Sidebar Sidebar
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

Which band is more comfortable for everyday use - sport loop or milanese?

yOyOYoo

yOyOYoo

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Feb 13, 2005
714
113
CA
I'm looking to order my first Apple Watch (series 3). :cool:

I want stainless steel so will be forced to get an LTE version even though I don't think I'll need the cellular features.

I'm wondering which band is more comfortable for everyday use - the sport loop or the milanese band? I have allergy to leather so that's not an option.

Also, I can't decide which color to get: silver or black stainless steel! Thank you all for your input.
 
You get more than just LTE with the LTE model...you also get double the storage capacity (which may or may not be the reason the LTE model can stream music when it comes out). You also get a ceramic back instead of a more scratchable plastic back. You, of course, have the option to add LTE if you ever need it for a month or two or longer. All of that is worth the extra $70 imo. And if it can make 911 calls without a contract that could be worth a lot more money (nobody has seemed to be able to answer one way or the other if it can though. Unactivated cell phones can which is why I wonder if the watch can).

Anyway, if you happen to have hairy arms I find the Milanese band pulls hair every now and then. It also tends to work itself a bit loose during the day. Not a big deal, but something to consider. Style wise many would say it is the clear winner though.

The sport loop is very lightweight and comfortable, but it will also retain water for an hour or more if you get it wet (washing hands, in the rain, working out).

Personally, I find the Nike bands to be the most comfortable by far. They are lightweight, the holes actually do help them feel cooler, and they don't retain moisture.

Why not nylon though? I'd actually rank the nylon bands more comfy than the Milanese. If I had to pick for comfort and function, I'd say Nike sport > Nylon > sport loop > Milanese. But that isn't to say any are uncomfortable, just my preference.
 
  • Like
Reactions: AppleKarma, yOyOYoo and hdinla
I've been debating about the sport loop and the nike band for working out and casual wear. Whats the best way to keep it clean after a workout?
 
Thank you for the responses, I didn't consider the Nike sport band because I'm not sure it will look professional - it definitely looks very sporty.

I don't have hairy arms so I think the milanese will be okay.

I'll definitely go check out the Nylon band as well, didn't realize it was an option!
 
For me:

Milanese = daily wear for work. very professional look. comfortable.

Sport Loop = best for everyday informal wear. super comfortable. it goes on as soon as I walk through the door from work and all weekend.

Nike Sport = probably best for workouts. Breathable. Easy to clean.

Good luck!
 
  • Like
Reactions: yOyOYoo, hdinla and AppleKarma
gatorknight904 said:
For me:

Milanese = daily wear for work. very professional look. comfortable.

Sport Loop = best for everyday informal wear. super comfortable. it goes on as soon as I walk through the door from work and all weekend.

Nike Sport = probably best for workouts. Breathable. Easy to clean.

Good luck!
Click to expand...

Thanks for the breakdown! Have you tried the Sport loop for working out?
 
  • Like
Reactions: gatorknight904
I've decided I'm just going to get BOTH bands. Just placed an order for the stainless steel black with black milanese loop. Too bad I have to wait 3-4 weeks to get it.

I want to see more of the sport loop colors in person before deciding on which one to get.
 
I have pretty hairy arms and I don't notice the Milanese loop tugging at them. A knockoff band I bought from Amazon used to trap hairs when attaching the magnet, but for some reason the genuine Apple bands don't seem to have that issue (although it's now muscle memory for me to do a quick sweep with my fingers to make sure no hairs became trapped under the magnet, anyway). The Apple sports band isn't bad, but I really like the infinite adjustability of the Milanese loop. Metal bands also look classier. I haven't noticed issues with the band loosening throughout the day.

Space black or silver? Sounds like you ordered both and will get to see for yourself... I have both and use both. The silver is clearly metal and a bit more flashy; it sparkles in bright light. The space black is more subdued, and in darker lighting may look more like cloth from a distance. Yet in moderate to bright lighting it has a subdued sparkle and amazing appearance. Between the two (and if I could only choose one), the space black is my favorite.

When you get them, let us know which you prefer.
 
I like the Milanese. It looks good plus it's easy to tighten/loosen. I tend to wear my watch quite loose when in an office or during the normal day, when I'm cycling I tighten it up to keep it in one place. The Milanese is just a case of sliding the magnet.
 
yOyOYoo said:
I've decided I'm just going to get BOTH bands.
Click to expand...

Good choice! I find the Milanese Loop more breathable and cooling, but both are quite light.

If you couldn't justify it, Milanese Loop clones are very cheap now and works better than the Sport Band clones to their original.
 
broadbean said:
Good choice! I find the Milanese Loop more breathable and cooling, but both are quite light.

If you couldn't justify it, Milanese Loop clones are very cheap now and works better than the Sport Band clones to their original.
Click to expand...
Yep I got my Milanese in black for £10 from Amazon. No issues at all with it so far and had it about a year.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.
Top Bottom
Back