Fantastic Milanese Loop Style Band from Oittm is a Bargain

The Milanese Loop is one of Apple’s most delightful band offerings for the Apple Watch. There is little to no sizing issue, because the loop and magnet system allows for a wide range of wrist sizes and infinite sizes within that range. Unlike a band with a buckle or pin and holes, you never have to worry about being in between sizes. The woven metal style is classic and classy, and dressy enough to wear in even the most formal of settings. And yet the breathable mesh also holds up and stays comfortable in the gym or outdoors on hot days where you might break a sweat. If I could own only one band, it would probably be this style. The finish has both shiny and brushed elements, so it goes with both the steel and aluminum Apple Watches.

But the price of the Milanese Loop is prohibitive for many, and Apple’s color selection is limited to silver or space black. Imitation Milanese Loop bands began popping up soon after the release of the Apple Watch, but the quality has gotten more refined and the price has come down over time.

At less than $10 for the silver, rose gold, and black models, and about $16 for gold, this band from Oittm on Amazon is about a tenth the price of the real Milanese Loop from Apple. The quality is excellent. The adapters slide on and off easily, but lock in properly and stay firmly in place. The magnet that holds the loop in place on your wrist stays secure all day with no slippage. Generally, knock-off bands don’t have the magnet shielding that Apple’s does, but this one is at least partly shielded. The outside of the magnet is still somewhat attracted to metal objects, but not nearly as much as other knock-off bands I have. In the photo on Amazon, the Oittm branding is clearly visible on the outside of the magnet, but on the band I received, there is no branding at all. This is preferable to me, but I don’t know if that will be the case on all of the bands they sell.

In fact, at these prices, I don’t see any reason to stick to the color of your watch when choosing a color. You can mix and match for different looks. I have a stainless steel watch with the rose gold band.

Here I put a rose gold case on my Apple Watch for a more traditional matching look.

Oittm’s Milanese Loop style band comes in both the 38mm and 42mm sizes. Their silver, black, and rose gold bands are priced at $9.99. The gold color costs $16.99 for the 38mm and $15.76 for the 42mm size.

Check out our buyer’s guide for more third-party band options.