If you're preparing to buy an Apple Watch, you need to take into consideration wrist size and the available band options to get the best fit. There are a few Apple Watch bands that need specific sizing, and others that are not designed to fit all wrists.
You can try on an Apple Watch band if you have an Apple retail store nearby, but if you don't, there's a little more measuring to do so Apple doesn't send you the wrong size.
This guide walks through all of the different Apple Watch band options and is designed to help make sure that you get the best Apple Watch band size for your wrist.
Measuring Your Wrist
When choosing a band, it's useful to measure your wrist as a first step. If you have a cloth tape measure on hand, you can wrap it around your wrist to get your band size. For those who don't have a cloth tape measure, you can take a piece of string and wrap it around your wrist, using a standard flat measuring tape or ruler to measure the part of the string that fits around your wrist as a watch would.
Make sure that you're using string or a measuring tape that does not have give so you can't stretch it and cause an error in measurement. If you don't have a tool like this, it's best to use a piece of paper. Cut a piece of paper into a strip and wrap it around your wrist where you might wear a watch, and use a pen to mark the paper strip where it overlaps.
When doing these measurements, make sure the tape measure, string, or paper is fit tightly to your wrist and that it is not sliding around. For all Apple Watch bands, you want a snug fit that will keep the Apple Watch against the skin for sensors to function.
If your tape measure only measures in inches, you may need to convert the measurement to millimeters to best match how Apple offers its sizing guidelines. One inch is equal to 25.4 mm, so if your wrist is seven inches in circumference, multiply by 25.4 to get 177.8 mm. Siri can provide a quick conversion for you if you need it.
Apple Watch Sizes
Apple offers the Apple Watch Series 9 in 41mm and 45mm size casing sizes, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 in a 49mm size, and the Apple Watch SE in 40 and 44mm size options. The first step in choosing an Apple Watch band is to select the right-sized Apple Watch.
Of course, those with smaller wrists will want to opt for the smaller Apple Watch options, while larger wrists will need the bigger models. The 40/41mm Apple Watch models are designed to fit wrists sized 130 to 200mm, while the 44/45mm Apple Watch models are sized to fit wrists between 140 and 220mm. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is able to fit wrists sized from 130mm to 210mm.
Note that this guide references the 40, 41, 44, and 45mm size options available with the modern Apple Watch "Series" models, but this fit guide also works for the older 38 and 42mm models as band compatibility has remained the same since 2015.
Apple Watch Band Options and Individual Sizing
Once you've picked your appropriate Apple Watch size, you can delve into bands and the different fits of each one. We'll explain the materials of each watch band and how they might feel on the wrist.
Not all Apple Watch bands are available in every size, and not all bands are compatible with both models. The Modern Buckle, for example, is limited to the 40 and 41mm models, but for the most part the Apple Watch bands fit a wide range of wrist sizes. There are also bands that are designed specifically for the Apple Watch Ultra 2.
Solo Loop and Braided Solo Loop
The Solo Loop and Braided Solo Loop are Apple's two bands that have no clasp. The Solo Loop bands are offered in twelve sizes rather than having an adjustable loop or clasp, so it's important to measure well for these bands.
Smaller Apple Watch models are compatible with bands sized one to nine, and larger Apple Watch models are compatible with bands sized four to 12, with specifics on those measurements below. Getting the right fit for a band that does not have a clasp is tricky. For an error-free experience, this is a situation where it's best to visit an Apple Store in person to see what feels best on your wrist.
Apple offers a measurement tool online [PDF], and it's the next best tool to use if you can't get to an Apple Store. On the store page for the Solo Loop that you want, click the "Start your measurement" option to download and print Apple's sizing tool.
If you don't have a printer, you can measure your wrist with a piece of paper as described above and then use Apple's on-page calculator to determine your size. We have a dedicated guide on how to properly measure your wrist for the Solo Loop and Braided Solo Loop.
Even with the tool, some Apple Watch Solo band users have not gotten the right fit, which is again why we recommend trying the band in a store if possible. Apple does, however, offer free returns and exchanges if you do get a band that doesn't fit right.
The Solo Loop is made from a soft liquid silicone rubber, while the Braided Solo Loop is made from polyester yarn braided around silicone thread. Both of these bands have an elastic quality that allows them to slip over a hand and contract on a wrist, and these bands will stretch over time, so it may be worthwhile to size down from your measured size... Click here to read rest of article
Article Link: How to Choose the Right Apple Watch Band Size
Last edited:
