Solo Loop sizing accuracy?

[RAFbombhead]

The problem is this guy was measuring over his wrist bone.

I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again, and again, and again: the proper way to wear an Apple Watch is above the wrist bone.

Sorry to say but I’m “that guy” I wear my watch very low down my arm. Basically it folds into the crease of my wrist if I need my hand backwards. It’s how I find it comfortable.

 

[Schaden29]

If I’m going to return the band for a refund, then I have to send it back from Israel to Canada with the fastest shipping delivery ( < 14 days) that will cost more than the band itself, and another parcel forwarder delivery to Israel with the exchanged band.. so it’s not really worth it.

Are the returns from Israel to Apple not free? I'm in Canada and they are free from here. Excuse my ignorance My band came from California, but it does get returned to a depot in eastern Canada instead of going back to the US.

 

[edanuff]

Just got mine, solo loop is perfect fit, snug enough that the watch doesn't move but doesn't feel constricting at all. Used a cloth tape measure not the sizing kit to measure my wrist. This was for a size 8 band.

 

[artfossil]

Sorry to say but I’m “that guy” I wear my watch very low down my arm. Basically it folds into the crease of my wrist if I need my hand backwards. It’s how I find it comfortable.

Lots of us do!

 

[chairguru22]

I bought a black braided loop and I measured a 7 at home. I tried on a 7 at the store and it was perfect. Tried on a size 6 also and it was a bit snug. I previously had a M/L Nike sport band that I wear on the 5th hole from the end. When I wanted a snug fit during exercise I would wear it on the 6th hole.

 

[ColoArtist]

Seeing all of the smaller numbers posted for size I got worried about the size 11 braided solo loop I ordered. The band arrived today. The 11 feels just right. I used the printed guide.

Very comfy band. I like it. Good replacement for my old sport loop.

I don't know yet if a size 11 plain solo loop would fit the same. Won't know until Oct when the new watch arrives.

 

[noobinator]

Same size wrist as me and 5 was far too large. 4 was better and I'd have tried a 3 if that came in 44mm.

Did you try measuring with the printed out tool? What size did it show?

 

[RPhoto]

Did you try measuring with the printed out tool? What size did it show?

I measured with a cloth tape at home and then went in to an Apple store where they used their own tool. In both cases I was supposed to be a 5. Putting the 5 on, it was immediately obvious it was too large sadly (and frustrating as I''d pre-ordered the watch with a 5).

BUT others are saying the measured size was spot on. So it seems not everyone has to size down...

 

[Harthag]

Well... that did not go well.

On the day of the keynote I printed the measuring form, verified the size with a credit card (perfect) and carefully cut out the measuring device. I literally taped the "watch face" to my arm, in the EXACT spot I wear my Apple Watch (I have a big tan line) and then wrapped the paper around my arm leaving NO GAP with my skin at all. The number in between the arrows was right in the middle of the 6 range. If I pulled the paper tighter so it would almost rip but created a big uncomfortable dent in my skin I could get it to read in the low 5s. But bottom line is with ZERO gap on my skin it was a 6... so I ordered a solo loop in 6.

It is HUGE. So loose its like a oversized bracelet so the watch will easily slide up and down several inches from the wrist/hand to further up my arm with every movement. There is visible air gap around the entire band and my skin. Clearly I likely need at least 2 sizes down, a 5 is still going to be loose is what I guess but my wife has a 5 coming in a few days (it is sadly obviously going to be too big for her also, we both have small wrists but hers are really tiny) so at least I can try that.

Frustrating experience, I'm returning it obviously and reluctant to order one again until I know for sure what the proper size hopefully by trying one on in a store... just not sure I want to make a trip to an Apple Store just for a silicone band for a watch.

For everyone's reference I have a left wrist of 164mm, 6.46 inches, and I normally wear an Apple Sports Band in 44mm, S/M size, 3 or 4th most tight hole depending how snug I want it... neither allow the watch to move from the wrist position I like.

I also wear the Sport Band size S/M at the 4th tightest hole. Measured a 6 using Apple's print out at home and got a Solo Loop size 6. Was too loose. Returned it for a size 5 and even that slides down over my wrist bone at times with some heavy "shakage" after two days of use but isn't exactly loose. I can slide it a couple inches up my wrist. Ordered a size 4 for in-store pickup tomorrow. I think it'll be snug but we'll see. With the size 5 I can spin the watch all the way around on my wrist above the wrist bone.

What a pain! Luckily Apple store staff are very cool and they acknowledge that sizing is kind of a mess with the Solo Loops and have no issue with people exchanging them.

 

[canyonblue737]

I also wear the Sport Band size S/M at the 4th tightest hole. Measured a 6 using Apple's print out at home and got a Solo Loop size 6. Was too loose. Returned it for a size 5 and even that slides down over my wrist bone at times after two days of use but isn't exactly loose. Ordered a size 4 for in-store pickup tomorrow. I think it'll be snug but we'll see. With the size 5 I can spin the watch all the way around on my wrist above the wrist bone.

What a pain! Luckily Apple store staff are very cool and they acknowledge that sizing is kind of a mess with the Solo Loops and have no issue with people exchanging them.

thanks for replying. my wife's 40mm size 5 is coming (it will be too large, i know it) tomorrow so i'm waiting to try that as the lengths of the 40/44 straps is the same, even though the widths are different. then depending on how that goes i'll wait until a local apple store gets the 4/5 i need in and i'll go buy in person (they seem to be getting regular stock, if you check every morning i think this is a far quicker way than ordering from the online store) so I can immediately return if it doesn't fit. we will have to figure out a size for my wife too... i suspect 3/4.

 

[Beau10]

I also wear the Sport Band size S/M at the 4th tightest hole. Measured a 6 using Apple's print out at home and got a Solo Loop size 6. Was too loose. Returned it for a size 5 and even that slides down over my wrist bone at times with some heavy "shakage" after two days of use but isn't exactly loose. I can slide it a coupe inches up my wrist. Ordered a size 4 for in-store pickup tomorrow. I think it'll be snug but we'll see. With the size 5 I can spin the watch all the way around on my wrist above the wrist bone.

What a pain! Luckily Apple store staff are very cool and they acknowledge that sizing is kind of a mess with the Solo Loops and have no issue with people exchanging them.

Over the past 24 hours, there are 4 posting to this thread that measured a 7 but opted for a 5 (myself included).

I had the same experience. A 6 was probably the best fit for day to day, but it shimmied down a bit when shaking my arm. For a precise fit for jogging, hiking, etc, a 5 was it. Not gonna lie, it's still pretty snug 24 hours later, I don't really get the impression it will stretch.

 

[CosmoPilot]

Just got my 44mm SS Graphite w/size 8 black solo loop.

First, the watch is beautiful. Secondly, the watch band is so soft. I equate it to soft velvet. I know that sounds strange, but it’s so darn comfy!

So the 8 is a tad loose. Like others on here, I wear the S/M Nike sports band, and the 8 solo loop is like having the sports band in the second hole from the end (2nd largest size). Luckily, I wear the band this way from time to time. However, I promptly ordered a 7. I could easily wear the 8 and not think twice. However, I prefer just a tad more tightness.

Oh, did I say the band is super soft?! I ordered the black leather link band for nicer occasions!

 

[jjm3]

Mine showed up today (4 days ahead of estimate) and the measurement worked perfectly. I used a measuring tape and my wrist was 170mm exactly; Apple's online tool suggested a 7 and the 7 fits just right, exactly how I usually adjust my sport loops and such.

 

[ales876]

First I ordered a 6, as I relied on the instructions. Then I ordered a 5 because I read all your posts. Then I cancelled it and made an order with 4 and 5, because I didn’t trust it.

i was today in the Store and told him my story, I tried from 6-4 and guess what, the 4 was it. It’s a little tighter, but it will loosen anyway so I go with the 4.

Honestly: go to the store and try it.

 

[frostbit3]

Just got mine in and size 8 is too tight, even though that was the recommended size. Called Apple support and as others have said, I have to return the entire watch just to get a new size band. All of the stores around me are closed due to Covid so going to the store isn't an option.

Trying to decide what I want to do

 

[ZipZap]

I did the same but based upon what I see I ordered the recommended size and its likely too big. I saw on another thread that if you take a current strap not on the watch, connect it together as it would be worn, then lay on the guide this would accurate. So I did that and it seems 6 is the right size. So I just ordered that. If it fits right I will sell the one that came with the watch as new unused for a discount. I feel like this confusion is a deliberate attempt by Apple to sell bands.

 

[kenbewick]

Just got mine in and size 8 is too tight, even though that was the recommended size. Called Apple support and as others have said, I have to return the entire watch just to get a new size band. All of the stores around me are closed due to Covid so going to the store isn't an option.

Trying to decide what I want to do

curious what is your wrist size for comparison to the size 8.. also was it an 8 in the braided or non braided?

 

[Beau10]

Just got mine in and size 8 is too tight, even though that was the recommended size. Called Apple support and as others have said, I have to return the entire watch just to get a new size band. All of the stores around me are closed due to Covid so going to the store isn't an option.

Trying to decide what I want to do

The salesperson that sold me my watch yesterday said that you only have to swap the band. The watches don't *come* with the band by default, it's added to the box after the fact.

 

[Rogifan]

I thought my braided loop was the perfect size but now I’m worried about it stretching and becoming loose. I checked on Apple’s website and none of the bands are available in store and the earliest they’re shipping is mid November. There’s no way the $90 braided loop is that popular. Why is Apple selling a band right now that they clearly don’t have enough stock of? I hope they‘re getting more stock in and those shipping dates will change.

 

[Beau10]

I thought my braided loop was the perfect size but now I’m worried about it stretching and becoming loose. I checked on Apple’s website and none of the bands are available in store and the earliest they’re shipping is mid November. There’s no way the $90 braided loop is that popular. Why is Apple selling band right now that they clearly don’t have enough stock of?

They showed none (either solo or braided) in stock at my local Apple stores, but they indeed had some in... several colors in the solo and a couple of the braided. I would definitely go in.

 

[reebs]

Here’s my experience. Originally measured with Apple online tool between 3 and 4. I ordered a size 4 and way too loose. Went to the Apple store today and they did not size me. They only asked what size I thought I might be. I said 2 or 3. I ended up going with the 2 because the 3 was just a tad too loose. I was told to go with a snug fit because of the sensors. Here is my size 4 vs size 2. Pink citrus band is size 4, navy blue is size 2.

 

[Mishabella]

Anyone know if you can use the 5 bands on the 6

Yes 😊

 

[Mishabella]

Here’s my experience. Originally measured with Apple online tool between 3 and 4. I ordered a size 4 and way too loose. Went to the Apple store today and they did not size me. They only asked what size I thought I might be. I said 2 or 3. I ended up going with the 2 because the 3 was just a tad too loose. I was told to go with a snug fit because of the sensors. Here is my size 4 vs size 2. Pink citrus band is size 4, navy blue is size 2.

That blue and gold together is gorgeous!!! Way to pick em!! ♥️

 

[jlsm511]

I just got my 44mm Titanium S6 with the Braided Solo Loop in Size 8. Way too loose. After using the household objects method (which I don't remember seeing when the store first went up), I am between a size 6 and 7. I already ordered another Ti S6 with a Sport Loop and will order the Braided Solo Loop separately. Boggles my mind how Apple thought this would be a good purchasing experience, especially with so many stores closed (all my local stores are closed, nearest open store is 2 hours away).

 

[Rogifan]

They showed none (either solo or braided) in stock at my local Apple stores, but they indeed had some in... several colors in the solo and a couple of the braided. I would definitely go in.

Good to know. Thanks.