The Apple Watch Woven Nylon Band was available from Spring 2016–Summer 2018. Woven Nylon bands were originally available in seven colors. The original colors included gold/red, gold/royal blue, royal blue, pink, pearl, scuba blue, and black. This band design was the first to include plastic connecting “lugs” to attach to the watch.
This Apple Watch Woven Nylon Band in Navy/Tahoe Blue was available during the Fall 2016 and Spring 2017 seasons. This example fits the 42mm Apple Watch and had a Stainless Steel Buckle.
According to Apple:
“Every Woven Nylon band is made from over 500 threads woven together in a unique, colorful pattern. Monofilaments connect four layers of the weave to create a single durable band with a comfortable, fabric-like feel. Available in seven vibrant colors.”
Unlike the Apple Sport Loop bands that shipped with two sizes in one box, each Woven Nylon box included one size band with twelve notches. The 38mm version was designed to fit wrists 125–195mm, and the 42mm fit 145–215mm wrists.
Apple Watch Woven Nylon band styles were discontinued in Summer 2018.
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 (PRODUCT)RED, and was also available at release in Inverness Green, Charcoal, Pink Punch, and Atlantic Blue. 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.
Like all Apple (PRODUCT)RED products, part of the purchase price goes to charitable causes. During the COVID-19 crisis, Apple’s website adds, “When you buy the (PRODUCT)RED Braided Solo Loop, we will now send a contribution to the Global Fund to fight COVID-19. Your support can make all the difference.”
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.
This example includes photos of the product packaging and installation instructions in the interior packaging.
This Nike Sport Loop Apple Watch band was released in 2018. The packaging describes this product as “Hook and Loop Closure Reflective Thread Detail.”
The Apple Watch Nike Sport Loop band has been available in several color combinations, 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.
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 example includes photos of the packaging and box opening. The interior packaging shows installation instructions.
The Solo Loop Apple Watch band was released in 2020 along with the Apple Watch Series 6. The packaging describes this product as a “Silicone Fitted Band.” According to Apple’s website:
“Made from liquid silicone rubber, the Solo Loop features a unique, stretchable design with no clasps, buckles, or overlapping parts that’s ultracomfortable to wear and easy to slip on and off your wrist. Each band is specially treated with UV to give the band a silky, smooth finish. It’s also swim proof and sweat proof so it can go just about anywhere you want to wear it.”
This band is Black, and was also available at release in Pink Citrus, Deep Navy, Cypress Green, Ginger, White, and (PRODUCT)RED. It was available in 40mm and 44mm widths, and was among the first Apple Watch bands to be sold in specific wrist sizes. The 40mm Solo Loop was sold in wrist sizes 1–9 and the 44mm 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.
This snug-fitting 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.
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.
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.”
The Apple Watch Sport Band is made from a flexible rubber material called fluoroelastomer with a metal pin closure. Sizes range from S/M, M/L, or L/XL. When purchasing an Apple Watch Sport Band, the S/M and M/L sizes are included in the box, allowing the band to fit wrists 140–210 mm. The XL size fits wrists 160–245 mm and so far the L/XL bands have only been available in black and white.
Apple describes the Apple Watch Sport band:
“Made from a custom high-performance fluoroelastomer, the Sport Band is durable and strong, yet surprisingly soft. The smooth, dense material drapes elegantly across your wrist and feels comfortable next to your skin. An innovative pin-and-tuck closure ensures a clean fit.”
The Apple Watch Sport band has been available in the most colors so far, including, Rose Red, Orange, Spicy Orange, Nectarine, Apricot, Hermès Orange, Yellow, Pollen, Mellow Yellow, Lemonade, Flash, Green, Mint, Dark Teal, Pacific Green, Marine Green, Turquoise, Mist Blue, Sky Blue, Blue, Royal Blue, Lilac, Azure, Denim Blue, Blue Horizon, Ocean Blue, Blue Cobalt, Midnight Blue, Ultra Violet, Lavender Gray, Lavender, Vintage Rose, Light Pink, Pink, Red Raspberry, Hibiscus, Camellia, Peach, Flamingo, Walnut, Pebble, Antique White, Soft White/Pebble (White Ceramic Pin), Soft White, Cloud (White Ceramic Pin), Concrete, Dark Olive, Cocoa, Black (Stainless Steel Pin), Black (Black Pin), Gray/Black (Gray Ceramic Pin), Gray (Black Pin), Fog, White, Pomegranate, Beryl, Khaki, Lemon Cream, Clementine, Pine Green, Alaskan Blue, Stone, Pink Sand, Black, White, (PRODUCT)RED Generation 1, and (PRODUCT)RED Generation 2.
This example is an XL size, White Sport band for the 42/44 mm Apple Watch. Although I find these bands very comfortable to wear, the metal pin is positioned at the base of the wrist and tends to make contact with the laptop surface as you type.
The Apple Watch Sport Band is made from a flexible rubber material called fluoroelastomer with a metal pin closure. Sizes range from S/M, M/L, or L/XL. When purchasing an Apple Watch Sport Band, the S/M and M/L sizes are included in the box, allowing the band to fit wrists 140–210 mm. The XL size fits wrists 160–245 mm and so far the L/XL bands have only been available in black and white.
Apple describes the Apple Watch Sport band:
“Made from a custom high-performance fluoroelastomer, the Sport Band is durable and strong, yet surprisingly soft. The smooth, dense material drapes elegantly across your wrist and feels comfortable next to your skin. An innovative pin-and-tuck closure ensures a clean fit.”
The Apple Watch Sport band has been available in the most colors so far, including, Rose Red, Orange, Spicy Orange, Nectarine, Apricot, Hermès Orange, Yellow, Pollen, Mellow Yellow, Lemonade, Flash, Green, Mint, Dark Teal, Pacific Green, Marine Green, Turquoise, Mist Blue, Sky Blue, Blue, Royal Blue, Lilac, Azure, Denim Blue, Blue Horizon, Ocean Blue, Blue Cobalt, Midnight Blue, Ultra Violet, Lavender Gray, Lavender, Vintage Rose, Light Pink, Pink, Red Raspberry, Hibiscus, Camellia, Peach, Flamingo, Walnut, Pebble, Antique White, Soft White/Pebble (White Ceramic Pin), Soft White, Cloud (White Ceramic Pin), Concrete, Dark Olive, Cocoa, Black (Stainless Steel Pin), Black (Black Pin), Gray/Black (Gray Ceramic Pin), Gray (Black Pin), Fog, White, Pomegranate, Beryl, Khaki, Lemon Cream, Clementine, Pine Green, Alaskan Blue, Stone, Pink Sand, Black, White, (PRODUCT)RED Generation 1, and (PRODUCT)RED Generation 2.
This version of the Black Apple Watch Sport Band includes a 316L Stainless Steel Pin to match the aluminum and stainless steel Apple Watch models. An alternate version of the same band shipped with a black pin to match the Space Gray Apple Watch. Incidentally, the 316L Stainless Steel designation refers to the grade of stainless steel used for the pin (also referred to as “marine grade stainless steel”). This example is an XL size, Black Sport band for the 42/44 mm Apple Watch. Although I find these bands very comfortable to wear, the metal pin is positioned at the base of the wrist and tends to make contact with the laptop surface as you type.
Nike Sport Loop Apple Watch bands are designed in partnership between Nike and Apple. The 44 mm Nike Sport Loop in Summit White is described by Apple as:
“Soft, breathable, and lightweight, the Nike Sport Loop is designed for fitness, with summit white color matched to the new line of Nike running shoes. It features a nylon weave with a 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.”
The Nike Sport Loop fits all 42 mm and 44 mm Apple Watch models, original through Series 5.
Since I tried my first Sport Loop Apple Watch band, I have found this style to be my favorite.
