Like organizing the right furniture in the right room in your home, you can fundamentally change the look and feel of a watch by simply switching its band. Whether you have one watch case that you absolutely love or a different watch case for every type of watch band, the possibilities are endless when it comes to making your watches your own.
We recommend beginning with watch band types if you’re on the hunt for a new watch band but aren’t sure where to start. In this guide, we’ll go into detail about the different types of watch bands available and which materials and styles might best pair with where you’re going, and what you’re doing for the day.
How Do I Choose The Right Watch Band?
There are many different types of watch bands based on size, material, and style that you’ll want to consider when choosing a new strap.
Size
Watch band size takes into account both the length and width of a band. Sizes are typically measured in millimeters and can be as short as 65 mm or as long as 420 mm and as slim as 8 mm wide or as thick as 22 mm wide. The length of the band is dependent on the size of your wrist while the width of the band can vary based on the watch case you have. To determine which strap width size you need, simply measure the distance in millimeters between the lugs on your watch case.
Material
This is where the fun begins. Watch bands come in a variety of materials. From leather and stainless steel to nylon, rubber, or even alligator, each watch band material is purpose-built for different daily activities in addition to being the foundation of its style.
Style
Each watch band material also has its own style options to match your own. This includes how each band is constructed with the material in addition to various colors, stitching arrangements, clasps, and more.
Let’s take a further look at the types of watch bands by their material and style and explain when each type is best worn.
Leather
Leather watch bands are arguably the most popular and classically timeless watch band option. With a variety of types of leather, stitching arrangements, and buckles, you can’t go wrong with a leather watch strap. Because of leather’s ability to withstand daily wear and tear, leather watch straps are the ideal choice for an everyday strap. Leather patinas beautifully over time, creating their own unique pattern and look as it ages.
At Shinola, we’ve thoughtfully crafted over 100 different leather watch band designs, perfect for your everyday work or weekend look with the ability to seamlessly transfer to a fancy night out. With over 20 different colors, matching or contrasting stitching arrangements, and buckles featuring our quick-release strap feature, you don’t have to choose just one leather strap. Plus, all our premium leather watch straps also vary in length and width to give a customizable fit to both your watch and your wrist.
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Stainless Steel
Stainless steel watch bracelets give leather ones a run for their money when it comes to the two’s running popularity contest. But stainless steel does reign king when it comes to the best metal watch bands. With an air of polished sophistication, stainless steel bracelets are made for those who aren’t afraid of making a statement and showing off their confidence day or night.
Stainless steel watch band varieties are carefully constructed using a complex machine requiring precise assembly of Swiss-made components. Their style can vary based on the way the stainless steel parts are linked together. Mesh, 3-link, 5-link, and 7-link designs each provide their own added look to a watch.
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Alligator
Wanting to kick your watch up a notch? Alligator watch bands might just be for you. Genuine or artificial, either is sure to strike up a conversation. Classic genuine alligator watch straps are designed with a style that thinks in decades, not seasons. So if you’re going for confident and classy giving a presentation to the board or walking down the street, this watch band type is for you. Even choose a color that matches your look with shades ranging from black to cognac to brown.
Shinola alligator watch bands are hand-sewn in the United States from genuine alligator.
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Nylon
You can track nylon straps’ first appearances amongst military ranks, giving a nod to the straps’ durability and comfortability. Its abrasion-resistant and moisture-wicking qualities make it the foolproof strap solution for those consistently on the go. From taking the kids to soccer practice to camping at your favorite lake, nylon watch bands will keep your watch secure without worry.
Coming in a rainbow of colors, nylon straps not only provide a worry-free, comfortable way to keep your watch in place but also give off that “cool-kid” aesthetic you always dreamed of achieving.
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Rubber & Silicone
The famed “do-it-all” watch bands. Rubber watch straps are common on digital watches, smartwatches, and dive watches because they’re sweat and water-resistant. For those with an active lifestyle on land or in the water, rubber watch bands have your wrist covered. Silicone straps are a softer, more pliable option for a synthetic strap material. Known for their comfortability, moisture-resistance, and even antibacterial properties, these watch straps are commonly found amongst gym lovers, athletes, and non-office workers.
Shinola rubber and silicone watch straps are all quick-release, meaning you can easily go from your workday leather strap to your working-out silicone strap in less than one minute. With a flexible, comfortable fit, no watch band is easier to wear.
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Recycled
If you’re like us and also concerned about the truckloads of waste threatening our oceans, ecosystems, and resources every day, our recycled watch bands are for you. Before single-use plastic overflow can make its way to the ocean, we give it a new life by transforming it into the moldable, weave-able, beautifully upcycled #tide ocean plastic granules and yarn used to make our #tide ocean material® watch bands.
This watch band type is easy to clean, durable, comfortable, and water-resistant. So whether you’re running a 10k in sweltering heat or chasing around your puppy in the mud, this watch strap can take it all.
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Whether this guide helped you realize the watch band type you need or made you want to get all the types of watch bands, Shinola has you covered. Most of our watch bands feature our quick-release strap, meaning you can transform your watch with a brand new band in less time than it takes to make a cup of coffee in the morning. Shop by series, style, or size when browsing all of Shinola’s different types of watch bands. Take a look today to find the watch band types that speak to your own unique lifestyle and personality.