Tag: yarn

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Alpine Loop (Light Blue, Black Titanium, Large, Fall 2025)

The Apple Watch Alpine Loop band design 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 Alpine Loop as one of its “New Bands Designed for the Great Outdoors.” Apple adds:

“With explorers in mind, the Alpine Loop band features two integrated layers made from one continuous weaving process that eliminates the need for stitching. The top loops, interspersed with high-strength yarn, provide adjustability and a secure attachment for the titanium G-hook fastener.”

Apple’s product page described the Alpine Loop:

“The rugged Alpine Loop is made from two textile layers woven together into one continuous piece without stitching. High-strength yarns reinforce the top loops, and the corrosion-resistant titanium G-hook slides easily into the loops for secure fit.”

This Alpine Loop is described as light blue, but the color more closely resembles slate blue in my opinion. With the announcement of the black Apple Watch Ultra 2 in September 2024, Apple began offering Alpine Loop bands with black titanium connector hardware to match the black titanium finish of the Black Titanium Apple Watch Ultra 2. A press release explained:

“To complement the new black finish, the popular Trail Loop, Alpine Loop, and Ocean Band have all been updated to offer a black hardware option in addition to natural titanium. Both black and natural finishes of Apple Watch Ultra 2 are made from 95 percent recycled titanium, and are carbon neutral with any Titanium Milanese Loop, Trail Loop, or Alpine Loop.”

The connectors and the “G-hook” closure are made of the same color titanium as the silver Apple Watch Ultra. Although splitting hairs, a more apt name for the hook would be a “g-hook” since it matches the shape of a lowercase—not uppercase—“g.”

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

Source: Apple (Product, Newsroom, black Titanium option), Bandbreite app

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iPhone Crossbody Strap (Black, 2025)

The iPhone Crossbody Strap was a new accessory in 2025 among a couple brand new additions released along with the iPhone 17 family of iPhones. Apple noted in the iPhone 17 Pro press release:

“The new Crossbody Strap can be paired with the TechWoven Case and Silicone Case, giving users a hands-free way to wear iPhone. Crafted from 100 percent recycled yarn, the smooth strap drapes comfortably, with embedded flexible magnets and stainless steel sliding mechanisms to easily adjust the length and keep both straps securely aligned.”

Impressively, the Crossbody Strap was available in 10 colors(!), including black, light gray, blue, light blue, purple, sienna, green, neon yellow, tan, and orange. This example is black. To my eye, this color lends a certain Star Trek: The Original Series tricorder vibe when paired with a black TechWoven iPhone 17 Pro case, but I digress.

Apple’s product page offered more details and reported it was “Beautifully crafted from 100 percent recycled PET yarns, the smooth, narrow woven straps drape comfortably across the body.” Further, “Embedded flexible magnets with stainless steel sliding mechanisms allow you to effortlessly adjust the length for the perfect fit, while keeping both straps securely and neatly aligned.”

While some reviewers initially viewed the Crossbody Strap with “bemusement,” others, such as Jess Weatherbed at Verge noted:

“Pockets have been a longstanding issue with women’s clothing in particular—fashion designers started shrinking or removing them entirely in the late 1940s because they interfered with the form-fitting silhouettes popularized by Christian Dior’s ‘New Look.’ Bags and purses became the de facto replacement, but phones have since evolved to replace most of the stuff we carry. You can use an iPhone to make payments, check your makeup, read a book, and even unlock doors. You don’t need to carry a bag, but most still need to carry that phone.”

At its release, the iPhone Crossbody Strap was compatible with seven different iPhone cases:

  • iPhone Air Bumper
  • iPhone Air Case with MagSafe
  • Silicone Case with MagSafe (iPhone 17)
  • TechWoven Case with MagSafe (iPhone 17 Pro/Pro Max)
  • Silicone Case with MagSafe (iPhone 17 Pro/Pro Max)

Apple lists that the maximum strap length is 81.9 inches (2080 mm), and may be shortened to a minimum strap length of 42.5 inches (1080 mm).

This black Crossbody Strap is photographed along with Apple’s purple TechWoven Case for the iPhone 17 Pro.

Sources: Apple (newsroom, product page), 9to5Mac, The Verge

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iPhone Crossbody Strap (Light Blue, 2025)

The iPhone Crossbody Strap was a new accessory in 2025 among a couple brand new additions released along with the iPhone 17 family of iPhones. Apple noted in the iPhone 17 Pro press release:

“The new Crossbody Strap can be paired with the TechWoven Case and Silicone Case, giving users a hands-free way to wear iPhone. Crafted from 100 percent recycled yarn, the smooth strap drapes comfortably, with embedded flexible magnets and stainless steel sliding mechanisms to easily adjust the length and keep both straps securely aligned.”

Impressively, the Crossbody Strap was available in 10 colors(!), including black, light gray, blue, light blue, purple, sienna, green, neon yellow, tan, and orange. This example is light blue.

Apple’s product page offered more details and reported it was “Beautifully crafted from 100 percent recycled PET yarns, the smooth, narrow woven straps drape comfortably across the body.” Further, “Embedded flexible magnets with stainless steel sliding mechanisms allow you to effortlessly adjust the length for the perfect fit, while keeping both straps securely and neatly aligned.”

While some reviewers initially viewed the Crossbody Strap with “bemusement,” others, such as Jess Weatherbed at Verge noted:

“Pockets have been a longstanding issue with women’s clothing in particular—fashion designers started shrinking or removing them entirely in the late 1940s because they interfered with the form-fitting silhouettes popularized by Christian Dior’s ‘New Look.’ Bags and purses became the de facto replacement, but phones have since evolved to replace most of the stuff we carry. You can use an iPhone to make payments, check your makeup, read a book, and even unlock doors. You don’t need to carry a bag, but most still need to carry that phone.”

At its release, the iPhone Crossbody Strap was compatible with seven different iPhone cases:

  • iPhone Air Bumper
  • iPhone Air Case with MagSafe
  • Silicone Case with MagSafe (iPhone 17)
  • TechWoven Case with MagSafe (iPhone 17 Pro/Pro Max)
  • Silicone Case with MagSafe (iPhone 17 Pro/Pro Max)

Apple lists that the maximum strap length is 81.9 inches (2080 mm), and may be shortened to a minimum strap length of 42.5 inches (1080 mm).

Sources: Apple (newsroom, product page), 9to5Mac, The Verge

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Apple Watch Braided Solo Loop (Purple Fog, 45 mm, Size 12, Spring 2023)

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. Created by weaving 16,000 recycled polyester yarn filaments around ultrathin silicone threads using advanced, precision-braiding machinery, then laser cutting the band to an exact length for a custom fit. The band offers a soft, textured feel and is both sweat and water resistant.”

The color of this band is Purple Fog, a shade of lilac. It was available in 41 mm and 45 mm widths. The 41 mm Braided Solo Loop was sold in wrist sizes 1–9, and the 45 mm 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, Bandbreit app

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Apple Watch Braided Solo Loop (PRODUCT(RED), Generation 3, 45 mm, Size 12, 2022)

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. Created by weaving 16,000 recycled polyester yarn filaments around ultrathin silicone threads using advanced, precision-braiding machinery, then laser cutting the band to an exact length for a custom fit. The band offers a soft, textured feel and is both sweat and water resistant.”

The color of this band is red and part of Apple’s PRODUCT(RED) partnership. It was available in 41 mm and 45 mm widths. The 41 mm Braided Solo Loop was sold in wrist sizes 1–9, and the 45 mm Braided Solo Loop was sold in wrist sizes 4–12. This is the second version of the PRODUCT(RED) Braided Solo Loop (Apple had released three versions of this band as of 2024—the second and third versions were identical except for packaging.)

The product box featured the message “Apple is proud to join (RED) in funding programs to help in the fight against HIV/AIDS.” As of 2024, Apple’s dedicated (RED) page noted:

“Apple and (RED) are committed to fighting AIDS. In 17 years, we’ve contributed more than a quarter of a billion dollars, helping provide lifesaving treatments to people living with HIV. And with your support, we are not backing down.”

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 (product, (RED)), Bandbreit app

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Apple Watch Braided Solo Loop (Pride Edition, 44 mm, Size 12, Summer 2021)

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. Created by weaving 16,000 recycled polyester yarn filaments around ultrathin silicone threads using advanced, precision-braiding machinery, then laser cutting the band to an exact length for a custom fit. The band offers a soft, textured feel and is both sweat and water resistant.”

Apple described this band as “Featuring a neon array of colors inspired by Pride flags” to “celebrate the light that allows the LGBTQ+ communities to truly be seen.” This is the second edition of this design and each year Apple has released a custom watch face that matches the Pride Edition bands. (As of 2024, Apple had released three Pride Edition Braided Solo Loop designs.)

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.

As of 2024, Apple lists the following “LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations working to bring about positive change:”

  • Equality Federation
  • Encircle
  • Equality North Carolina
  • Equality Texas
  • GLSEN
  • Human Rights Campaign
  • PFLAG
  • The National Center for Transgender Equality
  • SMYAL
  • The Trevor Project
  • ILGA World

Source: Apple, Bandbreit app

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Apple Watch Braided Solo Loop (Olive, 45 mm, Size 12, Spring 2023)

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. Created by weaving 16,000 recycled polyester yarn filaments around ultrathin silicone threads using advanced, precision-braiding machinery, then laser cutting the band to an exact length for a custom fit. The band offers a soft, textured feel and is both sweat and water resistant.”

The color of this band is Olive, a shade of dark green-brown. It was available in 41 mm and 45 mm widths. The 41 mm Braided Solo Loop was sold in wrist sizes 1–9, and the 45 mm 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, Bandbreit app

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Apple Watch Braided Solo Loop (Midnight, 45 mm, Size 12, Fall 2022)

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. Created by weaving 16,000 recycled polyester yarn filaments around ultrathin silicone threads using advanced, precision-braiding machinery, then laser cutting the band to an exact length for a custom fit. The band offers a soft, textured feel and is both sweat and water resistant.”

The color of this band is Midnight, a shade of black. It was available in 41 mm and 45 mm widths. The 41 mm Braided Solo Loop was sold in wrist sizes 1–9, and the 45 mm 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, Bandbreit app

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Apple Watch Braided Solo Loop (Bright Orange, 45 mm, Size 12, Spring 2023)

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. Created by weaving 16,000 recycled polyester yarn filaments around ultrathin silicone threads using advanced, precision-braiding machinery, then laser cutting the band to an exact length for a custom fit. The band offers a soft, textured feel and is both sweat and water resistant.”

The color of this band is Bright Orange. It was available in 41 mm and 45 mm widths. The 41 mm Braided Solo Loop was sold in wrist sizes 1–9, and the 45 mm 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, Bandbreit app

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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