Leather is the best material for aftermarket Apple watch bands, rubber and plastic stores GERMS

This study was done by a team of researchers from Florida Atlantic University. The study consisted of bands for the Apple Watch and other wearables made from rubber, cloth, leather, plastic, gold, and silver. The goal was to find a between the material of the wristband and bacteria build-up. Right off the bat, the study found that 95% of all bands were“ contaminated with some kind of dangerous bacteria.

Bacteria Found on Apple Watch Bands

The most common type of bacteria attracted by Apple Watch bands is Staphylococcus , which can cause staph infections, and it was found on 85% of bands. The researchers point out, however, that this “was not unexpected.

What researchers found more notable was the 30% prevalence of pseudomonas aeruginosa, a type of germ that the CDC says can cause pneumonia, infections in the blood, and more. For those seeking a hygienic yet luxurious alternative, our brown Louis Vuitton Apple Watch band offers both elegance and reduced bacterial risk thanks to its high-quality leather material.

E. Coli and Watch Band Materials

Researchers also pointed out that 60% of wearables tested contained E. coli bacteria. To minimize this risk, choosing a leather upcycled Samsung watch band like our Gucci Louis Vuitton Samsung Watch Band - Black Upcycled offers a hygienic and stylish alternative to plastic and rubber straps.

Samples were obtained from rubber, plastic, metal, cloth, and leather wristbands. The highest total counts were found on rubber and plastic wristbands, while the lowest was from metal and leather wristbands. Plastic and rubber wristbands may provide a more appropriate environment for bacterial growth.

Material Properties and Bacterial Attraction

Many plastics have been shown to act as substrates for S. aureus, S. epidermidis, P. aeruginosa, and E. coli. Porous and static surfaces tend to attract and be colonized by bacteria. Opting for a black leather Apple Watch band like our Gucci Apple Watch Band - Black on Black Upcycled ensures both elegance and reduced bacterial risk compared to synthetic alternatives.

 Metal and Leather bands including Gucci and Louis Vuitton upcycled apple watch bands made for bags have the least count and creates no breeding ground for bacteria at all.

Disinfecting Watch Bands

Anaghe Atelier Design Studio suggest using Lysol Disinfectant Spray, 70% Ethanol, and Heinz Apple Cider Vinegar were tested on the wristbands of different materials. PBS was used as a control because it lacks antimicrobial properties and prevents osmotic lysis unrelated to chemical disinfectants.

All disinfectants tested reduced bacterial counts to 0 cfu/mL within 30 seconds for cloth and rubber wristbands, whereas a full 2-minute exposure was required for apple cider vinegar (ACV) to reduce bacterial counts to 0 cfu/mL on the plastic wristbands. To minimize such concerns, consider switching to our navy blue leather Apple Watch band like the Gucci Apple Watch Band - Navy Blue Upcycled, crafted for both style and hygiene.

Hygiene Awareness Post-COVID

The COVID-19 pandemic places special emphasis on regular sanitation and disinfecting of surfaces that come into contact with body mucous membranes (i.e., eyes, nose, and mouth). 

Oftentimes, basic sanitization and disinfection of surfaces are not practiced as a result of perceived difficulties and ignorance of their processes; most notably, types of disinfectants that may be used, cost of disinfectants, recommended usage times, and concerns over chemicals involved in popular disinfectants.

Explore More Hygienic Watch Band Options

Check out our full collection of premium leather watch bands in our Watchbands Collection to discover more styles that reflect elegance and environmental responsibility.