Apple Watch Braided Solo Loop Review

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• As an Apple Watch owner, I was swayed to get one after trying the Braided Solo Loops. 
• The design has its flaws, but I find the woven bands to be superior to the silicone Sport Loops.

Apple Watches have become far more than just a fitness accessory. With features like fall detection, sleep monitoring, and of course, telling time, you'd be hard-pressed to find the opportunity to take your Apple Watch off to charge it. 

I had been on the fence about getting one for years now, but I've abstained because I know all too well that I'd take it off and forget about it. 

However, with the release of the lower-cost Apple Watch SE and the Braided Solo Loops, that was all about to change for me. 

Apple's new interwoven, stretchy bands made a watch wearer out of me. Compared to the silicone alternative that the Apple Watch comes with, I found them to be far more comfortable for constant wear — though they have their downsides. 

Apple's Braided Solo Loops are just a better, more breathable fit.

Compared to the solid, pore-less Apple Sport Band, the Braided Solo Loop solves one major problem for me: breathability. Gone are the days of clammy wrists under my watch, now my skin can breathe. 

Now, you may be thinking: is that really it? Is it really worth paying $100 to Apple in the name of sweaty arms? When you're as sweaty as me: yes. It's also worth considering that Apple Watches at this point are a 24/7 companion, so comfort is key. 

The design definitely has other, equally attractive features that compare better against the Sport Band as well. It's flexible and stretchy, which also lends more to a relaxed fit. It's washable and dries out fast (again: breathable design), so getting your Braided Loop wet isn't an issue. 

The Solo Loop design is also unbelievably thin, meaning no bulk from tension loops and clasps. It does mean you have to buy your exact size, though. 

The Braided Solo Loop is not without some drawbacks.

Unlike a silicone alternative, the Braided Loop can get dirty more easily. It's an unavoidable truth, but at very least, you can wash it out with some dish soap. 

The biggest design flaw, in my opinion, is the band's tendency to stretch out over time. The warping didn't become an issue for me until passing the one-year mark, but the slack has become a real deterrent to wearing my watch in recent weeks. 

I've tried some online tips to shrink the weave, including heat and blow-drying it when wet, to no avail. The only real solution seems to be buying a new, $100 Braided Loop. 

Is Apple's Braided Solo Loop worth it?

For me, I'll be using the Braided Loop exclusively, until someone designs something that somehow stretches out less over time. It's just a real day-to-day improvement that I can't forego now. Even if I need to shell out for a replacement every year, I consider it worthwhile to cut costs elsewhere in order to splurge on my favorite watch band on an annual basis. 

If you're lucky enough to be spared sweaty wrists, Apple's Sport Loop is a tried and true design for a reason. It's naturally waterproof, dirtproof, and – just like the Braided Loop – it's available in a number of stylish colors. 

You can even skip the bulk of a latch by opting for a fitted Solo Loop design — but you may run into the same stretching issues that I've experienced over time.

As a Tech Deals and Streaming Reporter for Insider's Reviews team, Sarah covers the latest movie and series releases along with the best sales on products we recommend. Prior to joining Insider Inc., she was a Deals Writer at Wirecutter, a New York Times company. After graduating from California State University, Fullerton with a degree in Marketing, Sarah started out as a Freelance Deals Writer at Wirecutter; there she focused on newsletter creation, social media promotion, and syndication in addition to deals writing before stepping into a full-time role. Her accomplishments from this position, in addition to the countless deals she's written, include implementing multiple social media marketing campaigns and launching a Deals Facebook group for the company. Say hi (or send a picture of your pet) to Sarah at , or reach her on Twitter at @sarahhahr or on Instagram at @lord_ponty.  Learn more about how our team of experts tests and reviews products at Insider here. Learn more about how we research deals.

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