Why Do People Wear NATO Straps? 3 Main Reasons


Why do people wear NATO straps? The answer: because NATO straps offer the greatest security, practicality, the most variation in style, along with having the best fit and comfortability out of the majority of watch bands available in the market. 

In a world filled with leather watch bands, metal bracelets, and rubber watch straps, NATO straps stand out for their unique attributes, spanning from their military origins to their current place in fashion. This guide will go over the three main reasons why people wear a NATO strap. Let’s get started. 

3 Main Reasons Why People Wear NATO Straps

Reasons Why People Wear a NATO Strap

Why wear a NATO strap? Why are they so popular? While it's tempting to simply credit their unique aesthetic design, the true charm of NATO watch straps lies in a trifecta of functional advantages: unmatched security and practicality, versatile fashion options, and superior fit. Let’s go over these.

1. NATO Straps Offer Unmatched Security & Practicality: 

First, the single piece, water-resistant design of the NATO strap is a boon for those who lead an active lifestyle. The nylon material ensures that your strap won't deteriorate even in wet conditions.

The NATO strap's secure design ensures that your expensive timepiece won't fall off even if one of the spring bars breaks, providing an extra layer of security with its double loop and secondary strap. 

2. NATO Straps Have the Most Variation in Fashion and Style Options: 

Another reason people opt for NATO straps over traditional watch straps is the versatility in style. Suitable for both formal and casual settings, there's a style of watch band within the NATO range to suit every environment.

These military straps have a robust look that captures the essence of rugged individualism, while colorful nylon options provide a more youthful and trendy appearance. Whether it's a NATO strap Apple watch accessory or a NATO watch strap specifically tailored for the Canadian market, the choices are limitless. 

3. NATO Straps Are the Best-Fitting Watch Band: 

Finally, NATO straps generally offer the most comfortable and better-fitting strap experience out of most watch bands available in the market. Unlike traditional watch straps, which might need extra holes punched in or links removed for a proper fit, NATO straps can easily be adjusted for various wrist sizes.

This ensures that you don't have to sacrifice comfort for style or functionality. Unlike an excess bit of strap tail leftovers, you might find in other watch bands, NATO straps allow you to tuck in the excess strap, ensuring a clean look.

Read more: NATO vs Zulu Straps: 5 Key Differences

What is the Point of the NATO Strap?

What is the Point of a NATO Strap?

Originally developed for the British military, NATO straps were designed to be durable and functional. The one-piece strap is made typically of ballistic nylon, making it a sturdy alternative to traditional leather straps or metal bracelets. The design ensures that even if one of the spring bars breaks, the watch will remain securely attached to your wrist. 

Another point to consider is how the nylon wicks away moisture, making it an excellent option for various wrist sizes and situations where a leather strap may deteriorate faster. 

Are NATO Straps Fashionable?

Absolutely. With options ranging from classic style designs to colorful straps that add a pop of color, NATO straps have entered popular consciousness as a trendy alternative. The strap style you choose can range from casual strap variants like ribbed NATO straps to more formal options like NATO leather straps. Whether you want a strap with green stripes or a navy blue one, the color combination options are limitless. You can even go for corps colors if you want to honor a military background.

Read more: Are Leather Watch Straps Waterproof?

What NATO Strap did James Bond Wear? 

James Bond, specifically Daniel Craig's portrayal, brought NATO straps into the limelight. He sported an Omega Seamaster with a NATO strap that had distinct green stripes. This James Bond NATO strap quickly became iconic and led many to reconsider their watch accessories, swapping out their leather watch straps and metal bracelets for military nylon straps. Whether it's an Omega NATO strap or a G Shock NATO strap, the James Bond effect is palpable. 

NATO straps distinguish themselves by offering an unparalleled blend of functionality, style, and comfortability. For reasons such as being inspired by James Bond's choice of a styled military watch strap, looking for a watch band to protect your luxury watches, or simply seeking a piece of cool wrist hardware that won't let you down, NATO straps offer all of it. As we've explored, from their practical origins to their fashion-forward adaptations, NATO straps are a compelling choice for anyone looking to make both a style and a substance statement.

View Band and Bezel's extensive collection of Canadian watch straps and watch strap replacements. All orders include fast free shipping, 1 year warranty, and your watch strap handmade with genuine quality materials.