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What to know before you buy the Apple Watch w/ Milanese Loop band

I decided on the Apple Watch with stainless steel Milanese Loop band for a few reasons, but not before considering the benefits and drawbacks of Apple’s entire collection of straps and bands for Apple Watch. Budget will in many cases guide your decision, but going for the Milanese Loop was a no-brainer for me. There are a few downsides of the band compared to others, however.

Here are a few observations I’ve made after wearing it for the last couple weeks, including little talked about pros and cons you’ll want to consider before purchasing the Milanese Loop for yourself.

1. It looks a bit different than in Apple’s press shots. I was a bit surprised that the link of the Milanese Loop doesn’t look like it does in a lot of Apple’s press shots, especially its overall presence once on the wrirst. To be fair, it looks closer to the shots Apple has on the product’s purchase page, but this is what it looks like in reality compared to Apple’s closeup shots that are used in some of the Apple Watch’s most prominent imagery:

You can see that the way the link looks close up in Apple’s renders is quite different than how the band looks in the real world from a normal viewing distance.

2. It won’t discolor or deform. It’s the only band that is truly resistant to scratches, deformation and discoloring, making it the most durable option among all the bands. Discoloration and deformation is a fact of life for those other materials and something Apple is warning about for its rubber and leather bands. The pricier stainless steel Link Bracelet is also not impervious to damage or wear and tear; like all link bands, it will get scratched and scuffed quite easily (also an issue Apple is anticipating and thus won’t be covering under warranty).

The Milanese Loop, however, with its busy, tightly weaved stainless steel mesh pattern, does an excellent job of resisting and hiding scratches. It also, like all stainless steel bands, won’t have any issue with discoloration, deformation or damage due to sweat and lotions.

3. Pulling hairs. I did experience the tiny links of the band catching and pulling out hairs on my wrist from time to time, which likely won’t be an issue with the other bands.

4. It becomes loose throughout the day. If you’ve ever researched watches with similar stainless steel mesh bands, you’ve probably heard complaints that they often come loose throughout the day or aren’t the most comfortable for regular, everyday use. Apple Watch’s Milanese Loop has the same problem, and Apple’s magnetic closure, while making the watch super easy to get on and off quickly, doesn’t help. I found myself adjusting the strap to make it tighter several times throughout the day, especially during any physical activity.

5. It’s not super comfortable. The stainless steel is definitely not the most comfortable watch band in the world (like any stainless steel band), and with the band coming loose throughout the day, I wouldn’t recommend it for workouts or much physical activity. I’ll be switching to a black Sport band for fitness or long periods of activity (once it arrives).

6. Breathability. One upside of the design in terms of comfort is breathability. Unlike any of Apple’s other straps, the weaved mesh of the Milanese Loop actually allows a bit of air to pass through, allowing you to stay cool and avoid sweating that is common with leather and solid stainless steel bands, for example. It’s also lighter in weight than the solid stainless steel link bands. 

7. Fit. The magnetic closure and looped design allow you to adjust the band for the smallest or largest wrists. Unlike the rest of Apple’s Watch collection, no sizing guides or try-on sessions are necessary. You can also adjust the size so it’s perfect for your wrist in terms of comfort and fit, opposed to the 10mm increments you’ll be limited to with Apple’s other bands. If you’ve ever had a watch that was always just a bit too tight or too loose, you’ll appreciate that wont be a concern with the Milanese Loop.

Should you buy it?

Even considering the pros and cons above, I’m still extremely happy with my decision. The durability, premium look of the stainless steel, and the price point relative to the other Apple Watch model options — it’s $300 less than the stainless steel link band — definitely outweigh the downsides of the band and of the other Apple Watch models.

If you are heavy into fitness and plan on using the Apple Watch for mostly workouts and physical activity, grabbing an extra Sport band like I did might be necessary to avoid the downsides that the Milanese Loop has in those areas. But if that isn’t in the budget, then the Sport band is probably the go-to option for athletes.

And just in case you’re curious, this is what the Milanese Loop band looks like on the aluminum Sport model:

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Comments

  1. Ken Mills (@OtherKen) - 9 years ago

    I think it is very comfortable and I am personally very happy with it. I tighten it when working out for better hear monitoring and loosen it when I want to. No other watch I own is as flexible.

  2. kpom1 - 9 years ago

    I’ve had the Milanese Loop for about 2 weeks now and think it’s quite comfortable. It’s not as heavy as the link band, and I can get a tighter fit than with the Classic Band.

  3. Gazoo Bee - 9 years ago

    I will give you another “pro” to add to the list of positive things about it.

    The stainless steel link band as well as the leather ones with standard holes for adjustment can only be adjusted in 10mm increments. That might not seem like much, but when I used the stainless steel link band, it was critical. Remove “x” links and it’s too snug, put only one link back in and it’s so loose the heart rate monitor fails.

    So the Milanese loops (and the other magnetic ones) are more likely to give you a good fit than the rest.

  4. Andrew Messenger - 9 years ago

    The first point seems like nonsense to me. Apple’s render looks like what the loop would look like if you zoomed in on it and took a picture. Just because one is close up and in real life you’d look at it from farther away doesn’t actually make the band different from the press shots.

    • srgmac - 9 years ago

      I disagree; when I saw one in person, the *first* thought that came into my head was it looks absolutely nothing like the press images / renders. I would assume that many other people would think the same thing when they first see one. Also as Jordan said, it looks similar to the zoomed out renders, but the closeups…no way.

    • joelwrose (@joelwrose) - 9 years ago

      I disagree, too. When I did the try-on, the difference was very noticeable. I think it probably has to do with lighting. When its wrapped around a wrist in real-world light, it looks less metallic and almost more like a thickly woven fabric. I still liked it, but it definitely doesn’t have the same look as the images. You kind of have to see it it person to understand.

      • Andrew Messenger - 9 years ago

        maybe i’m just translating the context in my head because i did see them in person, and it was what i expected. i agree that from the renders one might expect it to be more shiny.

  5. srgmac - 9 years ago

    I want to know why these bands are so damned expensive — even the rubber sport band is 50 bucks when purchased on it’s own. 50 bucks for a piece of rubber seems a bit excessive to me…yeah it’s a good design and all, and I am factoring that into my opinion. The link ones are just downright insanely priced though — you can buy similar SS link bands that are of the exact same stainless steel and quality, including the watch, for orders of magnitude less than Apple is selling _just_ the band for. What’s the deal?

    • standardpull - 9 years ago

      Given your concerns, you definitely want to buy an aftermarket band.

      But to save more, go with a generic no-name model made from the exact same materials and quality. Maybe one of those models that you can get online for a few bucks. Heck, I know someone that bought a Rolex online. It was a knock-off, but it was the same quality and materials as the Rolex, but for only $12. And that included a gold and stainless band! Same quality, same materials, but without that huge markup.

      That’s why I bought a Subaru: the same exact boxer engine as a Porsche, but so much less money.

      • lostis4d - 9 years ago

        Is anyone having issues with the Milanese band and the heart rate sensor not automatically checking pulse every 10 mins?

      • Subaru has the same engine layout as Porsche, but it is not the same exact boxer engine. BMW, Porsche, and Subaru build boxer engines in mass production, but they are not the only companies to ever have done so. I love Subarus, especially the WRX STi; but, they do not have the same exact engine as Porsche. Not even close.

      • markpetereit - 9 years ago

        Psst! @Titanium Tate: that was sarcasm.

      • r00fus1 - 9 years ago

        @lostis4d – no I’m not. However, I don’t do much working out with my watch. I keep getting positive comments and admiration on my loop.

        Personally, i’m glad it doesn’t look as glam as on the Apple Store – I like how it looks, and in really good (halogen) lighting, it does sparkle a bit.

      • Gary Zieses (@GZieses) - 9 years ago

        You’ve mistaken his sarcasm for being serious about Porsche’s and Rolex.

    • Rui Nelson Carneiro - 9 years ago

      Then buy!

      Ps: when you find a band that’s half as good as Apple’s, even for 1 cent less, please do tell me…

      Because the market is flooded with bands that can be adjusted with just push buttons, have a straight, continuos and homogeneous finish, a deployant clasp that is seamless with the rest of the band, and it’s not thicker on that part, and have a closed interior, while still having flex to it, but just on the exterior…

    • acslater017 - 9 years ago

      What brand are you talking about, where you can get an Apple-quality band (with tool-lessly removable links) and watch for $44.90?

    • The bands (like all Apple products) cost billions to R&D, produce and market. The company then uses it’s mountain of cash to do wild things like buy a forest the size of manhattan to sustainably produce packaging, covert its data centres to 100% renewable energy or build a new campus that looks like a UFO. Beyond that Apple’s products are designed thoughtfully inside and out. Put an S5/6 next to an iPhone and if you can’t tell Apple’s attention to design principles just from the outside then yes all Apple products are overpriced.

  6. Måns Sandberg - 9 years ago

    I think that I have read a compliment about milanese loop and pulse measurement. Does the fact that it becomes loose make the pulse measurement useless?

    • Måns Sandberg - 9 years ago

      complainant*

      • Måns Sandberg - 9 years ago

        damn you autocorrect xD

      • markpetereit - 9 years ago

        LOL!

        I have read comments from a few other folks that say they bought a sport band specifically to use when pulse measurement was important (running, working out), but the Milanese band for going out when a more upscale look is desired.

  7. The milanese stainless steel 42mm is the one I bought and I’ve had zero problems with it. The only thing is the hair pulling thing and it leaving a mark on my skin (sometimes I wear it too tight I guess). But really it was the band I loved in all the press photos and videos and the link bracelet is just too pricey for me. I can’t justify almost $500 on just a band when mine is $149 but looks beautiful.

  8. John S. Wilson - 9 years ago

    I also have the Milanese loop and use it while exercising (not preferred but I don’t have a sport band yet). I agree that resizing is required while exercising, but rarely during regular use. Also i think it looks amazing and just like it does in the promotional material.

  9. Hi. Have had it now for 2 weeks. Haven’t noticed it loosening when running, riding, or other physical activities. Maybe it is a very personal thing. Have had no problems with the heart monitor or fitness tracking (measured against a Nike plus band on the other wrist and/or a Mocrosoft band). I haven’t noticed any hair pulling (and I have hairy arms) or other encumbrances. Personally I find it very comfortable – better than a pebble steel with steel band or an old swatch I have with a steel band. It won’t ever be as comfortable as my Chronoswiss but then it is not exactly the same thing either.
    For adjustability and comfort – but again just my personal opinion – I would recommend it. I must add a caveat though – it gets noticed. So if you would rather go undercover with your Apple watch it might be better to go with a less obvious band.

  10. friarnurgle - 9 years ago

    You said “If you’ve ever researched watches with similar stainless steel mesh bands, you’ve probably heard complaints that they often come loose throughout the day with regular use.” What are these other Milanese loop watches/bands? I’ve been searchign for a standard 22mm Milanese loop band but they are all standard clasp styles.

  11. Sean Thorpe - 9 years ago

    You forgot to mention how the thickness of the magnetic part is such that there’s no way for it to slip out of its loop, preventing the possibility of nasty falls during adjustment or removal.

    • yojp - 9 years ago

      I’m with Sean. Aside from the looks and easy adjustability, a main reason I ordered Milanese was that the tip won’t pull through so it is much easier to put on and adjust with one hand.

      When demo’ing it, I did have some issues with the end and band sticking to itself in weird ways and it is a strong magnet when it sticks in the wrong place. Anybody have issues with that?

      Jim in Boulder

      • r00fus1 - 9 years ago

        I had issues when working with small magnetic capable parts (thumb tacks, etc) but not otherwise. It’s pretty much no-nonsense.

        I also don’t have a hair pull issue – and I don’t strap it on very tight either.

  12. Could you clarify if you’ve used a sport band? I have both the Milanese and the black sport and I find the Milanese much more comfortable. I use the sport when exercising, but not because I think I get a better heart rate reading (seems no different) or that it’s more comfortable, but I don’t like the idea of sweat getting on the nice Milanese band.

    I’ve also noticed that I don’t seem to be getting a watch tan with the Milanese. Anyone else notice this? Is there enough light going through those tiny holes to prevent this?

  13. Chris Quacon - 9 years ago

    Don’t forget “puts Macbook into sleep mode when rested on side”

    Basically if the magnet clasp gets near the ports along the left side of the macbook from the hinge down to about the bottom edge of the left speaker… your macbook will hibernate (disabling wifi) and need to be woken back up.

  14. Gary Zieses (@GZieses) - 9 years ago

    I have the Milanese Loop and although It doesn’t look like the enlarged close-up rendering it does look very handsome and the difference doesn’t bother me at all. Secondly, despite a lot of physical activity the band doesn’t loosen or need tightening during the day. I find myself adjusting the fit once or twice during a work day but I think that has more to do with normal expansion and contraction of our wrists during the day depending in large part on hydration.

    I really like the fact that it has infinite adjustment compared with the other bands. However, I’ve ordered a sport band so that I can have a different look and material when I know I’ll have extended time in a sport setting. Taking off the band is so easy and doesn’t suffer from any wobbly fit. Once the band is locked in place you would think that it is a non-swapabble band. As usual, Apple fit and finish is superb on this product.

  15. vandy75 - 9 years ago

    I have no quarrel with the image online and the real product. In fact, in person I think it looks better primarily because the color seems slightly different. I too have experienced the band getting slightly loose during the course of wear. It isn’t that bothersome but it is noticeable. The brushed tab does scratch however. I wear the Milanese loop going out and about and the black sport band for the gym. The ease of changing the band makes this easy. Kudos to Apple’s design team. Yet another reason that the other folks won’t be able to catch up with the Apple watch. As an aside, if you can take the “stay in touch with Apple watch” seminar at the Apple store, it is absolutely worth the effort.

  16. acslater017 - 9 years ago

    I have both the Sport and Milanese Loop, and I couldn’t be happier with my Loop! I find it to be super comfy – it feels more like soft snakeskin to the touch than metal. It’s infinitely adjustable, and doesn’t come undone – probably the best strap for demoing to friends. Personally I have not experienced unintentional loosening.

    To be honest, I find myself wanting to dress up a bit when wearing it – just something with a collar. It’s really beautiful and looks shimmery and iridescent in direct light. I can’t really overstate how much it makes the Watch feel like an entirely different object when you swap bands.

  17. Frank Nemec - 9 years ago

    Thanks for the review. I have had the 38 mm Milanese loop for a couple of weeks. I can barely get my hand through the fully loosened band to take on and off. My hands are big, but not freakishly so. I wear a size 8 1/2 glove. Apple needs to make it in two sizes, or increase the length by a couple centimeters.

    • Daneel Olivaw - 9 years ago

      I was just about to order the Milanese band online till I read your comment about not barely able to get your hand thru the loosened band. I am wearing the 38mm sport edition but my hand is bigger than yours, so I guess Milanese 38mm is not an option for me.

  18. kevicosuave - 9 years ago

    I have both the Milanese and the Sports Band. What I like about the Milanese (besides the look) is that it’s adjustable in tiny increments. The Sports Band can feel like one hole is too tight, while the next is too lose. I also find the Milanese much easier to take off and put on.

    I very much agree though that it looks very different from the original product shots, although it still looks very nice.

    I have hairy ape-like arms, but have never felt my hair snag or get pulled by the band.

  19. vkd108 - 9 years ago

    How to avoid the sweating problem, the loosening problem, the absurdly crazy pricing problem, the hair pulling problem, the comfort problem, the ‘either too loose or too tight’ problem and other problems: a couple of cable ties! At the end of your slavery day – sorry, working day – just cut the flocker off and charge it. Again. LOL

  20. Maximilian (@Maxpackts) - 9 years ago

    To 2.) The Space Black link bracelet is probably the most durable. DLC covering makes it up to 1000 times harder compared to normal uncovered steel version. It might be even harder than diamond makeing it almost totally unable to get scratched at all.
    I have the space black 38mm steel version and i love the Nightrider-JamesBond-AlienArtefact look it has!

  21. Richard Gardiner-White - 9 years ago

    I have recently placed a complaint with Apple regarding this strap, As much as I love the design I feel the strap is not fit for purpose!

    The strap comes loose whilst doing any form of physical activity,I have had to also purchase the sport band to get around this problem.

    When pointing this out to apple they refuse to provide the sport band free of change to make the watch fit for purpose. I feel the watch is sold as device which is able to track your fitness levels etc and it cannot perform this role accurately or effectively with the loop strap fitted.

    The software update to Watch has also made the heart rate monitor record activity less and produce some crazy results.

    If your thinking of making a similar complaint to apple, don’t get your hopes up as apple will just fob you off.

  22. Martin Stobberup - 9 years ago

    Are all the bands useful for fittness

  23. Sean A Baillie - 9 years ago

    I love it so far only drawback is when I am driving and i put my hand out the window you know cruising the super magnet attaches itself so slightly to the window sill.

  24. docmurdock - 8 years ago

    Nice review and on point. I just finished looking at mine as my wrist started to hurt this morning while wearing it. I’ve had my watch about a week although it’s nice enough on my wrist that it feels as if it’s been there a lifetime, but the band…I was using the Product Red band which I really like, although I’d like to see some of these come down in price as $50 for a band seems a bit much when you could drop it to the price of a set of earbuds ($29) and sell a ton of them because people will be wanting to make sure they have the lastest thing. As I am sitting here typing this on my MacBook Pro Retina, I’ve had to stop and adjust it a couple of times as just through wrist movment it’s coming loose a bit.

  25. Stuart Osborne - 7 years ago

    I got one of these online for $13. looks just like the Apple one and hasn’t caused me any problems. How does Apple justify the price?

  26. Jerry Rocteur (@rocteur) - 7 years ago

    After 2 months on the black Milanese , the magnet part just broke off….. Will take it back to Apple shop and see.

  27. Jerry Rocteur (@rocteur) - 6 years ago

    And you forgot, it will break after 3 months and apple won’t replace it …

Author

Avatar for Jordan Kahn Jordan Kahn

Jordan writes about all things Apple as Senior Editor of 9to5Mac, & contributes to 9to5Google, 9to5Toys, & Electrek.co. He also co-authors 9to5Mac’s Logic Pros series.