The Ultimate Guide to Apple Watch Straps

Looking for a fresh new watch strap for your Apple Watch? Or you’re just in the mind to add a couple of different looks to your collection, so you can pair it up with a few more outfits? Whatever your reason, as a team of lovers of all things Fitness Watches, we are regularly hearing some of the most common questions in relation to Apple Watch Straps and some of the confusion that occurs when shopping for one. So that’s why we decided to put together our ultimate guide to Apple Watch Straps. So if you’re an Apple Watch owner or looking to grab yourself one in the next few weeks, this article will have everything you need to make the best choice for you and your Apple Watch. 

Is there a difference in Apple Watch Straps sizes and will they all fit all of the series models of the Apple Watch?

Put simply, no, not all Apple Watch straps will fit all Apple Watch models perfectly. This is due to the fact that the Apple Watch itself comes in a variety of case sizes the 38mm and the 42mm being the most common here in the UK. For example, the 38mm case size is only compatible with 38mm straps and the 42mm case size is only compatible with 42mm straps. So, if you have a 38mm Apple Watch, you can only use 38mm Apple Watch straps and if you have a 42mm Apple Watch, you can only use 42mm straps. Luckily at Fitstraps, every one of our styles of Apple Watch Strap comes in both sizes so you will never miss out on the style that you love the look of.  

How do I know what size of Apple Watch band I need for my watch?

If you're ever in doubt about which size of Apple Watch you have, you can quickly confirm by taking a look at the back of the watch. The case size is always written on the back of the watch, next to the model number. For example, a 38mm Apple Watch would be engraved with "38mm" and a 42mm Apple Watch would be named "42mm."

So always make sure you check out which case size you have and go from there. When it comes to the different models e.g Series 7, SE etc all the models of watch straps on the Fitstraps website are all compatible with every single model, it’s only the case size that you need to look out for to make sure of the best fit. Allowing you to make the choice between an amazing range of styles for every occasion with minimal effort. If you’re not sure check them all out here

How tightly should I wear my Apple Watch Strap?

Annoyingly there's isn’t a solid answer to this question, as it totally depends on your personal wearing preferences. Some people like to wear their Apple Watch straps relatively tight, while others prefer the looser fit. However there are a few things to take into consideration before you decide how to move forward on your Apple Watch Strap journey.

If you were to wear your Apple watch strap on the looser side this may lead to the sensors in the watch not functioning as accurately as possible which will lead to you being presented with slightly less precise readings throughout the week. Therefore if the heart rate data is really important to you we would recommend weighing this up against the comfort of how you like to wear the strap and find the perfect in between point for you.

If you're new to wearing an Apple Watch, you might want to start with a slightly tighter setting, see how you get on and then you can adjust as needed as you get into the swing of it. This will give you the chance to get used to the feel of the watch on your wrist and ensure that it stays snugly in place and feels comfortable. If this feels awkward as the weeks go on then simply loosen as the strap if desired.

How do I know which Apple Watch Strap is best for me and the sports I play?

With the Apple watch making a recent forceful push towards the fitness watch space in a way that only Apple knows how. Fitness fanatics from all types of different sporting backgrounds have chosen an Apple Watch as their fitness tracking device of choice. From power lifters to long distance runners, we’ve catered to all types of Apple Watch athletes at Fitstraps. So, you’ve decided that the Apple Watches extensive range of sports functions cut the mustard for you and your sport but which is the best Apple Watch Strap to wear while you are in action? 

What Apple Watch Strap is best for Running?

This will depend on what type of runner you are. If you're serious about your running and like to go hard when you’re out there then you'll want to look for a watch strap that's lightweight and breathable. Our recommendation for this would be our Sports Style Strap for Apple Watch as seen here- 

If you're a slightly more casually into your running and you prefer to take things at a bit of a slower pace than some of the 3 run a week warriors, then you might want an Apple Watch strap that's a bit more comfortable against your wrist and holds up a bit better against moisture and sweat while you run. Our recommendations for this would be either our Nylon Strap for Apple Watch 

Or

 Our 2 Part Leather Loop Strap for Apple Watch- 

Which Apple Watch band is best for swimming?

While the Apple Watch is not officially waterproof, it is however water resistant. This means that you now can swim without leaving your Apple Watch waiting for you at poolside, but you need to choose the right watch strap. The number one choice of Apple Watch strap for swimming is our Sports Strap for Apple Watch the same as above. This is due to the water resistant materials used in addition to the secure closing which will keep your watch firmly attached as you tumble turn and butterfly your way down the lanes.  

What Apple Watch Strap is best for the gym?

So, what do you need to look for in an Apple Watch strap to wear to the gym? Well, first and foremost, you should prioritise comfort above all else. You don't want an Apple watch band that's going to rub too hard on your skin and cause you any discomfort while you are working out. You should also look for one of the more durable and solid options , as your Apple Watch strap is going to get a lot of use while you're hitting it hard in the gym, so you want something that can stand up strong to the intensity of your chosen workout. Also, we all also know how annoying it is to have your Watch being the only part of you well picked gym outfit that doesn’t match up seamlessly, that’s why you a stylish looking watch strap is a must for gym wear.

The pick for gym use would be our Classic Silicone Strap for Apple Watch. These stylish and comfortable straps are produced with a soft and flexible material providing you with maximum comfort but also looking amazing. 

 Another great option for the gym is our amazing range of metal straps for Apple Watch. Our metal straps are also very study and durable. Although appearing elegant and slick, the metal straps have been produced with a tough, durable protective metal clasp that will resist everything your workout of the day throws at it.  

Why does my Apple Watch Strap give me a rash on my wrist?

Apple Watch Straps are made from a variety of materials, including metal, silicone, nylon and leather. Each style of material has its own style and comfort benefits and drawbacks. There could be a few possible reasons why your Apple Watch Strap might be causing a rash on your wrist. It could be an allergic reaction to the materials in the watch, or it could be that the watch is slightly irritating your skin due to a sweat problem. The good news is that there are a few things you can do to help with the issue. We have found this problem be the most common in users of the silicone material Apple Watch Straps, therefore if this has ever been an issue for you in the past we always suggest users give alternatives a try such as-

our Leather Straps for Apple Watch

or

Scrunchie Apple Watch Straps 

and our Metal Apple Watch Straps 

If you give the switch a try and still find that you are still experiencing irritation around your wrist area there are a few things you can try:

 -Application of a moisturiser such as E45 cream to the part of your wrist that is affected.

-Placing a cold, damp cloth onto the part of your wrist that affected.

- Taking an antihistamine pill when it flairs up to see if this helps with the inflammation.

If after these steps have all been followed and you are still experiencing irritation, we would recommend making contact with your doctor. They'll be able to help you determine if there's another underlying issue that is causing the rash.

Can Apple Watch Straps fit other models of fitness watch such as Fitbit and Samsung?

 The short answer is, unfortunately, no. The Apple Watch uses a unique watch strap mechanism that is annoyingly not compatible with other types of Fitness Watches. Apple Watch Straps are not interchangeable with other brands of Fitness Watches out on the on the market today such as Fitbit, Garmin or Samsung. The connectors for different Fitness Watches are completely different as with the overall design and attachment points of the straps, they have to be specifically designed for each watch. Fortunately though this doesn’t matter at all, as Fitstraps has you covered for every single model of Fitness Watch Strap in hundreds of styles, making grabbing your new watch strap the easiest thing you will do all week.

Can Apple Watch Straps be changed and how do I change them?

Yes, Apple Watch straps can easily be changed over. They were designed to be changed to give users the option of a more personalised and stylish look if they wished for it. With so many different strap styles available for your Apple Watch at Fitstraps you can find the perfect one to complement your daily outfit or activity in a matter of minutes.

If you want to change the strap on your Apple watch, you will find it quite simple. No tools are required to remove the old strap or to install your newest Fitstrap. Even though it is an easy and simple process, at Fitstraps we always like to try and make it even simpler for all Fitstrap users out there. So if you are in any doubt at all check out our step by step guide on how to attach your Apple Watch Straps. https://fitstraps.co.uk/blogs/news/changing-the-strap-on-an-apple-watch

 Which hand should I wear my Apple Watch Strap on?

There's isn’t a correct or incorrect answer to this question- the choice is completely yours and yours alone. However at Fitstraps we always strive to give you all the facts to the best of our powers so you can make the best decision for you and your Fitness Watch.

If you make the choice to wear your Apple Watch Strap on your dominant hand, this can result in your Fitness Watch slightly overestimating activity levels each day. Although Apple Watches are extremely accurate devices, they are still just a device and can therefore be unintentionally tricked by their owners. It is normal to move your dominant hand a lot more often even when you’re standing still. This can easily make your Apple Watch believe that you are moving, even when you are not, leading to important stats such as activity levels throughout the day and week to become slightly skewed. So if keeping your daily stats as accurate as possible is of the upmost importance to you, we would always urge you in the direction of sticking with your non-dominant hand.  

However if these stats are not the main reason you use your Apple watch and having it strapped to your dominant wrist is much more comfortable, then go with that. As we said there is no right and wrong answer and it’s all about getting the most from your Apple Watch and what is right for you. 

Why are Apple Watch Straps so expensive and where can I buy Straps for my Apple Watch?

One of the most common complaints about the Apple Watch is that the replacement watch bands are so expensive, meaning changing up your strap and adding a few extra styles to your wardrobe can become a pricey process. Apple Watches are slick and stylish and always win our vote at Fitstraps of being the most stylish looking Fitness Watch on the market. Apple’s replacement watch straps are designed to smoothly accommodate the Apple Watch, providing a slick and stylish look, whichever style you choose that day.

But ultimately, the decision of whether or not to purchase an official Apple Watch strap comes down to the complete preference of the user. We are not here to urge you away from buying the official Apple Watch straps……………………..we’re just saying we are here for you too.  

With so many amazing design options and styles available here at Fitstraps, there is another way. If you are looking to freshen up you Apple Watch Strap for a better value of the price while not compromising on quality and finish, Fitstraps is the only place to look-

How long will and Apple Watch Strap last and how do I keep mine well maintained for as long as possible?

 How long will an Apple Watch strap last? How long is a piece of string? No seriously though this completely depends on how well you take care of your new strap. If you treat it carefully and maintain it well, your new Apple Watch strap will be fresh and new for a very long time. But if you don’t take care, your new wristband could start to show signs of wear and tear relatively rapidly. Here are a few quick fire tips to help you keep your strap in tip-top condition for as long as possible.

- Avoid exposing your watch strap to any unnecessary moisture or heat as much as you possibly can.

- Try your best not to subject your Apple watch strap to too much friction.

- Keep your strap clean, free of dirt and other types of small rubbish.

How do I clean my Apple Watch Strap?

 As above if you’re an avid Apple Watch user it’s probably only a matter of time before your strap starts to gets a little bit dirty. Whether it's a little bit too much sweat, or just general staining, it's important to clean your up your wrist strap regularly to keep it  well maintained for as long as possible . Here are a few tips on how to clean your Apple Watch Strap.

• First of all remove the strap from your Apple watch by pressing on the release buttons underneath the watch.
• Once you have fully removed the watch strap, give it a wipe it down with a soft, dry cloth. Making sure that any dirt is removed from the strap itself.
• After you have given this a try and the strap still remains dirty we would then recommend lightly dampening up your cloth with a tiny amount of water. Make sure you only use water at this stage and steer clear of any washing up liquids or other cleaning products.
• Once you've cleaned up the Apple watch strap to a good enough standard, let the watch strap air totally before you reinstall onto your watch.

So, there you have it - the ultimate guide to everything you need to know about Apple Watch Straps. You now know the difference between all the different straps, how to size them for maximum comfort and which straps will be best suited for your individual wearing preferences. Of course, we can't forget about those maintenance tips! Make sure you keep your strap clean and in good condition by following our simple tips above. Finally, make sure you give this article a share via the buttons below and help out any of your Apple Watch buddies in one simple click.