How to Stop Necklaces from Tangling: Tips for Tangle-Free Jewellery

Layered necklaces are a cute, dainty look that can really put the cherry on top of an incredible outfit. However, we’re all familiar with that frustrating feeling when you reach for your favourite pieces only to find them hopelessly knotted. 

Whether they are tangled due to improper storage or from daily wear, untangling delicate chains can be time-consuming, and even risky! It’s very easy to damage your favourite necklaces if you’re not careful. Thankfully, with a little know-how, you can make tangled necklaces a thing of the past. 

Read on for top tips on necklace tangle prevention and learn how to stop your necklaces from tangling.

Why Do Your Necklaces Keep Tangling in the First Place?

There are a few reasons why multiple necklaces keep tangling: 

• Friction: As necklaces rub against each other, the links can catch and tighten.
• Movement: Everyday activities and sleep can cause necklaces to twist and intertwine.
• Similar Lengths: Necklaces of roughly the same length have more points of contact, increasing the likelihood of tangling.

The type of necklace you wear can also increase their chances of tangling. Delicate chains are generally more prone to knotting than chunkier, more structured styles. Once you understand how it happens, you can make more thoughtful styling and storage habits and learn how to prevent your necklaces from tangling. 

1. Layer Strategically: Vary Your Lengths and Weights

One of the most effective strategies to keep multiple necklaces from tangling when layering is to vary their lengths and weights. Not only does this minimise the points of contact that lead to knots, but it also creates a beautiful visual flow, drawing the eye seamlessly from one piece to the next and adding depth to your overall look.

Tip: How to layer with Love & Co jewellery

• Start with a shorter base piece, such as the LVC MOD22 Serenity Curve Gold Necklace.
• Add a mid-length pendant, like the LVC 9IN Aveline 999 Gold Necklace, ensuring at least 2–3cm of space between them.
• With each necklace occupying its own dedicated space along your neckline, you can enjoy this stylish layered look without the worry of them tangling together.

2. Use a Necklace Spacer or Layering Clasp

For those who adore the layered look but struggle with tangles, a necklace spacer or layering clasp can be a game-changer. These simple tools attach to the clasps of your individual necklaces at the back, effectively keeping them separated and preventing them from sliding around and knotting together. 

Layering clasps are particularly useful when wearing multiple delicate chains with different textures, like the LVC 9IN Curb Link 999 Gold Chain paired with the LVC 9IN Cable Bold 999 Gold Chain for a standout look. 

3. Choose the Right Chains for Layering

To stop necklaces from tangling, be very mindful of the type of chain you choose when layering. Some chain styles naturally tangle less due to their structure:

• Box chains: Their uniform, square links lie flat against each other, reducing the chances of snagging and knotting
• Snake chains: Smooth, continuous, and tightly linked design minimises friction and interlocking
• Rope chains: Twisted structure that tends to hold its form and resist kinking and tangling compared to very fine chains

Conversely, stacking ultra-fine chains or multiple necklaces with identical, delicate chains is more likely to result in tangles. 

Tip: Consider investing in a necklace that already features a pre-layered design, such as the MOD22 Knot & Bar Gold Necklace, which gives you the desired layered look without having to worry about how to keep multiple necklaces from tangling.

4. Use Your Outfit to Support Your Necklace

Did you know your outfit can also play a role in necklace tangle prevention? Higher-neck tops or collared shirts can act as an anchor for your necklaces, helping to keep them in place and reducing excessive movement. 

For lightweight layering necklaces, you can even strategically tuck a small section of a chain under the fabric of your top to create added friction and prevent it from shifting around too much.

5. Store Your Necklaces the Right Way

When not worn on your neck, proper storage is key to necklace tangle prevention. The best way is to hang each necklace individually to keep the chains extended and prevent them from rubbing against each other. Consider investing in a jewellery stand with hooks or use a wall-mounted organiser specifically designed for necklaces.

Tip: Before storing any necklace, always close the clasp and leave a little tension in the chain to help it maintain its shape and avoid kinks that can lead to tangles.

6. Travel-Friendly Hacks to Stop Necklaces from Tangling

Travelling with jewellery can be a tangle nightmare, but a few simple hacks can make a world of difference:

• Straw Method: Thread each necklace through a drinking straw and then clasp it.
• Cling Film Sandwich: Lay necklaces flat on cling film and cover with another layer, gently pressing down.
• Pill Organiser: Use individual compartments in a pill organiser for each necklace.
• Soft Cloth Wrapping: Wrap each necklace individually in a soft cloth before packing.

You can also make use of a travel pouch with dedicated necklace compartments to store each individual piece, or simply wear multi-layered necklaces that are pre-styled and designed to stay relatively tangle-free.

Shop Layer-Friendly Necklace Styles at Love & Co.

While tangled necklaces are a universal annoyance, it absolutely doesn’t have to dim your sparkle! With the tips shared in this article, you can truly banish those frustrating knots.

Love & Co. offers a collection of beautifully-designed necklaces that are just a dream for layering. From the essential simplicity of fine gold chains, like those in our LVC 10K Cable Chain selection that sit beautifully as a base, to the captivating pendant necklaces from our LVC MOD22 range that add a focal point without overwhelming other layers, explore our collections and embrace the joy of effortless, tangle-free style.