Apple watch band sizing question

[luckylisp]

I was given an Apple Watch 5 which is 44mm. I have small wrists and I'm wondering how the band sizes work. I've never had an apple watch so I'm wondering do I have to buy bands that fit for that size or can I use a smaller band in the 38/40/41 range? Thank you for any help.

 

[BenGoren]

The “44mm” you cite refers to the width of the case — where the band attaches to the watch. Apple has used different numbers for this over the years, but it’s always been “large” and “small.” You can use any large band with any large watch or any small band with any small watch, but you can’t use a large band on a small watch or vice-versa.

There are also bands of different lengths, and this has been all over the place. Some bands only come in one length; some come in two or even three lengths; some let you add or remove bits; and so on. When there are different lengths, there’s a bit of overlap, so somebody whose wrist is in the middle could wear either.

Every Apple band and every third-party band I’ve ever run across has specifications for what wrist circumference the band is designed for. So the first thing you want to do is get a tailor’s tape measure (or equivalent) and figure out your actual wrist size.

And if you’re looking to buy an Apple band and you have an Apple Store nearby, absolutely go there in person and try on the bands. It’s the only sure way to figure out which really is or isn’t comfortable, which colors you actually like, and so on. It’s very, very common to hear of people going into a store expecting to walk out with band x but choosing band y after trying them on.

Cheers,

b&

 

[luckylisp]

Thank you, Ben! Appreciate your reply.

 

[Saturn007]

My spouse and I really like the adjustable, Velcro-based *Sports* Loop band. Unlike other bands, it allows you to easily adjust the band to a comfortable AND snug fit. You can also easily redo that during the day if you'd like — for a better fit, or if it's hot, or your wrist were to swell a bit. The better fit can in turn yield a better O2 or HR reading, etc.

Never have to separate the band from the Watch, either!

Also, certain bands, e.g., the *Solo* Loop, require selecting a 1-12 wrist size fitting, in advance, so it's important to get that right.

Finally, other bands with fixed holes often put you between a rock and a hard place — or, rather, exaggerating, between a vise and a hula hoop! 😎 Depending on your wrist size, you might either choke the wrist or flop the band around.

 

[luckylisp]

Thank you very much for the reply, Saturn!

 

[Bandoholic]

Love the sport loop, very comfortable, infinitely sizable, large variety of colors and so easy to wash and keep clean.