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’s also evolved into a wearable fashion device, with the best Apple watch bands allowing you to personalize your look and put a stylish spin on your wrist accessory.
The best designer Apple watch bands put a stylish spin on your tech accessory.
ILLUSTRATION: FORBES / PHOTO: RETAILERS
Thanks to tech-focused designers, most versions of the smartwatch can be paired with various Apple watch bands that range from sporty to sleek to statement-making in different materials. Many are genderless and let you 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, the best designer Apple Watch bands we highly recommend, whether for yourself or as gifts to others. And if you’re looking to upgrade to the latest version of the Apple Watch itself, here’s our review of the Ultra.
Band size: Small (135-150mm), Medium (145-165mm), Large (160-180mm) | Materials: Leather | Colors: Umber, Ink, Azure
Apple has expanded its own selection of stylish watch bands, which shouldn’t be overlooked. This smooth, top-grain leather one has a two-piece magnetic closure and inner layer of Vectran weave for extra strength and stretch resistance (supposedly, it’s the same material NASA used to make landing airbags for the Mars rover spacecraft). All bands fit the 38mm, 40mm and 41mm Apple Watch models.
Best Stylish Designer Apple Watch Band
Sophisticated Set Of Two Bands
Tory Burch
Tory Burch Apple Watch T-Monogram Leather & Jacquard Strap Set
Band size: One size | Materials: Patent leather, jacquard | Colors: Nude, Navy
A great day to night option, this Tory Burch set include two interchangeable straps—in nude patent leather strap and navy jacquard—both with a T-monogram print. The band has a buckle closure and accommodates Apple Watch case sizes from 38 to 41 mm.
Best Luxury Designer Apple Watch Band
High-Fashion Meets High-Tech
Nordstrom
Lagos Two-Tone Pavé Diamond Apple Watch Bracelet
Band size: One size | Materials: Sterling silver, 18k gold, pavé diamond | Colors: Silver Gold
Made of both sterling silver and 18k gold with pavé diamond links and ball-shaped edges, this extremely luxurious bracelet will take your Apple Watch to a whole other level. Compatible with Apple Watch series 1 through 8, it fits case sizes 38mm, 40mm, 42mm and 44mm sizes.
Best Affordable Designer Apple Watch Band
Versatile And Budget-Friendly
Amazon
Kades Metal Link Bracelet Band
Band size: 38-49mm | Materials: Stainless steel | Colors: Black, Black With Black, Silver, Silver With Silver, Blue With Blue
A minimalist option with smart-casual style, Kades’s top-rated stainless-steel band comes in five color and easy to adjust to your comfort level: Just remove links with the included tools to get the fit just right on your wrist.
Best Leather Designer Apple Watch Band
Classic That Looks More Expensive Than It Costs
Nordstrom
Bluebonnet Italian Leather Apple Watch Band
Band size: 38-44mm | Materials: Leather, silver | Colors: Brown
Crafted from buttery Italian leather, Bluebonnet’s durable band is designed to age beautifully and stands out with its contrast blue stitching for a distinctive touch that’s great for casual and business situations.
This tri-color striped band from popular brand Wristpop is made with water-resistant and sweat-proof vegan leather, offering versatility and all-day comfort. It’s compatible with the Apple Watch Series 1 to 6, in case sizes 38 to 45mm.
Best Stainless Steel Designer Apple Watch Band
Excellent Craftsmanship, Bracelet-Like Design
Shinola
Shinola Stainless Steel Bracelet for Apple Watch
Band size: One size | Materials: Stainless steel | Colors: Silver
Crafted from stainless steel with a focus on quality and functionality, Shinola’s band is sophisticated to enough to wear on a date or work function. The Detroit-based watchmaker is known for classic, elevated designs with a modern spin.
Best Silicone Apple Watch Band
Waterproof For Everyday Wear
Otterbox
Otterbox All Day Comfort Antimicrobial Apple Watch Band
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 in total
Antimicrobial, sweat-proof, breathable and durable, Otterbox’s silicone band comes in 11 colors to customize your watch and can hold up for days spent traveling, working out or exercising.
Best Sporty Designer Apple Watch Band
Exercise-Friendly And Affordable
Bellroy
Bellroy Watch Strap
Band size: 38-45mm | Materials: Leather, polymer | Colors: Black, Stellar Black, Basalt, Bluestone, Cobalt, Evergreen, Racing Green, Terracotta, Deep Plum, Marigold
From work to working out to date night, this sleek, adjustable, and durable strap comes in 10 vibrant colors, including cobalt, marigold, and terracotta. The eco-tanned premium leather, a trademark of this band, gets a unique patina as time progresses, and the textured underside reduces sweat build up, making this band last longer.
Best Giftable Designer Apple Watch Band
Stylish Option That Stands Out
Farfetch
Moreau Apple Watch Leather Strap
Band size: One Size | Materials: Leather | Colors: Not listed
French brand Moreau’s geometric patterned bands make for memorable gifts. Each band is accented with chic prints reimagined on high-quality leather with a traditional printing technique in order to achieve vibrant and deep colors.
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