Which band fits your watch? Apple Watch, Whoop, Samsung and Huawei sizes, and the best material for Qatar's heat

Apple has just two size groups, Whoop 5.0 bands differ from 4.0, and Samsung and Huawei use 20mm and 22mm. The full table, plus which material survives a Qatar summer.

A new band is the cheapest way to change how your watch looks, but the most common return we get is "I ordered a band and it didn't fit". The reason is always the same: the size. This guide settles it once and for all.

Apple Watch: just two groups

Apple keeps it simple. Every watch size falls into one of two groups, and any band from a group fits any watch in it:

So the band from your old 44mm watch fits a 49mm Ultra without any trouble. One thing to watch: the old 42mm (Series 1 to 3) was in the large group, while the new 42mm from Series 10 onwards is in the small group.

Whoop: check the version

Whoop is everywhere in Qatar's gyms these days, and its bands are one size that fits everyone. What you need to know: Whoop 5.0 and Whoop MG are smaller than Whoop 4.0, so a 4.0 band won't fit them. Check which version you have before ordering. We carry the full range from 974 Bands, a Qatari brand, in plenty of colours and materials for every version.

Samsung Galaxy Watch

• Galaxy Watch 4, 5, 6 and 7: standard 20mm quick-release, so any regular 20mm band fits.
• Galaxy Watch Ultra and Watch 8: Samsung's own Dynamic Lug system, so you need a band made for it.

Huawei Watch GT

• The 46mm model takes a 22mm band.
• The 41mm model takes an 18mm band.

For any other watch with standard quick-release pins (Garmin, Amazfit and so on), measure the gap between the lugs with a ruler. It is almost always 20 or 22mm.

Which material survives Qatar's heat?

Nobody talks about this part. Summer here hits 45°C, and sweat ruins the wrong band within weeks:

• Silicone / fluoroelastomer: the first choice for summer and sport. Doesn't absorb sweat, rinses under the tap, dries in seconds.
• Nylon (Sport Loop): lighter and cooler on the wrist. It absorbs sweat but washes fine. Great for the office.
• Leather: lovely for occasions and winter. In summer it soaks up sweat, cracks and starts to smell. Never for sport.
• Stainless steel: smart, but heavy, hot in the sun, and you need a tool to resize it.

Summary

Get two bands: silicone for summer and sport, and nylon or leather for work and occasions. Before you order, confirm your watch size against the table above. All bands are in our smart wearables section.