Best Cuban Chains – Complete Guide to Cuban Chains and Cuban Links
Cuban chains, also known as Cuban chains, have become hugely popular in recent years within streetwear, hiphop fashion and luxury jewelry. Both men and women are increasingly choosing this eye-catching chain style that radiates luxury, power and status. Demand for gold Cuban chains, silver Cuban chains and iced-out variants with sparkling zirconia or diamond-look is growing in the Netherlands and internationally.
In this comprehensive guide you'll discover everything about the best Cuban chains, which styles exist, how to choose the right size, how to style them and what the difference is between a Cuban chain and a Cuban link.
Why do people choose Cuban chains?
A Cuban chain is recognizable by its robust, neatly shaped links. The links sit closely together and create a twisted cable structure, making the chain sturdy, luxurious and striking. This specific construction ensures a Cuban chain maintains its shape well, even with daily wear. It is therefore one of the most recognizable pieces of jewelry in hiphop and streetstyle fashion.
Main reasons people choose Cuban chains
Luxurious look
Tough and stylish at the same time
Suitable for men and women
Perfect for pairing with pendants
Available in gold, silver and iced-out
Durable and solid by design
Many celebs wear Cuban chains, such as rappers, influencers, artists and athletes. As a result the chain has become a cultural-iconic piece worldwide.
Trends: Iced Out Cuban Chains are booming
Besides classic gold Cuban chains we see a huge trend towards iced-out Cuban chains – set with sparkling stones.
These chains stand out even more because of the sparkle, especially under light or in photos. Ideal for parties, festivals, nightlife and social media content.
Examples of popular variants are:
Iced-out Cuban chain silver
Cuban chain gold iced-out
Luxury 6mm – 10mm Cuban link styles
Difference between a Cuban chain and Cuban link
Many people think this means the same, but there is a nuance.
✔ Cuban chain
A Cuban chain is the general name for the style of chain. Think of:
robust links
luxurious appearance
heavy quality
widely used in hiphop fashion
So it refers to the type of chain in a broad sense.
✔ Cuban link
Cuban link refers specifically to how the links are connected. It's really about the design of the links.
In short:
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Cuban Chain | The style of chain |
| Cuban Link | The type of link of the chain |
Both terms are used interchangeably worldwide, so you can use either name correctly.
Which thickness should you choose? (3mm, 6mm, 8mm, 10mm…)
Thickness determines the look.
Thin – 3mm to 5mm
subtle
suitable for daily wear
ideal for minimalist looks
unisex
perfect for layering
Medium – 6mm to 8mm
more noticeable
a true statement chain
pairs well with streetwear
Wide – 10mm and up
extremely eye-catching
luxury vibe
known from hiphop and urban fashion
Which length should you choose?
The most chosen lengths are:
45 cm (feminine & subtle)
50 cm
55 cm (most popular)
60 cm (tough & oversized)
Tip:
Combine two lengths for a layered look. For example:
45cm + 55cm
50cm + 60cm
Gold vs Silver Cuban Chains: which suits you?
Gold Cuban chain
luxurious look
timeless
ideal for parties
suits all skin tones
Silver Cuban chain
more modern
cool tone
sporty vibe
pairs perfectly with white gold style
What is an Iced Out Cuban Chain?
An Iced Out Cuban Chain is a Cuban chain where every link is set with sparkling stones. This gives the chain a luxurious, striking and almost diamond-like effect. The stones can be zircon, diamond-look, baguette cut or round cut, which creates a sparkle that immediately catches the eye.
What's special about an iced-out chain is that the stones are often not only visible from the front, but also set on the sides of the links. This makes the chain sparkle from different angles – especially under artificial light, flash and sunlight. Ideal for photos, videos, nightlife, parties and social media.
This style is especially popular in hiphop and urban fashion, where luxury and bold design are central. But nowadays more people wear them in everyday life as a statement piece. An iced-out variant is perfect if you want to create an extra luxurious, exclusive and eye-catching look.
Styling tips for men
For men the Cuban chain is the ultimate statement piece.
Pair with:
oversized shirt
hoodie
streetwear
urban jacket
Choose wider sizes like:
6mm
8mm
10mm
Adding a pendant is also popular:
cross
initials
custom name
Styling tips for women
More and more women opt for a subtle Cuban chain with a feminine vibe.
Pair with:
low neckline
bodycon outfit
dress
minimalist jewelry
Subtle: 3–5 mm
Statement: 6–8 mm
Which color stays the nicest?
Note:
colorfast material
stainless steel
gold-plated layer
silver plating
protective layer against discoloration
Modern Cuban chains are very durable nowadays thanks to improved plating techniques.
Cuban Chains match any outfit
Whether you wear streetwear, a casual outfit or something chic – Cuban chains really go with everything.
They are tough, luxurious and always stylish. Moreover their popularity is rising hugely thanks to social media influencers and urban fashion.
Conclusion: why Cuban chains are indispensable
Cuban chains are timeless, luxurious and strengthen any outfit. Whether you choose gold Cuban chains, silver Cuban chains or iced-out variants – you always radiate class and confidence.
With the right thickness and length you complete your look perfectly.
