OXWALLEN Slim Stainless Steel Slider Nylon Apple Watch Bands, 4-Pack

When it comes to smartwatches, the Apple Watch remains the one to beat, with a 35.8% market share. Although newer releases of the watch do come with a variety of band options, you aren’t stuck with the band that comes with the watch. That means you can choose the watch face you like best, then buy a band separately to meet your preferences.

But being the most popular smartwatch means there’s no shortage of bands available. There are so many, in fact, that you may have no idea where to begin. Your first instinct may be to base your purchase on appearance and price, but there are many other factors that go into a good watch band.

If you’re like most watch owners, you’ll probably wear your band all day and maybe even into the evening hours. That makes comfort a top priority, along with ensuring it’s versatile enough to go from casual daytime wear to the occasional formal event. Some prefer the feel of leather, while others like silicone or stainless steel. Consider your own preferences and choose a band that you’ll enjoy wearing.

Those who are fairly active may also want to consider a band’s sweat absorbency. Leather can be problematic in that area, but some bands are designed with a sweat-absorbent strip of material on the inside. That can come in handy during those long, hot summers. If you play sports, you’ll also want to make sure you choose a watchband with anti-slip properties built in, as well as a firm clasp to keep from losing it.

Sizing is also important. Although watch bands typically have a little adjustability built into the clasp, many band manufacturers issue bands in two sizes to cover a wide range of wrist circumferences. You’ll need to have a tape measure handy to measure your wrist so that you can compare to the size options available in your band of choice.

• One of the biggest differentiators between nylon bands is the overall look and feel. They come in several colors, patterns and widths. The first thing likely to jump out at you while shopping is the look of the band. Like comfort, this is a matter of personal preference.
• One complication with watch bands is that no two wrists are the same size. That makes it challenging for band manufacturers. It’s always good idea to measure your wrist to determine which nylon band is the right size for you.
• If you’re shopping on a budget, consider a multi-pack of nylon watch bands. You can mix and match these depending on your outfit and, if you lose one, you know you always have a backup.