Nato Strap Size Guide – Width and Fit

A Nato strap is the most forgiving watch strap there is when it comes to fit – it wraps around the whole watch case instead of attaching directly to the lugs, so there's no strap end that can sit wrong. But the width still has to be exactly right. If you want to read about where the design comes from, we have a separate article on the history of the Nato strap – this one is about finding the right size.

Why a Nato strap almost always fits well

Because the strap runs through both pairs of lugs and under the whole case, the tension is spread evenly, and the watch stays on your wrist even if one spring bar comes loose – which is why the design originally became a military standard. The only thing you need to get right is the width at the lugs, exactly as with a regular watch strap.

Widths we sell

Our leather Nato straps come in brown, dark brown, black, khaki, green and blue, all in 18, 20 and 22mm. In textile/nylon we have a wide selection in blue, green, red, orange, grey and khaki/beige, in 18, 20, 22 and 24mm – see the full range of Nato and nylon watch straps.

Two-piece or seatbelt – what's the difference?

As well as the classic single-pass Nato strap, we have two-piece nylon straps in black, blue, brown and green (18–24mm) that look like a regular watch band but have the same rugged construction, and seatbelt Nato straps in several colours (20–22mm) with a tighter, seatbelt-style weave. Both are measured and fitted in exactly the same way as a classic Nato strap.

Conclusion

As long as the width at the lugs is right, a Nato strap is almost guaranteed to fit – that's the whole point of the design. Unsure of your width? Our guide to measuring your watch strap size takes a minute. Then browse our Nato straps.