For those of you who have the Milanese loop band, how do you find it for everyday use? Is it ok to use for workouts, or is the magnetic strap too weak for that. I’m thinking about getting one, but also a little concerned, I’ve read somewhere that there may be issues with the band scratching the watch. Thanks for any info.
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Milanese loop info
- Thread starter BullittMustang
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
You *could* use it for workouts, but the strap can slip a little if you do. I have done.
Not enough that the watch will come off, but if you bump it it will slip a little when you bump it.
However, the sports bands (the velcro one especially) are FAR, FAR lighter (my S2 and S4 watches are both sports models, i got the velcro band with the s4 - and you can definitely tell the difference).
You end up with much less weight moving around on your wrist which means you can also run the sports band a little less tight, which is also more comfortable.
I've had my milanese loop through two watches so far and haven't scratched either of them with it. If you're careful putting it on and taking it off and where you put it when it isn't on your wrist, you will be fine.
That said, get a velcro sports band for workouts. They're just so, so much better for exercising with.
Thanks for the info, I do have a sport loop and a leather loop, also the sport band that came with it. I really like the look of the Milanese, just not sure it will be so good for everyday use.
It's OK for "every day". And yeah you COULD exercise with it if you don't have the other band handy. But the experience is not as nice as the sports loop.
The black milanaise band has a special coating that can scratch the back AND the front of the watch easily if you are not careful. Ask me how I know....
While the black milanaise band is certainly pretty, I have stopped wearing it because it also scratches my desk and the palm rests of my MacBook Pro (I was wise enough to add a protective sticker...). Also, the rim of my jacket's pockets got very fizzy on the side I'm wearing the watch. I suspect the watchband rubs against these when putting my hands in my pocket. Not a big deal but that just shows how hard the band is ;-)
I may use the milanaise for going out, but not for work because of this.
While the black milanaise band is certainly pretty, I have stopped wearing it because it also scratches my desk and the palm rests of my MacBook Pro (I was wise enough to add a protective sticker...). Also, the rim of my jacket's pockets got very fizzy on the side I'm wearing the watch. I suspect the watchband rubs against these when putting my hands in my pocket. Not a big deal but that just shows how hard the band is ;-)
I may use the milanaise for going out, but not for work because of this.
Oh, I just want to add that I only have experiences with the BLACK Milanese. I read somewhere the silver one is not as hard because it doesn't have this special black coating, so it might be fine and not scratch the heck of your other possessions ;-)
Thanks, I should have mentioned that the Black is the one I would be getting, I gave a space black watch.
I've used it for everyday use, including runs. Does not feel so great when its wet from sweat. And yes, it is very possible to scratch your watch as I have done.
This hasn't been mentioned: do you have a small wrist? I do and the band barely fit. The magnetic end was always almost touching the other end of the watch. If you can get to an Apple Store or somewhere where they let you try it on, that would be a good idea.
This hasn't been mentioned: do you have a small wrist? I do and the band barely fit. The magnetic end was always almost touching the other end of the watch. If you can get to an Apple Store or somewhere where they let you try it on, that would be a good idea.
I'm at the other end of the spectrum with a larger wrist. The band does fit and I have a decent amount of overlapping band to spare but since the length is shorter than some other bands, the overall loop size is small for me. This makes putting it on/taking off a bit more of a challenge. Agree that trying it on is a very good idea.
I just recently picked up the SB Milanese and have experience with 3rd party Milanese style bands. Honestly, after having it I have mixed feelings. Its better than 3rd party bands at the lugs, the tolerances are tighter so there is less play side to side in the band itself. The price came down which is great. As noted the Apple version is harder to get on my wrist while 3rd party bands are a bit longer, thus easier to get on. Magnets on Apple's version seem to be stronger. I'm expecting the finish to wear better but the overall feel of it, I expected to be much softer. The small links are not any more rounded than 3rd party bands I've tried or at least they don't feel that way at this point. Still a very nice looking band though.
While I like it, it's definitely not my choice for every day use and certainly not for workouts. My preference for workouts is Sport Band or Loop. I find them to be the most stationary and secure.
I just recently picked up the SB Milanese and have experience with 3rd party Milanese style bands. Honestly, after having it I have mixed feelings. Its better than 3rd party bands at the lugs, the tolerances are tighter so there is less play side to side in the band itself. The price came down which is great. As noted the Apple version is harder to get on my wrist while 3rd party bands are a bit longer, thus easier to get on. Magnets on Apple's version seem to be stronger. I'm expecting the finish to wear better but the overall feel of it, I expected to be much softer. The small links are not any more rounded than 3rd party bands I've tried or at least they don't feel that way at this point. Still a very nice looking band though.
While I like it, it's definitely not my choice for every day use and certainly not for workouts. My preference for workouts is Sport Band or Loop. I find them to be the most stationary and secure.
Last edited:
The Milanese loop has never been an issue for me even during heavy exercise. The one it comes with is the one I have issues with. But I have tiny wrists, so maybe that’s why.
Mine is black and i have not had any issues.
I'm not saying that you haven't, mind... just that perhaps this is dependent on the person. On my 13" macbook pro my wrist-band is nowhere near the palm-rest for example...
On the other end of the scale re sizing... i have reasonably large hands. I can get them through the band ok; however, i can see that if you have exceptionally large hands you may not be able to wear it at all.
I just ordered a knock off Milanaise band from Amazon. Just out of curiously how it does with the scratching. In this regard, I also need to mention that I have one of these RSI mouses that you hold sideways. So the Milanaise band had contact with the desk a lot, scratching it. Maybe not a problem if you use a mouse pad or your arm is in a different position when working.
Personally I'd not use the ML for workouts. This band is not sweat/waterproof, and I don't trust the strength of the magnet. Use the dedicated sport bands/loops that are great for workouts.
From my experience with the ML I liked it a lot to dress up, but since I moved from 42mm to 40mm I haven't got another ML - the smaller sized ones just look too dainty for me.
From my experience with the ML I liked it a lot to dress up, but since I moved from 42mm to 40mm I haven't got another ML - the smaller sized ones just look too dainty for me.