Apple Watch Braided Solo Loop (44mm, Size 12, Atlantic Blue, 2020)

The Braided Solo Loop Apple Watch band was released in 2020 along with the Apple Watch Series 6. The packaging describes this product as a “Textile Fitted Band.” According to Apple’s website:

“Each Braided Solo Loop features a unique, stretchable design that’s ultracomfortable and easy to slip on and off your wrist. Made from 100 percent recycled materials, the 16,000 polyester yarn filaments in each band are interwoven with thin silicone threads using advanced braiding machinery then laser cut to an exact length. The 300D construction offers a soft, textured feel and is both sweat-resistant and water-resistant.”

This band is Atlantic Blue, and was also available at release in Inverness Green, Charcoal, Pink Punch, and (PRODUCT)RED. It was available in 40mm and 44mm widths, and was among the first Apple Watch band to be sold in specific wrist sizes. The 40mm Braided Solo Loop was sold in wrist sizes 1–9 and the 44mm Braided Solo Loop was sold in wrist sizes 4–12.

According to Apple’s website, “This band comes in custom sizes because it’s designed for an ultracomfortable fit. An accurate measurement will help you get the size that’s right for you.” The website allowed buyers to download a PDF and cut out a “tool” that wrapped around the wrist to designate the band size needed.

I have found this band to be Apple’s most comfortable so far. In my experience, the design allowed the Apple Watch Series 6 sensors to retain constant and consistent skin contact, allowing accurate blood oxygen and heart rate measurements to be maintained.

Source: Apple

Apple Watch Sport Loop (44 mm, Anchor Gray, 2019)

The Apple Watch Sport Loop band is woven from nylon thread to create a hook-and-loop closure. They are available for the 38/40 mm and 42/44 mm Apple Watch models, and are offered in Regular size to fit 130–190 mm wrists.

The Apple Watch Sport Loop band has been available in several styles, including (PRODUCT)RED (two versions), Spicy Orange, Nectarine, Electric Pink, Hibiscus, Hot Pink, Pink Sand, Flash Light, Flash, Marine Green, Tahoe Blue, Cape Cod Blue, Midnight Blue, Indigo, Dark Olive, Storm Gray, Black, and Seashell. Close inspection of original styles reveal that designs are comprised of a base color and one or more accent colors; for example, Indigo uses a dark blue base color with accent threads in white, red, and purple. Newer styles use a two-tone design with one or more accent colors—Pomegranate, Khaki, Alaskan Blue, Camel, Midnight Blue. This Anchor Gray Sport Loop has a two-tone gray design.

Apple describes the Apple Watch Sport Loop band:

“Soft, breathable, and lightweight, the Sport Loop features a hook-and-loop fastener for quick and easy adjustment. The double-layer nylon weave has dense loops on the skin side that provide soft cushioning while allowing moisture to escape. On the reverse side, the attachment loops are securely anchored for superior durability.”

Source: Apple

Apple Watch Sport Loop (44 mm, Pride, Fall 2018)

The Apple Watch Sport Loop band is woven from nylon thread to create a hook-and-loop closure. They are available for the 38/40 mm and 42/44 mm Apple Watch models, and are offered in Regular size to fit 130–190 mm wrists. A Black Sport Loop was offered in size XL.

The Apple Watch Sport Loop band has been available in several styles, including (PRODUCT)RED, Spicy Orange, Nectarine, Electric Pink, Hibiscus, Hot Pink, Pink Sand, Flash Light, Flash, Marine Green, Tahoe Blue, Cape Cod Blue, Midnight Blue, Indigo, Dark Olive, Storm Gray, Black, and Seashell. Close inspection of original styles reveal that designs are comprised of a base color and one or more accent colors; for example, Indigo uses a dark blue base color with accent threads in white, red, and purple. Newer styles use a two-tone design with one or more accent colors, including Pomegranate, Khaki, Alaskan Blue, Anchor Gray, Camel, Midnight Blue, and an alternate 2019 (PRODUCT)RED design; for example, Camel features a tan side and a yellow side with light gray accents. This Pride design features the rainbow colors of the LGBTQ flag.

Apple describes the Apple Watch Sport Loop band:

“Soft, breathable, and lightweight, the Sport Loop features a hook-and-loop fastener for quick and easy adjustment. The double-layer nylon weave has dense loops on the skin side that provide soft cushioning while allowing moisture to escape. On the reverse side, the attachment loops are securely anchored for superior durability.”

This is Apple’s fourth version of the Pride design. The original Pride band, the most rare, was gifted to the Apple employees who participated in the June 2016 San Francisco Pride Parade. According to 9to5Mac, the original Pride band was a “rainbow colored nylon strap and red lugs” that was distributed with a pamphlet that read, “This limited-edition band is a symbol of our commitment to equality and we hope you’ll wear it with pride.” Apple began selling the second Pride Edition design in Spring 2016 in Apple’s Woven Nylon style. In Summer 2018 a third Pride Edition Band was offered in the Woven Nylon style, but featured the LGBT flag colors on a white background. In June 2019 this fourth version of the Pride design returned to the original rainbow design, but the band style was changed to the Sport Loop.

This example is an unopened June 2019 Apple Sport Loop Pride Edition in the 44 mm size. Since Apple has sold this band, they have donated some of the proceeds of Apple Watch Pride Edition bands to LGBTQ organizations:

“Apple is proud to support LGBTQ advocacy organizations working to bring about positive change, including GLSEN, PFLAG, The Trevor Project, Gender Spectrum, and The National Center for Transgender Equality in the U.S., and ILGA internationally. A portion of the proceeds from Pride Edition band sales will benefit their important efforts.”

Sources: Apple, iMore, 9to5Mac (2016, 2019)

Apple Watch Leather Loop (42 mm, Black, Spring 2015)

The Apple Watch Leather Loop band is comprised of leather-wrapped magnets. The band is sold in two sizes, Medium for 150–185 mm wrists and Large for 180–210 mm wrists. They are also available for both the 38/40 mm and 42/44 mm Apple Watch models.

The Leather Loop band was among Apple’s original band designs in 2015 and has been available in several colors, including Stone, Light Brown, Saddle Brown, Forest Green, Cosmos Blue, Cape Cod Blue, Bright Blue, Midnight Blue, Black, Charcoal Gray, Storm Gray, Smoke Gray, White, and Meyer Lemon.

Apple describes the Apple Watch Leather Loop band:

“The Venezia leather for this band is handcrafted in Arzignano, Italy. With an artisan heritage spanning five generations, the tannery has a history of partnership with some of the most prestigious names in fashion. A delicate milling and tumbling process enhances the beautiful pebbled texture. And magnets concealed within the soft, quilted leather allow you to simply wrap it around your wrist for a precise fit and a trim look.”

This is the band I purchased along with my original Stainless Steel Apple Watch, and it definitely shows some signs of wear. I like this style because it uses no mechanical fasteners that might potentially scratch a surface.

Source: Apple

Apple Watch Leather Loop (42 mm, Midnight Blue, Fall 2015)

The Apple Watch Leather Loop band is comprised of leather-wrapped magnets. The band is sold in two sizes, Medium for 150–185 mm wrists and Large for 180–210 mm wrists. They are available for both the 38/40 mm and 42/44 mm Apple Watch models.

The Leather Loop band was among Apple’s original band designs in 2015 and has been available in several colors, including Stone, Light Brown, Saddle Brown, Forest Green, Cosmos Blue, Cape Cod Blue, Bright Blue, Midnight Blue, Black, Charcoal Gray, Storm Gray, Smoke Gray, White, and Meyer Lemon.

Apple describes the Apple Watch Leather Loop band:

“The Venezia leather for this band is handcrafted in Arzignano, Italy. With an artisan heritage spanning five generations, the tannery has a history of partnership with some of the most prestigious names in fashion. A delicate milling and tumbling process enhances the beautiful pebbled texture. And magnets concealed within the soft, quilted leather allow you to simply wrap it around your wrist for a precise fit and a trim look.”

The Midnight Blue band is a very dark shade of blue and looks good with Stainless Steel, Aluminum, and Space Gray Apple Watch models. I like this style because it uses no mechanical fasteners that might potentially scratch a surface.

Source: Apple

Apple Watch Leather Loop (44 mm, Cape Cod Blue, Fall 2018)

The Apple Watch Leather Loop band is comprised of leather-wrapped magnets. The band is sold in two sizes, Medium for 150–185 mm wrists and Large for 180–210 mm wrists. They are available for both the 38/40 mm and 42/44 mm Apple Watch models.

The Leather Loop band was among Apple’s original band designs in 2015 and has been available in several colors, including Stone, Light Brown, Saddle Brown, Forest Green, Cosmos Blue, Cape Cod Blue, Bright Blue, Midnight Blue, Black, Charcoal Gray, Storm Gray, Smoke Gray, White, and Meyer Lemon.

Apple describes the Apple Watch Leather Loop band:

“The Venezia leather for this band is handcrafted in Arzignano, Italy. With an artisan heritage spanning five generations, the tannery has a history of partnership with some of the most prestigious names in fashion. A delicate milling and tumbling process enhances the beautiful pebbled texture. And magnets concealed within the soft, quilted leather allow you to simply wrap it around your wrist for a precise fit and a trim look.”

This Cape Cod Blue band has been among the more unusual colors offered by Apple, and I pair mine with with Stainless Steel, Aluminum, and Space Gray Apple Watch models. I like this style because it uses no mechanical fasteners that might potentially scratch a surface.

Source: Apple

Apple Watch Nike Sport Loop (42 mm, Bright Crimson/Black, Fall 2017)

The Apple Watch Nike Sport Loop band is woven from nylon thread to create a hook-and-loop closure. The Nike Sport Loop bands differ from the Apple Sport Loop versions in that they are made to match current Nike running shoe styles and contain reflective thread. They are available for the 38/40 mm and 42/44 mm Apple Watch models, but so far have only been offered in Regular size to fit 130–190 mm wrists.

The Apple Watch Nike Sport Loop band has been available in several styles, including Bright Crimson/Black, Pearl Pink, Smokey Mauve, Midnight Fog, Celestial Teal, Olive Flak, Cargo Khaki, Black/Pure Platinum, Black, Summit White, Desert Sand/Volt, Pink Blast/True Berry, Royal Pulse/Lava Glow, Summit White, and Black. Close inspection of the Sport Loop reveals that each style is comprised of a base color and at least one additional accent color. For example, the Black style uses a combination of black, white, and gray thread colors.

Apple describes the Apple Watch Nike Sport Loop band:

“Soft, breathable, and lightweight, the Nike Sport Loop is designed for fitness, with select colors matched to the new line of Nike running shoes. It features a nylon weave with reflective thread designed to shimmer when light strikes it. A hook-and-loop fastener makes for quick and easy adjustment, and dense loops on the skin side provide soft cushioning while allowing moisture to escape. On the reverse side, the attachment loops are securely anchored for superior durability.”

This Bright Crimson/Black model shipped along with an Apple+Nike Aluminum Series 3 Apple Watch. This was the first Sport Loop Apple Watch band I owned, and I have found this style to be my favorite.

Source: Apple

Apple Watch Sport Loop (42 mm, Seashell, Fall 2017)

The Apple Watch Sport Loop band is woven from nylon thread to create a hook-and-loop closure. They are available for the 38/40 mm and 42/44 mm Apple Watch models, and are offered in Regular size to fit 130–190 mm wrists. A Black Sport Loop was offered in size XL.

The Apple Watch Sport Loop band has been available in several styles, including (PRODUCT)RED (two versions), Spicy Orange, Nectarine, Electric Pink, Hibiscus, Hot Pink, Pink Sand, Flash Light, Flash, Marine Green, Tahoe Blue, Cape Cod Blue, Midnight Blue, Indigo, Dark Olive, Storm Gray, Black, and Seashell. Close inspection of original styles reveal that designs are comprised of a base color and one or more accent colors; for example, Indigo uses a dark blue base color with accent threads in white, red, and purple. Newer styles use a two-tone design with one or more accent colors—Pomegranate, Khaki, Alaskan Blue, Anchor Gray, Camel, Midnight Blue, and a 2019 (PRODUCT)RED design—for example, Camel features a tan side and a yellow side with light gray accents. The Pride design features the rainbow colors of the LGBT flag.

Apple describes the Apple Watch Sport Loop band:

“Soft, breathable, and lightweight, the Sport Loop features a hook-and-loop fastener for quick and easy adjustment. The double-layer nylon weave has dense loops on the skin side that provide soft cushioning while allowing moisture to escape. On the reverse side, the attachment loops are securely anchored for superior durability.”

This Seashell style is primarily light gray with accent colors including black and white. Since I tried my first Sport Loop Apple Watch band, I have found this style to be my favorite.

Source: Apple

Apple Watch Sport Loop (44 mm, XL, Black, Fall 2017)

The Apple Watch Sport Loop band is woven from nylon thread to create a hook-and-loop closure. They are available for the 38/40 mm and 42/44 mm Apple Watch models, and are offered in Regular size to fit 130–190 mm wrists. As of this writing (March 2020), this Black Sport Loop has been the only Sport Loop offered in size XL.

The Apple Watch Sport Loop band has been available in several styles, including (PRODUCT)RED (two versions), Spicy Orange, Nectarine, Electric Pink, Hibiscus, Hot Pink, Pink Sand, Flash Light, Flash, Marine Green, Tahoe Blue, Cape Cod Blue, Midnight Blue, Indigo, Dark Olive, Storm Gray, Black, and Seashell. Close inspection of original styles reveal that designs are comprised of a base color and one or more accent colors; for example, Indigo uses a dark blue base color with accent threads in white, red, and purple. Newer styles use a two-tone design with one or more accent colors—Pomegranate, Khaki, Alaskan Blue, Anchor Gray, Camel, Midnight Blue, and a 2019 (PRODUCT)RED design—for example, Camel features a tan side and a yellow side with light gray accents. The Pride design features the rainbow colors of the LGBT flag.

Apple describes the Apple Watch Sport Loop band:

“Soft, breathable, and lightweight, the Sport Loop features a hook-and-loop fastener for quick and easy adjustment. The double-layer nylon weave has dense loops on the skin side that provide soft cushioning while allowing moisture to escape. On the reverse side, the attachment loops are securely anchored for superior durability.”

This XL-size Black Sport Loop is black with subtle red thread accents. Since I tried my first Sport Loop Apple Watch band, I have found this style to be my favorite.

Source: Apple

Apple Watch Sport Loop (44 mm, Indigo, Fall 2018)

The Apple Watch Sport Loop band is woven from nylon thread to create a hook-and-loop closure. They are available for the 38/40 mm and 42/44 mm Apple Watch models, and are offered in Regular size to fit 130–190 mm wrists. A Black Sport Loop was offered in size XL.

The Apple Watch Sport Loop band has been available in several styles, including (PRODUCT)RED (two versions), Spicy Orange, Nectarine, Electric Pink, Hibiscus, Hot Pink, Pink Sand, Flash Light, Flash, Marine Green, Tahoe Blue, Cape Cod Blue, Midnight Blue, Indigo, Dark Olive, Storm Gray, Black, and Seashell. Close inspection of original styles reveal that designs are comprised of a base color and one or more accent colors; for example, Indigo uses a dark blue base color with accent threads in white, red, and purple. Newer styles use a two-tone design with one or more accent colors—Pomegranate, Khaki, Alaskan Blue, Anchor Gray, Camel, Midnight Blue, and a 2019 (PRODUCT)RED design—for example, Camel features a tan side and a yellow side with light gray accents. The Pride design features the rainbow colors of the LGBT flag.

Apple describes the Apple Watch Sport Loop band:

“Soft, breathable, and lightweight, the Sport Loop features a hook-and-loop fastener for quick and easy adjustment. The double-layer nylon weave has dense loops on the skin side that provide soft cushioning while allowing moisture to escape. On the reverse side, the attachment loops are securely anchored for superior durability.”

This Indigo Sport Loop has a dark blue base color with accent threads in white, red, and purple. Since I tried my first Sport Loop Apple Watch band, I have found this style to be my favorite.

Source: Apple