Introduction
Nylon watch straps are a favourite among avid watch wearers, mostly because of their affordability, style versatility, comfort and durability. They are a popular choice especially among those who lead active lifestyles, as they are breathable, resistant to water and sunlight, and are also easy to clean.
However, despite these good points, there are some disadvantages too. But are they enough to deter you from buying one?
Nylon watch straps are extremely popular, whether you are looking to buy a single pass watch strap, a traditional military style NATO watch band or even a two piece option. However, although they are very popular, they are not perfect. The key disadvantages are summarised below:
- Nylon straps are less formal than other options;
- Nylon straps retain moisture more than other strap choices;
- They are less durable in some conditions;
- For some people they can be more likely to cause skin irritation; and
- Nylon straps lack the premium aesthetic of other materials.
Want to find out more? Well, we are going to look at this in more detail in this blog post, so read on to find out more.
Nylon Watch Straps
Nylon is a great material for a casual wear watch, and is very versatile when it comes to vibrant styles and bold colours. Lightweight, comfortable and ideal for outdoor activities, they are affordable too. However they have their limitations, and may not be suited for certain lifestyles or occasions.
Disadvantages of Nylon Straps
1. Limited formality: As comfy as nylon watch straps may be, they might not be best suited for wear in a formal or professional setting, such as at work or at an event. Leather and metal straps have more of a sophisticated and ‘formal’ look, and may be preferred.
Nylon straps may also not suit ‘fancier’ watch faces, such as dress watches, which would be paired best with a more formal looking strap.
2. Moisture Retention: Nylon straps are excellent straps for absorbing sweat and moisture during outdoor activities, but this can also have a downside, as it leads to discomfort in the strap over time.
This trapped moisture can also lead to the watch strap smelling, especially when not properly maintained. One way to avoid this is to regularly clean the strap, allowing it to dry properly.
3. Less Durable in Extreme Conditions: When nylon straps are exposed to extreme conditions, such as sun, water and general wear for an extended amount of time, they can start to fray or fade. Materials that are sturdier, such as rubber or metal, are more durable and are better suited to wear in extreme conditions.
4. Potential for Skin Irritation: Sometimes, nylon watch straps can be poorly finished, causing rough edges that can irritate the skin when they are worn. This is especially so if you wear a watch for extended periods of time, or if you are wearing a watch strap that is too tight.
5. Lack of Premium Aesthetic: Unlike leather or metal watch straps, which have a formal and sophisticated look about them, nylon straps do not have the same aesthetic look about them.
Depending on the colour or style of the strap you choose, they may look cheap in comparison to other options. This may make more expensive watch faces look cheaper in value.
Mitigating These Disadvantages
Despite the disadvantages of nylon watch straps, there are some things that you can do to mitigate these and make your nylon watch straps suit you and your lifestyle. Here are just a few:
Choosing High-Quality Nylon Straps
If you are worried about nylon straps fraying or causing irritation, invest in a good quality nylon strap that will reduce the chance of this happening.
Proper Maintenance
As with any type of watch strap, maintaining nylon straps properly is the best way to increase their longevity, reduce odours and maintain their appearance.
Rotating Straps
Having multiple nylon straps, or different types of strap, that you can rotate often balances wear and makes them last longer.
Why Nylon Straps are Still Good Choices
Despite nylon posing some difficulties as a watch strap, it has its benefits too, as we discussed earlier in this blog post. These include:
- Being great for outdoor activities due to their lightweight and water resistant properties.
- They are versatile in terms of design and ideal for casual wear.
Nylon Watch Strap Alternatives
- Rubber Watch Bands: water-resistant, durable and modern looking, these are great for outdoor wear.
- Leather Watch Straps: formal-looking, comfortable and elegant.
- Metal Watch Bracelets: Unmatched durability with a premium look and style.
Looking for a nylon strap alternative? Check out The Thrifty Gentlemen's collection of alternative strap options, for any occasion or need.
Conclusion
Nylon straps have lots of advantages, but also come with some limitations too.
Whilst they are stylish, cheap, versatile and great for outdoor activities, they can be irritating, not as durable and don’t have the same stylish look as other strap alternatives.
Depending on your lifestyle, a nylon strap could be ideal for you despite their limitations, so check out The Thrifty Gentlemen’s selection to find the perfect strap for your watch.