From stackable rings to chunky bracelets, you layer on the bling daily — so why leave your Apple Watch out? Whether you’re sporting the Series 9 or the Apple Watch Ultra 2, there are plenty of ways to upgrade your most-worn tech accessory. Our favorite simple switch: Swapping out your band for a sleek option that also reflects your style.

“There are tips and tricks to make the watch look and feel more elevated,” says fashion stylist Audree Lopez. “To dress up the watch, you can swap out the silicone band and add a face cover.” With the right band, you can make your Apple Watch blend into almost any ensemble. To find the best bands on the market, we tapped Lopez and other experts for their favorite models and shopping advice. Our top picks range from everyday staples to dressy options.

Best Overall

Kate Spade New York Interchangeable Stainless Steel Band

What We Like: You can adjust the length in seconds.

What We Don’t Like: The clasp may not be very secure, so we don’t recommend it for working out.

This classic strap is our overall favorite because it’s easy to wear almost anywhere. The Kate Spade New York Interchangeable Stainless Steel Band comes in a wide range of finishes and styles, including silver, gold, rose gold, pavé, and pearl options that pair well with everything from your favorite jeans to breezy dresses.

We love that this band is easy to adjust, thanks to links that you can snap or unsnap in seconds. However, some wearers have found that the clasp isn’t very secure, so we don’t recommend this strap for working out or other high-impact activities. If you’re searching for an everyday Apple Watch band that’s simple, elegant, and versatile, Kate Spade wins our vote.

Size: Not listed | Material: Stainless steel | Compatibility: 38, 40, and 41 millimeters

Best Budget

Quince Leather Apple Watch Band

What We Like: It’s made from high-end materials at a low-end price point.

What We Don’t Like: The leather may feel thin.

Luxe Apple Watch straps don’t have to break the bank. We like the Quince Leather Apple Watch Band because even though it looks pricey, it costs about five times less than our top overall pick does. Made from calf leather and stainless steel, it’s a reliable choice with a classic design that won’t go out of style.

We love the delicate stitching on either side of this band, which is bright white or monochromatic, depending on the color. And with ten shades to choose from, stocking up is simple — even if finding a favorite isn’t. Just note that the leather is on the thinner side, according to wearers.

Size: 5.6–7.9 inches | Material: Calf leather, stainless steel | Compatibility: 38, 40, 41, 42, 44, and 49 millimeters

Best Luxury

Hermès Apple Watch 41mm Double Tour

What We Like: The two-tone braided design will turn heads.

What We Don’t Like: It’s not very long.

Searching for a designer option? The Apple Watch Hermés Navy Bridon Double Tour is our favorite luxury Apple Watch band. Made from strands of knitted nylon that are braided together by hand, it’s elegant and refined, for easy wearing at the office or special events.

Navy and burgundy colorways lend this strap a more masculine feel, although we think the design is versatile enough for most wearers. Plus, we like that the small Hermés logo on the buckle doesn’t interfere with the band’s striking pattern. Soft to the touch, durable, and unique, this strap is a solid investment you’ll wear daily and keep for years to come. We just wish it was longer, to fit more wrists.

Size: 5.1–6.1 inches | Material: Nylon | Compatibility: 38, 40, and 41 millimeters

Best Splurge

Michele Silicone-Wrapped Bracelet Band

What We Like: It’s compatible with most Apple Watches, including the Apple Watch Ultra.

What We Don’t Like: The links are big, and you’ll need a jeweler to remove them.

Another splurge that’s definitely worth considering, the Michele Silicone-Wrapped Bracelet Band combines comfortable silicone and sleek stainless steel in one high-end strap. The neutral colors and lightweight design are ideal for everyday wear. Plus, the metal accents make it easy to dress up or down.

We also like that this band works for most Apple Watches, including the Apple Watch Ultra. Just note that you’ll have to take it to a jeweler to remove any extra links. Some wearers have also found that, since the links are big, it’s tougher to find the right fit. Still, we think this band is worth investing in if you’re looking for something that’s just as functional and modern as it is lightweight.

Size: Not listed | Material: Silicone, stainless steel | Compatibility: 38, 40, 41, 42, 44, 45, and 49 millimeters

Most Unique

Olivia Burton Rose Gold With Floral Debossed Detail Mesh Strap

What We Like: Since it doesn’t have links, getting a precise fit is easy.

What We Don’t Like: If you need to make it smaller, you’ll have to take it to a jeweler.

If you’re all about statement pieces, the Olivia Burton Rose Gold With Floral Debossed Detail Mesh Strap is our top pick. This stainless steel Milanese band features a subtle floral print that sets it apart from others on our list. We love the rose gold tone, which can be tough to find, and the wide width that stands out on your wrist.

One of our favorite features is the sliding closure: Since this strap isn’t made up of links, it’s highly adjustable for a precise fit. But if you need to make it any smaller than the minimum length, you’ll need to visit a jeweler. A neutral that’s anything but boring, this unique strap looks striking alone or stacked with your favorite arm candy.

Size: Not listed | Material: Stainless steel | Compatibility: 38, 40, and 41 millimeters

Best Leather

Barton Apple Leather Stitching Watch Band

What We Like: It’s budget-friendly and has a modern matte finish.

What We Don’t Like: The leather needs to be worn in and the colors may vary.

Budget-friendly and traditional, the Barton Apple Leather Stitching Watch Band is our favorite leather band. A quick-release knob makes swapping colors a breeze, while the inside of the strap is treated for a softer texture. The exterior features a matte finish that feels sophisticated, so your Apple Watch looks and feels more like a traditional timepiece.

There are plenty of colors to choose from, including more detailed options with contrast stitching. We also like that you can customize your buckle by selecting a silver or black finish. Good to know: Wearers have noticed that the leather needs to be worn-in over time for maximum comfort and that some of the colors may vary slightly.

Size: 5–9 inches | Material: Leather, stainless steel | Compatibility: 38, 40, 41, 42, 44, 45, and 49 millimeters

Best Alligator

Shinola Black Alligator Strap for Apple Watch

What We Like: The buckle is designed to match the finish of your Apple Watch.

What We Don’t Like: It only comes with silver hardware and there aren’t many colors.

When it comes to watches, Shinola reigns supreme — and their Black Alligator Strap for Apple Watch is no different. Made from alligator leather in your choice of Black or Cognac, this strap looks and feels ultra-luxe. We also love how much Shinola pays attention to detail, with stainless steel or gunmetal buckles that are designed to match your watch’s finish.

A metal adapter makes snapping on this strap a breeze. While it is pricey, we think it’s a worthy buy if you want a timeless band that’s built to last. We just wish there were gold hardware options or more colors to choose from.

Size: Not listed | Material: Alligator leather, stainless steel | Compatibility: 38, 40, 42, and 44 millimeters

Best Titanium

Nomad Goods Titanium Band

What We Like: It’s waterproof and won’t fall off of your wrist.

What We Don’t Like: It’s pricey and can be tough to adjust.

Durable and lightweight, the Nomad Goods Titanium Band is designed with both performance and style in mind. We like that it has a thin (but strong) magnetic clasp to keep it on your wrist. Plus, it comes with a tool you can use to add or remove links as needed.

Scratch-resistant and available in two colors, this Apple Watch band is our top pick for those who appreciate a bold look. It’s also waterproof — just make sure to rinse it off after wearing it in the ocean or the pool. Although it’s more expensive than many of our other picks, we think the additional cost is worth it if you need a band that’s extra tough. Note that it may take a few tries to adjust the length.

Size: 5.1–8.9 inches | Material: Titanium, stainless steel | Compatibility: 42, 44, 45, and 49 millimeters

Best Stainless Steel

Kendra Scott Alex 5 Link Watch Band

What We Like: Multiple mixed metal options mean you never have to worry about clashing.

What We Don’t Like: It may be too large for some wrists.

For an everyday stainless steel band, the Kendra Scott Alex 5 Link Watch Band is our top pick. We love that the simple design comes in a range of colors, including iridescent and mixed metal options. If you often switch between silver, gold, and rose gold jewelry, this band will always match your daily stack.

We love that Kendra Scott offers complimentary resizing for life, so this band can stay in your rotation for many OOTDs to come. A butterfly clasp and easy-release mechanism are also nice to have. Heads up: Even though this is one of the shorter bands on our list, some wearers have found that it’s still too long. We recommend measuring your wrist before buying, just in case.

Size: 5.6–7 inches | Material: Stainless steel | Compatibility: 38, 40, 41, 42, 44, and 45 millimeters

Best Unisex

MioHHR Solid Stainless Steel Band

What We Like: This InStyle editor favorite is easy to adjust.

What We Don’t Like: The included watch face cover isn’t as high-quality as the band.

Loved by InStyle editors for its polished style and budget-friendly price tag, the MioHHR Solid Stainless Steel Band is our favorite unisex strap. After going viral on TikTok, this band still lives up to the hype, with easily removable links and over 8,000 five-star reviews on Amazon.

We like that the band has a nice weight to it and an elegant design that echoes many high-end watches on the market. There are also seven finishes to choose from, including black and two-tone options. We only wish the included plastic cover for your Apple Watch’s face felt as high-quality as the band itself.

Size: 5–7.6 inches | Material: Stainless steel | Compatibility: 38, 40, 41, 42, 44, 45, and 49 millimeters

Best Nylon

Kate Spade New York Nylon 20mm Apple Watch Watchband

What We Like: It’s thicker and more substantial than other similar styles.

What We Don’t Like: It’s a little pricey for a nylon band.

Another top pick from Kate Spade New York, the Nylon 20mm Apple Watch Watchband stands out from other nylon straps for its high-quality design and fun colors. Some nylon bands can feel flimsy, but this model has a substantial width and weight to it for a more upscale feel.

Nylon is a great choice for light workouts or everyday wear because it’s durable and wipes clean. Plus, it’s compatible with all Apple Watch and Apple Watch Ultra models, meaning it’s not just low-maintenance in the care department. We love the bright green and pink colorways — well worth the extra investment if you’re searching for a nylon band you can wear day in and day out for seasons to come.

Size: Not listed | Material: Nylon, leather | Compatibility: 38, 40, 41, 42, 44, 45, and 49 millimeters

Best Silicone

Barton Apple Watch Elite Silicone Watch Band

What We Like: The textured, two-tone design is more sophisticated than many other silicone options.

What We Don’t Like: It’s not reversible.

Basic silicone bands are useful when you want to wear your watch while working out. But we’ve finally found a more stylish option for sporting at the office or on the weekends. The Barton Apple Watch Elite Silicone Watch Band has a modern, two-tone design that’s lightweight and comfortable to wear.

We love that you can choose from a wide range of colors, including two different hardware tones (black or stainless steel). Plus, the outside is textured to add subtle detail. We only wish the design was reversible, so we could switch up the color without having to purchase multiple bands. Still, for an upgraded silicone band that flies under the radar, this one remains our top pick.

Size: Not listed | Material: Silicone, stainless steel | Compatibility: 38, 40, 41, 42, 44, 45, and 49 millimeters

Best Milanese

CTYBB Stainless Steel Mesh Magnetic Strap

What We Like: It’s very budget-friendly and breathable.

What We Don’t Like: The mesh may catch on certain knits.

Milanese, or mesh, bands are ideal for fashion-forward minimalists. The CTYBB Stainless Steel Mesh Magnetic Strap is our go-to because it’s much thinner than most other Milanese options on the market. Similar to our top pick from Olivia Burton, this strap is easy to adjust for the right fit.

The breathable design won’t trap sweat, and the magnetic closure keeps it on your wrist through errands, long days in the office, and lunches with friends. It comes in six finishes, so you can choose your favorite — or stock up on multiple, thanks to the budget-friendly price tag. But you may want to be careful if you’re wearing it with your favorite cashmere sweater, as some buyers have noticed that the edges tend to snag on certain knits.

Size: 5.5–9.6 inches | Material: Stainless steel | Compatibility: 38, 40, 41, 42, 44, 45, and 49 millimeters

Best for Working Out

Distore 6 Pack Soft Silicone Sport Strap

What We Like: This colorful pack of six bands is sweat-resistant and anti-dust.

What We Don’t Like: If you have smaller wrists, there may be a lot of excess band to deal with.

Whether you’re off to your weekly Pilates class or trying a new celeb-approved workout, having your Apple Watch with you can help you track useful data and motivate you, says personal trainer Kendall Baab, MSc. Make your gym time that much better by choosing the right band — her favorite is the Distore Soft Silicone Sport Strap.

Baab loves that these budget-friendly bands are thin and don’t feel bulky on her wrist, so she can stack them with her favorite bracelets. Plus, they’re sweat-resistant and won’t collect dust. They also come in an impressive array of color combinations, from dusty pastels to fun brights. Baab notes that they’re durable, too, so you’ll have them for plenty of future sweat sessions. If you have smaller wrists, just be aware that there might be a longer tail of excess band (although you can easily tuck it away).

Size: 5.1–7.9 inches | Material: Silicone, stainless steel | Compatibility: 38, 40, 41, 42, 44, 45, and 49 millimeters

Most Comfortable

Bifeiyo Sport Nylon Loop Strap

What We Like: This band is lightweight, breathable, and comes in over 40 colors and patterns.

What We Don’t Like: The hook-and-loop closure is pretty strong.

So thin you might even forget you’re wearing it, the Bifeiyo Sport Nylon Loop Strap is the most comfortable Apple Watch band we’ve found. It ditches the usual metal buckle for a hook-and-loop closure, creating a lightweight strap that’s highly adjustable. Nylon is also one of the most durable Apple Watch materials — it holds up well over time and is easy to spot clean.

The band’s texture is breathable and moisture-wicking, to prevent any buildup. We also love that it’s very budget-friendly and comes in over 40 colors and patterns. But it can be tricky to put on and take off since the hook-and-loop closure is fairly strong.

Size: 5.7–8.7 inches | Material: Nylon | Compatibility: 38, 40, 41, 42, 44, 45, and 49 millimeters

Best Waterproof

Bellroy Venture Watch Strap

What We Like: The strap is ventilated to prevent sweat from building up throughout the day.

What We Don’t Like: The color selection is limited.

Anyone who’s a little rough on their tech could use a waterproof band. The Bellroy Venture Watch Strap has stainless steel accents that will fly under the radar in the office — but we like that it’s also rugged enough to handle most workouts and outdoor adventures. It’s made from FKM polymer, which is durable and comfortable (with a feel that’s similar to silicone).

To prevent sweat from building up during studio classes, this band has a breathable channel inside that encourages airflow. Plus, your investment is protected by a three-year warranty. Whether you’re doing the dishes or recharging in the sauna, this waterproof band is easy-care, easy-wear. We only wish it came in more colors.

Size: 5–8 inches | Material: FKM polymer, stainless steel | Compatibility: 38, 40, 41, 42, 44, 45, and 49 millimeters

Best for Sleeping

Andi Luxe Scrunchie Band

What We Like: It’s casual, comfortable, and machine-washable.

What We Don’t Like: Although it’s comfortable to wear, it’s not as stretchy as it looks — and it isn’t adjustable.

If you’re all in when it comes to tracking your sleep, we recommend the Andi Luxe Scrunchie Band. Designed to fit and feel like a scrunchie around your wrist, it won’t leave any harsh red marks behind in the morning. We also love that it’s machine-washable and budget-friendly, so you can stock up in multiple colors.

For casual stay-at-home days, this strap pairs well with your go-to matching sweatsuits. But since it isn’t adjustable, this band is available in five sizes (and the brand suggests measuring your wrist before you order to make sure you choose the right one). FYI: The brand also notes that this band isn’t as stretchy as a typical scrunchy is.

Size: 5–7.8 inches | Material: Fabric, elastic, metal | Compatibility: 38, 40, 41, 42, 44, and 45 millimeters

Best for Small Wrists

Machete Smart Watch Band

What We Like: You don’t have to compromise on style with this bracelet-esque band.

What We Don’t Like: Removing links may take some patience.

The Machete Smart Watch Band isn’t just one of our favorites style-wise — it’s also ideal for anyone with small wrists. It comes with a jewelry sizing kit, so you can pop links in or out as needed. Just be aware that you may need some patience, according to buyers.

Not a fan of metal or silicone? This strap is made from acetate, which is lightweight, scratch-resistant, and water-resistant (so you don’t need to be precious with it). The hypoallergenic hardware comes in three finishes: silver, gold, and rose gold. And if you’re wary of investing, rest easy — your purchase also comes with a free return label and a one-year warranty. With so many stunning colors and textures to choose from (a major plus for Lopez), we won’t blame you if it takes you a while to decide.

Size: 8 inches | Material: Acetate, stainless steel | Compatibility: 38, 40, 41, 42, 44, 45, and 48 millimeters

Best for Large Wrists

Strapify Apple Watch Carbon Fiber Bracelet

What We Like: The brand double-checks to make sure you’ve ordered a strap that’s compatible with your Apple Watch.

What We Don’t Like: Adjusting the length can be tricky.

Buyers love how long the Strapify Apple Watch Carbon Fiber Bracelet is, making it our top pick for wearers with large wrists. The modern carbon fiber design looks especially sleek in black and pairs well with pretty much everything. Lightweight and slim, it won’t weigh you down. As a bonus, the butterfly clasp is easy to latch and unlatch with just one hand.

We like that you can add and remove links from this strap yourself, without any tools. But, as with some of our other top picks, some buyers have found that the process can be a little tricky.

Size: Not listed | Material: Carbon Fiber | Compatibility: 38, 40, 41, 42, 44, 45, and 49 millimeters

What to Keep in Mind

• Compatibility: From the Apple Watch SE to the Apple Watch Ultra, case sizes vary between 40 and 49 millimeters. You’ll need to make sure your band is the same width as your watch’s case — otherwise, it won’t fit correctly. It’s a good idea to check the manufacturer’s specifications before buying, just in case.
• Materials: Apple Watch bands may be made from silicone, nylon, stainless steel, titanium, leather, fabric, or other synthetic materials. To help narrow down your options, consider where you wear your watch most often. If you usually use it at the gym, a metal or silicone band might be best. These straps tend to be smooth, sleek, easy to adjust, and itch-free — all key features fitness entrepreneur Meghan McFerran swears by. At the office, leather and stainless steel will blend right in with most corporate looks. For sleeping, try a soft fabric band or a thin nylon strap.
• Care: Some bands need to be wiped down or spot-cleaned regularly, especially if you sweat while wearing them. You’ll get the most use out of your Apple Watch band by following the manufacturer’s care instructions after each wear. When in doubt, use water or a gentle cleaner (like dish soap) and a soft microfiber cloth.
  

Your Questions, Answered

Is it okay to change your Apple Watch band every day?

Yes, you can change your Apple Watch band every day. If you like to wear silicone straps at the gym, stainless steel straps at the office, and fabric straps at night, you can switch between them without worrying about damaging your bands or your watch.

Why Shop With Us

Sarah Felbin is a contributing editor at InStyle, where she writes and edits research- and testing-based commerce content. She prefers silicone fitness tracker bands because they’re colorful, lightweight, and easy to sleep in. For this story, she consulted multiple experts to learn how to shop for the best Apple Watch bands.

• Kendall Baab, MSc is a personal trainer for dancers and owner of BodyKinect.
• Meghan McFerran is a fitness entrepreneur and founder of the Glisten App.

Anneke Knot is a full-time fashion and beauty freelance writer. To find the best Apple watch bands, she put top bands to the test. She also interviewed fashion stylist Audree Lopez for recommendations and shopping tips.

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