For many of us, the Apple Watch is an extension of our iPhones, making it infinitely easier to connect, communicate, and track our health and fitness stats on the go. It has also become a wearable fashion device, with the best Apple Watch straps allowing you to customize your look and give your wrist accessory a stylish touch.
The best designer Apple Watch straps add a touch of elegance to your tech accessory.
ILLUSTRATION: FORBES / PHOTO: RETAILERS
Thanks to technology-focused designers, most versions of the smartwatch can be paired with various Apple watch bands ranging from sporty to elegant to statement-making in different materials. Many are genderless and allow you to switch up your look, depending on the situation – think modern leather for the office, polished gold for a party or waterproof silicone for travel. Ahead are the best designer Apple Watch bands that we highly recommend, whether for yourself or as gifts for others. And if you’re looking to upgrade to the latest version of the Apple Watch itself, here’s our review of the Ultra.
Best Designer Apple Watch Strap Overall
Apple’s exceptional design
Band size: Small (135-150mm), Medium (145-165mm), Large (160-180mm) | Materials: Leather | Colors: Shadow, Ink, Azure
Apple has expanded its own selection of stylish watch straps, which shouldn’t be overlooked. This premium smooth leather has a two-piece magnetic closure and an inner layer of Vectran weave for added strength and stretch resistance (supposedly, this is the same material NASA used to make landing airbags for the Mars Rover spacecraft). All bands are compatible with Apple Watch 38mm, 40mm and 41mm models.
Best Sleek and Design Apple Watch Strap
Sophisticated two-band set
Band size: One Size | Materials: Patent leather, jacquard | Colors: Nude, Navy
A great day-to-night option, this Tory Burch set includes two interchangeable straps – in nude patent leather and navy jacquard – both with a monogram T-print. The strap has a buckle closure and adjusts to size Apple Watch case size from 38 to 41 mm.
Best Luxury Apple Watch Strap
High fashion meets high technology
Band size: One Size | Materials: Sterling silver, 18k gold, pavé diamonds | Colors: Silver Gold
Crafted in both sterling silver and 18k gold with diamond pavé links and ball-shaped edges, this supremely luxurious band will take your Apple Watch to a whole new level. Compatible with Apple Watch Series 1-8, it fits case sizes 38mm, 40mm, 42mm, and 44mm.
Best Affordable Apple Watch Strap
Versatile and economical
Band size: 38-49mm | Materials: Stainless steel | Colors: Black, black with black, silver, silver with silver, blue with blue
A minimalist option with a sleek, casual style, Kades’ premium stainless steel bracelet is available in five colors and easy to adjust to your comfort level: just remove the links with the included tools to get the fit perfect on your wrist.
Best Leather Apple Watch Strap
A classic that looks more expensive than it costs
Band size: 38-44mm | Materials: Leather, silver | Colors: Brown
Crafted from buttery Italian leather, Bluebonnet’s durable strap is designed to age beautifully and features contrasting blue stitching for a distinctive touch ideal for both casual and business situations.
This tricolor striped bracelet from popular brand Wristpop is made of water and sweat resistant vegan leather, offering versatility and all-day comfort. It is compatible with Apple Watch Series 1 to 6, in case sizes from 38 to 45 mm.
Best Stainless Steel Apple Watch Band
Excellent craftsmanship, bracelet-like design
Band size: One Size | Materials: Stainless steel | Colors: Silver
Crafted from stainless steel with an emphasis on quality and functionality, Shinola’s bracelet is sophisticated enough to wear on a date or to a business function. The Detroit-based watchmaker is known for its classic, elevated designs with a modern twist.
Best Silicone Apple Watch Strap
Waterproof for everyday use
Band size: 38-45mm | Materials: Silicon, stainless steel | Colors: Pavement (black/grey), Fresh Dew (blue/green), After Noon (orange/blue), Finest Hour (dark blue/grey), 11 total
Antimicrobial, sweat-resistant, breathable, and durable, Otterbox’s silicone strap comes in 11 colors to personalize your watch and can hold up for days spent traveling, working out, or exercising.
Best Sporty Designer Apple Watch Band
Convenient for exercise and affordable
Band size: 38-45mm | Materials: Leather, polymer | Colors: Black, Stellar Black, Basalt, Bluestone, Cobalt, Evergreen, Racing Green, Terracotta, Deep Plum, Marigold
From work to workout to night out, this sleek, adjustable and durable bracelet is available in 10 vibrant colors including cobalt, marigold and terracotta. Premium eco-tanned leather, a hallmark of this band, achieves a unique patina over time, and the textured underside reduces sweat buildup, helping this band last longer.
Best Giftable Designer Apple Watch Strap
Sleek option that stands out
Band size: One Size | Materials: Leather | Colors: Not listed
Geometric patterned bands from French brand Moreau make memorable gifts. Each band is enhanced with chic prints reimagined on high quality leather using a traditional printing technique to achieve vibrant, deep colors.
A fun addition to any wrist, this turtle bracelet is made with Italian acetate, stainless steel and hypoallergenic material. Ethically made, Machete also offers a one-year limited warranty on its items, so you can shop with confidence.
The most timeless and iconic leather strap of them all
Band size: 5.1-6.1 inches | Materials: Leather | Colors: Black, Texas Rose, Gold, Rogue H, Indigo Blue, Concrete, Rousseau Green
If you are looking for a fine bracelet, there is no more beautiful than this Hermès leather bracelet. Handmade by artisans in France, it offers a slimmer, extra-long strap that wraps twice around the wrist for an elegant look. The leather band is compatible with most versions of the Apple Watch and is available in nine colors.
Luxury strap for making statements
Band size: 22-24 | Materials: Leather | Colors: Multi
If you’re a fan of Missoni’s colorful designs, this sleek watch strap mimics the knitted herringbone pattern the Italian brand is known for and adds a pop of color to any outfit.
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