10 Best Apple Watch Bands for Every Occasion

Thanks to a FKM fluoroelastomer rubber construction, this watch band is just as rugged as it looks. The brand says it's 100% waterproof — great for those who use their Apple Watch for swimming workouts. It also has interior ventilation channels that help prevent sweat from building up around your wrist while running, weight lifting or doing any other workout. Redditors widely tout this sport band as one of the more comfortable options on the market and reviewers praise it for being lightweight albeit highly durable.

While the design is on the more masculine side, we love that this versatile band is suitable for both men and women. The brand even makes a slim style for those who want all of the benefits of this band but with a more delicate look.

Customer review: "Once on, I forget it's there, which is how a watch should feel. It's also clearly secure on the wrist, a consideration because I'll wear it clomping around in the yard, and we'll eventually get back out in the kayak, another reason I wanted to upgrade from the flimsier band."

Colors: 12 | Watch compatibility: 46/49 mm, 41/42 mm

Even when this five-pack isn't on sale, it's hard to beat the overall value — especially if you're someone who likes to tailor your watch to your outfit. I purchased this set three months ago and regularly rotate through the various colors, though the white is my go-to. The chunky style reminds me of the Baby G watch that was so popular in the '90s, and I love how the extra bulk around the face actually helps protect the screen from dings and scratches. My only complaint? The plastic material is bit stiff for workouts — especially during moves like planks or push-ups.

Customer review: "I like that these are easily adjustable and comfortable to wear throughout the day and to the gym. There’s also a bumper around the watch face that keeps it from getting scratches."

Colors: 5 | Watch compatibility: 38/40/41 mm, 42/44/45 mm, 49 mm

We heard rave reviews about more than one style of Apple Watch band from Quince, but ultimately gravitate towards this versatile pick, which looks great for everyday wear but is also luxe enough for a fancy event. "I love the resin style band, and opted for this one mainly because the cost was a fraction of others I had been eyeing," says Lexie Sachs, executive director of strategy and operations in the Good Housekeeping Institute. "It looks so much more expensive than it is, and I get compliments on it all the time."

While you can choose from six different colors, Sachs says she chose the white "alabaster" color because it goes with everything. We like that it's easy to adjust the band size, too, though some reviewers had trouble and felt they were in between sizes.

Customer review: "This watch band exceeded my expectations! The design is beautiful and adds a stylish, sophisticated look to my Apple Watch, making it feel more like a piece of jewelry. It’s comfortable for all-day wear and lightweight, so I don’t even notice it on my wrist. The quality feels fantastic, especially for the price."

Colors: 6 | Watch compatibility: 38/40/41mm, 42/44/49mm

For those who wear their Apple Watch daily and want something that's more wearable for the office or a special event, Home and Apparels Reviews Analyst Amanda Constantine recommends this genuine leather strap from Shinola. "My husband has had this particular strap for four years, and it looks just as nice as they day he put it on," she says.

This band, available in 14 different colors, also has a big design detail that we didn't see from other brands: The stainless steel or gunmetal-toned buckle is designed to match the finish on the Apple Watch case for a more streamlined look. The brand also sells other neutral and fashion straps designed for both men and women if you're looking for something slightly different — like an alligator finish. Just take note if you have smaller wrists: Some reviewers found Shinola's bands to be a bit too long.

Customer review: "I’ve had it awhile and it just keeps getting better. It softens up with wear, looks great, feels comfortable."

Colors: 14 | Watch compatibility: 38/40mm, 42/44mm

Though I generally gravitate towards a more casual Apple Watch band I can wear for both all-day wear and working out, it's nice to have something more delicate and elevated for fancier occasions like date night or a wedding. This slim leather band has served me well and pairs perfectly with everything from jeans and a T-shirt to black tie dresses thanks to the soft pink color and traditional watch band design. The whole thing feels so light that you almost forget you're wearing anything. The clasp also feels nice and secure, though the band is overall a bit long so it doesn't tuck perfectly flat.

Customer review: "I loved this watch band so much I ordered a couple more in different colors. It fits well on my bigger wrists, is quite comfortable, and really cute."

Colors: 15 | Watch compatibility: 38/40/41 mm, 42/44/45 mm

This metal band from designer Kate Spade is available in 12 finishes, including pave options, that make the Apple Watch look more like a traditional metal watch — a more elevated look for everyday wear. We like that the metal links can be removed — no tools required — for a customized fit that's ideal for those with small wrists. Reviewers say the process is easy and rave about how stylish this band looks on but do complain about it being on the heavier side compared to other options.

Customer review: "The band is high-quality and easy to adjust on the shiny outer side, you just pull up the link’s snap, remove the link, and snap back in place. It is a nice weight and will sit nicely on your wrist."

Colors: 12 | Watch compatibility: 38/40/41mm

Exercise enthusiasts on Reddit rave about the Nike Sport Loop. Wearers praise it for being lightweight and breathable, plus flexible enough to not get in the way or jab you when doing certain exercises like push-ups. The woven nylon band features a hook-and-loop fastener and a woven pull tab that's easy to adjust and won't budge during vigorous movements. Though not the most stylish option out there, it's a great pick for those with sensitive skin, since the material doesn't tend to trap sweat and is soft enough not to chafe.

Customer review: "The band looks very good and comfortable to wear on my Apple Watch Ultra."

Colors: 4 | Watch compatibility: 40mm, 42mm, 46mm

For a highly versatile watch band you can wear at the gym or for work or a night out with friends, Assistant Lifestyle Editor Laura Millar loves this stretchy option that comes in a pack of three neutral colors. "The woven nylon is stretchy and comfortable but still looks nice," she says. "I can match my band color to my outfit too, which I love." The fabric material is also highly breathable, so it's less likely to trap sweat. Also nice: The brand says these watch bands are washable — just be prepared to wait a while for them to dry, say reviewers.

Customer review: "I didn’t expect such a good, durable quality for that much. I am positively surprised! I like all the colors. I’m using and switching the bands every day. I also regularly swim in them."

Colors: 6 | Watch compatibility: 38/40/41mm, 42/44/45/49mm

If you're perusing Apple's styles, this metal mesh band was among the most widely-recommended in our research. One wearer told GH they like it because it's more elevated than silicone, but more breathable than other luxe options, making it a more versatile choice. Overall, a great balance between style and comfort. Wearers say the stainless steel mesh has also proved to be a very durable option. One person we polled said they haven't experienced any tarnishing or scratching even after daily use over the course of a year-plus. However, Apple says the band is not water-resistant.

Customer review: "The band makes the Apple Watch look really nice and adds great style to the watch. I have the 44mm Space Black Stainless Steel Series 6 Apple Watch and it really looks good with it. It is a little pricey because it is an Apple product, but the magnet is super strong that tightens the band and keeps the Apple Watch in place on your wrist for a long period of time."

Colors: 3 | Watch compatibility: 40mm, 42mm, 44mm, 46mm

Arguably the least stylish but most comfortable option on our list is this arm band set. The blend of terry cloth and lycra stretches to fit on either your wrist or forearm comfortably. It's great for absorbing sweat during a rigorous workout, but some reviewers say it takes quite a bit of time to dry if it gets wet. We also like that it has a built-in bumper to protect that watch face from any damage while you're moving about. Beyond workouts, we think this is one of the more comfortable options for sleeping because of how soft it is and how flat the device lays.

Customer review: "These bands are durable and comfortable. I’ve taught martial arts in them, ridden my horses, run and biked and they haven’t stretched out nor loosened in any way."

Colors: 1 | Watch compatibility: 40mm, 41mm, 44mm, 45mm