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Body chains are one of the newest jewelry options on the market today and are becoming regular accessories for evening engagements, parties, clubs… anytime you just want to look cool. A body chain is styled to be both delicate and noticeable and to accessorize any outfit when it is added to the mix.
It is the type of jewelry item can take an outfit from blah to wow in a snap.
Now that body chains have become common accessories, you might be thinking whether or not they are the right jewelry accessory for you.
Read on to find out more about this unique and beautiful jewelry item.
What is a Body Chain?
Body chains are just that – an accessory made of metal worn on your body. Unlike a necklace or a bracelet that has a defined space, body chains can be worn across your chest, on your back, around your hips… the options are endless.
A body chain can be any weight, be made of many different materials and can be shaped in various ways.
The most common style goes across the front of the body, crisscrossing in several layers.
There are other body chains that are very delicate and that have a simple drape style from a central V at the neck. These are designed to be gorgeous both front and back. Chains like this can also be styled to wear under your clothes and might be shaped in a bra style that pops out beneath a wide-necked shirt or a blazer jacket.
Body chains can even be made to drape over your thigh or hang down along your arm to your wrist. The vast variety of styles out there means that you can find one that matches literally any outfit or any personal style.
Who Wears Body Chains?
There’s no denying that a body chain looks sexy and stylish. So, who can wear one? If properly styled, a body chain can match any style of clothing and be worn by anyone of any age.
They are made from so many different materials and in so many styles that anyone can find a body chain that they feel fits them and their style perfectly.
Body chains were originally rolled out onto the fashion scene to be worn with jumpsuits and swimsuits (hence the association with sexiness) but are now being worn with shorts and t-shirts, sundresses and to the office. They are even being worn over swimsuits for some added bling, or under jackets and shirts for a pop of glitter and bling.
If you like the idea of adding a bit of pizzazz to your jewelry look, then why not consider a body chain?
When to Wear a Body Chain
If you like what you have seen when you are shopping for body chains, you probably have a ton of outfits that could be accessorized with a body chain. But consider the occasion to which you’re planning to wear one.
Typically, body chains look great for formal or evening engagements, parties and the club. But if you’re thinking about wearing a body chain to work or say, a funeral, consider how appropriate it might be and weather it matches the expected dress code.
Some workplaces might not accept different or showy accessories, as they can be distracting or even unprofessional. For these occasions, pick a piece that is discreet or delicate, like this gorgeously simple body chain.
The thing with body chains is that they’re worn to make a statement, to stand out or to show style. Pick the right occasion where you can really flaunt your favorite body chain.
Types of Body Chains
Body chains come in many shapes and sizes.
Choker Style: This fun, flirty chain is a choker style necklace with a twist. It has fun styling, employing stars in the front and a simple chain style in the back. This is the kind of style that pairs well with a halter top, a tube top or a swim suit. It feels racy but classy at the same time.
Delicate and Drapey: This delicate, simple, classy style pairs well with swimsuits and clothes. The classic chain styling also pairs well with jeans or shorts. This is a sporty, simple design that would match many outfits and is suitable for dresses, jeans, a pantsuit, or any kind of outfit.
Elegant and Sparkly: This beautiful, drapey string of pearls is mostly an over the shoulder style that is just as beautiful in front as it is in back. This is nice enough to be worn with a gown or a fancy dress, but could also pair well with the right top and jeans. This style proves that body chains can be both elegant and dramatic enough for black tie while also being practical and useful enough to worn every day.
Gothic and Dramatic: This style is more dramatic in back than in front. The front is a simple chain and ring style and the dramatic back styling mimics a human spine. This is a fun divergence from the usual delicate chain styling and is the perfect fit for an open-back dress, shirt or even a catsuit. Even if punk or alt styling is not your thing, this body chain is still elegant and beautiful enough to pair well with a tank top and shorts.
Bra Style: This clever style takes a note from former lingerie focused designs and helps fill in a dress or shirt that has a wide neck or a deep décolletage. These chains tend to be delicate and sparkly but can also be heavier and more reminiscent of actual clothing. This is a beautiful high-fashion way to wear a body chain that has even been seen on the red carpet.
Thigh High Style: This style proves the versatility of a body chain. Departing from the necklace or collar styles that are the most commonly seen, this style is designed to wrap around your thigh. It adds a clever pop of sparkle and shine to shorts, dresses or even a swimsuit. There is something about wearing this type of jewelry that shows a bit of daring that still feels delicate and feminine.
Are Body Chains Classy?
Body chains were first popular as alt-culture fashion and have also sometimes been linked to the lingerie industry. For some people, they have become associated with their formal fashion incarnation from the past.
Today, this view on body chains is changing. They’re more than a sexy type of lingerie and more a way to add some fun and glam to your outfit. They’re being worn by a who’s who of famous stars, like Miley Cyrus, Rihanna, Jennifer Aniston and Beyonce.
As a Coachella must have, the body chain jewelry industry knows that not only should a body chain be unique but it should also be of good quality and have fashion-forward styling.
What to Wear a Body Chain With
Body chains pair well with lots of styles of clothing but right now they are being worn most frequently with dresses.
If you want to look amazing in an open back dresses or a sun dress, a body chain can add that little bit of sparkle that you need. A simple sun dress can go from basic to stunning simply with the addition of a body chain.
Body chains with sparkle, gemstones and attention pieces can really dress up even a simple sheath dress or a basic skirt and top.
If you have a low-cut dress that you’re going to wear to a party or dinner out, adding a drapey body chain can take your look from pretty to stunning in one step.
Pros and Cons of Body Chains
Let’s tally up the pros and cons of body chains to see if they’re the right choice for you.
PROS:
They are beautiful
They dress up any outfit
They are a great way to add drama and style to even the most basic outfit
They are daring without being overdone
They are easy to use
Fun and unique
They accentuate your figure
You can wear them under your clothes, over a swimsuit, or with anything!
CONS:
They can get tangled
They can be hard to get into without help
Sizing can be variable which can make ordering a chain hard sometimes
Some styles are not a good fit for all body types
Bra styles can be hard to fit without ordering a custom chain
Heavy chains can be uncomfortable when worn for long periods of time
Fashion accessories can say so much about your personal style. Why be confined to basic bracelets, necklaces and earrings?
There is a world of options available that are as unique as you are. If you are tired of basic jewelry and want to make a unique statement, body chains are the perfect way for you to express yourself.
A body chain can add a little of edge to a basic casual look. Wear it with some cut offs a single or crop top. The body chain look just as good, if not better, worn underneath clothing. A body chain under a floaty crop top bring a bit of sexy back.
It's similar to putting on a necklace. The key to your look is to make sure you pair your belly chain with the right outfit. You want to choose shirts and pants to show off your chain.Crop tops, bikinis, and lower ride pants work the best.
Body chain is jewelry that isn't a traditional piece--necklace, bracelet, anklet, earrings, ring or belt. Fashionistas are wearing body chains to confidently highlight their parts of their bodies. From dainty chains to large statement pieces, these are seen on celebrities and in everyday streetwear.
Women of all sizes and shapes can comfortably wear waist beads to adorn their body. There are even adjustable waist beads available if you don't want the beads to fit differently based on your weight or changes like bloating.
In a nutshell, the leg chain in northern Nigeria signifies marriage and adornment for the Hausa culture. For Igbo culture, the anklet signifies prestige, wealth, and beauty.
Body jewelry, specifically belly and body chains, are going to be big in 2023, Grutman predicts. “Body chains are a different way to wear jewelry than the classic popular spots, so adding a belly chain can spice up any look.”
Waist Beads are a type of jewelry worn around the waist or hip area. Originating in Africa, they are traditionally worn by women as a symbol of waist size, beauty, sexuality, femininity, fertility, well-being, and maturity.
Generally, wearing waist beads is not cultural appropriation. Instead, wearing them can be a form of cultural appreciation, where you have learnt about the culture which they stem from, respect the origins, and do not benefit from appropriating African culture.
Long and medium-length chains look great over the shirt. Color of Outfits: Pair something that stands out to create a unique look. For example, a beautiful gold chain will look great on a solid white and black shirt. Create contrast and pair something bold with a plain shirt and minimalist with patterned shirts.
"You can potentially damage your jewelry by constantly wearing it, but there are no major health risks to wearing jewelry every day, which includes sleeping and showering," she says (unless you're wearing costume jewelry, but we'll get to that later).
As the practice has spread throughout the diaspora, they have become accessories to express femininity, enhance sexuality by drawing attention to the hips, and serve as a symbol of fertility. Some women also wear them to achieve the appearance of a desired hourglass body shape.
It is a subtle and elegant accessory that can be worn to complement a variety of outfits, while also providing a symbolic reminder to stay focused on one's intentions and goals. Body chains are versatile talismans that can be worn around the waist, down the back or doubled as a necklace.
After a measurement is obtained, its a good idea to opt for a necklace size that is at least the second size up from your neck size. For example, if you have an 18 inch neck, you should probably choose a chain length of 20 inches or more. An 18 inch chain would feel too tight.
Many women are most likely to wear belly bands during the earlier months of their pregnancy when they require less support. However, women can also use belly bands during the postpartum months as they readjust to their prepregnancy clothing.
They're similar to belts but they're designed to sit fitted across your waist – rather than chain belts which are often designed to have a drape effect. Waist chains also sit higher up your torso – on your waist rather than around your hips.
If's that you, it's OK! Sleeping with your jewelry on certainly isn't the worst thing you can do. Jewelry can withstand normal wear and tear, and the chances of damaging it while you sleep are relatively minimal.
While anklets are becoming increasingly popular, the meaning of wearing one remains the same. Often worn by women in Asian culture to signify that they're married, or on the left ankle as a talisman or to feature the protection of the evil eye as a charm or bead.
In some subcultures, however, if a person is married or in a committed relationship and wears anklets on their right foot, it means that they are looking to have an affair or fling.
Belly chain decorations, which date back approximately 4,000 years to India, are used in religious ceremonies to represent prosperity. Other than for show-off, there are numerous additional justifications for wearing a gold waist belt for saree, including birth control, weight loss, beauty, and sensuality.
More traditionally, or when wearing a collared shirt with the first two buttons undone, keep the chain inside your shirt, especially for shorter necklaces. Keeping a few of the top buttons undone will show a bit of your chest and show off the shine of your chain.
18'' - hangs right at the top of your sternum. This is the most common length chain. 20'' - hangs about 1'' below the top of the sternum but also a comfortable size for taller or larger people. 24'' - hangs at heart level.
"You can potentially damage your jewelry by constantly wearing it, but there are no major health risks to wearing jewelry every day, which includes sleeping and showering," she says (unless you're wearing costume jewelry, but we'll get to that later).
Sleeping with your jewelry on certainly isn't the worst thing you can do. Jewelry can withstand normal wear and tear, and the chances of damaging it while you sleep are relatively minimal. One of the benefits of keeping your jewelry all times is that you can't lose it!
This is the must-have accessory, especially with the weather warming up. In the 2000s, we first observed them donning low-rise jeans. The modern wardrobe is elevated by skirts, suits, and jeans.
Contrary to popular belief, waist training won't burn belly fat, cause you to lose weight, or produce similar results to liposuction. A waist trainer can only temporarily alter your appearance by squeezing your torso.
They're everywhere, but “they're not for show,” said Bowden, owner of Creative Waist Beads by Journey Armon (her children's names) in Oakland. “In African tradition, waist beads are meant to be worn under clothing,” she said. “They're for you. It's personal.
Men typically get a thicker cable chain while women prefer a thinner, but you will see both men and women wearing thick cable chains made of yellow gold, white gold, rose gold, platinum and silver.
All in all, you should remove your jewelry and timepieces before showering to prolong the life and luster of your investment. If you accidentally expose your jewelry to soaps and oils in the shower, quickly rinse it off with plain water and dry thoroughly yet gently with a soft cloth.
Most chains come in the length of between 18 and 20 inches. This length sits just beneath the collarbone. There are also chains of lengths of around 20 to 24 inches that fall around the sternum. They can usually be worn without a pendant.
20 to 24 inches: Placement - Between the collarbone and the bust. Worn best with - Great for both business and casual wear. 28 to 36 inches: Placement - On the bust or an inch or two below. Worn best with - High necklines and evening wear.
Introduction: My name is Mr. See Jast, I am a open, jolly, gorgeous, courageous, inexpensive, friendly, homely person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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