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Milanese Loop, Worth it?
- Thread starter gdeputy
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I've tried every 42mm strap and here's my conclusion: you have to try them for yourself. No amount of photographs or commentary from other people will help you. I was completely wrong in my expectations about the bands. I ended up with the one I thought looked ugly in pictures, but I think it's stunning in real life: the SS link.
As it happens, I didn't like the ML at all. Not comfortable, looks grey to me, and I couldn't get over the asymmetry of it.
As it happens, I didn't like the ML at all. Not comfortable, looks grey to me, and I couldn't get over the asymmetry of it.
I highly recommend the Milanese Loop. It seems to sparkle in certain lights and it never feels tight or sweaty. I think its gorgeous with the stainless steel. I do think it works better with the 38mm watch than the 42 though. I've used it on both and prefer it on the 38 since it seems to hold it's position better.
The Milanese Loop is completely gorgeous and should be in the collection of every Apple Watch owner. So yes, it's worth it.
Enjoy the bands! I've spent more on them than I did for the watch and I'm not going to part with any of them. If you don't like it you can always return it.
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You've got it on the wrong way. The loopy bit attaches to the bottom of the case (pointing towards you).
I've been wearing my watch with the black sports band since I received it three weeks ago, and only one or two people noticed it Yesterday, I got the Milanese loop, and today several people at work noticed it and asked me about it...these are people I see almost every day, and they just now noticed the watch. This is truly an eye-catching, elegant band. Since the closest Apple store is about 300 miles away, I bought this band sight-unseen, and I had a brief concern that it might appear feminine. However, it is quite gender-neutral...it just looks awesome. Depending on lighting, it can look soft gray or can even be almost iridescent. I was also a bit concerned that it would pull on the hairs of my wrist, but there hasn't been one single pluck so far. The magnet seems to hold well, and I haven't had to readjust it once I put it on. It has felt a bit warm on my wrist, but we did have heat warnings in this part of Florida today.
I have worn a watch almost every day since I was 8 years old, and most of that time has been with a metal band of some sort. This band is truly worth it.
I have worn a watch almost every day since I was 8 years old, and most of that time has been with a metal band of some sort. This band is truly worth it.
Such as? I haven't seen one yet that looks as good as Apple's. The mesh on every Milanese band I've looked at looks like a chain link fence compared to the very fine mesh on the Apple band. If you're aware of a better one, I'd be awfully curious to see it.
You've got it on the wrong way. The loopy bit attaches to the bottom of the case (pointing towards you).
Oops, I've been doing the same thing. Doh!
I replaced the BSB that came with my Watch with a Milanese Loop band, and I'm glad I did. It looks a bit nicer with business/evening wear IMHO, is cool and breaths in hot muggy weather, and is easy to rinse off after a sweaty workout.
The BSB was often felt a half hole too tight or too loose, whereas the loop can be adjusted to a fraction of a mm.
The BSB was often felt a half hole too tight or too loose, whereas the loop can be adjusted to a fraction of a mm.
I had exactly the same issue with the Sport Band, which was what made me look for a different strap. The Milanese is perfect.
Are you sure? At the apple store they told me either way is correct and it's totally user preference.
If only they made it for the 38, too.
Im sure they will release it for 38 this year.
As I noted earlier on this thread, my ML was arriving yesterday. Well, it's here and I'm loving it! Wasn't sure if it was going to "look too feminine" as discussed on other threads or if it would pull the hair out of my arm, or if the magnet would be strong enough to hold without slipping and causing to tighten over and over throughout the day...and I'm glad to say that I definitely don't think it "looks feminine" instead I'd say it looks classy and gives the watch a solid "business" look. No issues so far with it pulling on my arm hairs, which is good, and the magnet seems tight enough to hold without a problem. For anyone that thinks the watch "loosens" throughout the day, make sure to pay attention to the temperature of where you are, this can make a difference. I'm in Florida and it's in the 90s now...your wrist is typically "smaller" when you're indoors in A/C and expands to be slightly larger when you're in the heat...just something to consider. Also, just like with the leather loops or any other bands, if they don't feel comfortable at first fit consider switching the sides around to see if that helps. I put the small piece of the leather loop on the bottom side of my watch and the longer end at the top. This gives me a better fit and angle...same with the ML, I found that it fit better if the loop part went through the bottom end instead of the top.
Anyway, I'm a fan, I like it a lot and would recommend it to anyone considering...worst case scenario, you can return it after a couple days if you're not enjoying the look and/or feel.
Anyway, I'm a fan, I like it a lot and would recommend it to anyone considering...worst case scenario, you can return it after a couple days if you're not enjoying the look and/or feel.
This is exactly the fleet of bands that I have right now. I originated with the ML and love it wearing a suit (which I wear most days). The ML isn't very good for exercising or golf, so I bought the black sports band. But that isn't exactly right for other casual wear, so I bought the brown leather loop, which I didn't love when I first saw it but it has really grown on me. Very happy with my 3 different watches
I was enamored with it at first. Bought the 42" with the milanese. It just wasn't ever comfortable enough for me to get used to it unfortunately. I returned it for a brown leather loop. I'm much happier with that. Kind of sucks. I really wanted to like it, as I think it looks great.
edit: I rubbed some neatsfoot oil into my brown leather loop and let it sit overnight. Feels and looks a ton better afterwards. YMMV.
Like others here I ordered my 
Watch Sport with a WSB. This was to get the watch sooner, I also ordered a Milanese Loop as I knew I wanted it after my try on at the Apple Store in Indianapolis. I got my ML yesterday, and even though I thought the WSB was as comfortable a band as any I've had on a watch, the ML is much more comfortable. The main thing is the fact that it is infinitely adjustable, and very easy to adjust.
I think your wrist like your ankles or feet, change slightly during the day. Spend a lot of time with your hands at your side and your wrists will swell slightly, begin to use your hands more especially at or above shoulder height and they return to normal size. The ML allows you to easily change the band so the watch stays comfortable.
I really like it.
Watch Sport with a WSB. This was to get the watch sooner, I also ordered a Milanese Loop as I knew I wanted it after my try on at the Apple Store in Indianapolis. I got my ML yesterday, and even though I thought the WSB was as comfortable a band as any I've had on a watch, the ML is much more comfortable. The main thing is the fact that it is infinitely adjustable, and very easy to adjust. I think your wrist like your ankles or feet, change slightly during the day. Spend a lot of time with your hands at your side and your wrists will swell slightly, begin to use your hands more especially at or above shoulder height and they return to normal size. The ML allows you to easily change the band so the watch stays comfortable.
I really like it.
I like the comfort and thinness of it, and the infinite adjustability. I normally take off my metal watches when I type, but there is no need to do so with the ML.
As far as the look is concerned, the ML is quite versatile and can match a suit pretty well. It is probably a bit dressy for day to day clothing, but I don't care too much. As for it looking "feminine", I'm on the fence about it. It does sparkle a bit too much for my liking, but I think it is okay. I think the Link looks amazing in person, but the price is kind of ridiculous. I will probably buy a third party, traditional, brown leather band as well, but for now I am happy with the ML.
As far as the look is concerned, the ML is quite versatile and can match a suit pretty well. It is probably a bit dressy for day to day clothing, but I don't care too much. As for it looking "feminine", I'm on the fence about it. It does sparkle a bit too much for my liking, but I think it is okay. I think the Link looks amazing in person, but the price is kind of ridiculous. I will probably buy a third party, traditional, brown leather band as well, but for now I am happy with the ML.
I got this fine mesh black stainless steel Milanese off eBay from China for $5 including shipping:
(The adapters were a separate $25. I use them with other bands as well.)
Bonus: no loop sticking out on one side. And is very secure on my wrist, since it uses a regular flip lock closure (see pic below).
Minor con: not easily adjustable in a constant way, but certainly easily adjustable when really needed (if ever).
This is exactly the fleet of bands that I have right now. I originated with the ML and love it wearing a suit (which I wear most days). The ML isn't very good for exercising or golf, so I bought the black sports band. But that isn't exactly right for other casual wear, so I bought the brown leather loop, which I didn't love when I first saw it but it has really grown on me. Very happy with my 3 different watches
HA! Yup, same here...it's ADDICTING! Like you said, it basically gives you 3 different watches depending on the occasion. Crazy how each band changes the look. I'm doing the same with the ML, wearing when suited up and more formal situations.
Freaky. I have the same three bands. The brown loop, the black sport and the Milanese seem to cover all the bases for me. That said, I'm very tempted to pick up a blue sport band too.
I have had the 42mm SS with the classic buckle (CB) since 4/24, and bought the BSB later. This week I finally received my ML.
The CB seemed very nice at first. However like any band like this I kept having to adjust it depending on how hot or cold I was. I also found it looked kind of plain and didn't really show off the watch. The biggest issue I had though is the leather isn't that good. It's an absolute rip off at $150. The retaining loop is already falling apart, and the band is getting creased where I buckle it. It collects skin etc too, though it cleans off well. It's usable if I want a subdued look, but I'm not a fan.
The BSB is comfortable, but if you're sweating it gets very hot and clammy. It also never quite adjusted right on my wrist: either too loose or a smidge too tight. I wore it twice.
The ML is special. It's very durable, being steel. It has an infinitely adjustable fit which is simple to adjust. It breathes, which is a huge deal. Sweat doesn't wreck it. And it adds some bling and shine to the SS watch. People thought I bought another watch! The comments have all been very positive. Even to me it feels like a new watch.
The only cons I can see is it can occasionally catch hairs, and its asymmetrical from the side (I don't notice in practice).
I didn't like it much when I first tried it out, but I LOVE it now.
The CB seemed very nice at first. However like any band like this I kept having to adjust it depending on how hot or cold I was. I also found it looked kind of plain and didn't really show off the watch. The biggest issue I had though is the leather isn't that good. It's an absolute rip off at $150. The retaining loop is already falling apart, and the band is getting creased where I buckle it. It collects skin etc too, though it cleans off well. It's usable if I want a subdued look, but I'm not a fan.
The BSB is comfortable, but if you're sweating it gets very hot and clammy. It also never quite adjusted right on my wrist: either too loose or a smidge too tight. I wore it twice.
The ML is special. It's very durable, being steel. It has an infinitely adjustable fit which is simple to adjust. It breathes, which is a huge deal. Sweat doesn't wreck it. And it adds some bling and shine to the SS watch. People thought I bought another watch! The comments have all been very positive. Even to me it feels like a new watch.
The only cons I can see is it can occasionally catch hairs, and its asymmetrical from the side (I don't notice in practice).
I didn't like it much when I first tried it out, but I LOVE it now.