Factors to Consider When Choosing The Right Strap for Your Smartwatch
When buying a smartwatch for the first time, it is the buyers’ primary focus to look for its distinguishable features comparing it to other smartwatches of various manufacturers. These features might be its general work- what it can do, buyer’s phone compatibility that is if it works with your phone setup and its physical look which entails the strap that will securely wrap the smartwatch against your wrist.
When you want to choose a new strap for your strap watch, be it to replace an already purchased one or first purchase, there are different factors to consider. In this post, we will be explaining the things you should look out for before making that purchase.
Purpose/Reason
Before setting out to purchase a smartwatch, you can have more than one reason. It could be to satisfy/complement your sports/outdoor lifestyle or a style-based reason such as wanting a strap that matches your wardrobe. . Regardless of what it is, make sure you know what kind of look you want to achieve with that strap too as having a reason will help you in your decision of choosing the right strap.
Strap Size
The next factor to consider is the size of the strap of your smartwatch as you want to make sure that strap can actually connect to your smartwatch. The majority of strap sizes are measured in millimeters. Most smartwatches use either a 22mm or 20mm strap. There are also those that use 18mm straps. In some cases, it is the size of the dial you have to note. For example, if it is an Apple Watch, it can be 38mm, 40mm, 42mm, or 44mm. Knowing the right size for the strap is very important as a strap that is too big or too small is useless. If you are not sure of your strap size, the traditional way to find out is to grab a ruler or measuring tape and measure the space between the lugs on your watch.
Smartwatch straps Material
Now that you know your reason and strap size, the next factor to consider is the type of material you want your smartwatch strap to be made of. This factor is sometimes influenced by the reason why you want to get a new strap. You can pick up smartwatch straps in a range of different materials, which will shape the overall look and what it will be like to wear 24/7. Metal, nylon, or leather? The choice is yours.
For example, if you want a strap for a sports/outdoor lifestyle, you should go for a strap made from a breathable material that can offer a lighter feel or a material that won’t get damaged by moisture such as nylon, silicone, or polyurethane. If you are choosing a strap based on style, for example, to complete a professional or casual look, then genuine leather that offers strong durability and metal are the materials you should consider.
Design
Now that you have decided on the type of material, the next factor to consider is the design. Some materials can be made into several designs and not all of them may be the right one for you. If you are picking a metal strap, you may prefer a strap with a Milanese loop over a link bracelet. Look for straps that are tagged as hypoallergenic. When some materials sit closer to the skin for extended periods of time they may cause a reaction or irritation to the skin. If you know you have sensitive skin, it’s advisable to choose a hypoallergenic band design.
Clasp Design/Fastening
Do you want a strap with a magnetic clasp, one with a tang buckle, one with velcro that’s quicker to get on and off, or one with no buckles or clasps? The choice is yours. The choice of material usually influences the type of clasp or buckle in some situations as certain materials don’t work with a certain type of clasp/buckle. Like a metal clasp that uses the belt kind of fastening. Pay attention to the buckle and clasp materials as they can influence the overall look of your watch too.
With the explained factors above, it should be easy for you to choose a new strap for your watch.
We would love to hear from you. What factors do you consider when choosing a new watch strap? Do share them with us in the comment box below?
