If you've ever shopped for a chain and gotten lost in the names, you're not alone. Cuban, rope and figaro are the three styles you'll see everywhere, and each one gives off a completely different energy. Here's how to tell them apart and which one fits you.

Cuban link: bold and heavy

A Cuban chain is made of thick, interlocking oval links that lie flat against your chest. It's the classic hip hop and streetwear chain: chunky, confident, and hard to miss.

• The look: dense, uniform links with a smooth, solid feel
• Best for: a statement piece worn on its own or as the heavy anchor in a stack
• Wear it with: plain tees, hoodies, open collars

Rynor picks: Boxed Silver Cuban and Boxed Gold Cuban.

Rope chain: twisted and shiny

A rope chain is built from small links twisted together into a spiral, so it looks like an actual rope. That twist catches light from every angle, which is why rope chains have so much shine even when they're thin.

• The look: textured, spiraled, reflective
• Best for: adding sparkle without going chunky; great as a layering piece
• Wear it with: pretty much anything, from a tee to a button-up

Rynor pick: Rope Chain Necklace, made in 925 sterling silver.

Figaro chain: classic with a pattern

A figaro chain alternates a few short links with one longer link, usually in a 3:1 pattern. That rhythm gives it a vintage, slightly Italian look that's more refined than a Cuban but still has character.

• The look: flat links with a repeating short-short-short-long pattern
• Best for: everyday wear and holding pendants
• Wear it with: casual fits, layered under a heavier chain

Rynor pick: Figaro Chain.

Side by side

A few other styles worth knowing

• Curb: the slimmer, everyday cousin of the Cuban. Try the Kelvin Chain or Curb Chain Necklace.
• Herringbone: a flat, liquid-looking chain that sits smooth on the skin, like the Silver Herringbone.
• Ball chain: small metal beads with a grungy, Y2K feel, like the Star Icon Ball Chain.
• Paperclip: long, open rectangular links for a modern look. See the Paperweight Chain Necklace.

So which one should you get?

Want to be noticed? Go Cuban. Want shine without bulk? Go rope. Want something classic you can wear every day and hang a pendant from? Go figaro. And if you can't decide, read our guide on how to layer necklaces and wear two of them together.

Shop Rynor chains