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The Best Designer Apple Watch Bands of 2025
Technology and fashion are in sync more than ever before — evident in everything from high-style headphones to trendy crossbody phone bags to Meta AI sunglasses receiving the luxury brand treatment on recent runways. In everyday life, however, the most ubiquitous example of these merging worlds revolves around how we accessorize the miniature computers on our wrists with the best designer Apple Watch bands.
Considering we take our Apple Watches from sweaty workouts to happy hour drinks to wedding receptions and every life happening in between, it’s understandable why we would want to spend a little extra on a stylish wrist trimming that lasts a lifetime. The best luxury Apple Watch bands can seamlessly coordinate with dressy office clothes — providing a fresher take on today’s corp-core trend — as well as upgrade the look of flowy spring dresses and compliment the stack of gleaming bracelets that you can’t leave home without. Not a fan of layering and are instead looking to go minimal when dressing up your handy step-counter? Whatever your style sensibilities, there’s a slew of options out there for icing out your wrist with high-tech and high-fashion appeal.
Fashion influencer Karin Teigl donned a strappy, leather Apple Watch band in orange — which appeared to be in playful conversation with her luxe bracelets, including those from Van Cleef & Arpels and Cartier — on July 16, 2024 in Vienna, Austria.
Courtesy Jeremy Moeller/Getty Images
Though Apple Watch bands were originally pigeonholed as strictly tech-y, they entered the fashion lexicon in 2015, when Hermès partnered with Apple on a collection of three leather band designs in five signature house colors. This capsule merged exceptional craftsmanship with on-trend design for the contemporary timekeeper, going on to push other top brands such as Kate Spade, Tory Burch, and Coach to create numerous iterations of the style. Now, Apple’s Hermès watch band section features a greater variety of offerings, including pastels for spring, eye-catching yellow-hued styles, and bands made of woven materials. Though you can snap the bands onto most versions of the Apple Watch, true devotion to the fashion house’s artisanship can be demonstrated by buying the actual Apple Watch Hermès Ultra 2 or Apple Watch Hermès Series 10 and thereby becoming even more of a head-turner.
Designer Apple Watch bands have only continued to grow in popularity over the years: racking up millions of searches and views on TikTok, where users highlight unique watch band style equations and demonstrate just how easy it is to swap the bands out based on mood or occasion. Influencers like Courtney Shields are also encouraging people to tap into the latest trends vis-à-vis their Apple Watch bands: In a TikTok with over 19,000 likes, she models a stainless steel band from the brand Michele that perfectly matches her jewelry and fits the quiet luxury aesthetic to a tee.
This trend feeds into the larger cultural obsession with adding self-expressive touches to popular fashion accessories, also seen in the prevalence of bag charms and even shoe charms in many spring 2025 designer collections. In short, people want to wear their personality on their sleeve, and in this case you can actually do just that when it comes to wearable tech… next to your sleeve, that is.
When compared with generic counterparts, designer Apple Watch bands are often crafted out of higher-quality materials with an effortlessly chic appearance to match. Still, there are a lot of factors to consider when choosing the best designer Apple Watch bands, such as how often you’ll wear it and where you’ll wear it. Ideally, all Apple Watch bands should also be comfortable, protective, and add value to any ensemble, whether you’re a minimalist who prefers smooth leather or someone with a penchant for edgy statements like bold hardware.
In case you haven’t heard about it yet and invested in your own, Apple unveiled its latest watch model (the Apple Watch Series 10) last year, boasting the thinnest silhouette yet, a sapphire crystal display, and updated tech capabilities. Take this as a signal that it’s fine time to update your own style with watch straps that are worthy of the item they house, taking the digital chronometer to newer, chicer heights.
Ready to clock in to work each day as the most fashionable and punctual employee around? Discover our edit of the best designer Apple Watch bands to shop right now, with options spanning a wide range of band materials, style preferences, and price points.
Lagos Smart Caviar Apple Watch Band
There’s luxury, and then there’s Lagos, whose trademark Caviar beads dazzle us every time. The designer crafts some of the best minimalist jewelry, and, yet again, we’re drawn to the brand’s hypnotizing trademark design detail in durable stainless steel. If your stack of arm candy already leans toward chunky statements and reflective finishes, Lagos’ Apple Watch Watchband will be right in line with that: refreshing traditional analog links via a visually intriguing, bauble-like frame. The result is something refined, exceptionally gorgeous, and fit for passing down as an heirloom to the next generation of Apple users. It’s noticeable but not too flashy, which are qualities we always seek in an investment buy. Now, when putting on a cocktail dress, you won’t be worried about a silicone band dampening your ultra-glam image. Reviewers also note that the item’s material makes it safe to wear during swim workouts — allowing you to flex your sophistication with every lap.
Price upon publish date of this article: $650
Coach Purple Apple Watch Band
Florals for your Apple Watch? Groundbreaking. The pictured band from Coach is timely as can be, what with the perennial resurgence of floral motifs come spring: showcased on spring 2025 runways even by those brands that don’t traditionally use the print. It’s made of silicone, a better match for sporty pursuits than metal and leather bands that might tarnish or fade when repeatedly exposed to the elements. But don’t equate that material with something less-than-bougie; indeed, the watch band’s subtle brand name embossing and universally flattering colorway are nothing if not tasteful. A snug, secure fit is also a guarantee here, courtesy of the many notch holes.
Price upon publish date of this article: $85
Tory Burch Braided Leather Apple Watch Band
It’s common knowledge that Tory Burch has a gift for turning classic women’s wear into “of the moment” fashion must-haves, and this tasteful watchband is no exception. Similar to the brand’s highly sought-after ballet flats, this twisted, texture-rich leather strap has an understated elegance that’s capable of being a conversation starter in its own right (without completely stealing the spotlight from the rest of your outfit). Inspired by artisan basket weaving and straw bags, the band bypasses flashiness and instead settles on timelessness. You can keep it clasped on at work while in your business-casual office frock or when sipping bubbly in a slightly more frou-frou getup.
Price upon publish date of this article: $96
Kate Spade Twist Stainless Steel Apple Watch Band
While Kate Spade’s design ethos is always feminine and even a bit mischievous (one look at the label’s NYC-coded cardholder is all that’s needed for proof), this particular selection errs on the side of something more neutral: ideal for every season of the year and season of your life. Though it’s not logo-centric in the least, this is not to say the band is soft-spoken. Its sculptural nature and sleek, high-shine finish will flatter a girlie-girl, transitional-weather cardigan but can just as easily amplify the powers of an edgier leather jacket.
Price upon publish date of this article: $96
Anne Klein Apple Watch Bracelet
If you’ve identified — by way of a professional color consultation, TikTok video, or good ol’ trial and error — rose gold as the metal that best suits your skin tone (versus a silver or yellow gold option, say), let us introduce you to this Anne Klein beaut. Its resin center links have a grounding effect on the overall glossiness, and, seeing as how Millennial pink is having a moment again, the piece won’t only be a practical holder for your tech but also a wearable indicator of how in touch you are with fashion’s goings-on.
Price upon publish date of this article: $75
Swarovski Sparkling Princess Apple Watch Strap
You don’t need Ariana Grande to convince you that Swarovski is a crystal-making giant with jewelry selections fit for a princess. Its rose-gold Apple Watch band is the dictionary definition of the adjective “striking,” has seven whole rows of crystal-embellished links, and comes with two additional ones for in-store resizing if you need it to be a touch longer. Swarovski suggests avoiding the band’s contact with water and regularly polishing it with a soft cloth, so as to preserve all that brilliance. Another chic choice in this curation of the best Apple Watch bands, the Sparkling Princess strap will soon enter the list of your most prized possessions: right alongside the designer handbag you whip out for life’s most exciting moments.
Price upon publish date of this article: $300
Quince Acetate Apple Watch Band
Acetate is trending for spring 2025 in the eyewear industry, so if you already own a pair of chunky aviators in the durable, plant-based, and eco-friendly material, consider matching them to this endlessly attractive, tortoise-print Apple Watch band by Quince. One of today’s top dogs in the business of affordable luxury, the brand never misses, and neither will this treat for your watch which also taps into animal prints’ popularity. A complimentary resizing kit is included with purchase, so you can start showing it off almost as soon as that package arrives at your doorstep.
Price upon publish date of this article: $29.90
Kendra Scott Alex Watch Band in Iridescent Stainless Steel
Metallics reigned supreme in haute couture collections this spring, and what better way to make your own Apple Watch setup haute to the max than with a band that merges the sturdiness of stainless steel with the otherworldliness of an iridescent finish? This Kendra Scott creation gives off retro-futuristic vibes and will infuse a capsule wardrobe fueled by basics with priceless Y2K nostalgia (the early aughts, after all, were marked by no shortage of holographic fabrics).
Note that if you need to resize the band to your wrist’s circumference, this can be done at your nearest brick-and-mortar Kendra Scott or else a local jeweler.
Price upon publish date of this article: $248
Abas Alligator Apple Watch Band
Crocodile print shone bright on spring 2025 runways, given life most commonly on handbags and warm-weather footwear: the latter aptly executed by brands like Paris Texas and Casadei. All things considered, it doesn’t hurt to expand this homage to the semi-aquatic carnivores to your Apple Watch’s surroundings — thanks to this band made of calf leather skin sourced from the crocodile’s less aggressive relative, the gator. That indulgent chocolate colorway also ruled designer collections of the season (like Max Mara‘s), and is expected to continue exerting influence on what we wear. The takeaway here? Abas’ Alligator Apple Watch Band will never become outmoded.
Price upon publish date of this article: $250
Michael Kors Apple Watch Stainless Steel Bracelet
This gold-tone stainless steel marvel from Michael Kors is uniform, with a sleek, completely uninterrupted look. Make no mistake, though — the watch band is leaps and bounds above its simple, solid-colored counterparts, giving off the kind of old money energy a style icon like Kelly Rutherford would surely approve of. Make it pop against the background of a versatile, all-black cami and bubble hem skirt: a spring style win that you’ll want to flaunt long after your vacation.
Price upon publish date of this article: $150
Michele Apple Watch Diamond Case Attachment
Michele — a luxury watch brand crafted for women, by women — hasn’t let dedication to tradition detract it from embracing and elevating modern tech. Its Apple Watch bands and cases are such status symbols, in fact, that TikTok videos revealing their dupes often go viral. The 18-karat gold-plated band in question, along with a cover paved with over 100 round-cut diamonds, is extravagant without ever dipping into ostentatiousness. It can (and will, mark our words) make special occasions even more special, so don’t hesitate to snap this baby on before all those spring weddings you have in the pipeline.
Price upon publish date of this article: $1,676.50
Hermès Toile H Single Tour Apple Watch Band
Remember those special-edition Hermès Apple Watch bands we talked about earlier? Well, this smooth talker is part of the collection, and it’s a smart, softly woven interpretation of Hermès’ signature checked canvas. Compatible with most versions of Apple’s pocket-sized wrist adornment, the Toile H band is just the thing to put on when you’re going for the look of a well-read urbanite — chinos and crochet polo included, or else a spring trench over your favorite little black dress.
Price upon publish date of this article: $349
Shinola Black Alligator Apple Watch Band
The exemplary craftsmanship that embodies any Shinola product distinguishes this pick from a sea of black bands offered by other retailers. The brand is regarded for using materials that age gracefully and soften beautifully over time, instead of pilling or scuffing along the way. Additionally, between the timeless look of crocodile leather (cut and sewn in the U.S., by the way) and its slim silhouette, the band will never look out of place, no matter what you wear it in conjunction with. The stainless steel buckle is another bonus, as the universal finish blends discreetly with every kind of accessory under the sun. Per Shinola, this watch band is “designed with intention” — and it’s clear this is not just marketing copy.
Price at time of publish: $255
What to Look for in a Designer Apple Watch Band
- Price: Considering your Apple Watch is likely a mainstay in your everyday wear, spending a little extra on a band made with high-quality materials is worth the investment. Most designer Apple Watch bands tend to hover in the price range of $150 to $1,000. However, some designer brands like Kate Spade and Coach still tout higher-priced options’ brand-name clout and construction but at lower price points (starting around $75).
- Materials: Presumably, you’re shopping for a designer Apple Watch band because you’re seeking something ready to withstand years of wear, in which case we suggest materials like leather that can gracefully withstand the test of time. However, silicone presents itself as a solid alternative if you wear your watch during workouts: It can handle sweat, is easy to wipe clean, and feels very comfortable on the wrist. As for the most luxe materials out there, metal and stainless steel come out on top. In this case, though, we suggest you double-check that you’re purchasing a watch with a protective coating, like PVD plating, since these finishes tend to show scratches and scuffs.
- Size: To pick the right size of your Apple Watch band, start by cross-referencing the size of the watch band you’re purchasing to the compatible size of your Apple Watch. Apple Watch bands come in various widths typically ranging from 38mm to 45mm, so checking the key specs — almost always found in the product’s description — of whichever band you choose is key to ensuring an ideal match. Additionally, you’ll want to look for features like removable links or notch holes that will be easy to adjust to the size of your wrist. Another sizing factor you may want to consider is the width of the band. For example, a band that’s too thick for your wrist could feel heavy and look bulky, thereby detracting from your overall style statement on any given day.
How We Selected the Best Designer Apple Watch Bands
Since 1910, WWD — often referred to as “the fashion bible” — has been the leading industry voice of authority for senior executives in the global women’s and men’s fashion, retail and beauty communities, while also informing the consumer media that cover the market. Today, WWD’s breaking news and trend coverage continues to be a trustworthy resource for both fashion insiders and consumers alike. Our shopping editors continue to uphold WWD’s editorial standards and values with quality, expert-backed product selections.
To compile this list of the best designer Apple Watch bands, we conducted hours of market research to discover the most popular designer Apple Watch Bands for 2025. Then, we narrowed it down to our top favorites based on customer reviews and editor’s picks. We also considered other factors like the quality of materials used, durability, aesthetics, whether the watch bands came with a resizing kit, and beyond. Learn more about us here.
Meet the Authors
Irene Richardson is a Brooklyn-based writer who covers fashion and beauty for brands such as InStyle, Byrdie, Brides, Travel + Leisure, and Footwear News. Whether she’s going for a run or out to dinner, she never leaves the house without accessorizing first and wouldn’t be caught in public without a pair of earrings or, at the very least, a simple stack of bracelets. In her spare time, Irene keeps up with jewelry trends, including the best designer Apple Watch bands, to understand which designs are most popular among celebrities and street style alike.
Stacia Datskovska is a Senior Commerce Writer at WWD. Previously, she worked at ELLE DECOR as an assistant digital editor, covering all things luxury, culture, and lifestyle through a design lens. Her bylines over the past five years have appeared in USA Today, Baltimore Sun, Teen Vogue, Boston Globe, Food & Wine, and more. Prior to joining ELLE DECOR, Datskovska learned the ins and outs of e-commerce at Mashable, where she tested products, covered tentpole sales events, and curated gift guide roundups. She graduated from NYU with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and international relations. Datskovska regularly publishes shopping guides that allow readers to see — and therefore buy — only the best of the best in the worlds of fashion, beauty, and home. Datskovska updated this shopping guide in April 2025 with new Apple Watch band releases from top luxury brands.
