Review: The Milanese Loop Band for Apple Watch

The Milanese loop is one of two stainless steel band options for the Apple Watch. Lightweight, comfortable, and easily adjustable, it's a worthy option to consider if you're wanting something dressy, breathable, and easy to take on and off. It's also gender-neutral, and a majority of the people I've spoken with really like it. While getting just the right fit may be a challenge at first, the Milanese loop is a pleasure to wear and is definitely worthy of consideration when choosing an Apple Watch band.

Review

The Milanese loop is, as the name would suggest, based off of a design first developed in Milan in the late 1800's. It is mesh-like in texture, almost reminding me of the feel of a soft bath towel. The band is very flexible, and yet it's also as durable as one would expect from stainless steel. It fastens using a magnetic closure; adjust the fit as you would a traditional Watch band, then simply place the magnet to secure the band. As the band is one uniform piece of steel, you can place the magnet wherever you like on the band and it will be secure. To take the band off, pull the magnet away from the band and loosen the band. Getting the Watch on and off is as simple as could be, and I've read that it's also very accessible to people with fine motor disabilities--something which cannot be said of every Apple Watch band.

In day-to-day usage, I initially did not particularly care for the Milanese loop; but, after spending more time with it, it's grown on me. A lot of my frustration with the band was that I found it difficult to easily get a comfortable fit; fastening the band slightly looser has greatly helped with this. Fitting the band looser also helps distribute the watch's weight more evenly on the wrist, as the Milanese loop itself is very lightweight and the Watch feels top-heavy when the band is fastened more tightly. As the band is mesh-like (as opposed to the link bracelet's solid link construction), it should also allow more airflow and thus help keep your arm cooler. Overall, the Milanese loop is very comfortable, and I'm finally understanding why so many people really like it.

The Bottom Line

If you're looking for an infinitely adjustable band that is also comfortable to wear and take on and off, the Milanese loop may very well just fit the bill. It's lightweight, made of stainless steel mesh, rather dressy, and is considered by sighted people I've spoken with to be gender-neutral and very good-looking. Priced at $149, it may also appeal to those who like stainless steel bands but do not wish to pay for the link bracelet.