quality materials. Make a commitment to your new fashion statement by purchasing a chain made with nice metals, like silver, gold, or platinum. It’s completely fine if you can’t afford something really pricey—what matters most is that you pick up some jewelry made with real metal, and not something cheap, like plastic.^{[1]
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- You can get some metal chains for under $30, depending on what you’re looking for.
- The type of metal you choose really depends on your personal preference. Silver is a more universal chain material, while gold may have a confident, luxurious connotation attached to it.
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Opt for a simple, looped necklace for a stylish look. Search for chains that are pretty flat and not overly heavy. Ideally, look for jewelry with flat, thin chains that aren’t bulky and uncomfortable to wear with a hoodie.^{[2]
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- Some of the most comfortable chains to wear are shaped more like ribbons, and are smooth and thin.
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Look for jewelry with symbols that mean a lot to you, whether it’s a Star of David, a cross, or something else entirely. Your chain should be representative of you and your identity, and a religious symbol is a great option for this.^{[3]
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Pick out a necklace that’s around 24 in (61 cm) long or so. Think about where you’d like your chain to fall along your chest. Note that 18 in (46 cm) long necklaces will fall slightly beneath your neck, while 20 to 22 in (51 to 56 cm) long chains fall somewhere around your collarbone. If you’d like your chain to be front and center, choose one that’s at least 24 in (61 cm) long, which will dangle around the center of your chest.
- If you’re really tall or have an especially large build, you may want to buy a chain that’s slightly larger.
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Wear a chain with an obvious pendant for a bolder look. Look for chains that have interesting shapes or pendants that w draw a lot of attention to your chain. Choose these chains carefully—they can be a great option if you’d like to draw a lot of attention to yourself, but may not be a good choice if you’re trying to be more subtle.^{[4]
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- Pendants really depend on personal preference. If you don’t spare a lot of thought to what people think of you and your fashion sense, then pendants might be a great choice for you.
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Check that all your accessories match the chain color. Think about any watches, bracelets, or other accessories that you wear on a regular basis. Try to choose a chain that matches the color of these accessories, so you can create a more cohesive, stylish look.^{[5]
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- This isn’t a hard and fast rule, especially if you prefer to dress casually.
- If you don’t wear a lot of accessories, you don’t have to worry about this.

Part 2

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Displaying Your Chain

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Leave the front of your chain visible over your hoodie. Place the chain around your neck so the chain is snug against the back of your neck. Keep this portion of the chain hidden in your hoodie, then untuck the front portion of your chain along the front of your hoodie.^{[6]
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- If your chain has a pendant, keep it centered along the front of your hoodie.
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Tuck your chain into your hoodie if you’re wearing it for sentimental reasons. Don’t feel pressured to make a statement constantly with your chain—it’s okay to keep it tucked in! If your jewelry represents something personal to you, feel free to literally and figuratively keep it close to your heart.^{[7]
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- For instance, if your chain is a family heirloom, you may want to keep it tucked in instead of showing it off.
Layer multiple thin chains around your neck, collecting them around the center of your neck and hoodie. Try to pick thin, ribbon-like chains that won’t be super bulky and uncomfortable to wear.^{[8]
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Expert Q&A

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What type of chain do you suggest, and how do I style it?

Melissa Young
Freelance Fashion Stylist
Melissa Young is a Freelance Fashion Stylist based in Atlanta, Georgia. With over 10 years of professional experience, Melissa's objective is to elevate people's confidence and comfort through the power of fashion. Her professional background is in commercial styling and she has extensive experience in styling for editorial, television, and film. She has styled for brands including Diageo Crown Royal, Hilton Hotels, IHG Hotels, and Getty Images, and has been featured in several publications, including PUMP Magazine, Moevir Magazine, and Upscale Magazine. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of South Carolina.

Melissa Young

Freelance Fashion Stylist

Expert Answer

A Cuban link chain can add a stylish touch, or for a vintage feel, consider a rope chain—both in a medium size, not overly thick, for a great look beneath a hoodie. If you're aiming for a preppy style, wearing a button-up shirt underneath the hoodie with the chain peeking out from the collar can be a really cute ensemble. Picture pairing it with a mini skirt and knee-high boots for a casual yet fashionable vibe. Another idea that comes to mind is layering a nice, slim maxi dress with a hoodie and a chain. This not only achieves a cute, sporty look but also aligns with the trend for maxi skirts and dresses this season.

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