Watch Bands: One of the Simplest Swaps You Can Make

Watch bands might seem too small to bother with, but they are one of the most compelling items to swap because of the combination of constant skin contact and the ease of replacement. Most people wear a watch or fitness tracker almost 24 hours a day. That is more continuous skin contact than almost any other single item in your life, including most clothing.

The wrist is also a location where veins are close to the surface and blood flow is higher than in many other areas. The skin on the inner wrist is relatively thin. Watches and fitness trackers trap heat and sweat against the wrist for extended periods, and sweaty skin is more permeable than dry skin.

PFAS in Wearables

Research published in 2021 specifically tested wearable accessories and found PFAS in a significant percentage of products tested, including smartwatch bands. Apple Watch bands, Fitbit bands, and other popular wearables were among those tested. PFAS in this context are likely used to improve durability and water resistance of the band material.

Many people who develop wrist rashes from watches assume they have a nickel allergy (which is possible from metal cases), but some of those rashes are actually contact dermatitis from the band material itself, particularly from certain rubber compounds and adhesives used to attach the band to the case.

Swapping a watch band is genuinely a 5-minute task that costs between 10 and 30 dollars for most options. It is hard to think of another change in this guide that has this ratio of ease to potential benefit.

Better Band Materials

• Organic cotton or canvas bands: comfortable, breathable, absorb less heat
• Stainless steel or titanium: no organic chemical concerns, very durable
• Plant-based acetate
• Leather from vegetable-tanned sources: if you prefer a premium look