The Apple Watch is already a stylish object on its own — we wouldn't expect anything less of an Apple product — but with the right bands in your collection, you'll be able to match it with any outfit and every occasion.
Here are our “lucky seven” bands at the moment.
La Matera Apple Watch Bands »
($145; five colorways available)
La Matera, makers of the handsome Diplomático Wallet, also offer a range of Apple Watch bands with the same rugged yet sophisticated flair. Each is made from supple, vegetable-tanned cognac leather, atop which is a layer of imported Argentine woven fabric with various color pairings and patterns to choose from.
Bagoplus Elastic Braided Solo Loop Band »
($13; lots of colorways to choose from)
In the same way that we're fans of wearing an elastic belt that always fits just right, we also love a good elastic Apple Watch band. This stretchy braided solo loop model is easy to slip on and off, and it has a soft cushiony feel, so it’s comfy to wear all day — even while working out.
BARTON Watch Bands “Elite” Silicone Strap »
($32; lots of colorways to choose from)
The Elite Silicone strap from Austin-based BARTON Watch Bands is a very well made quick-release sport band that’s sure to add character and comfort to your Apple Watch, whatever year you bought it in. The textured top looks and feels great, and you have a choice between stainless steel or black PVD hardware to suit your taste.
The Flatwater Blue edition in particular (pictured above) not only looks sweet, all net proceeds from it benefit the Flatwater Foundation, which offers cancer patients and their loved ones access to mental health counseling. Now that’s a purchase you can feel good about.
Bellroy Premium Leather + Flexible Polymer Strap »
($69; five colorways available)
There’s no denying we love Bellroy’s stuff around here, most of which falls into the territory of wallet, bag, or pouch. Now they’ve added an Apple Watch strap to their lineup, and it’s every bit as awesome as you’d expect.
In an interesting move, they’ve paired a premium eco-tanned leather exterior with a durable and flexible polymer base layer, so you’ve got all the style and class of a city watch with the comfort and utility of a sport band.
Muranne Rainbow-Accented Silicone Sport Strap »
($6–$8; several colorway options)
This stylish silicone sport band adds a splash of color to your Apple Watch without being overly ostentatious about it. The strap itself is a solid color that’s lined with a rainbow-hued series of ventilation holes, creating a neat and subtle chromatic effect around your wrist while also making it more comfortable to wear during workouts.
Urban Armor Gear Active Strap »
($50 or $70, depending on color choice)
When it comes to Apple Watch bands, it doesn’t get more rugged or summer-friendly than the Active Strap by UAG (Urban Armor Gear). Built from a high-strength nylon weave with custom stainless steel hardware and a maximum-hold velcro fastener, this strap provides the ultimate outdoor protection, no matter how rigorous the activity.
Take it on a hike, do some HIIT training, lift weights, go for some long-distance runs, have a good surf…whatever you throw at this strap, it can take it. And not only is it sturdy enough to handle all that activity, it’s comfy to wear and pretty good-looking to boot.
Juuk Crimson II “Vitero” Band »
($149)
As we mentioned in our Tony Stark EDC guide, Juuk's “Vitero” band in the Crimson II colorway will make you feel like a certain armored superhero when you wear it.
Inspired by vintage race cars and made from hard anodized 6000-series aluminum — commonly used for aerospace, automotive, and nautical applications — this distinctive Apple Watch band sports a matte red (dare we say “hot rod red”?) color with a gold stripe down the center.
Of course, they do have several other colorways available as well.