Solo Loop sizing accuracy?

[iConnected]

I've had sport bands from the very first Apple Watch. I don't wear them all the time, but none of them have stretched at all.

Appreciate the feedback. But perhaps this (my bold added) - along with not wearing them all the time, which I do - could be why your Sport Bands haven't stretched:

I measured a size 10, which was a bit loose, the way I like to wear the bands.

I'm not talking much - just one hole along. But for a custom-fit, non-adjustable band (in the Solo Loop), that prospect (confirmed by Apple for the SL: "Strap may increase in length over time.") does still concern me.

 

[Cotypubby]

No wonder people are having so many measuring problems if they are anything like this guy. Measures the completely wrong spot which is way larger than where he wears the watch, and then is surprised that the smaller loop is what actually fits.

 

[julit0]

@julit0 is that a charcoal braided? It looks brown! I went scurrying to the sight cos a brown + blue case would hot...

It's the charcoal color. Lighting really does effect the colors seen. Some review videos on the braided loops had that Green band looking light gray - and the Charcoal band looking Navy Blue. 🤔

 

[Luis0180]

For those with small wrists (15 cm), tomorrow I'll get the braided blue loop size 4, and I'll let you all know how is it!
I measured my wrist exactly at the watch spot -tight measure- and got 15cm. At the Apple website it recommended me 4 for snug / sport use or 5 for relaxed, so opted for 4. Let's see if I was right or I needed a 3... tomorrow!

As promise... bad luck. Almost.
For 15 cm measured exactly and tight, they recommended me size 4 for snug fit. And look that size 4 in the braided one:

So mixing feelings. Now I know for that loop the 3 is my size but... 8 weeks to wait for a new one. It's super comfy, but it moves a little, so not sure what to do, keep it or not...

Whats more I have one solo loop size 4 coming. Should I cancel it? Or -as I've read- it's tigher than this one and will fit better?

Any advice? 😢

 

[iConnected]

I had the same concerns so I also ordered a leather link band at the same time....however, you really have to try one on. It’s by far the most comfortable watch band I’ve ever worn (AW or otherwise). To your points.

1. IMO it would take several years of normal wear to lengthen any at all. It’s very elastic which means it has a stronger tendency than not to return to its original size. Proper care should prevent any noticeable lengthening.
2. This is the reason you should consider the solo loop. Like you, I adjusted my sport band throughout the day. I was constantly changing between the 2nd and 3rd holes depending on various factors. Because the band is stretchy..it auto adjusts for you without you even noticing. It’s that comfortable! I was concerned that it would be too tight or too loose...but some how it just magically works great all day.
3. Again, try one on if you get a chance sometime. Because of it’s stretchy nature, it’s not going be too tight unless you get a size way to small for your wrist.

When I watched the key note I was very skeptical. In my haste to order the new watch as fast as possible, I assumed the fastest way to get my order was to stick with the pre-assigned solo loop. I figured I’d just get a different band soon after. After watching several videos and seeing the positive comments in here regarding comfort I started feeling optimistic. After getting the solo loop yesterday and wearing it all day, I’m super happy with this band. I think Apple knocked it out of the park (sans the measuring tool aspect!).

Thank your for this - really appreciate you taking the time to respond to my points. 🙂

1. I'd love this to be true, but Apple's warning still has me worried. Everyone's loop is still new right now.

2. Very helpful to know, thank you.

3. Appreciate the suggestion and encouragement.

On balance, I think I'll stick with my Sport Band for now and monitor how the Solo Loop fares over time.

Mind you, if Apple introduces it in Rose Red (from a few years ago and the colour of my current band), then I'll cave in immediately and buy it. Otherwise, I'll continue watching this space!

 

[Knowlege Bomb]

As promise... bad luck. Almost.
For 15 cm measured exactly and tight, they recommended me size 4 for snug fit. And look that size 4 in the braided one:

View attachment 957493View attachment 957494


So mixing feelings. Now I know for that loop the 3 is my size but... 8 weeks to wait for a new one. It's super comfy, but it moves a little, so not sure what to do, keep it or not...

Whats more I have one solo loop size 4 coming. Should I cancel it? Or -as I've read- it's tigher than this one and will fit better?

Any advice? 😢

Yes, the solo loops fit much more snugly than the braided type. I was an 8 in the solo loop and I tried all the way down to a 4 on the braided and it was still not as tight as I like.

 

[Clarke_G]

Pics attached below. My wrist is 135mm and I’ve got the size 2 braided strap. Fit is pretty good! I like straps to be tight on my wrist so think a size 3 would be too loose for me (although may be acceptable for some). I’m wearing it quite far from my wrist so would be interested to try a size 1 just to see how different it is. Think size 1/2 is deffo the right choice for me though, hopefully that’s helpful to other folks.

I think if you’re wearing it close to your wrist and want a tight fit then a 1 is the way to go if you have 135mm wrists.

Thank you for all the details! I think I'll be good with both size 1 and size 2 with my 14 cm wrist...I'll order whichever comes first.
I'll keep you posted

 

[kirkmc]

Appreciate the feedback. But perhaps this (my bold added) - along with not wearing them all the time, which I do - could be why your Sport Bands haven't stretched:



I'm not talking much - just one hole along. But for a custom-fit, non-adjustable band (in the Solo Loop), that prospect (confirmed by Apple for the SL: "Strap may increase in length over time.") does still concern me.

Given how long I've had them - the one I wear most for five years - if they were going to stretch, they would have already done so.

 

[jsnuff1]

As promise... bad luck. Almost.
For 15 cm measured exactly and tight, they recommended me size 4 for snug fit. And look that size 4 in the braided one:

View attachment 957493View attachment 957494


So mixing feelings. Now I know for that loop the 3 is my size but... 8 weeks to wait for a new one. It's super comfy, but it moves a little, so not sure what to do, keep it or not...

Whats more I have one solo loop size 4 coming. Should I cancel it? Or -as I've read- it's tigher than this one and will fit better?

Any advice? 😢

I mean I dont think thats the loops fault...looks like you need to get the smaller watch. If you got a tiny wrist the larger watch won't fit well with any band and youll get that gap simply because the watch is too large for your wrist.

 

[enemy14123]

I Hope the 44 mm Version will become also a Braided loop size 2 and 3 :/

 

[Luis0180]

I mean I dont think thats the loops fault...looks like you need to get the smaller watch. If you got a tiny wrist the larger watch won't fit well with any band and youll get that gap simply because the watch is too large for your wrist.

smaller watch? It’s a 40 mm LOOOOL
Smaller than that? I don’t think this is big. With the sport loop works great so, yes, it’s a band size problem:

 

[RUQRU]

I orderd the Braided band size 7 and it was loose. Since Apple makes you return the entire Watch to get a new band I decided to sell it on fleabay.

In searching I found people were getting, not asking, $150 for the band that sells for $99 on the Apple Store. Why, who knows. Anyway since I tried it on I listed mine as Open Box and sold it in a hour.

Problem solved.

 

[Onimusha370]

Thank you for all the details! I think I'll be good with both size 1 and size 2 with my 14 cm wrist...I'll order whichever comes first.
I'll keep you posted

Forgot to post pics earlier, see what you think!

 

[Clarke_G]

Forgot to post pics earlier, see what you think!


View attachment 957563
View attachment 957564

Looks good to me! I think you would fit size 1 also. It depends on if/how it is gonna stretch over time...but we can only bet on that.

 

[canyonblue737]

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.

so an update to the above... my wife got her size 5, way too large. i tried her 5 (40mm) on my 44mm watch since the length should be the same... its still too loose. it mainly stays in place where i normally wear the watch but arm movements will cause it to slowly migrate down to my wrist bone, i certainly couldn't wear it running for example. the fit might be what some like, but to me it remains too loose for a smartwatch with optical HR and blood oxygen sensors that depend on a reasonably tight fit. SOOOO... for me, size 6 was way too large (this was what the paper tool suggested) and size 5 just was just a bit too large, but maybe ok for some if they liked a slightly loose fit.

i just online ordered a size 4 44mm band for me and both size 3&4 bands for my wife... i'll return the one she likes less, as of now local apple stores ARE getting daily resupplies but color and sizes are hit or miss so i'm not driving 30 minutes out there over and over again to get a silly band.

sorry to say but apple brought this on themselves, i suppose my new S6, new iPhone 12 Pros later this year and all the other stuff I constantly buy from them (plus the 90%+ profit margin on these rubber bands) will have to make up for all the trial and error. ugh, i wonder if apple will keep selling these in the long term, I guess at some point we will all know our "size."

 

[Rogifan]

so an update to the above... my wife got her size 5, way too large. i tried her 5 (40mm) on my 44mm watch since the length should be the same... its still too loose. it mainly stays in place where i normally wear the watch but arm movements will cause it to slowly migrate down to my wrist bone, i certainly couldn't wear it running for example. the fit might be what some like, but to me it remains too loose for a smartwatch with optical HR and blood oxygen sensors that depend on a reasonably tight fit. SOOOO... for me, size 6 was way too large (this was what the paper tool suggested) and size 5 just was just a bit too large, but maybe ok for some if they liked a slightly loose fit.

i just online ordered a size 4 44mm band for me and both size 3&4 bands for my wife... i'll return the one she likes less, as of now local apple stores ARE getting daily resupplies but color and sizes are hit or miss so i'm not driving 30 minutes out there over and over again to get a silly band.

sorry to say but apple brought this on themselves, i suppose my new S6, new iPhone 12 Pros later this year and all the other stuff I constantly buy from them (plus the 90%+ profit margin on these rubber bands) will have to make up for all the trial and error. ugh, i wonder if apple will keep selling these in the long term, I guess at some point we will all know our "size."

What Apple needs to do is separate the band and watch at time of purchase. Even if they still require you to buy a band just treat them as separate items so if you need to exchange the band it’s not considered as one SKU.

 

[Answer3486]

Does Apple not have a conversion chart for the sport band to the sport loop? That seems like such an obvious thing to have. I use the middle hole on the sport band. If anyone knows what that translates to in a sport loop, I would love to hear it.

 

[Ilissalo]

It would very much appreciated if people started posting they’re wrist size in inches and cm(fully measure your wrist with measuring tape), and the band size that fits them perfectly☺ Please and thank you❤

 

[h2oRuler]

I received my braided loop size 8. It’s huge! Looks like a I’ll need a size 5 or 6. Did spend time with support and can confirm, return of band AND watch is required. That’s not going to happen. Local Apple stores reckoned for COVID. Nearest store, 2 hour drive, has no braided loop bands in stock. Loyal Apple user and stock holdere- this is a big mess! I am confident that Apple will modify its stance.

 

[Schaden29]

Did anyone with a size 16cm wrist purchase a braided loop for their 44mm watch? Which size fit well for a watch position just behind the wrist bone? The PDF tool (printed properly) and the home tool size guide say size 6, I have a 5 coming, but I'm worried it should be a 4 after all.
I agree with Ilissalo that it would be helpful if people started posting more successes, that include the wrist size, watch size, position of band, and type of loop + loop band size.

 

[Evil Dan]

Did anyone with a size 16cm wrist purchase a braided loop for their 44mm watch? Which size fit well for a watch position just behind the wrist bone? The PDF tool (printed properly) and the home tool size guide say size 6, I have a 5 coming, but I'm worried it should be a 4 after all.
I agree with Ilissalo that it would be helpful if people started posting more successes, that include the wrist size, watch size, position of band, and type of loop + loop band size.

I've a 16.5cm wrist and I've ended up with a 5 which is a snug fit for the braided loop and the solo loop, but not too tight it is uncomfortable. The braided material is quite soft and nice to the touch as others have commented on, which allows a more snug fit without discomfort. I could have lived with the 6 but it would have bugged me at times.

 

[Broken Hope]

I measured at 15cm, the website recommended a 4 and I received my watch today and it fits fine, watch doesn't move at all, personally I would have preferred it to be slightly tighter, but there is nothing wrong with the fit I got.

The blood oxygen app reads reliably also.

 

[Shadowbech]

So the paper thing I used, I measured 8. However, when I purchased the size 8 solo loop, it was a bit big and would go around my wrist. I feel like size 7 might be a tad loose. I do see that the apple store near me just updated their inventory, they don't have a size 7 in stock, but have the size 6. So I will pick it up later today, after I pick it up, I'm going to try it on right at the store and if it doesn't fit, I'll just return it.

 

[mbsaeger]

So the paper thing I used, I measured 8. However, when I purchased the size 8 solo loop, it was a bit big and would go around my wrist. I feel like size 7 might be a tad loose. I do see that the apple store near me just updated their inventory, they don't have a size 7 in stock, but have the size 6. So I will pick it up later today, after I pick it up, I'm going to try it on right at the store and if it doesn't fit, I'll just return it.

If you go to the store they have bands available for try-on also.

 

[Stephencovar]

Hey everyone, I just wanted to share my sizing experience. I started off by printing out the sizing template per Apples instructions. It showed 11-12! I didn’t think that was right so I measured my wrist using a cloth measuring tape and it showed 19cm and according to the Apple website, that’d be a 10. I went into an Apple Store and tried out the template there and that showed me as an 11. I finally tried on 9, 10, 11 and 12. 9 was way too tight. I typically wear my watch snug (4th hole from the end M/L Sports Band and Nike Sports Band) and it was hard to put the band over my hand. It was tight around my wrist and a bit uncomfortable. 11 and 12 were way too loose. 10 was perfect. I’m wearing it now and the watch doesn’t move and I barely notice that’s on. I’d say, if possible, try using the flexible measuring in centimeters. I hope this was somewhat helpful.