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maverick22

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Sep 30, 2012
685
107
I just got my wife one, and she’s enjoying it except for the fact that she has to take it off time to time. The sport band causes her skin to itch a little.

Do you guys have some recommendations for comfortable bands that still look okay in the education setting (she’s a teacher).

Thanks
 

Lennyvalentin

macrumors 65816
Apr 25, 2011
1,431
794
In my personal experience, the woven nylon band 'breathes' better, and doesn't feel as sticky on the skin as the rubber band. Definitely a step up in comfort. Plus, the nylon band is quite light in comparison, which makes the aluminium watch feel super light overall as well. Other than the tactile feel of it being there, one almost can't tell it's being worn at all.

On the other hand, the woven nylon band also absorbs sweat and skin crud and needs more intense cleaning compared to rubber to avoid discoloration. I occasionally let my band soak in a small container of warm water with some detergent for a while, then I rinse it off and let dry. Good as new, almost. :) The band also wears (or 'acquires a patina') slightly more readily than the rubber band, but it's nothing to be concerned about really. I've had my band for like a year and a half or so now, it's held up quite well.

The woven sport loop should feel even lighter and breathe even better due to its fuzzy nature. I've only tested it on quite briefly so I can't tell much of the experience, but it felt nice. Hopefully the velcro fastening strips don't become loose with use.
 

Nell

macrumors 6502a
Jun 25, 2012
583
262
London
I’d also suggest the woven nylon straps; they’re really comfortable and look good. The sport loop would work too but looks more casual.

I have quite a few sport straps and most are fine but one causes me to break out in an itchy, burning rash sometimes. Annoying as it’s the midnight blue one and I used to wear it a lot.
 
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DoubleFlyaway

macrumors 68000
Nov 16, 2017
1,620
2,526
In my personal experience, the woven nylon band 'breathes' better, and doesn't feel as sticky on the skin as the rubber band. Definitely a step up in comfort. Plus, the nylon band is quite light in comparison, which makes the aluminium watch feel super light overall as well. Other than the tactile feel of it being there, one almost can't tell it's being worn at all.

On the other hand, the woven nylon band also absorbs sweat and skin crud and needs more intense cleaning compared to rubber to avoid discoloration. I occasionally let my band soak in a small container of warm water with some detergent for a while, then I rinse it off and let dry. Good as new, almost. :) The band also wears (or 'acquires a patina') slightly more readily than the rubber band, but it's nothing to be concerned about really. I've had my band for like a year and a half or so now, it's held up quite well.

The woven sport loop should feel even lighter and breathe even better due to its fuzzy nature. I've only tested it on quite briefly so I can't tell much of the experience, but it felt nice. Hopefully the velcro fastening strips don't become loose with use.
Yeah, I'd see if the sport loop works, because it rinses and dries well, and I'm not sure the nylon strap would hold up to that frequently. I don't wear the latter for workouts for that reason, though I do like them.
 
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bruinsrme

macrumors 604
Oct 26, 2008
7,177
3,039
Wore the sports loop 2 days in Orlando’s heat and humidity while at Disney.

Very comfortable.

Comfort factor rating during the trip
5 sport loop
4 woven nylon

Nike sport band was hot and sticky compared to the two above.

Sport loop comfort was much batter than I ever thought it would be.
No adjustment was required.
 

44267547

Cancelled
Jul 12, 2016
37,642
42,493
Nylon bands. Highly durable, lightweight, breathable fabric,’ the only downside is once they get wet or any type of moisture, they do need to dry out compared to the flueroastamer sports band.
 
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mackie8

macrumors 6502a
Nov 6, 2014
895
663
Im getting rashes with my sport band now...
Weather is sooo hot here in SG....

I love my sport bands....
But i think i need to use woven or the sport loop....
 

5105973

Cancelled
Sep 11, 2014
12,132
19,733
Wow I’m the opposite of most people here. The one nylon band I have makes me itchy. I also don’t do well wearing nylon clothes or pantyhose so maybe I’m just sensitive to nylon.

I wear the holey Nike bands the best. The regular sport bands can get a bit uncomfortable and itchy in hot weather. I also have Android and tried a Samsung fitness tracker and that one was the itchiest. I didn’t even have to sweat to get itchy. :confused: Definitely, not all plastics are created equal when it comes to triggering sensitivity.
 

redman042

macrumors 68040
Jun 13, 2008
3,063
1,657
Take a look at the Milanese. My wife had a similar reaction to the sport band, and once she tried on the Milanese Loop she never went back. If the cost is a bit much for you, there are some quite good third party bands on Amazon for very little money, or you could look for a used genuine one.

I have a Link Bracelet on my Apple Watch, and since getting it my Leather Loop and Sport Band sit in a drawer. IMO you just can't beat the stainless bands. They feel good on the wrist, cooler on a hot day, and are easy to clean. Plus, they look terrific.
 
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