With the unveiling of Apple Watch Series 6 and Apple Watch SE, Apple introduced two new styles of band called the Solo Loop and the Braided Solo Loop. Compatible with Apple Watch Series 4 and later watches, these new bands have no clasp, buckle or other fastener. Instead, they use a single strap of material with a stretchy design that allows them to be pulled on and off your wrist over your hand.
As a consequence of the "Solo" design, Apple offers customers 18 different size options to find a perfect fit. The company also provides a printable tool that can be printed out and used to measure your size before buying one of the bands. The tool is the easiest way to check which size is right for you, but you do still need to take care when using it.
Many MacRumors readers have found that their band orders don't quite fit. A lengthy discussion thread shows many users ending up with the wrong size loop, due to measuring errors, in-between sizing, and fit preference. The experience was also complicated by the fact that returns were difficult. Fortunately, Apple does now allow you to return just the band if needed, but it's still an avoidable hassle, which is why we're providing this guide.
If you don't have a printer handy, Apple recommends that you measure your wrist the old-school way, with a flexible tape measure, or using paper and a ruler. We've included separate sets of instructions to help you out with that, too.
How to Measure Your Wrist Using Apple's Printable Tool
If you don't have a tape measure available, you can use Apple's printable tool to determine your Solo Loop size. Let's take you through the procedure step by step.
- At Apple's order page for Apple Watch or individual bands, select either the Solo Loop or Braided Solo Loop option.
- Under "Band Size," select Start your band measurement.
Tap or click Download the printable tool.
In your printer options, make sure the page is set to print at 100% and NOT scaled to fit.
Print the printable tool. - Place a credit card in the sizing area on the printed page to make sure it has been printed at the correct size.
Take a pair of scissors and carefully cut out the wrist sizing tool. - Place the case shape on your wrist where you would normally have the watch face, then wrap the paper tool tightly around your wrist. (If it helps, use some tape to hold the wider part in place.) Make sure the tool feels snug and doesn't slide around.
The number the arrows point to is your band size. If the arrows point to a line, choose the smaller of the two numbers closest to the line.
Tool Tip: Use a Sport Band to Convert Your Size
Daring Fireball's John Gruber discovered that the holes on Apple's Sport Bands correspond exactly to the new Solo Loop sizes. That means if you have a Sport Band, you can use a simple conversion to work out your Solo Loop size.
A demonstration of aligning the holes of a 40mm Apple Watch Sport Band with Apple's printed tool, via Daring Fireball.
For example, if you have a 38mm or 40mm Watch and use the smaller Sport Band on the innermost hole, that converts to a size 1 for the Solo Loop. At the other extreme, if you have a 42mm or 44mm Watch and use the larger Sport Band on the outermost hole, you need to order your Solo Loop in size 12.
How to Measure Your Wrist Using a Tape Measure
If you don't have a printer available to use Apple's printable tool, you can use a common household measuring tape instead. Here's what you need to do to make sure you order the right size Solo Loop for your wrist.
Tightly wrap the tape measure around where you usually wear your watch. Make sure it's not loose but remains comfortable.
Make a note of the measurement.
[*]At the order page for an Apple Watch or individual bands, select either the Solo Loop or Braided Solo Loop option.
[*]Under "Band Size," select Start your band measurement.
Tap or click the Household objects tab in the size guide window that appears.
Click or tap Got it. What's next?
Enter the measurement you noted down: You can enter it in inches and fractions of an inch, or in centimeters.
Click or tap Get your band siz... Click here to read rest of article
Article Link: How to Measure Your Wrist for Apple Watch Solo Loop Bands
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