Collection: Nylon Watch Straps

Buy The Best Nylon Watch Straps In The UK 

Nylon is one of the most versatile, long lasting and comfortable materials and this is no different when it comes to watch straps. Nylon watch straps are durable and extremely breathable and, with so many colour options and designs, you will find the ideal watch strap for all occasions. 

Why Buy A Nylon Watch Strap?

As a niche watch strap company for those working with discerning budgets, The Thrifty Gentleman prioritises affordability and longevity. The best nylon watch straps offer the best of both worlds, with durability and effortless, rugged style woven into every option. Don’t be afraid to experiment - we offer a wide range of colours and patterns to suit all tastes… plus a variety of sizes. 

Nylon has long been the material of choice for sturdy straps. But it’s not just their durability that these textiles are known for. Most of the range comes in 18mm, 20mm and 22mm, and some of the G10 NATO straps also come in 16mm.  

The Thrifty Gentleman’s nylon watch band collection features a range of colours, patterns and designs to suit any style. With quick-release options and other more traditional spring bar choices, nylon straps are the perfect start to any watch band collection.

As well as surviving through the wear and tear of everyday life, replacement nylon watch straps are also flexible enough to mould to your wrist, providing the ultimate comfort. 

If you thought the term ‘nylon strap’ was all-encompassing, get ready to experience its variety. Here are some of our most popular nylon watch band options: 

Sailcloth Nylon: Though reinforced straps have long been available, recently they’ve come back into fashion with the popular sailcloth nylon straps. Fully waterproof and highly durable, they’re perfect for a weekend away with the girls and/or boys. 

Woven Nylon: With visible textiles, woven straps are great for making a statement. Available in a variety of bold colours and subtle neutrals, they work with both formal and casual outfits. 

Elastic Nylon: Pioneered by French naval divers who fashioned their Marine Nationale watch straps from elastic nylon, originally as material from parachutes, these straps are easy to slip on and protect against spring-bar failure. 

Ribbed Nylon: Though ribbed nylon is lightweight, it can certainly take a beating. These nylon watch straps are the perfect addition to cargo pants and base layers, no matter what outdoor activity you’re getting involved in. 

Military Nylon: As you can probably guess, military-style watch straps make the most of military nylon. Surviving hot and cold climes, salt and fresh water, or a trip to your in-laws, military nylon straps can do it all.

Fabric Watch Straps: Nylon, Woven And Sailcloth

When people search for a fabric watch strap, a cloth watch band or a textile strap, they usually mean nylon in one of its forms, and that's what this collection is. The weave is what changes the look and feel:

• Woven nylon: a soft, close weave with a visible texture, the most "fabric-looking" strap here. Our woven fabric quick-release straps come in widths from 12mm to 22mm.
• Sailcloth: nylon with a coated, sail-like face and a stiffer feel. It shrugs off rain and dries fast. See the full sailcloth watch straps range.
• G10 NATO and Zulu: the military fabric straps, a single long length that threads behind the watch through a second shorter length of strap. Zulus use thicker webbing and round steel rings.
• Elasticated nylon: the stretchy Marine Nationale weave that slides on without a buckle hole.
• Herringbone (tweed-style) nylon: a woven pattern that looks like wool tweed but behaves like nylon.

If you want a more cotton-style look instead, canvas watch straps are a different material: heavier, more matt and slower to dry. Our nylon straps are unisex: men's nylon watch straps and women's nylon watch straps are the same straps, chosen by width.

Which Size Nylon Watch Strap Do I Need?

Measure the gap between your watch's lugs in millimetres, or read the number printed on the back of your old strap. A 20mm fabric watch strap is the most common size for men's watches; you can see every style in that width in our 20mm watch straps. A nylon watch strap in 22mm suits larger and dive-style watches: see our 22mm watch straps. Smaller and vintage watches often take 18mm, and some of the G10 NATO straps go down to 16mm.

FAQs On The Nylon Watch Strap Range

Are there any disadvantages to wearing replacement nylon watch straps?

Replacement nylon straps are fantastic, but as with any watch straps you can buy, of course after prolonged and frequent use, you might want to replace them again. Compared to materials like leather or metal, they might not suit formal occasions. 

Are nylon watch straps comfortable? 

Yes, nylon watch straps of 18mm, 20mm, and 22mm are lightweight, breathable, and soft, making them comfortable for everyday wear. However, in some cases they might feel stiff initially and need some breaking in. 

Are nylon watch straps waterproof? 

Our 18mm, 20mm, and 22mm nylon watch straps dry quickly, but they can also absorb water. This makes them less than ideal for prolonged exposure to water compared to silicone or metal straps. 

What are the disadvantages of nylon straps? 

Nylon straps may retain moisture, which can lead to odours or discomfort, and they aren't as durable as metal straps for heavy-duty use. They can also stretch slightly over time, affecting the fit. 

Check out our article on The Disadvantages Of Nylon Straps to find out more.

Are nylon watch straps good for swimming? 

Nylon watch straps can handle occasional swimming because they are quick drying. However, frequent exposure to water may lead to wear and a build-up of odours without proper care. 

Is a nylon strap better than silicone? 

Nylon straps are more breathable and stylish, making them ideal for casual or everyday use. Silicone straps are better for intense water activities or sports due to their waterproof and non-absorbent properties. The choice depends on your specific needs and preferences. 

Is a fabric watch strap the same as a nylon strap?

Almost always, yes. Most fabric watch straps are woven nylon, because it is stronger and dries faster than cotton. Canvas is the main exception: it is cotton-based and feels heavier. Everything in this collection is nylon.

Do your nylon watch straps come with quick release?

Some do. The sailcloth two-piece straps, the woven fabric straps and several two-piece nylon styles have quick-release spring bars, so you can swap them by hand without the need for a spring bar removal tool. NATO and Zulu straps thread through the watch's own spring bars instead.

Can I fit a nylon watch band to a 16mm watch?

Yes. Our G10 NATO straps come in 16mm, and you'll find other 16mm options, including our two piece woven nylon strap, in our 16mm collection. If you're unsure of your size, measure between the lugs: a nylon watch belt that is too narrow will slide sideways on the spring bars.

About Us

Here at The Thrifty Gentleman we want to make sure that all customers (and prospective customers) have a great variety of watch straps to choose from when they visit us.

We have a huge variety of watch straps across the most popular materials and sizes. Whether your preference is nylon or leather, silicone or metal, we've got you covered. And you'll find all ranges of colours and styles too.

We are a UK based business founded in 2021 by watch lover, Jonathan. Importantly, we check all orders meticulously before they are dispatched from our HQ in Winchester - quality control (as well as providing great prices and variety) is super important to us.

Check us out for your next watch strap and benefit from 10% off your first purchase, free delivery on all orders and peace of mind with our 60 days return policy.

If You Like Our Nylon Watch Straps, You Might Also Like 

The Thrifty Gentleman is your one-stop shop for any style or type of replacement strap. If you like this style, you will also likely want to check out the following ranges:

All watch straps

Rubber watch straps

James Bond style straps

Tweed style straps