Why Your Apple Watch Band Has Stretched Out and What to Do?

Why Your Apple Watch Band Has Stretched Out and What to Do?

Is your watch band loose lately? That’s because it’s stretched out. We’ve all been there. It’s frustrating when your Apple Watch keeps sliding up and down your wrist all day, especially when it’s only been months since you bought it. Why does this happen? Do you have to budget for a new watch band every few months? 

Don’t worry; we’re here to help you understand why Apple Watch bands stretch out. But most importantly, we’ll share the best solution to this stretchy dilemma. Time to get your Apple Watch back to sitting on your wrist like it was meant to! 

Why Do Apple Watch Bands Stretch Out?

There are various reasons why your Apple Watch band is stretching out. The most common one is daily wear. The more you take off, put on, or adjust your Apple Watch band, the faster it stretches out. 

This is especially true for braided solo loop band designs. Although the elastic material conveniently allows you to put on your Apple Watch hustle-free, frequently pulling the band over your wrists weakens its elasticity. An elastic band also gradually stretches out as it adjusts to your wrist size or wrist movements throughout your daily activities. Of course, the quality of the material also plays an important role. Poor-quality materials tend to be less durable and more likely to stretch out from constant use.

Some watch bands may also loosen over time because they absorb the natural oils and body lotion or oils on your skin. With leather bands, for example, you have noticed that the longer you wear it the softer and looser it gets. That’s partly due to the oil it absorbs from your skin. 

Do all Apple Watch bands stretch out over time?

Apple Watch bands

Although a watch strap won’t last forever, not all Apple Watch bands stretch out over time. Certain materials are more prone to stretching out at varying degrees compared to others. 

Silicone is the main culprit. There are especially a lot of reviews posted regarding how fast the Braided Solo Loop band stretches out. People have reported the braided solo band stretching after an average of 6 months. On the other hand, metals like stainless steel may wear out over prolonged wear but they are the least likely to stretch out.

What to do if Your Apple Band is Loose or Stretched Out?

There are several ways of dealing with loose or stretched-out bands, depending on the design. For example, if your strap comes with a buckle and multiple adjustment holes, simply move the pin to the next hole until you find a comfortable fit. 

With metal link designs like our Castor Stainless Steel Band, you can remove several links to find the best fit. All our metal link bands come with a free adjustment tool to do this from the comfort of your home.  

Solo loop designs, however, are trickier to adjust and will require a replacement. If you bought the Apple Braided Loop, you could reach out to Apple Support and see if a replacement is possible. Apple usually has a one-year warranty on all Apple-branded accessories. So, if you only had the Braided Solo Loop for a few months, they may be able to help. Just ensure you take a size or two smaller than your original size.

Alternatively, you could purchase a third-party design like our Crux Nylon Band. You’ll still enjoy the benefits of a solo loop strap. But you’ll have the added advantage of a gliding closure that helps you adjust the band’s fit as it stretches out over time.

A black Apple watch band

Is there a way to shrink the Apple Watch band?

Despite the various online sources that claim otherwise, there is no effective way to shrink your Apple Watch band. For example, some people suggest boiling your band, soaking it in hot water, or putting it through a dry cycle. Although for some, this may seem to work at first, in the long term, the band loses its elasticity and may end up stretching faster. 

If you’re not able to adjust it, then switching your Apple Watch Band is a much better option than trying to shrink it. Luckily there are several great third-party Apple Watch bands like Evebands. You get the same Apple quality at almost half the price!

Best Apple Watch Bands That Won’t Stretch Out

Charon Stainless Steel Band

Charon Stainless Steel Band


The classic Charon link bracelet is made of high-quality stainless steel and is guaranteed to maintain its shape over a long period. It also comes with a free link adjustment tool so you can easily adjust the band to fit you as needed.  


Shop for the Charon band now.

Seville Stainless Steel Band

Seville Stainless Steel Bands


This lightweight stainless steel Seville band is the perfect way to enjoy both style and comfort. The Milanese design is flexible and comes with a magnetic clasp that allows you to easily adjust the band to your liking. 


Shop for the Seville Milanese band now.

Evo Silicone Band

Evo Silicone Bands


The Evo band is made of a tough, high-grade silicone band that can withstand frequent use without stretching. The band is also flexible and comes with adjustable holes so you can easily adjust over time as needed for a secure fit. 


Shop for the Evo Band now.

Conclusion

If you wear your Apple Watch Band daily, you should expect it to stretch or wear out to some extent. While you can’t effectively shrink your band or reverse the stretching, you can reduce the chances by investing in premium-quality bands. But you don’t have to break the bank for that. 

Switch to Evebands as a more affordable, long-lasting, and reliable alternative. Our bands are crafted with high-quality materials that withstand stretching and daily wear. No more constant replacements or discomfort. Explore our vast collection and make the switch today!