How do you decide which Apple Watch band to get with which Apple Watch? Apple used to offer just a few band options with each Apple Watch model, but now you can mix and match and get any combination you please. This only makes the decision tougher, but we're here with some ideas to help you out.
When I worked at the Apple Store and customers asked me which colors they should choose, I always asked them to think about the colors they wear most often. Your Apple Watch and band should go nicely with virtually all of the clothes you wear. Of course, you can always pick up more Apple Watch bands, but you might as well start with one you'll really wear.
You can see my pick in the photo above; I went with the rainbow Pride Edition band on my Stainless Steel Apple Watch and I love it. Although I would have chosen the Pride Edition band no matter which Apple Watch I purchased, I think it goes perfectly with all of them. But I know that's not for everyone. Here are some smart-looking Apple Watch and band combos to help you make up your mind. For each case color, I've chosen two great combinations for your consideration. You can make your own combination in Apple's own Apple Watch Studio.
Aluminum
Aluminum is Apple's lowest-priced case material. Aluminum has a matte finish and is available in a number of colors. The Apple Watch SE is available in every aluminum shade except for the Blue and the (PRODUCT) RED.
Silver Aluminum
The Silver Aluminum Apple Watch case really looks good with just about any Apple Watch band you can think of. It's totally neutral and won't clash with anything.
Silver Aluminum Case with Cactus Sport Band
Neutral green
The grayed, neutral Cactus shade of green lends itself beautifully to a neutral look.
Silver Aluminum Case with Deep Navy Sport Loop
Subtle stripes
The Deep Navy Sport Loop' coral and blue edges give some pizazz to an otherwise staid gray-and-navy combo.
Space Gray Aluminum
Apple's Space Gray Aluminum is dark, nearly black, and it looks amazing with a similarly dark band. Especially if you wear a lot of black and you just want the watch to blend, you can't miss with the black-on-black-on-black look. On the other hand, pairing this case with a bright band makes for a pretty cool statement look.
Space Gray Aluminum Case with Charcoal Braided Solo Loop
Stealth
The Braided Solo Loop costs a bit more than the Sport Band, but it's worth it. This combo is pure class and looks far more expensive than it is.
Space Gray Aluminum Case with Pink Citrus Solo Loop
Dramatic
For a far more "out there" look, pair your Space Gray Apple Watch with a bright, colorful band. You'll make a bold statement.
Gold Aluminum
Apple's Gold Aluminum Apple Watch is still a neutral that goes with a lot, but not quite as neutral as Space Gray and Silver Aluminum. If you choose a band with metal hardware, it may not go perfectly with this gold tone. You may not have as many band options with gold, but this watch is a stunner.
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Gold Aluminum Case with Deep Navy Solo Loop
Timeless appeal
Gold and navy is a classic color combination that never goes out of style. You just can't go wrong with this clean and gorgeous look.
Gold Aluminum Case with Cream Sport Loop
Warmth
The creamy, warm colors in this Sport Loop bring out the warm tones in the gold. This flattering combination is unusual and pleasing to the eye.
Blue Aluminum
The Apple Watch in Blue Aluminum is still somewhat a neutral, even though it's a color. The shade of blue leans more towards navy, like your favorite pair of dark wash jeans. This color feels new because it's new to the Apple Watch, and yet it's a classic shade.
Blue Aluminum Case with Surf Blue Sport Band
Tonal
If you're going to do shades of blue, of course you can choose a navy band for a more "match-y" look, but I prefer this Surf Blue for a subtle contrast.
Blue Aluminum Case with Inverness Green Sport Loop
Green and blue
Something about this combination speaks to me, with its cool and slightly contrasting tones. The overall look is elegant and nearly neutral.
(PRODUCT)RED Aluminum
If you're going for red, you're not looking for a neutral. You might as well go all-in with red here. Plus, you'll feel good knowing your purchase is going towards the Global Fund's COVID‑19 Response.
(PRODUCT)RED Aluminum Case with (PRODUCT)RED Braided Solo Loop
Color and texture
The bright red color is a statement all by itself, but the Braided Loop adds an appealing texture and visual interest.
(PRODUCT)RED Aluminum Case with (PRODUCT)RED Solo Loop
Sleek
Let the color speak for itself with this smooth, unbroken, monochromatic look. You'll make a statement with this simple but bright and bold combination.
Stainless Steel
The Stainless Steel Apple Watch costs a bit more, but the shine gives it more of a jewelry-like appearance. Plus, the screen is sapphire rather than glass making it better able to resist breakage.
Graphite Stainless Steel
The Graphite Stainless Steel falls in between the Aluminum and Titanium in price. It's dark, nearly black, and looks good with just about anything.
Graphite Stainless Steel Case with Graphite Milanese Loop
Stylish
The Milanese Loop is one of my all-time favorite bands. The virtually black-on-black look here is so stunning.
Graphite Stainless Steel Case with Saddle Brown Leather Link
Natural
The black-on-black also works beautifully for the Leather Link band, but consider the slight contrast of this brown-on-black combination.
Silver Stainless Steel
I've purchased the Silver Stainless Steel for myself over three different generations, so obviously I love it. I think it goes with literally everything, and I wear other metals in my jewelry and other accessories. You can't pick a "wrong" band but here are some I particularly like.
Silver Stainless Steel Case with Garnet Modern Buckle
Dreamy
The slim and gorgeous leather strap cleverly clasped defined the Modern Buckle. It's a perfect match for the Silver Stainless Steel in both color and style.
Silver Stainless Steel Case with Pride Edition Sport Band
Colorful
This is what I actually purchased when I bought my current Apple Watch. It looks amazing, adds a pop of color to otherwise neutral outfits, and shows off my LGBT+ pride.
Gold Stainless Steel
There's nothing quite like the shiny gold look of Gold Stainless Steel. It's flashy and gorgeous; photos do not do it justice. This is jewelry, not just a "fitness tracker" for sure.
Gold Stainless Steel Case with Gold Milanese Loop
Flashy
The gleaming gold-on-gold look is an eye-catcher, that's for sure. This is not the look for wallflowers, but it has an undeniable appeal that begs for a closer look.
Gold Stainless Steel Case with California Poppy Leather Link
Bright warmth
A different take on the gold-on-gold look, this bright and warm yellow leather sets off the gold stainless steel beautifully.
Titanium
When nothing but the best will do, you're going for the Titanium Apple Watch. A step above Stainless Steel, it has a subtle sheen that exudes class.
Space Black Titanium
Dark and mysterious, you'll make a statement with Space Black Titanium no matter which band you choose.
Space Black Titanium Case with Space Black Link Bracelet
Coolness
This combination looks less like a fitness tracker and more like an old-school expensive watch. It reminds me of a sports car for some reason.
Space Black Titanium Case with Baltic Blue Leather Link
Unexpected
The black-on-black looks always works, but consider this black-and-navy combination for a more casual look. If you wear a lot of denim, this is a fantastic way to tie your blacks and blues together.
Titanium
The original Titanium color is darker than the Silver Stainless Steel but lighter than the Space Black Titanium. It's gray with a subtle sheen that looks good with so many different bands.
Titanium Case with Atlantic Blue Braided Solo Loop
Timeless
You can't go wrong with this neutral and casual look. The texture of the Braided Solo Loop keeps it from being dull.
Titanium Case with Charcoal Sport Loop
Subtle blends
The subtle blend of colors here just feels right. It's not flashy, but it's not boring either. The Sport Loop is comfortable to wear and can be dressed up or down.
Of course there are endless combinations, but the one you love best is the one you should get! What is your favorite combination of Apple Watch and Apple band? Do you prefer a third-party Apple Watch band?
Serentiy Caldwell contributed to an earlier version of this article.
Karen S Freeman
Contributor
Karen is a contributor to iMore.com as a writer and co-host of the iMore Show. She’s been writing about Apple since 2010 with a year-long break to work at an Apple Store as a product specialist. She's also a contributor at TechRadar and Tom's Guide. Before joining iMore in 2018, Karen wrote for Macworld, CNET, AppAdvice, and WatchAware. She’s an early adopter who used to wait in long lines on release days before pre-ordering made things much easier. Karen is also a part-time teacher and occasional movie extra. She loves to spend time with her family, travel the world, and is always looking for portable tech and accessories so she can work from anywhere.
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