StrapBandits Fabric Watch Straps
StrapBandits is a Hong Kong-based wrist strap company started in 2017 that specializes in fabric watch straps. They sent me a few straps to review and, after wearing them around a couple weeks, my opinion is that StrapBandits is offering some of the best looking and most comfortable fabric straps on the market.
StrapBandits markets its products as “Bespoke Tailor Made Luxury Wrist Straps” that are “a small piece of British history and pride on your wrist.” The straps certainly have a custom look about them. The question is if they warrant “luxury” as a label. Strap quality is driven by the use of fine textiles from Huddersfield Worsted based in West Yorkshire. The fabric quality does not disappoint. (I’d love a suit made from this stuff!)
https://youtu.be/gE2MD-har3U
The details:
- Medium Light Grey Herringbone ($49.99), Light Brown Glencheck ($49.99), and Brown Glencheck ($39.99) NOTE: Some straps have striped and non-striped versions, which translates to a slightly different look and in some cases a different cost.
- Widths: All straps come in classic sizes of 20mm and 22mm sizes, and for Apple Watch
- Length: 120mm/80mm
- Backed with high-quality calfskin
- Quick release spring bars
- Polished unmarked buckles
- Suited for a dress look and Fall/Winter styles
- Free shipping and 30-day money back guarantee
- Deals sometimes offered such as 2 for 1
Pros:
- The thickness, but really the thinness, at ~2.8mm is the key that sets these fabric straps apart from other fabric straps I have seen and used. Other fabric straps I had laying around measure from ~3.5mm up to 5.5mm for those with padding. Not adding padding to fabric straps is a good approach. The keepers also maintain the thinness.
- Quality look, material, and feel. I have been wearing them around for a couple weeks. They are extremely comfortable and that is not an exaggeration.
- Low/No stiffness, no break-in necessary.
- Quick release spring bars
- The length is ideal. StrapBandits says their straps fit a wrist size up to 7 inches, but that seems to be a reserved estimation. My wrist is 19cm/7.5in and each strap still had four holes available, fit comfortably, with both keepers in use.
No list necessary. The only downside some people may initially perceive is price. Two straps I received are $49.99 and the third is $39.99. A lot of options exist when it comes to straps, many in the $20 range, and fabric straps are not everyone’s cup of tea. (I will add that many people have not tried a quality fabric strap, so a write-off of fabric straps should be taken with a grain of salt.) However, I suggest that StrapBandits holds to its mission of luxury fabric straps and the price is fair. And if you happen to catch a deal like 2 for 1 then the price is cut in half, and don’t forget shipping is free. Not bad at all for a quality fabric strap.
Medium Light Grey Herringbone
A great choice for a dressy look. Smooth fabric texture and the leather backing is superb. Shown here on the Feynman Timekeepers One Eyed Panda.
Light Brown Glencheck
For those seeking a more casual Fall/Winter style. Soft flannel/wool look and texture with a great pattern. Goes with several color palettes and easy to find something that matches. Shown here on the Marloe Watch Company Haskell Sand, a British microbrand for a quintessential British combo.
Brown Glencheck
Also for those seeking a Fall/Winter style. Soft flannel/wool look and texture. Harder to find something to go with and perhaps a less popular color but will still look good on right watch. Shown here on the Leville Regulator.
On The Wrist
Between the two, the one piece is more comfortable and much easier to get on and off the wrist, given the design and tolerances.
Final Thought
When compared to other fabric straps I have used, StrapBandits stands out as the best so far. The fit, comfort, and style truly provide a luxury wrist strap. Fabric may not be the most popular strap material, but if you are wanting something different and more custom, try StrapBandits. You might like it more than you think.
They aren’t lying when they call themselves bandits. My items never arrived. They attempted to coerce me to sort it out directly with the courier. They accepted the couriers photo of the package in front of the wrong door as proof of delivery despite being able to clearly identify via Google Street view that it was not my house. They then Refused to consider any refund without return of the items they never delivered. They have been rude and dishonest every step of the way. Order at your own risk.
Hello. I shared this info with my contact at StrapBandits. I don’t know the situation beyond what you have shared, but perhaps it can get sorted out.
Well it took some time, but they did reach out and acknowledge that their initial approach was not up to standard. I’m not sure if they did not originally understand the stress it was causing but they came through and did refund the missing items. They do sound good in reviews. Maybe in the future I’ll have a chance to see one in person. Pretty cool concept.