Trail Loop (Blue/Gray, M/L, 2022)

The Apple Watch Trail Loop was released along with the Apple Watch Ultra on September 7, 2022. The Apple Watch Ultra “brings a new bold design and a wide range of features built for endurance, exploration, and adventure.”

In the original press release, Apple described the Trail Loop as one of its “New Bands Designed for the Great Outdoors.” Apple added:

“Designed specifically for endurance athletes and runners, the Trail Loop band is the thinnest Apple Watch band to date. The lightweight woven textile is both soft and flexible, allowing it to cinch to the optimal fit, and the convenient tab is designed for quick and easy adjustment.”

Apple’s product page described the Trail Loop:

“The thin, lightweight Trail Loop is made from a nylon weave creating a soft band with increased elasticity for a comfortable fit. The band is infinitely adjustable with a convenient pull tab for quick adjustments on the go.”

This Trail Loop is Blue/Gray. The main outer field of the band is a dark gray, while the inside of the band uses a thin alternating stripe pattern of dark and light gray. One edge of the band is accented in light gray and the other side is accented in blue. The connectors are made of the same color titanium as the Apple Watch Ultra. The band has a closure tab that is stitched to the main band.

All Apple Watch Ultra models fit the single-size 49mm case. The Trail Loop is made primarily of nylon.

Source: Apple (Product, Newsroom)

Apple Watch Braided Solo Loop (44mm, Size 12, Charcoal, Fall 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.”

The color of this band is Charcoal, a shade of dark gray. 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 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.

Source: Apple

Apple Watch Sport Loop (45 mm, Tornado/Gray, Fall 2021)

The Apple Watch Sport Loop band was woven from nylon thread to create a hook-and-loop closure. These bands were available for the 41 mm and 45 mm Apple Watch models, and were offered in sizes to fit 130–200 mm wrists (41 mm) and 145–220 mm wrists (45 mm). The bands also fit older Apple Watch sizes.

This Tornado/Gray band used a two-stripe design first introduced in Fall 2021. One stripe was olive green and the other was a dark gray with edges in dark green. The connector and closure plastics were in a dark green color that matched the thread edges.

Apple’s use of green hues in a color named “Tornado” can be explained by science. According to Accuweather, when the sun’s “…setting light is transmitted by a massively thick cloud composed of water droplets and ice particles, the results are a green sky.”

Apple described 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, Accuweather

Apple Watch Woven Nylon Band (42 mm, Black, Space Gray Stainless Steel Buckle, 2017)

The Apple Watch Woven Nylon Band was available from 2016–2019. This band design was the first to include plastic connecting “lugs” to attach to the watch.

This Black Apple Watch Woven Nylon Band was available beginning in Fall 2017. This example fits the 42 mm Apple Watch. Although this band is called “black,” it is primarily gray. It has a Space Gray Stainless Steel Buckle and features three thick stripes in gray and dark gray with the edges in black.

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 38 mm version was designed to fit wrists 125–195 mm, and the 42 mm fit 145–215 mm wrists.

No new Apple Watch Woven Nylon band styles were introduced after Summer 2018.

Source: 9to5mac, Bandbreite app

Apple Watch Sport Loop (44mm, Sunshine, Spring 2020)

The Apple Watch Sport Loop band was woven from nylon thread to create a hook-and-loop closure. These bands were available for the 38/40mm and 42/44mm Apple Watch models, and were offered in sizes to fit 130–200mm wrists (40mm) and 145–220mm wrists (44mm).

This Sunshine band used two base colors of blue gray and pale blue. Both edges were accented in yellow gold. The plastic connectors and closure were blue gray.

Apple described 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, 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 (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