Best Watch Straps for Summer - Stay Cool, Stylish & Comfortable
Everything you need to know about choosing the right watch strap for warm weather.
Why Your Strap Choice Matters More in Summer
As temperatures rise, a watch strap does more than hold your timepiece — it becomes a key part of your comfort and daily style. Heat, humidity, sweat, and skin sensitivity all increase in summer, which makes material choice, construction, and colour more important than ever.
Whether you’re wearing a tool watch on holiday, a dress watch to an outdoor wedding, or something casual day to day, the right strap can elevate both feel and function.
Here’s our curated guide to pairing sun-ready straps with watches that truly let them shine:
1. Italian Wax Leather – Summer Tan
Perfect Pairings: Grand Seiko SBGA, Cartier Tank, Tudor 1926
Crafted from premium Italian waxed leather, this strap offers a naturally smooth finish with subtle texture. The warm tan tone pairs effortlessly with lighter dials and linen shirts. It softens beautifully with wear and works year-round, but truly shines in summer.
2. French Epsom Leather – Light Blue (White Stitch)
Perfect Pairings: Omega Aqua Terra, Rolex Oyster Perpetual (Silver or Pink Dial), Tudor Royal
This strap’s fine texture and icy blue tone evoke coastal skies and crisp linen. It offers a breezy contrast to polished steel or salmon-toned dials. The white stitching keeps it fresh and nautical—perfect for a smart-casual summer look.
3. Italian Suede – Light Grey
Perfect Pairings: Nomos Metro, IWC Mark XX, Seiko Presage
Light grey suede is effortlessly understated and works beautifully with minimalist watches. The soft matte finish adds texture, cooling down any glare from summer sun while keeping the overall aesthetic light and breathable.
4. Chromexcel Leather – Pasture Green
Perfect Pairings: Seiko Alpinist, Tudor Ranger, Longines Spirit
Earthy and saturated, Pasture Green feels like an escape to alpine forests or summer hiking trails. It’s bold without being overpowering, making it a great match for sport watches with outdoor credentials.
5. Ostrich Belly – Deep Blue
Perfect Pairings: Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso, Grand Seiko Snowflake, Omega De Ville
Rich in texture and striking in colour, this strap elevates dress watches with a burst of deep summer cool. The feathered pattern adds visual interest and feels luxurious on the wrist—ideal for evening dinners or destination weddings.
What Makes a Strap Summer-Ready?
1. Breathable Materials:
Avoid heavy or heat-retaining options. Instead, choose open-pored leather, soft suede, or lighter constructions that allow airflow.
2. Lighter Colours:
Lighter tones reflect heat and blend well with summer wardrobes—think creams, blues, olives, and pale greys.
3. All-Day Comfort:
Slim profiles and soft textures reduce friction and sweating, especially during longer wear.
