I’ve been reviewing smartwatches for years, and my least favorite time to do so is during the summer — for the same reason that most people find wearables uncomfortable during the warmer months.
When the weather is hot, watches, fitness trackers, and running watches can be downright unbearable to wear.
It’s a big reason that many prefer smart rings over smartwatches, or sometimes remove their wrist devices entirely for months at a time. I know I do the same if it’s humid.
If it’s warm and you’re sweating a lot, a watch band can rub against your wrist, causing skin irritation and annoyance. Plus, the buildup of sweat and salts can damage a device in the long run.
But what’s the point of owning the best smartwatch if you’re not going to be using the thing? Which is why it’s useful to know how to use your wearable during the summer months, albeit with some amendments.
I’m no stranger to using a wearable in all types of conditions, having used the best running watches to run half-marathons and train for full ones in 80-degree weather. I’ve learned a few easy tips that’ll make summer a lot more bearable.
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Remove it when not in use
Keep it cool
My first piece of advice might seem obvious, but to many of us, it’s anything but: Remember to remove your smartwatch as much as possible.
This might be easier said than done if you constantly want to monitor your heart rate and keep tuned in for new notifications. I’d wager that many people keep their wearables on their wrists when they’re not charging.
Still, you need to let your skin rest, especially if it’s been rubbing against a watch all day and trapping heat from the device. If nothing else, removing your watch will let your wrist cool down a little.
I used to get red marks on my wrist from wearing a watch, and that’s a normal sight for people who own them, especially in warm weather. So remember to protect your skin and take off your smartwatch regularly when it’s warm.
Get a breathable band
Look after your skin without ditching your watch
My favorite piece of advice doesn’t require you to remove your smartwatch constantly. Instead, you might need to pay a little bit of money.
Wearable bands and straps are designed to let air flow through them. Sometimes, this means the material is porous; other times, it literally has holes in it, or a design that improves ventilation.
The models above all show this, to different degrees. I’ve gotten to the point where, if a watch band doesn’t have perforations, I’m not going to use it.
Normal smartwatch straps, like those made of leather, can trap heat and moisture, which is undesirable at the best of times but downright uncomfortable during hot weather.
And if the salt from your sweat gets trapped, it could do long-term damage to the strap, or even the watch.
Breathable watch straps offer a noticeably more pleasant wear in warm weather, thanks to this ventilation, and the longevity of your device is a bonus.
The good news is that many fitness trackers and running watches — and some smartwatches — come with breathable bands. So many people won’t need to buy a new one.
If you need a new strap, check out your watch retailer’s website first. Most manufacturers sell alternative versions, and you’ll have the confidence that it’s compatible with your device.
Beyond perforations, some types of bands can be breathable due to their material. Bamboo, silicone (not rubber), and nylon are all ideal.
Traditional watch users also swear by sailcloth and “NATO” bands, but these are much harder to come by in the smartwatch world.
Clean it (and your wrist) regularly
Not on my watch
Credit: Freepik
An unpleasant, but unavoidable, fact about warm weather is that we sweat a lot more. And a smartwatch that’s wrapped tightly against your wrist, which you use for exercising and wear at night, could quickly become very gross.
A widely reported study from 2023 suggested that 95% of smartwatches were “contaminated” with some kind of bacteria.
If you’re the kind of person who keeps your watch on when you go to the bathroom, or runs frequently wearing it, you’re probably not in that lucky 5%.
That’s why it’s incredibly important to clean your wearable regularly. Remove it from your wrist, and use a microfiber cloth to wipe it down.
Most smartwatches and running watches also let you uncouple the body and strap, so you can really get at them both from all angles.
For peak hygiene, you can have different straps: one for exercise, one for general use, and another for nighttime use. This means you’re not sweating profusely on a smartwatch you’re about to wear in bed.
When you remove your smartwatch to wash it, don’t forget to wash your wrist.
Some people wear their watches when swimming, and even in the shower. If that’s you, then the skin where your device usually sits needs to be kept clean too!
Don’t worry if you’re a bit unsure of how to maintain your wearable. We have an entire guide on how to clean a smartwatch that’ll run you through it.