Sizing a Watch Strap: Everything Explained

Sizing a watch strap isn’t as complicated as you think. Join me as I run through the process.

While we often pitch straps as one-size-fits-all, the truth isn’t so straightforward. If your wristbone is smaller than average, you’ll likely run into problems when buying a new band. You’ll need to learn about sizing a watch strap before you start your search. 

Standard-length straps can be too big for people with small wrists. Buying too long a strap usually results in an unsightly excess of fabric. You either spend your day continually tucking it away, or it looks untidy and snags on everything. 

On the other hand, if your wrist is larger than average, most straps are too tight. It’s essential that you wear the correct strap size for your wrist. The strap may pinch your skin or leave indentations if you don’t. I recommend the index finger rule to help you determine whether or not a strap is too tight.

Strap size is so important, but people don’t discuss the topic all that often. That’s why we’ve compiled this comprehensive guide. So read on to learn the ins and outs of strap sizing so you know exactly the type of watch strap you need. I found a great selection of stylish options in the 9 best watch straps for small wrists that perfectly fit my petite wrist size.

How To Measure a Watch Strap Size

When learning to measure a watch strap size, two key measurements to consider are the strap width and length. The strap width corresponds with the space between the watch’s lugs, otherwise known as lug width. Typically, this measurement will range from 18mm to 22mm, with the even-numbered sizes being more common than the odd sizes.

To ensure the perfect fit, learn how to measure your wrist properly for watches and bracelets before making a purchase.

Since this is the more common measurement, you’ll often hear people referring to their strap width rather than length. If someone says, “a 20mm strap,” they mean a strap that’s 20mm wide. The strap length, however, measures the whole strap from top to tail. You measure the total length for one-piece straps, resulting in one accurate measurement (e.g., 200mm).

It’s typical to use two measurements for two-piece straps: one for the buckle side and one for the tail (long) side. The buckle itself is not included in the measurement. A two-piece measurement usually appears as a tail side/buckle side (e.g., 110/70mm).

While the strap width needs to match the width of the lugs, the strap length needs to reflect the circumference of your wrist. This is why I refer to those key measurements: lug width and wrist diameter. Also, strap width doesn’t impact strap length, so you don’t need to worry about whether they affect one another. You can find long 18mm straps as easily as short 24mm straps.

Strap measurements usually appear in millimeters. However, you’ll see strap length measurements written in centimeters or inches. We used millimeters in this guide since this is likely what you’ll see when you shop for one. 

Watch Band Sizing Specifics

In most cases, you want your straps to be about 115% of your wrist circumference. You can find this measurement by taking your wrist width in millimeters and multiplying it by 1.15. For example, if your wrist is 6.5” around, it’s roughly 165mm. Multiply that figure by 1.15 to get a total desired length of around 190mm. For ease of reference, round to the closest multiple of five. Let’s say you have a 6.4” wrist, which is about 162.5mm. Multiplying that by 1.15 gives you 186.875, so you’d round down to 185mm. 

This length gives you enough strap to work with while ensuring you don’t have too much or too little. You have some wiggle room, but you’ll usually come close to one of the standard sizes available on the market. Generally, you’ll want to be within 5% either way (110% to 120%). Depending on your wrist size and proportions, you might get away with a margin of error closer to 10%. But 5% is a safer bet.

Keep in mind that these are standardized figures, so you may have to size up or down. This may be especially true if you’re close to either end of a range. Additionally, “A Guide To Watch Lug Types” helps enthusiasts choose the perfect watch strap by understanding different lug designs and their compatibility with various styles.

One thing worth noting is that many strap makers offer custom lengths. This is good news if your wrist size doesn’t quite fit into any of these categories. You’re not just limited to the sizes shown here. However, the lengths listed here are the most common. They’re not entirely universal, but you often see them when shopping for straps online. 

Watch Strap Sizes Chart

As with measuring a case size, strap size depends on a mixture of measurements and preferences. The easiest way to know which strap length is right for you is to measure a well-fitting strap you already own. If you don’t have a strap that fits you well, don’t worry. You can use a simple formula, shown here in our watch strap sizes chart.

Slightly smaller or bigger straps may still fit you. However, sticking close to these figures will allow for the ideal fit. Then again, you might find that having a strap that’s not perfectly sized is not a big deal. Like anything watch-related, an acceptable size for you is not the same for your neighbor, friend, or spouse. The range your wrist sits in depends on your preference and whether you like a little wiggle room. Another deciding factor may depend on whether or not your wrist tends to swell in different environments. 

To Taper or Not to Taper?

When it comes to strap width, you also need to think about tapering. A tapered strap decreases in length as it moves away from the lugs. Usually, the difference is about 2-4mm from the base. By contrast, straight straps are the same width from top to tail.

While tapering won’t influence the length, it will affect how the watch looks and feels on your wrist. A tapered strap or bracelet can be more comfortable for some wrists. They also look good and can tone down how large a watch looks. If you own a large watch and want to attend a formal occasion, a tapered bracelet can modify a watch, achieving more refinement. Horologists partial to a luxury watch or two may prefer a tapering bracelet. They show off a higher level of skill and craftsmanship. 

On the other hand, a straight bracelet can appear more masculine. If you want to boost your watch, this style can give a watch a bolder presence. Tapered straps accompany small watches well unless you’re trying to make the watch appear bigger. Large watches better suit straight bracelets unless you want to par them down. All this, of course, depends on the taper’s severity and the strap’s width. Bands with less of a taper will have a subtler effect. 

Whether or not you opt for a strap taper will depend on personal taste. Most tapered straps have a reasonably gentle taper, but knowing your options is good. Before buying a strap, find out whether it’s tapered or straight. If it tapers, find out the size of the taper. 

If you’re looking for an alternative to a metal or leather strap, I recommend NATO straps or Zulu straps. Material straps generally hug the wrist closer, which can benefit small-wristed guys. Or to enhance your style, learn how to install and adjust a mesh watch bracelet for a perfect fit on your wrist.

FAQs

These commonly asked questions about sizing a watch band will ensure you don’t make rookie mistakes. 

What Is the Standard Watch Band Length in MM?

Most strap manufacturers offer their straps in three sizes, the most common being medium. Medium-sized straps measure around 170mm to 200mm, while large or long watch straps measure between 200mm and 220mm. Short straps measure around 150mm to 170mm. 

What Is the Standard Watch Band Width?

The most common strap width for a watch is 20mm. To find the correct strap for your watch, you will need to know the distance between the base or top lugs. This distance is called the lug width. Note that a practical guide of different watch bracelet types can help you choose the best style for your wrist and personal preference.

How Do I Know the Size of My Watch Strap?

To determine the size of your watch strap, measure its length. You can do this with a tape measure or a piece of string. Then, check its width, either between the two top lugs or the two bottom lugs. The two measurements will ensure you choose the correct length for your wrist and width for the case. 

Sizing a Watch Strap: What To Remember

Like finding the right case size for your wrist, sizing a watch strap doesn’t need to be overcomplicated. All you need is the length of your wrist and the width between the lugs. There are easy ways to measure your wrist size and ensure you choose a watch that suits your dimensions, too. But remember, watches wear differently depending on their depth, bezel size, and lug-to-lug measurements. 

Once you know your watch strap size, there’s a vast market to explore. From rubber bands for dive watches to NATO straps for a field watch, know your measurements, and you can get it!

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