What Are the Best Watch Straps for Small Wrists? We Find Out!

We’ve rounded up some of the best watch straps for small wrists, so you won’t have to!

Being a smaller-wristed watch enthusiast comes with its fair share of difficulties. Often, the problem lies with the size of the watch itself. Even some 38mm cases may look too big and bulky. Strap length is another problem that affects those with below-average wrists. The most common problem is the “long tail” issue caused by strap excess. The excess is often unsightly and uncomfortable, even if the tail isn’t an issue. These are some reasons why you should be in the market for the best watch straps for small wrists. 

Even though most strap manufacturers take a “one size fits most” approach, many standard-length straps are too big. You’ll know exactly what I mean if your wrist is about 6.5” inches around or smaller. A shorter watch strap fits better on the wrist, and it looks a whole heap better, too!

I’ll recommend some of the best small wristwatch straps in this article. Many brands supply them; you just need to know where to look!

Finding Watch Straps for Small Wrists

The first thing you need to do before you begin your search is to measure your wrist size. If you already own a suitably sized band and want to replace it, you could size the strap instead. The last thing you need to know is the style you want to go for. Maybe you’re swapping out a metal bracelet for another or exploring NATO straps. There are thousands of different straps on the market. Once you’ve narrowed things down, finding the perfect strap for your watch is easier.

Top Small NATO Watch Straps

As we mentioned, there is an abundance of styles to choose from online, from rubber bands to leather straps. One strap that works great on utilitarian watches is the NATO strap. Check these smaller options out if you want to inject your wrist with military-esque vibes. 

1. Crown & Buckle Supreme NATO

The Supreme NATO band from Crown & Buckle is a quality strap with an accessible price tag. Unlike traditional NATO nylon weaving, its surface comprises top-grade ballistic nylon. Instead, it is entirely smooth and cut using an ultrasonic machine. The beveled corners on the stainless steel hardware are another nice touch. A CNC-machined tongue is an excellent alternative to the folded flat design. A satin-brushed finish even enhances this one. 

2. The Strap Tailor Ribbed Fabric Army Green Strap

NATO straps are the mainstay of any military tool watch, but they also look great on the neo-vintage watch. Imagine this 280mm Strap Tailor NATO strap on something similar to the iconic TUDOR Black Bay or Sinn watch! It boasts a beautiful ribbing detail that gives extra depth and dimension to the band. The green strap will surely provide any strap with a decidedly vintage edge. Intricately woven, the brand tests as seatbelt fabrics. This design harkens back to the WW2 bands that the MOD formalized. I particularly like the lighter stitching around the pin buckle, which also features The Strap Tailor logo engraving. 

3. Nato Strap UK – Premium Light Khaki NATO

It makes no sense that there aren’t more short-length NATO straps around. Especially when field watches are naturally smaller than an average watch. This light, sandy-colored NATO strap will look perfect on a Hamilton field watch or alternatives. Nato Strap UK stocks this premium ballistic nylon band for under $25. It gives a watch an unmistakable army khaki aesthetic and secures with a stainless steel pin buckle design. This is an excellent fit for wrists measuring 6.5-9.5 inches and features 13 laser-cut square holes for perfect fit. 

Best Fabric Strap for Small Wrists 

Fabric straps are a great alternative to rubber bands and leather straps. They look casual and relaxed and pair easily with weekend attire. Plus, they are pretty comfortable. It’s a win-win.

Bulang & Sons Ripstop Watch Strap

No one makes watch straps quite like Bulang & Sons. The company occupies an exciting space in the luxury strap market by offering refined, vintage-inspired designs. The Ripstop Watch Strap is an excellent example of the Bulang approach. The fabric is an authentic vintage cotton ripstop from the 80s and, true to its nature, has an authentic military look. It pairs excellently with field or small pilot’s watches. The strap is available in Bulang’s universal short length of 105mm/65mm. But at $160, it’s one of the most expensive options.

Top Small Leather Watch Straps

A small leather watch strap should be comfortable, breathable, and classic-looking for everyday wear. It is among the most versatile options, as you can dress it up or wear it casually every day. Here are a few options you might want to consider if you have a small wrist. 

1. Jack Foster Standard Watch Strap

Jack Foster isn’t your average strap company. Founded in 2015, the brand is a newcomer to the world of straps. The company has standard and premium strap lines, but both offer customization that you typically don’t get elsewhere. There’s only one short size (110/70mm), but you can choose any width and customize the thread and buckle. Upgrading to the premium line offers higher quality leathers, but the standard is no slouch. This Jack Foster standard watch strap is a compelling option for anyone needing precisely sized straps.

2. NOMOS Horween Genuine Shell Cordovan

NOMOS is famous for its Bauhaus-inspired watches, but the German giant offers several high-quality straps. NOMOS offers five strap lengths ranging from XS to XL. The XS is just 95/60mm long, making it one of this list’s shortest strap options. The S is a more typical short size at 105/70mm. Because the straps regularly go out of stock, finding the exact strap you want can take time and effort. They’re also relatively expensive. For example, the Horween strap costs $110. But it’s hard to beat NOMOS straps if you’re after an ideal balance of size and quality.

3. Fluco Chicago Strap

Fluco is one of those “if you know, you know” companies. The German brand’s straps punch above their price point, and many enthusiasts swear by them. The Chicago is one of Fluco’s most popular short offerings. Made from Horween Shell Cordovan leather, the Chicago is a fairly premium strap. It has a pretty standard short length of 105/70mm. However, the short length is only available in 18mm and 20mm widths. But since those are arguably the two most common widths, this isn’t a huge disadvantage. Despite lacking color options, the Chicago is a competitive strap at a fair price.

Best Small Rubber Watch Strap

If you’re an outdoor adventurer or a training athlete, rubber straps are just what you (and your watch) need. Try a rubber strap if you wear your watch regularly for swimming and sports. Here’s one of our favorite small-length options. 

Hirsch Rubber Strap

Hirsch is a company that stocks thousands of straps in various materials and sizes. This PURE natural rubber band is perfect for a small dive watch. It measures a length of 110/70mm, making it an ideal fit for a 6.5-inch wrist. The only downside to this strap could be its silver buckle. The material is less robust and scratch-resistant than stainless steel. The pin buckle, however, is still easy to use. Plus, the strap is great for quickly drying while dipping in and out of the water. 

FAQS

Here are the answers to some common questions about small watch straps.

What Is the Smallest Watch Band Size?

While there may be smaller straps out there, VEBLENIST makes the smallest straps of any company I found. Their smallest custom size is just 95/55mm. NOMOS’ XS size of 95/60mm gets a close second place.

How Long Is a Short Watch Strap?

The average short-length strap is around 110/70mm.

What Are the Best NATO Straps for Small Wrists?

NATO straps are tricky for small-wristed folk. Most NATOs are about 200-300mm long, and the placement of the shortest hole varies widely. Your best bet is to go for a slightly shorter NATO, like the 290mm Supreme NATO from Crown & Buckle. If the strap is still too long or has too much excess, you can always shorten the strap to your liking.

Choosing the Perfect Strap for Your Small Wrist

Searching for the best watch straps for small wrists can sometimes be tricky. But the good news is that they aren’t all that hard to come by these days. So long as you know the strap length you need, more options exist than ever before. You can find a good variety on the market if you know where to look (and what lengths to look for).

Searching for a watch strap for small wrists no longer needs to be challenging. After all, “regular” size straps that hang on your wrist can sag with excess fabric or snag and damage easily. Choose from this range of suppliers or explore the market for small straps at your own leisure. You’re sure to find a style and design that suits your watch. You may even choose to invest in a tool kit as a staple watch accessory. That way, you can quickly change the strap whenever the occasion calls for it. 

Above all, enjoy creating different configurations for your watch. What a NATO does for a chronograph differs from what leather bands do for dress watches. The choices are limitless, and with so many affordable options available, you can switch them around as you please! 

Did I forget to mention any cool small strap suppliers on this list? Let me know in the comments section below, and I’ll add them to this guide! Remember to sign up for our newsletter at The Slender Wrist today! You might learn something you didn’t know yesterday!