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The Five Types of Watch Straps to Keep You Cool This Summer

Ditch the solid leather for something more breathable, durable and casual.

summer watch straps m2w gear patrol lead fullPhoto by Gear Patrol
Andrew Connor

By Andrew Connor and Johnny Brayson

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Everything is just a bit more casual come summertime, both for the sake of style and comfort. We don our shorts, our hats, our sunglasses. A watch fits into the mix as well and should keep the same relaxed look and comfort. And for that, you’ll want to find the right strap.

Nylon and rubber straps are the obvious choices here — they’re lightweight, soft, breathable and can be washed free of any sand, saltwater and sweat. Leather and metal bands are also acceptable, only in certain types that enhance airflow.

We’ve broken down the five types of watch straps to keep you cool this summer, while also offering up three of our favorite picks from each category.

To learn more about our testing methodology and how we evaluate products, head here.

Products in the Guide

NATO

omega watch on a strapHodinkee

The NATO has its roots in the military and is characterized by a nylon construction that slides through a watch’s spring bars, with a smaller secondary strap looping around the back to create a stronghold on the timepiece.

Thanks to their unique construction, the NATO is a durable option, and the nylon construction is easy to clean. They’re also one of the cheapest strap options out there and look good on virtually any kind of tool or sports watch.

MORE NATO STRAPS

Perlon

crown and buckle linen melange perlonCrown & Buckle

Like a NATO, a perlon strap is made from nylon but is formed from a braided patterning of the material as opposed to being cut from one dense strip. This, obviously, opens the strap up a bit and aids in airflow, but it also gives the strap a less tactical look that’s more suited for dressier pieces.

Perlon straps come as both one-piece and two-piece straps, but we have a preference for the latter because it slips through the back of the watch like a NATO — without requiring a NATO strap’s doubling back — making swaps quick and easy.

MORE PERLON STRAPS

Rubber

strapsPhoto by Henry Phillips for Gear Patrol

Rubber straps are most associated with dive watches and come in a variety of different styles. “Tropical” straps have a weave pattern and perforations, while other styles have larger holes in them like the iconic ISOfrane strap.

Not all rubber straps are created equally: you’ll pay a higher premium for vulcanized and natural rubber, but the price is usually worth it for something that’ll ultimately be more durable, supple and comfortable.

barton elite silicone quick release strapBarton Watch Bands

Barton Elite Silicone Quick Release Strap

MORE RUBBER STRAPS

Steel Mesh

staib 2792 milanese mesh watch braceletHolben’s Fine Watch Bands

Steel mesh straps were particularly popular back in the early days of wristwatches and appeared to have resurgences during the 1930s and ’40s and again in the ’60s and ’70s.

There are two main varieties: “Milanese,” which is characterized by a tighter, finer metal weave often seen on dress watches, and “Shark Mesh,” which is chunkier and looser and perfect for divers.

STRAP CHANGING TOOLS

Perforated Leather

b and r le mans racing strapB&R Bands

Leather is generally something to be avoided in the summer, but perforated straps are the exception. The leather “rallye strap” is a style of strap plucked from the racing heyday of the mid-20th century and is characterized by its many holes and perforations.

The holes add a little bit of ventilation to keep the watch cooler, but since sweat can still do damage to the underside of your leather, it’s best to reserve this kind of strap for cooler nights out rather than daytime activities.

LEATHER STRAPS

What to look for in a summer watch strap

Lightweight: We, as humans, have an instinct to reduce weight in anyway possible in the summer. Even a little bit of weight becomes a burden, and heavy bracelets and the like will quickly get tiresome. Fabric straps are typically the lightest.

Breathable: For some of the same reasons as above, you want airflow. Many watch straps build this in with the likes of perforations, and these also tend to lend a sporty look that matches the styles of the season well.

Washable: If you sweat in your watch strap, it’s great to be able to wash off the potential smell, stains and bacteria. You can throw the likes of NATO straps in the laundry or rinse mesh metal bracelets or rubber straps under the tap. Leather straps are trickier, even perforated ones, so those are best avoided on the hottest and most humid of days.

Colorful: This is optional, of course. But summer is your chance to have some strap fun. Brighter colors often seem more appropriate in the hot months, and short sleeves help a watch and its strap become a more prominent part of your wardrobe.

More Tool Watches

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