Nothing in cart
4 Most Comfortable Watch Bands: Perfect for Everyday Use
Having the most comfortable watch band is akin to finding a treasure. Finding one does not need to be so hard. Read on to find out.
Apr 19, 2024
The most comfortable watch bands may vary from person to person. Aside from that, it may also well depend on which time of the year you wear it. Do you intend to wear it for your daily activities? Or, perhaps wish to take it for your routine exercise out?
There are a lot of different types of watch bands out there. So, it may be difficult to understand which one may be most comfortable for you. Not to worry, in this article, I recommend a few of the comfiest straps to pair with your timepiece and wear on your wrist.
Table of Contents
Genuine Leather Bands
First, the most comfortable watch band for everyday use is the genuine leather type. While the material is inherently soft, most will come with an outer coating to offer the best durability and protection. Aside from that, it’s generally an economic option too.
Another factor why genuine leather straps make the most comfortable watch band is how the material feels. It has this “suede” softness that gives off relatively smooth wear.
Despite its renowned quality in withstanding wear and tear, the smooth quality of this particular material makes it more prone to scuffing.
Another point to note, although genuine leather types are one of the most comfortable leather bands, the material does offer less breathability. So, I would recommend wearing them during the colder, jacket-wearing months rather than in hot, summer weather.
NATO Bands
Innovated by the military to provide practical and dependable wear, the NATO strap is now renowned as one of the most comfortable watch bands.
It’s durable both in hot and cold weather, adjustable, and even more, quick to dry. Another feature of the NATO bands is that the straps attach separately to each of the spring bars. So, in the unfortunate event that one of the springs pops out, the timepiece will stay intact.
Its material also provides one of the most comfortable wear. In the warmer weather, it’s rather quick for moisture to build up around your wrist when watches are worn.
Thankfully, NATO straps’ material has pretty high breathability so you would need to feel sweaty during the hot summer months.
Another factor is that with other watch straps when worn in the cold weather, its freezing stainless steel case can be quite a nuisance. Of course, this is not the case with NATO straps as it goes underneath your watches’ case.
As a result, the cold watch case would not directly touch your skin. A very convenient strap indeed.
Perlon Bands
The next most comfortable watch band for exercise is the Perlon type. This is quite similar to the NATO straps. But, it has a unique cross-weave pattern that allows for a distinctive look.
As a result, it’s much more breathable and lightweight than a NATO strap. Hence, if you’re looking for an alternative watch band to wear in the humid summer months, the Perlon might be the right choice.
Furthermore, when taken out for a day out at the beach or a casual swim, this lightweight watch strap is more than capable of drying out quickly and lessens the risk of developing rashes on your wrist.
All in all, if you’re looking for something that’s more dependable and unique, the right Perlon strap is a great companion for your watch.
Stainless Steel Mesh Bands
Lastly, the stainless steel mesh bracelets are also another one of the most comfortable watch bands.
While there are many types of stainless steel bracelets, the category of mesh specifically is a champion when it comes to the most comfortable watch bands.
As you know, the gaps in the bracelets’ link found in the other types of stainless steel bracelets make it more prone to yanking your arm hair when worn. With mesh, its tight design allows for comfortable, no-pulling wear.
Another factor why stainless steel mesh makes for the most comfortable watch band material is the fact that it’s very smooth to feel and touch. Its breathability is also similar to that of a NATO strap, because of the tiny, little gaps that still allow air to breathe in.
This is unlike the leather strap where the material does not allow for air to come in. I would say that the stainless steel mesh bands are the perfect choice to accompany you on warmer days.
It has a simple and timeless design that also makes the stainless steel mesh band most gorgeous when paired with dress watches.
When also compared with leather straps, it’s much more long-lasting. This is in part due to the fact that it would not scuff like the materiality of its counterpart.
A fair word of warning, while these stainless steel mesh straps are adjustable, their size range may not fit the out-of-ordinary wrist sizes of either too small or too big. Therefore, when considering this factor, a NATO strap reigns as the most comfortable watch band.
Should you own a brand new pair of stainless steel mesh bands, properly taking care of it will make it longer lasting. Enough to not see a discolor within 1 and a half to 2 years of frequent use.
Its material also makes it less prone to scratches and will maintain and keep its beautiful shape for a long time.
Now, this concludes our take on what the most comfortable watch bands are. Have you found one to your liking? Be sure to pay attention to its size so that it fits wonderfully well with your watch and on your wrist.
For more recommendations, tips, and insight into the world of horology, don’t forget to stay tuned to our Gnomon blog.
