Whether you're wearing an Apple Watch for the first time or have had one for years, it's hard not to miss the classic feel of a leather watch band. They're a timeless material that works wonders in improving the overall look of any of the best Apple Watch models.
Our favorites include the Bellroy Leather Watch Band; it features a combination of premium leather on top and a textured polymer underside that helps avoid sweat build-up. We also like the Shinola Detroit Leather Strap; this strap features quality craftsmanship that will age nicely the longer you wear it. Some bands are made from genuine leather, while others may use vegan or synthetic materials that have a leather-like feel.
Below are the best leather Apple Watch bands, based on our research, testing, and experience with the brands. While most say they're for specific Apple Watch models, it's more important to double-check the sizing; once you figure that out, they should be compatible with all Apple Watch models, including the Apple Watch Series 9 or the Apple Watch Ultra 2. For other style options, see our guides to the best designer Apple Watch bands and the best metal Apple Watch bands.
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Staff Pick
Best overall
Bellroy's watch band is made with a combination of leather and durable plastic specifically to combat sweat accumulation, but makes no sacrifices to design.
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Staff Pick
Best craftsmanship
This simple and elegant leather band is made by hand in the United States. It will patina over time, making it a great lifelong piece with reliable craftsmanship.
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Best band variability
This Casetify band can be worn as a standard single watch band or as a double-wrapped statement piece with an additional leather piece included with your purchase.
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Great leather quality
Nomad consistently produces quality leather goods. This band patinas with time, so each ends up having a unique coloration.
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Staff Pick
One of the softest bands you can buy
Apple's new suede-like FineWoven takes the place of its now discontinued leather straps, and debuts on the Modern Buckle, a stylish, soft, and classy band that ups the Apple Watch's fashion.
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Apple's new leather alternative
The Magnetic Link, which also features Apple's new FineWoven material, is a sportier option for those who still want a leather alternative for their Apple Watch.
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Apple's standard leather band
A watch band straight from Apple will guarantee fit and long-lasting quality. Note that this band uses real leather, but it has been discontinued due to Apple's move to FineWoven.
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Best Apple dupe
If you like Apple's leather band but are wary of its price, INI has a high-quality dupe that's less than $25. The magnetic closure eliminates metal hardware and allows for micro-adjustments to the watch's fit.
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Best for simplicity
This band is a little thicker due to its three-layer design, which includes a reinforced layer for structure encased by cowhide leather, all stitched neatly with contrasting thread.
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Luxury on a budget
This band gives off Hermes vibes but costs significantly less. It's stylish, and it's made in Austin.
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Best for utility
If utility is your priority, Bestig's leather band features a silicone inner lining for sweat wicking and durability. For less than $15, it's a great low-cost, high-function pick.
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Best hardware
Harber London's product range features a wide array of high-quality leather products, including this elegant watch band with custom stainless steel hardware.
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Best budget band
While MIFA's leather Apple Watch band may take some more wearing in as it's made from a thicker grade of leather, it's a solid budget pick for a leather band.
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Best customization
Available in three color options (each with or without stitching), this premium leather Apple Watch band from Portland Leather Goods is made with quality and detail in mind.
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Reliable comfort
A classic and distinguished brown leather band that surprisingly won't break the bank, Fossil's offering fits its standard of high-quality leather accessories.
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Top-tier style
It's no surprise that Coach's Apple Watch bands are visually stunning, and the quality is excellent as well. We like the model with a charm that adds flair and personality.
FAQs
What is the best leather Apple Watch band?
Our top pick for a leather Apple Watch band is Bellroy for its quality, style, and build. However, your individual preferences should factor highly into your selection.
For example, if you work outside or plan on wearing your leather watch band every day, it may be worth it to pick a more practical piece like a Bestig band. If style or a luxury brand name is your focus, the Coach or Fossil picks are all excellent.
Are Apple's bands better than third-party options?
Purchasing a watch band made by Apple will guarantee it fits properly and has stellar longevity. Still, Apple's products can have a higher price tag without necessarily having higher-quality material than third-party bands.
Do leather Apple Watch bands fit all versions of the Apple Watch?
Most Apple Watch bands are made for specific models of the Apple Watch due to the difference in screen size between models. For example, the 38mm, 40mm, or 41mm Apple Watches can use the same band. Our list includes options that cater to multiple models, so you can select your Apple Watch size to ensure a perfect fit.
What happened to Apple's leather watch bands?
Apple announced it will no longer make leather-based products, which include watch bands. It will instead offer a new soft material called FineWoven, which has a suede-like feel and is available in two options, the Modern Buckle and the Magnetic Link.
Apple's switch to FineWoven is also intended to reduce its carbon emissions, which is an initiative the company announced it would also be aggressively pursuing in the coming years. You may still find Apple leather bands from third-party retailers while supplies last.
Insider Reviews Tech Fellow
Eve was a former Tech Fellow with the Reviews team, focusing on consumer technology. She comes with background at a connected fitness tech startup, where she worked directly with consumers translating complex technological information into accessible, user-friendly material. She has also worked in public radio at WBUR Boston, where she produced segments on broadband internet access and smart-home technology. Prior to working at Insider, Eve has also worked in documentary film production for episodes of PBS' American Experience, museum operations in Prague, Czech Republic, and at a Persian/French bakery in Cambridge, MA. She double-majored in Art History and Peace and Justice Studies at Wellesley College, concentrating on visual media as it relates to representation and social activism. She was an editor for the Wellesley Review and is an Anchor Point Fellow. Reach out to her on Twitter @eve_montie.
