If you’re looking to buy a gift for that special someone or you’re new to watch straps, knowing how to pick the right one can be tough. Some of the factors to consider include the material, size and color of the strap. There are a lot of different types of watches out there and when it comes to the color, it helps to consider some  watch strap color rules.

Watch Strap Color Rules

Just like there are watch size trends to follow, the same goes for the strap. This article highlights a few watch strap color rules to consider. It highlights the factors you need to bear in mind when choosing the color of your watch strap.

Color Palette

Watches come in many colors, so it can be hard to choose one. Naturally, we often tend to go for a certain color palette, so your best bet is to analyze your wardrobe and start with colors that either complement or match what you wear. If you like black leather belts/shoes, for example, you may want to stick to black for your watch straps. Similarly, if your belt and shoes are brown, brown leather is the way to go. However, don’t worry too much about getting an exact match in color and tone.

Watch Dials

There are many things that can factor into what makes a good watch, and the dials are not to be overlooked. The dial color of your watch is another factor to consider. It’s widely accepted that brown straps work just fine with black dial watches. However, it’s advisable to keep some contrast. For instance, a black dial watch will tend to look best with a light to medium brown strap while a silver/white dial watch tends to look best with a medium to dark brown strap.

Monochrome/Grey/Black Wardrobes

You can stick to grey and black straps, or maybe spice things up with a small dose of color in your strap. Any color will work just fine. You can also go with minimalist watches so they don’t become the main focus of your outfit.

Blue/Cool Tone Wardrobes

Anything matching navy/blues is always a safe bet or something light to medium brown. Green and purple are somewhat comparable, while orange, yellow and red are complementary. Grey will always look good with cool tones.

Red/Warm Tone Wardrobes

You want to play safe with black and dark brown. Orange and yellow are analogous, while green, purple and blue are complementary.

Earth Tone Wardrobes

Olive drab, some earth grays and browns will work well. For some contrast, try adding a more saturated brighter color or black so the entire palette doesn’t appear too washed out. If you’re not sure what works, go for medium brown.

Should You Match Your Band to Your Belt, Shoes or Handbag?

When it comes to watch etiquette, the short answer is yes. But don’t get carried away. There’s no harm if not all leathers are black or brown but try not to go overboard.

What to Avoid

When picking out a watch strap, the most important factor to bear in mind is the big picture. For instance, if you have a three-pin chronograph with a busy dial, you want to keep the strap subtle. Adding a multi-colored strap band to an already busy watch is simply overkill.

Bottom Line

The watch strap color rules mentioned should make it easy for you to choose the right color straps for your watch. It’s also important to consider the thickness of the strap. Changing your straps is a good way to give your watch different looks, but if you plan to do it regularly, consider investing in a spring bar tool and some spare spring bars for when you lose one on the floor. If you don’t know where to start looking for watch bands, Muslim-owned Nominal X has a wide variety of watches to choose from.