16 Designer Bands to Give Your Apple Watch a Boost

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It’s almost 2024, and in this day and age, there’s no doubt about it: We live in an era of smartwatches. Yes, there are tons of different options to choose from based on your needs and preferences. But, if there’s one model that rules the market, it would be the one and only Apple Watch.

Whether or not you already own an Apple Watch, it’s likely you know the Chiclet-shaped gadget pretty well. It’s essentially the definition of do-it-all wearable tech. It can track workouts, play music, and even help you locate your iPhone when you can’t remember where you put it. That said, for all of its innovative features and long list of uses, it’s not necessarily at the cutting edge of high-tech fashion trends.

Luckily, designers are adding a sartorial punch to Silicon Valley’s favorite accessory with custom bands that allow you to marry your watch with your personal style. We took into account customer reviews, versatility, style, and price when compiling this list. So, whether you need something simple (and undeniably functional) to pair with your favorite workout set, or something a bit more polished to elevate a cocktail dress, strap in and shop all of our picks for the best designer Apple watch bands below.

Series 9 Case & Band Apple Watch Hermès Double Tour

First designed in 1997 by Martin Margiela, Hermès’ Double Tour band was brought on board with Apple in 2015. It’s almost as recognizable as the watch itself.

Compatibility: 41mm

Colors: Stainless Steel, Space Black

Material: Leather

Chain Link Bracelet

This elegant chain-link band will easily transform your high-tech watch into a classic, everyday timepiece.

Compatibility: 38mm, 40mm, 41mm, 42mm, 44mm, 45mm, Ultra (49mm)

Colors: 6 options

Material: Metal

Mesh 20mm Apple Watch® Watchband

There’s something so enticing about a classic metal band. It’s a tasteful way to elevate your everyday look. Plus, this band is a favorite among ELLE editors.

Compatibility: 38mm, 40mm,

Colors: Gold or Silver

Material: Stainless steel

Customer review: “It’s beautiful on and compliments very well with an Apple Watch!”

Leather Band for Apple Watch

Maybe you don’t want to splurge on your watch band—and that’s fine! We get it. In which case, this super affordable leather band (which is also on sale!) allows you to stock up in every color and swap it out daily (to match your outfit, of course). And if you aren’t convinced, take a look at any one of the glowing reviews (which amount to a 4.6-star rating from nearly 9,000 shoppers).

Compatibility: 38mm, 30mm, 41mm, 42mm, 44mm, 45mm, 49mm

Colors: 15 options

Material: Leather

Customer review: “Great quality and durable!”

Butterfly Band

Charmed? We certainly are. Y2K is calling, and it’s giving us butterflies. This delicate, stainless steel charm bracelet can be accessorized with a second link bracelet or worn on its own for just the right amount of girly glam.

Compatibility: 38mm, 40mm, 41mm

Colors: Silver, Copper, Gold

Material: Stainless steel

Customer review: “This watch band is very stylish & attractive. I have received quite a few compliments since wearing it. I love that the bracelet can be worn attached or detached.”

Zigzag 22mm Leather Apple Watch® Watchband

Missoni is known for its iconic, fashionable patterns and designs. This pink band adds a stylish touch to any look.

Compatibility: 38mm, 40mm, 41mm

Colors: Pink

Material: Leather and enamel

Customer review: “Exactly what I needed—great product, decent implementation.”

Apple Watch® Stainless Steel & Silicone Bracelet Strap

Because stainless steel is a strong and durable material that can withstand daily wear and tear, this Michele option is the perfect everyday band. It’s super chic and will look good with any outfit.

Compatibility: 38mm, 40mm, 41mm, 42mm, 44mm, 45mm, 49mm

Colors: White

Material: Silicone-wrapped stainless steel

Bangle Band

Want something that goes against the current of your standard smartwatch band and feels more like an everyday piece of jewelry? Consider this under-$20 option. With more than 10,000 reviews, you can’t go wrong with this modern minimalist band. One reviewer even declared this “a favorite Amazon buy.”

Compabitility: 38mm, 40mm, 41mm, 42mm, 44mm, 45mm

Colors: Silver, Black, Copper, Rose Gold

Material: Stainless steel

Customer review: “I like these because they look cute, more bracelet like, less watch and are quick to put on.”

St-Tropez Apple Watch Band

Swiss watch brand Charriol gives the Apple Watch a luxurious spin with its signature twisted cables—which are made using stainless steel and titanium alloy—and a looser gold chain bracelet. For those who love to stack their wrists, this is the watch strap for you.

Compatibility: 38mm, 40mm, 41mm

Colors: Steel and gold

Material: Stainless steel and yellow gold PVD stainless steel

Customer review: “Love these watch bands! Fits perfectly and well made.”

Apple Watch® Leather Chain Link Bracelet Strap

The blend of stainless steel and silicone materials on this Coach band offers a modern and sleek aesthetic.

Compatibility: 38mm, 40mm, 41mm

Colors: Gold

Material: Ionic plated thin gold steel

Hypoallergenic Sport Band

Those who’ve experienced the toils of wearing an uncomfortable watch know that it’ll affect your entire day. If your skin is prone to irritation, try this super-soft band that’s made with dirt-resistant, premium silicone—so it won’t rub and wear on your wrist all day long.

Compatibility: 38mm, 40mm, 41mm, 42mm, 44mm, 45mm

Colors: 15 options

Material: Silicone

Two-Tone Pave Diamond Apple Watch Bracelet

Perhaps you’re looking to create a new heirloom watch(band). We’ve got you. Opt for real diamonds with this investment bracelet band from LAGOS. It’s undoubtedly a conversation starter—and the ultimate way to elevate your everyday smartwatch into something absolutely stunning.

Compatibility: 38mm, 40mm, 41mm, 42mm, 44mm

Colors: N/A

Material: Sterling silver, 18k gold, diamond

Modern Slim Band

There are some watch wearers out there who don’t want to miss a beat. Not in the pool, not in the shower, or anywhere else—and there’s a band that’s made just for that. Perfect for transitioning from land to sea, this slim-fit band is 100 percent waterproof and features interior ventilation channels to let any excess moisture out.

Compatibility: 40mm, 41mm, 45mm, 49mm

Colors: Black, Bone, Sage, Glacier Blue, White

Material: Compression-molded FKM, stainless steel closure pin

Customer review: “After wearing Nomad Apple Watch bands for years, I finally purchased one for my wife. She absolutely loves it!”

Classic Vegan Leather Strap

What could be more fitting for your Apple Watch than a band made entirely from apple skin? This charming navy and rose gold combo is derived from apple juice fibers that have been transformed into a durable leather alternative that you can dress up or dress down with everyday wear. (And honestly, no one would ever know it’s vegan leather, either!)

Compatibility: 38mm, 40mm, 42mm, 44mm

Colors: Navy/Rose Gold

Material: AppleSkin

Customer review: “I am so happy with my Votch watch and can’t wait to purchase more straps”

Leather 20mm Apple Watch® Watchband

You can always count on Shinola for a timeless approach—even with something as modern as an Apple Watch band. This classic leather watch band will stand the test of time (or, until you upgrade your Apple Watch to the latest model). It even features an adapter for a hassle-free fit.

Compatibility: 38mm, 40mm, 42mm, 44mm

Color: Navy, Orange

Material: Leather, stainless steel

Customer review: “This is a great elevated Apple Watch band strap”

Shiny Basketweave Watch Band

The shiny basketweave pattern is distinctive and can add a unique, eye-catching look to your Apple Watch. If you want your watch to be a fashion statement and are looking for a stylish accessory, this is the band for you.

Compatibility: 38mm, 40mm, 41mm, 42mm, 44mm, 45mm

Colors: Gold

Material: stainless steel

Customer review: “This makes your watch look so elegant. IT IS VERY EASILY ADJUSTABLE!!”

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