![WatchGecko's Best Summer Watch Straps [UPDATED 2024]](http://www.watchgecko.com/cdn/shop/articles/WG-Banner-2023-Newest-Straps_1100x.jpg?v=1718719872)
If there’s one thing that makes us British, it’s the way we rush outdoors to beaches, parks and picnic spots at the first sign of good weather. And who can blame us – we’ve just put up with the British winter!
But while we might sometimes don the T-shirt and shorts a little too early, there’s no question that the change in weather brings about a change in our wardrobes. One thing many people don’t consider is that the warmer months also call for a change in your watch strap. The activities you might start doing, as well as the way our bodies and the different materials used for watch straps react to heat, make some watch straps far more suited to the summer months than others. Making the switch can mean you get to keep wearing your favourite timepiece while staying comfortable in the heat. (And you get a great new look to boot!)
Here we’ll take a look at the types of watch straps that will help keep you comfortable – and stylish – through the summer months.
The science of summer
Squale Matic Light Blue 60 ATMOS on the ZULUDIVER HydraRib OctoPod Watch Strap - Credit WatchGecko
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The heat of summer has a few noticeable effects on the body, which will in turn affect your choice of watch strap. Firstly, and most recognisably, most of us will sweat more in the heat, as our body naturally tries to cool us down. This can make some types of watch straps feel uncomfortable, as they tend to absorb the sweat, which can in turn cause discomfort and quite possibly skin rashes. The worst offender here is leather, so we’d recommend keeping your favourite leather straps reserved for evening occasions rather than taking it out in the heat of the day. We know, we know. We love our leather watch straps too. But trust us, it’s better for everyone this way!
A second, and perhaps less well-known effect of heat on the body is that it actually expands our skin, meaning that extremities such as feet and toes, fingers and – you guessed it – our wrists, become larger. This makes another favourite watch strap material of ours – metal – a less attractive option during the summer months. Metal’s natural rigidity means that as your skin expands it won’t follow suit, this can result in discomfort as your skin presses into the strap. As much as you love that metal look, opting for a material with more flexibility is likely to give you a more comfortable wear.
OK – so we’ve covered which watch straps you should be putting in the drawer for the summer months. But what to replace them with? Here are a few of our favourite suggestions, based on what you might be getting up to over the summer.
WatchGecko’s Top 5 Summer Straps
Best Waterproof Strap
ZULUDIVER AquaTropic Rubber Watch Strap on a Seiko Turtle - Credit WatchGecko
Whether you’re having a dip in the sea or a lake (it’s lovely once you’re in!) or just playing with the kids in the paddling pool, chances are water will feature during your summer activities. But spontaneous swims or water fights become a whole lot less fun if you’ve got to stop to take off your strap every time you think you might get wet. (Leather – we’re looking at you again.) So, to let the good times roll, look for materials that are either completely waterproof, or quick drying.
There’s nothing to say that you can’t still look stylish whilst having fun in or around the water. One of our most popular straps, the ZULUDIVER AquaTropic, takes its inspiration from some classic watch strap designs from the 60s and 70s that paired up with luxury Swiss brands like Rolex and Tudor. The premium HNBR rubber will hold up against anything that salt water and hot sun can throw at it, while the perforations give it breathability, making it equally suitable for a casual day at the beach as it is to serious dive expeditions. What’s more, the rubber has a good amount of flex in it, meaning it stays a good fit to your wrist, whatever the temperature might be. One of our best sellers, and for good reason!
Best Sailcloth Strap
Baltic Aquascaphe GMT on the ZULUDIVER Mayday Regatta Sailcloth Divers Watch Strap - Credit WatchGecko
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Another waterproof, adventure-ready alternative comes from our popular range of Mayday Sailcloth straps. Crafted from three robust layers of black woven cotton fabric, grey neoprene foam and black PVC rubber which has been meticulously decorated with an embossed sailcloth pattern, our Sailcloth range offers rugged style and robust, abrasion-resistant finesse. Despite its rugged fusion of layers, the Mayday Anchor strap remains lightweight, flexible and a luxuriously comfortable pleasure to wear.
Finished with a solid stainless-steel buckle for a touch of sophistication, the Sailcloth range has been engineered for excellence and incorporates quick-release spring bars to ensure your watch remains secure no matter what adventure may call to you. Lined with vegan-friendly Lorica for style as well as durability, the Mayday Sailcloth allows you to embrace featherlight freedom for summer’s spent on the go.
Best Nylon Strap
Tudor Black Bay on WatchGecko Ridge Military Nylon Watch Strap - Credit WatchGecko
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If rubber doesn’t appeal, then another great option for summer is Nylon. Breathable and flexible, this makes a great replacement for leather when the weather starts to warm up. While not completely water resistant, it is extremely quick drying, so equally suited to diving and swimming as rubber.
One such example is the WatchGecko Ridge British Military Strap, a long-time favourite from our range of Nylons. Inspired by the strap that was developed by the Ministry of Defence for British soldiers in the 70s, it combines understated style with proven resilience, and comes in a staggering 22-colours.
If you like the sound of a tough Military Style strap for summer, browse our full range of Military Style watch straps here.
Best Sports Strap
ZULUDIVER 1973 British Military Watch Strap: AIRBORNE Elastic on Baltic Hermétique Limited Edition Glacier - Credit WatchGecko
Opt for our ZULUDIVER Airborne Elastic range and you’re guaranteed not only functional style and a long service life but a super versatile, adjustable strap that will comfortably fit a variety of wrist sizes. The Airborne strap is expertly crafted from a combination of nylon and elastic rubber webbing material which has been woven together for durability. The combination of these materials makes this strap nice and stretchy, a sensible choice for hotter summer days when heat is likely to cause skin to swell. The elasticated woven webbing material is also quick drying for days by the water and comes fitted with stainless steel brushed fittings for a touch of sophistication. A perfect strap for the warmer months.
Best Premium Leather Strap
Vintage Cavallo Horse Leather Watch Strap on Tudor - Credit WatchGecko
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Despite not perfectly aligning with the warmer weather, it would be naïve to think you won’t need a leather strap option at some point during the summer months. Perhaps you’ve got a wedding to attend or simply have dinner reservations somewhere nice, if the dress code is formal – or indeed if you just want to look your best on a summer evening out - some of the options we’ve suggested above might feel a little too casual.
The Vintage Cavallo collection offers plenty of premium quality leather straps without any of the bulkier padding that some of our other collections incorporate. Whilst padded straps are ideal for chunkier dive and pilot watches, dress and vintage options are likely to require something a little more toned down.
These flat Cavallo straps use handmade horse leather that has been vegetable tanned with leaves and olive tree bark to achieve a high-end, incredibly supple texture that is sure to feel luxurioysly comfortable on the wrist, even as the temperature notches up. Thanks to their meticulous tanning process these straps are also built to last and develop an authentic pattern over time.
We hope this has given you a few ideas for straps that will help you keep wearing your favourite watches through the warmer months. We’ve got a whole lot more over on our store and you can browse our extensive range of watch straps here.
