Looking for the best leather strap for your Apple Watch? Here is a thorough review of ten premium bands with stylish designs, comfortable fit, and practical features to help you choose the one that is best for you.
Picking apart their fine leathers, generous sizing, and customization levels, I highlight the best of each to allow you to get the most for your money and still look perfect.
Apple’s CEO Tim Cook told an eager crowd in 2014, welcoming a new chapter in the tech giant's history: Today, we are introducing Apple’s very first wearable.
True to its style, Apple took the risk of moving the technology from the phone onto the body. As of January 2024, the last reported data was that the Apple Watch was at 22 percent in Q2 2023.
THE 10 BEST LEATHER STRAPS FOR APPLE WATCH IN 2024 - OUR TOP PICKS AND REVIEWS
Do you desire to upgrade your Apple Watch with class or color? Looking to surprise someone with a new look for their wrist? Below, we've rounded up the 10 best leather straps for the Apple Watch in 2024. In building our list, we’ve looked at bands that offer a great combination of style, durability, functionality, and price.
1. BROWN APPLE WATCH STRAP (HANDMADE) - OUR TOP CHOICE FOR 2024
At the top of our 2024 list is the Brown (Chestnut) Watch Strap - the perfect combination of style, functionality, and reliability. This strap is made from premium Milwaukee leather sourced from a tannery located in the USA.
Milwaukee leather is a full-grain cowhide that is not sanded during creation. The leather looks great and develops a nice patina over time.
The nice Brown (Chestnut) colored leather is nicely breathable, and pairs well with any style. Customizable stitching is also an option with this model. Clasp hardware comes already installed, ready to connect to the 42 or 44mm series.
Wearers may notice that when first worn this band feels bulky or dense because of the tough leather material. However, with time and consistent wear, the leather will begin to conform to your wrist and feel better on the skin.
There also can be small imperfections in the full-grain leather material - a common issue that over time will actually give you a unique look.
2. WATCH STRAP IN NATURAL COLOR - CLASSIC LOOK WITH RELIABILITY
Our second selection of bands for 2024 is a classic Apple Watch strap made of real leather and in a natural color.
This band is made of American Milwaukee leather, which is soft, supple and durable for everyday wear. Various stitching options are available to further personalize the strap.
The watch band is unisex and looks great on both men and women. The strap is delightfully lightweight, fits comfortably on the hand and is available in three different sizes.
3. BLACK LEATHER APPLE WATCH BAND - THE UNIVERSAL STANDARD
Our second selection of bands for 2024 is a classic Apple Watch strap made of real leather and in a natural color.
This band is made of American Milwaukee leather, which is soft, supple and durable for everyday wear. Various stitching options are available to further personalize the strap.
The watch band is unisex and looks great on both men and women. The strap is delightfully lightweight, fits comfortably on the hand and is available in three different sizes.
Made in the USA from cowhide tanned with vegetable solutions, the black Horween band features an aniline finish, this band is known for being tough and long-lasting. The band is available in several sizes and like others has the adapters pre-installed.
When using it for the first time, the leather may feel stiff or dense. No worries, as the leather ages it will become more malleable wearable.
TAKE A LOOK AT OUR TOP COLLECTIONS
4. RED LEATHER APPLE WATCH BAND (ITALIAN LEATHER) - A BOLD COLOR FOR A NEW YEAR
Looking for an accessory with more personality? Consider the Red Italian Leather Apple Watch Band - our fourth choice for 2024.
rafted with soft Italian leather in the USA, this red leather band exhibits a unique rich red color and a durability standard with Tuscan leather.
Made for men and women, this watch strap adds a splash of color that stands out against most watch bands.
The breathable, vegetable-tanned leather is soft on the arm and can be customized with colored stitching to provide extra durability.
The strap comes in three different sizes to fit each series and most wrist sizes. However, because of the red coloring, this strap may seem the most feminine band but it's very attractive for some men too.
5. DOUBLE WRAP LEATHER APPLE WATCH BAND (CHESTNUT) - OUR TOP UNIQUE LOOK PICK
Coming in at number five on our list is an Apple Watch Band featuring a wrap style that circles the arm to provide a fashionable look.
The strap is made of high-quality Milwaukee leather. The leather is then treated with natural solutions to ensure durability and an attractive appearance.
Like other Milwaukee leather accessories, the double strap may have some differences or imperfections in the leather when created. A double strap can also look and feel bulky on small wrists.
However, the strap comes with customizable stitching and is a unisex fit for most wrist sizes. This option will appeal to the fashionista in your world.
6. BROWN DOUBLE WRAP LEATHER APPLE WATCH BAND - A CLASSIC TAKE ON DOUBLE STRAP STYLE
The brown leather double-wrap strap is number six on our list and has the same great features as watch number two.
Handcrafted from soft vegetable-tanned Tuscan leather, this unisex watch sits comfortably on the wrist while providing breathability thanks to a pleasing double-wrap design.
A great competitor to the popular Hermes watch, this brown double strap watch is a stylish option for those who want something a little more unusual. The strap offers custom stitching and already built-in connectors.
The brown double strap will cost you more than others because of the extra leather needed for the double strap. The leather may also seem a bit stiff when worn, but over time it will become pleasant to the touch and, like other brown leather options, will take on a unique patina as it ages.
7. VINTAGE LEATHER SINGLE APPLE WATCH BAND - TIMELESS POPULARITY
Crafted from vintage leather, the Mahogany Apple Watch Band transcends fleeting fads with its classic styling.
Shaping to your wrist over time, its unparalleled comfort stems from meticulous design and durable materials built to endure.
With hardware pre-installed for immediate wear, the band exudes practicality as much as style.
Timeless Leather
Distinguished details like the square strap holes add dimensional depth absent from many competitors. Investing in this considered adornment connects you to traditions of craft while keeping pace with modern innovations. Ultimately, its versatile elegance will complement your wardrobe for years to come.
Related Straps
8. GRAY ITALIAN APPLE WATCH BAND - A GREAT PICK FOR LONG-LASTING STYLE
Number eight on our list is a unique strap that lasts well over time. Natural Italian leather is often used to make high-end products.
The Italian leather is very durable and made of a solid connective fabric. This strap for Apple Watch looks amazingly beautiful and stylish.
Suitable for most hands, this strap will be a great addition to your collection.
The durability withstands most normal wear and tear, withstanding scratches and exposure to most liquids. However, leather does not withstand exposure to water. A unique property of Italian leather is its resistance to creasing. It always remains supple and acquires a beautiful patina as it ages.
Over time, the color and luster become more complex. This strap comes in several color options
9. ORANGE ITALIAN LEATHER APPLE WATCH BAND - THE ADVENTUROUS WATCH-WEARER’S CHOICE
We offer another splash of color! This time it's an orange leather strap that will bring a twist to the life of the bold and adventurous watch wearer.
This unbeatable watch strap comes in rugged, high-quality Italian leather.
The leather coating is pleasant to the touch and ensures the strap's longevity when worn daily. The leather provides an intense look while still being enjoyable to wear.
The striking appearance also has a higher price tag and a limited color selection. Rugged Italian leather sits slightly stiffer on the hand than the other options on our list, so you have to match your desire for durability or comfort with the look of Italian leather.
10. APPLE WATCH CUFF BAND OF MILWAUKEE LEATHER IN NATURAL COLOR - BEST PICK FOR BAND OPTIONS
Lastly, our latest top pick for 2024 is the Milwaukee leather cuff strap in natural color.
This fashionable cuff strap has the same durability as other Milwaukee leather straps and has a fantastic look and feel.
The cuff strap can be used with or without a cuff, offering additional personalization options depending on your outfit or other accessories.
The band’s look is reminiscent of the popular Hermes-style cuff band but built with USA-made Milwaukee leather. Great for men or women, this strap fits most arms. However, the cuff may seem large or bulky on small wrists if you are not used to accessories of this size.
The cuff band is only offered in one stitch color and may take time to fit well when first worn. However, the leather will form with wear and develop a unique patina with age. This one fits the bill for those looking for a cuff-style band that changes quickly.
BUYING YOUR NEXT BAND - A QUICK GUIDE
With so many ways to customize an Apple Watch, we had trouble narrowing a list down to ten! How do you know which one is right for you? As you look for your next watch band, consider the following important details:
APPLE WATCH BAND SIZE GUIDE - INFOGRAPHICS
THE MATERIALS MAKING UP THE BAND
When it comes to the construction of accessories like a watchband, many will choose the cheaper option to protect their budget. However, a cheaply-produced watch band may end up costing you more in the end as you continuously replace worn out or broken straps.
Being close to your hands, your watch will take a beating as you wear it every day. When you look at buying a band, you will need a strap that can stay strong while still looking stylish.
Common in each of the ten straps above is a common material - high-grade tanned leather. While locally-sourced leather is more expensive than plastic or metal bands, consider the price as an investment in the life of the watch.
Well-made leather, when properly maintained, will hold its shape and structure for years, while metal and plastic bands can break easily. Consider investing in a slightly more expensive but longer-lasting option when picking the construction of the band.
MAKE THE RIGHT CONNECTION
Without the ability to connect to the main watch face, a nice band doesn’t serve much use. When looking at accessories, be sure to consider the hardware that hooks both pieces together. It was nice of Apple to make their watch bands versatile, many watchbands do not arrive with the hardware to connect the clasps.
As you search for a new band, look for the proper connector size and style pre-installed on the material. A wrong size could leave your watch at risk of disconnecting during regular use or worse - not connecting at all!
FORM OVER FUNCTION?
The way you intend to use your Apple Watch will help determine what type of band or strap to purchase. Apple has marketed the Apple Watch to be a multipurpose watch that is wearable in every conceivable way - whether as a fitness tracker or a date-night accessory. Depending on the way you will use your watch, the strap needs to hold against the elements.
If you are looking to use your device as a fitness tracker, be sure to check whether the strap is truly waterproof or holds up against sweat and dirt. There is a huge difference between being scratch/water-resistant or waterproof! While an expensive leather band may look great, the cowhide may not hold up well after that swim in the pool!
The great thing about having the ability to switch straps is the flexibility to easily change your bands between activities. Take the time to see the band may be switched as quickly and as often as your clothes, which will ensure that your bands keep looking and functioning great!
Conclusion
In creating our top ten list of new bands for the Apple Watch, we looked for bands that had great style and withstood everyday use. When it comes to wristwear, the material around the wrist needs to work just as hard as the technology inside.
When buying your next Apple Watch accessory, consider the look, feel, and cost of the band. These important elements will ensure that your investment lasts and gives back in style and comfort!
Do you agree with our top ten list above? Let us know your favorites in the comments below!