Sailcloth watch straps are a perfect addition to casual clothing. They pair well with khaki cut-offs, neutral tees, and base layers.
While not crafted from real sailcloth (that would be too expensive!), these straps do feature a lot of padding. This is important as it prevents the rigidity of regatta canvas from causing wrist fatigue.
1. They’re Water-Resistant
Sailcloth watch straps aren’t actually made from sails that were once on ships, but they do use canvas woven and are durable, lightweight, and water-resistant. This gives them a nautical charm and an incredible hardiness. They are 100% waterproof, so they’ll keep your watch dry and safe in the shower or pool. They’re also great for hiking, camping, or any other outdoor activities you might do that involve the elements.
The leather lining between your wrist and the sailcloth nylon makes this watch strap extremely comfortable to wear for long periods of time. This is because the padded nylon will mould itself to your wrist, rather than sticking rigidly and feeling like a stiff piece of cloth on your arm. This padding will also help reduce the risk of blisters, allowing you to enjoy your watch for days at a time.
Many of our sailcloth straps come with a smart brushed steel ZULUDIVER branded buckle that matches perfectly with stainless or titanium tool watches. However, if you’d prefer a black PVD coated buckle for that ‘Spec Ops’ look we can provide one too.
In addition to being waterproof, sailcloth straps are also resistant to saltwater and chlorine. This makes them ideal for divers who require a durable watch strap that can withstand harsh environments and conditions. Hybrid rubber straps are also a popular choice amongst diving enthusiasts, as they’re designed to withstand repeated contact with water, keeping your watch safe in the event of a dive.
Sailcloth rubber straps are a hybrid between rubber and fabric, meaning they have all the durability of a high-quality rubber bracelet with the aesthetic appeal of a leather watch strap. They’re a fantastic choice for anyone who wants the comfort and practicality of a rubber strap but requires the durability of a sailcloth model.
2. They’re Extremely Durable
While sailcloth isn’t made from the same canvas as the sails of ships (that would be very expensive), it’s woven and reinforced in similar ways to give it its distinct nautical charm. This also makes it extremely durable and resistant to water, saltwater, and abrasion. In fact, it can even resist the type of corrosion that can be caused by chemicals found in most rubber straps.
Sailcloth straps can withstand the rigours of outdoor adventure, making them ideal for hikers, climbers, and kayakers. They’re also great for those who need a comfortable and reliable watch strap for the gym or the pool, as they offer plenty of flexibility while being highly waterproof.
In addition to their durability, sailcloth straps look fantastic with a variety of different styles and colours. They pair well with casual outfits, but they’re particularly suited to business attire and formal events. This is because the sailcloth texture complements a professional style, while the rubber provides comfort and resilience. Hybrid rubber and sailcloth watch straps are also ideal for active pursuits, as they combine the best of both worlds.
Unlike other sailcloth straps, Artem’s versions don’t feel like cloth or rubber per se but rather a combination of both textures. This makes them feel incredibly robust and resilient but with a softness that’s far more impressive than most leather straps. They’re also super easy to break in, as they don’t crack or stiffen like other sailcloth straps – simply pour boiling water over them for a few seconds and then shape them by hand. This gives them an immediately comfortable and pliable wear and makes feeding the loose end through the keepers a breeze.
3. They’re Comfortable
While most straps are a bit stiff and hard to bend around your wrist, sailcloth-style watch bands offer a more comfortable fit. This is due to the fact that they aren’t made of a single piece of leather, but rather a rubber/leather hybrid. This fusion of two different materials provides both comfort and durability, making it ideal for active lifestyles.
In addition to being more flexible than pure rubber straps, hybrid watch straps are also more comfortable against the skin. This is thanks to the fact that they are thicker and more padded. Furthermore, unlike other types of straps that often start padding at the lugs and then stop, these designs are heavily padded all the way down to the buckle.
The brand Artem Straps, a company founded by a group of friends who couldn’t find the watch straps they wanted for their own watches, has created a unique sailcloth hybrid watch band called “Endurance”. Named after the ship that took Ernest Shackleton to Antarctica, this design features dual construction with a molded rubber precision-cut lower section topped off with a layer of thin leather. As a result, it’s very aesthetically pleasing and manages to successfully juggle the textures of both leather and cloth.
Another great thing about this design is the fact that it’s designed to accommodate a variety of lug widths and watch styles. This versatility is possible thanks to the fact that the tail of the strap tucks almost underneath the opposing side of the clasp when closed. The result is that the tail is out of sight and out of mind and this also helps to make sizing the strap much easier.
4. They’re Versatile
If you’re an outdoorsy type, a watch strap with a rugged aesthetic like a sailcloth one is perfect for you. The fabric has a natural outdoorsy look that pairs well with casual clothing, such as khaki cut-offs, neutral tees, and waterproof layers. The material is also breathable, preventing sweat buildup and keeping your wrist cool during activities like hiking, biking, or swimming.
Sailcloth is a popular choice for outdoor sports because it’s durable and water-resistant, but it’s also stylish and comfortable enough for daily wear. This combination of functionality and style makes it a great choice for active people who want a watch that can go with them everywhere they’re going, no matter what the weather may be.
A lot of products that are marketed as sailcloth straps, however, don’t actually feel like cloth at all. In fact, most of them are made from tpu rubber or vinyl that’s been imprinted to look like sailcloth. They’re still fine straps, but they’re not the genuine article. Thankfully, Artem’s Loop-Less strap is the real deal and actually feels like a sailcloth when you wear it.
The strap is pliable with little structure and has a slight padded spline close to the lugs, but it’s thiner near the buckle. This gives the strap a softer feel than other sailcloth straps and ensures it won’t be bulky on your wrist. The strap also doesn’t require any breakin, and it feels comfortable from the moment you put it on. If you’re interested in trying out a sailcloth strap for yourself, check out StrapHabit’s selection of different sizes and colors. They’re a reputable US retailer that specializes in straps and have a great customer service team.
5. They’re Affordable
As a new trend in watch straps, sailcloth is bringing style and durability to a whole new audience. These hybrid rubber watch straps are quickly gaining popularity among horology lovers and casual enthusiasts alike, thanks to their unique aesthetics and resilient construction.
But despite their evocative qualities, they’re also surprisingly affordable, making them the perfect accessory for any wrist. Sailcloth straps are available in a wide range of colors, so it’s easy to find one that perfectly complements your personality and outfit. Plus, they’re easy to clean and durable enough for a variety of activities, from working out at the gym to running errands around town.
Sailcloth straps can be worn with just about any type of watch, from professional suits to weekend casual wear. And if you’re looking for an added touch of sophistication, they can even elevate vintage elements and create a cohesive look between the hardware and dial. But if you’re really seeking a truly versatile option, a grey sailcloth strap may be the ideal choice for you.
One brand that understands this well is Artem, which uses a highly-durable Cordura(r) nylon rather than traditional canvas in its straps. Their designs are also a little thicker, with some padding closer to the strap head and then a little thinner near the buckle end, to raise comfort levels. This also helps to protect the fabric from snags or marks during use.
Artem also uses a unique double-keeper system, with the second floating keeper being a little wider in construction than the first to prevent the strap from stretching or tearing when moving it up and down the deployant clasp. It’s a small detail, but it’s one that really sets their straps apart from other sailcloth options out there and makes them much more comfortable for regular wear.
