Strap Bandits offers a broad range of watch straps for both conventional lugs and Apple Watches, all of which feature quick-release spring bars. I love swapping watch straps, and I’m always on the hunt for new ones, so when they offered to give me a pair of their new patterned fabric straps for this review, I happily accepted, and I’m pleased that I did.
The review samples are from their Huddersfield Collection, made with worsted woolsuiting material from England’s famed Huddersfield textile mills. I was drawn to their muted colors and understated patterns. Strap Bandits offers sizes 20mm and 22mm as well as large and small Apple Watches. They sent me a 20mm Grayish-blue Striped, and a 22mm Black and White.
The straps measure a standard 120/80mm long and 2.5mm thick, creating a low profile that works well with most dressier watches. They are backed in leather and were perfectly comfortable right out of the bag, requiring no break-in. The stitching is tight and straight, and every aspect of the straps appeared meticulously tailored. Being small of wrist (about 6.75”), I wore them cinched to the next to last hole.
The Greyish-blue is the woolier of the two with a visibly afibroustexture that is soft on the fingertips. To my mind, the fuzzy surface makes it more of a fall to winter strap. Varying tones of gray are shot through with the occasional band of a soft and sober blue, forming a subtle plaid that is ideal for silver dials.
I fit it tomy Vario Eclipse, which had come with its own handsome Harris tweed strap but as the strap was thick and the Eclipse thin, I ultimately swapped it onto a watch with a heavier head. The slim Strap Bandits Huddersfield allowed a similar look with more pleasing proportions.
The Black and White strap is made from a tighter weave that trim and smooth to the touch. It appears to have been cut from a jaunty houndstooth plaid, so the checks vary in density and length. The pattern and fabric should look perfectly appropriate right into early spring. Its neutral palette will complement many watches, but I knew immediately that it was destined for my Lew & Huey Orthos. The micro check pattern perfectly frames that crazy red sunburst and is just sporty enough not to be overpowered by it.
Strap Bandits sells the Huddersfield Fabric straps for a very reasonable $39.99 USD, and they offer a 60-day money back guarantee. The collection includes several variations in gray, brown, and blue in plaid, checked, or dotted patterns. I highly recommend you give them a try. ⬩
