

With metal and leather variations not always ideal for runs, swims and whatever else, the rubbery material (fluoroelastomer, if you must know) really comes into its own during proper workouts. The Apple Sport Band (£49) may not be the sexiest option on this list, but it is perhaps the most versatile strap you can attach to your watch.


However, there is a medium (150mm - 185mm) and large (180mm - 210mm) strap to choose from. The only disappointment is that it’s not available for smaller Apple Watch case sizes - only for the 42mm and 44mm versions. Just consider switching this one out for HIIT classes and long-distance outdoor exercise. Weightlifting, yoga sessions and anything non-sweaty are fine from our experience. Out of all the bands we tested, this is the one that we never wanted to take off - even for exercise, though we wouldn’t necessarily recommend it for anything too taxing. Few, if any, wrap as effortlessly as the Leather Loop, with magnets beneath the quilted leather promising a secure fit that you can adjust precisely as your wrist size fluctuates throughout the day. Our biggest gripe with leather bands tends to be their rigidity, which often means they aren’t tight enough around the wrist or mould into an uneven shape. Apple’s Leather Loop (£99) is the best overall pick for a number of reasons, but the biggest advantage it has over its leathery counterparts is its comfort and durability.
