Best Watch Straps for Summer
As the weather gets warmer, and our hands swell and sweat with the heat, the need for a comfortable and water-resistant summer watch strap grows. We have compiled a list of the best watch straps for summer to help you decide which to go for. But, first things first:
Save Leather Watch Straps for the Evening
Although leather is known to be comfortable, reliable and attractive, it doesn't do well in the daytime hot weather - especially if you are prone to a quick dip in the sea or a cold shower in the summer. The combination of sweat and water can ruin the otherwise durable strap and, even if it does survive, the heat will cause a leather strap to cling and irritate your skin - not ideal as your watch strap should always be comfortable.
If you do decide to go for leather during the day, you should therefore keep it super light and pick something perforated for enhanced airflow. Or, you can wear a more suited watch strap (see below) in the daytime, and then switch out to a stylish and sleek leather watch strap in the cooler evenings where it will be the perfect fit.
Save Your Metal Watch Straps
For similar reasons to above, you should avoid a metal watch strap in the summer daytime as skin against hot metal can cause irritation and sometimes burn. Like a leather watch strap, you can therefore save your metal watch strap for a cool evening stroll.
This begs the question, what are some comfortable and stylish alternatives to a leather or metal watch strap in the summer?
Top 5 Watch Straps for Summer
1. TROPIC Textured Rubber Waterproof Diving Strap
First made popular in the 1960s as an inexpensive and lightweight strap, the Tropic is a true classic. Its cross-hatched upper texture and distinctive diamond perforations, widened on the underside for maximum air-flow, make it a great pick for the hot summer weather.
As it's designed for dive watches, the Tropic is also water-resistance up to 300m, meaning you can sweat and swim without compromising the strap.
2. ISOfrane Rubber Dive Watch Strap
The ISOfrane is one of the world's most popular, premier diving bands - and it's not hard to see why. It has a timeless but durable design and, despite its strength and sturdiness, remains soft and breathable. The ISOfrane strap is also waterproof and hypoallergenic, with non-toxic modifications that make it kind to your skin.
Furthermore, the ISOfrane strap is washed free of any sand, salt water and sweat with ease. Better yet, the lack of silicone means this watch doesn't collect dust, so it retains its clean and factory-fresh look for a long time.
3. One-Piece Watch Strap
The iconic one-piece strap is a comfortable, breathable and affordable waterproof watch strap for the summer. Coming in at just £9.95, this is a fantastic choice if you're looking for a cheap alternative to the more expensive summer watch straps - even their premium strap comes in at just £14.99. One of the best features is its extra length which makes it adjustable so, even if your wrist swells in the heat, you can maintain a comfortable fit.
Originally developed by the British Ministry of Defence, the one-piece strap is more secure than others as it is secured in two separate points. This means that, should one spring bar fail, it will remain attached to the strap. It is therefore a great pick for all those outdoor summer activities where you don't want to worry about your watch flying off.
4. Perlon Braided Watch Strap
The Perlon is another attractive, affordable and waterproof strap for the summer. It is light, breathable, comfortable and - due to its intricately interwoven threads - incredibly stylish. This makes it a great pick for both wear during almost all occasions and outdoor activities.
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Written by Holly, for Watch Obsession UK.