Despite our name, The Thrifty Gentleman carries a variety of affordable watch straps for ladies as well as gents. So, if you’ve splashed out on a gorgeous watch and want to personalise it with a new fantastic strap, you’re in the right place.
In this guide to the best watch straps for ladies, we’ll be diving into the traditions and trends that have shaped these accessories, taking a closer look at the different types available, and sharing our handy tips for choosing a watch strap that ticks all the boxes.
A History of Watch Straps for Ladies
Let’s take a closer look at how ladies’ watch straps came to be…
1800-1900
In 1810, when Queen Caroline of Naples commissioned Breguet to craft a watch dial attached to a bracelet, history was made. Competing watchmakers caught onto this trend very quickly, and though men still preferred the traditional pocket watch, ladies took the lead when it came to beautiful, fashion-forward watches and watch straps.
1939-1945
Dazzling, jewel-encrusted watch straps were the height of fashion in the 1920s and 30s. However, the Second World War and the movement of women into the workplace saw an increasing demand for more practical watch straps. Simpler straps fashioned from leather became the go-to for women.
1945 onwards
After the war ended, timekeeping never fell out of fashion for ladies. Thus, 200 years’ worth of changes have resulted in a modern ladies’ watch strap market that balances opulence with practicality. The hardest part is choosing the best one…
A Breakdown of Ladies Watch Straps
Of course, the best watch strap for ladies is going to be entirely dependent on your personal tastes. With that in mind, let’s dive deeper into the types of watch straps available, so you can get an idea of what might work for you…
Watch Strap Materials
For Queen Caroline and her BFFs, precious metals like gold were the materials of choice for watch straps. However, since you’re probably not chilling out in the Palazzo Reale di Napoli, you’ve got a lot more leeway when it comes to your ladies’ watch strap material.
Options include:
Leather - Ladies’ leather watch straps in the UK range from subtle, thin black bands to the bright pink variety. Plus, with ladies’ watch faces often made out of metal, a leather strap stands out and creates contrast.
Nylon - Nylon is less commonly found attached to ladies’ watches. However, with nylon watch straps available in several bright colours and patterns, there’s no reason why ladies who need a more dependable watch strap shouldn’t opt for nylon.
Rubber - Known for their flexibility, rubber and silicone ladies watch straps are ideal companions to active lifestyles. They’re resistant to water and easy to clean, so you won’t need to worry about taking your watch swimming, hiking, or running through the rain.
Metal - Finally, despite the advantages of other options, metal watch straps for ladies’ watches are still the standard. And for good reason too, considering their ability to match both formal and casual looks, and their availability in both modern and vintage aesthetics.
Types of Ladies Watch Strap
The Thrifty Gentleman’s watch straps for ladies are available in three distinct types:
One Piece / Solo Loop - Offering a minimalist look, solo loop watch straps eliminate the need for a standard buckle. Combining a contemporary aesthetic with ease of wear, one-piece straps are cohesive, adjustable and comfortable.
Two Piece - While the watch itself has to take centre stage, don’t underestimate how much a watch band change can make to the overall look. A two-piece watch strap features a fastening mechanism that will (literally) tie the whole watch together.
Quick Release - For eclectic styles, one versatile watch strap may be enough. However, with quick-release watch straps, ladies, you don’t need to settle. These straps allow for switching materials, colours, and designs in the blink of an eye.
What Sets Watch Straps for Ladies Apart?
Though many watch straps can be worn on wrists of all genders, there are three key differences between men’s watch straps and women’s watch straps. These are:
1. Width
When it comes to lug widths, women’s watches are often smaller in size and tend to therefore require thinner straps. Generally, the best watch straps for ladies will range anywhere from 8mm to 16mm in width but be sure to check your watch’s lug width before choosing a strap to ensure the perfect fit. Additionally, don’t be afraid to wear a larger watch with a wider watch strap for a bolder fashion style!
2. Colour
It’s no secret that women’s wardrobes tend to be brighter than men’s. A survey of men and women from 22 countries found that women tended to prefer bolder colours like yellow, red, and purple, and compared to men, were more likely to avoid grey tones. To match these colourful tastes, women’s watches are usually available in a range of hues as standard. If you prefer subtlety but don’t want to go completely monochrome, you can often find more muted, pastel options in our collection of leather watch straps.
3. Material
As mentioned, materials like nylon and rubber don’t always get the love they deserve among designers of ladies’ watches. This is due in part to their history in traditionally masculine spaces like the military. Recently, watch straps for ladies made from diverse materials have begun to appear on the market. But, when it comes to standard watch straps, leather and metals still reign supreme.
Having said all that, don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. If your lug width can handle it, there’s no reason why you can’t shop from all of our watch strap ranges!
Choosing a Watch Strap that Suits Your Lifestyle
Hopefully, you now have a better idea of the type of ladies’ watch straps that may play to your tastes. But, before you make your final purchase, there are a few other things to consider. At the top of that list is how your watch strap will fit into your lifestyle.
Here are The Thrifty Gentleman’s recommendations for choosing the best watch strap for ladies depending on your needs:
For Professional Lifestyles
If you use your watch as a practical instrument to ensure your punctuality, an equally reliable watch strap is a must. But, since you can’t turn up to the office in any old outfit, you’ll need a smart strap that matches your business wear.
The Thrifty Gentleman’s Super Soft Calfskin Genuine Leather Watch Strap is, as the name suggests, incredibly soft. For 9-5 wear, the lightweight and comfortable leather strap is the perfect choice. Not to mention, this ladies’ brown leather watch strap is durable enough to withstand day after day at the office. Plus, with four colours to choose from, this watch can be worn anywhere from Fun Fridays to all-important pitches.
For Fast-Paced and Active Lifestyles
If you barely get a moment to sit down during the day, you’ll need a watch strap that can keep up with you, no matter what situation you may find yourself in. Or, if exercise and activity are your forms of relaxation, your strap of choice must be moisture-wicking, well-fitting, and resistant to wear and tear.
The Universal Soft Silicone Sports Watch Strap from The Thrifty Gentleman is crafted with a focus on durability and versatility. The clean, simple look can be paired with gym wear, beach wear, formal wear, club wear, and just about any other outfit you need to don. The moisture-wicking properties keep you feeling fresh, while the fitted design ensures a comfortable fit on your wrist.
For Casual Lifestyles
With the rise of remote working, lifestyles have become more relaxed in recent years. However, spending more time at home during the workday gives you all the more reason to head out for the occasional walk or check the usual to-dos off your list. If slow-paced days and easy-going evenings are your thing, your watch strap should feel effortlessly comfortable, without cramping your style if you do decide to venture out.
Ticking all these boxes is The Thrifty Gentleman’s Woven Nylon Fabric Quick Release Watch Strap. The casual, woven look, available in a range of colours and patterns, is effortlessly stylish, pairing well with comfy sweaters and jeans. Nylon, sitting lightly on the wrist, is comfortable enough all-day wear. But, as a quick release watch strap, if you need to switch into your formal wear, your watch can do the same effortlessly.
Choosing a Watch Strap That Elevates Your Look
Of course, as a substantial accessory, your watch strap doesn’t just need to match your lifestyle. It also needs to blend into and elevate your overall look on any given day. Here are some things to consider when choosing the best ladies’ watch strap for you:
Monochrome or Multicolour
Both block colour straps and those with a kaleidoscope of tones can complement your outfit and lifestyle. Monochrome straps exude sophistication and boast unparalleled versatility, seamlessly complementing both casual and formal attire. On the other hand, multicoloured straps add a playful and vibrant touch to any ensemble, allowing you to express your unique personality through your accessories.
Don’t forget to factor in your watch dial, too. Whether you opt for sleek simplicity or bold expression, your choice of colour can significantly impact the overall appearance of your watch. Simple watch faces are best for experimentation, while ornate options might need a subtler strap.
Patternation
If you want to take your self-expression one step further, there are countless ladies’ watch straps in The Thrifty Gentleman collection in a range of intricate and playful patterns. If you tend to keep your outfits monochrome, there’s no reason why you can’t draw attention to your wrist with a bold pattern.
Or, if you prefer maximalism, get yourself a statement nylon option and turn heads wherever you go. If you want to try your wrist at patterns but aren’t sure whether they’ll be for you, purchase a quick-release strap so you can easily switch it out when you’re not feeling it anymore.
Modern Women = Modern Watch Straps
With the rise of smartwatches and tech-wear, women need modern watch straps to match. Whether you're tracking fitness goals or receiving notifications on the go, watch straps for the tech-savvy woman bring a touch of innovation to your wrist, reflecting both your style and the demands of the digital age. If this is your go-to style, opt for sleek stainless-steel straps, or high-quality silicone for a contemporary look.
Don’t forget to check your smart watch’s lug-width to ensure your chosen strap is compatible. At The Thrifty Gentleman, our ladies’ watch straps are available in lug widths from 12mm. If your watch case is quite small, you’ll be wanting a strap from this end of the spectrum.
Watch Straps with Her-itage
Finally, we can’t forget the timeless charm offered by vintage fashions. As we mentioned earlier in this article, ladies’ watches and watch straps have a legacy that’s arguably longer than men’s. That means, if the stylings of days gone by put a twinkle in your eye, there are many vintage options to choose from. And they don’t always have to involve garish 70s-style patterns, either.
For example, The Thrifty Gentleman’s bestselling Milanese Mesh Stainless Steel Watch Strap's legacy stretches back to the 13th century. But, that doesn’t mean it can’t handle more contemporary looks. The intricate bracelet harmonises with elegant 20th-century fashions, compliments bold 60s shirts, and is versatile enough to handle pairings with casual 80s sneakers and Casio cases.
Best Watch Straps for Ladies: The Verdict
There are just so many stunning watch straps out there for women that it’s impossible to pick the best ones. However, all the greatest watch straps have a few things in common. When it comes to the best watch straps for ladies, these are:
1. Comfort and adaptability
2. Versatility in look
3. Alignment with your lifestyle
If you come across a watch strap that ticks all three boxes, you’re onto a winner. Having said that, don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and opt for a watch strap you wouldn’t usually wear.
With so many high-quality, affordable ladies’ watch straps available from The Thrifty Gentleman, you need only take your pick.
And before we end, a short note on the images included in this article. All of the images were submitted to us by The Thrifty Gentleman's very own happy female customers.
So, thank you to both Rebecca and Mary for sharing your fantastic pictures with us.
Have you already found the best watch strap for ladies? Share the love and let us know which watch strap you swear by in the comments below.