Which Apple Watch band pairing should you get?

Apple Watch Series 6 Pride Band Sport Band Hero
Apple Watch Series 6 Pride Band Sport Band Hero (Image credit: Karen S. Freeman / iMore)

How do you decide which Apple Watch band to get with which Apple Watch? Apple used to offer just a few band options with each Apple Watch model, but now you can mix and match and get any combination you please. This only makes the decision tougher, but we're here with some ideas to help you out.

When I worked at the Apple Store and customers asked me which colors they should choose, I always asked them to think about the colors they wear most often. Your Apple Watch and band should go nicely with virtually all of the clothes you wear. Of course, you can always pick up more Apple Watch bands, but you might as well start with one you'll really wear.

You can see my pick in the photo above; I went with the rainbow Pride Edition band on my Stainless Steel Apple Watch and I love it. Although I would have chosen the Pride Edition band no matter which Apple Watch I purchased, I think it goes perfectly with all of them. But I know that's not for everyone. Here are some smart-looking Apple Watch and band combos to help you make up your mind. For each case color, I've chosen two great combinations for your consideration. You can make your own combination in Apple's own Apple Watch Studio.

Aluminum

Aluminum is Apple's lowest-priced case material. Aluminum has a matte finish and is available in a number of colors. The Apple Watch SE is available in every aluminum shade except for the Blue and the (PRODUCT) RED.

Silver Aluminum

The Silver Aluminum Apple Watch case really looks good with just about any Apple Watch band you can think of. It's totally neutral and won't clash with anything.

Space Gray Aluminum

Apple's Space Gray Aluminum is dark, nearly black, and it looks amazing with a similarly dark band. Especially if you wear a lot of black and you just want the watch to blend, you can't miss with the black-on-black-on-black look. On the other hand, pairing this case with a bright band makes for a pretty cool statement look.

Gold Aluminum

Apple's Gold Aluminum Apple Watch is still a neutral that goes with a lot, but not quite as neutral as Space Gray and Silver Aluminum. If you choose a band with metal hardware, it may not go perfectly with this gold tone. You may not have as many band options with gold, but this watch is a stunner.

Blue Aluminum

The Apple Watch in Blue Aluminum is still somewhat a neutral, even though it's a color. The shade of blue leans more towards navy, like your favorite pair of dark wash jeans. This color feels new because it's new to the Apple Watch, and yet it's a classic shade.

(PRODUCT)RED Aluminum

If you're going for red, you're not looking for a neutral. You might as well go all-in with red here. Plus, you'll feel good knowing your purchase is going towards the Global Fund's COVID‑19 Response.

Stainless Steel

The Stainless Steel Apple Watch costs a bit more, but the shine gives it more of a jewelry-like appearance. Plus, the screen is sapphire rather than glass making it better able to resist breakage.

Graphite Stainless Steel

The Graphite Stainless Steel falls in between the Aluminum and Titanium in price. It's dark, nearly black, and looks good with just about anything.

Silver Stainless Steel

I've purchased the Silver Stainless Steel for myself over three different generations, so obviously I love it. I think it goes with literally everything, and I wear other metals in my jewelry and other accessories. You can't pick a "wrong" band but here are some I particularly like.

Gold Stainless Steel

There's nothing quite like the shiny gold look of Gold Stainless Steel. It's flashy and gorgeous; photos do not do it justice. This is jewelry, not just a "fitness tracker" for sure.

Titanium

When nothing but the best will do, you're going for the Titanium Apple Watch. A step above Stainless Steel, it has a subtle sheen that exudes class.

Space Black Titanium

Dark and mysterious, you'll make a statement with Space Black Titanium no matter which band you choose.

Titanium

The original Titanium color is darker than the Silver Stainless Steel but lighter than the Space Black Titanium. It's gray with a subtle sheen that looks good with so many different bands.

Of course there are endless combinations, but the one you love best is the one you should get! What is your favorite combination of Apple Watch and Apple band? Do you prefer a third-party Apple Watch band?

Serentiy Caldwell contributed to an earlier version of this article.

Karen S Freeman
Contributor

Karen is a contributor to iMore.com as a writer and co-host of the iMore Show. She’s been writing about Apple since 2010 with a year-long break to work at an Apple Store as a product specialist. She's also a contributor at TechRadar and Tom's Guide. Before joining iMore in 2018, Karen wrote for Macworld, CNET, AppAdvice, and WatchAware. She’s an early adopter who used to wait in long lines on release days before pre-ordering made things much easier. Karen is also a part-time teacher and occasional movie extra. She loves to spend time with her family, travel the world, and is always looking for portable tech and accessories so she can work from anywhere.