What to do if your NATO strap is too long?

I like NATO straps.  They do a good job of adding extra color in a functional way.  The straps are one size fits most.  While they do fit me, there is usually a great deal of extra strap at the end.  So what do you do with the extra strap?  7 options after the jump.  

First, where to get straps.  There are tons of options out there.  Here are a few.

J. Crew (solid, striped, camo (above), suede, leather) 
Rugby 
eBay (red/white/blue below) 
Smart Turnout (my personal favorite) 
The Knottery 

Option 1: Cut it off

I’ve never tried this before and don’t like the idea of it, but it could work.  

Addendum: thesilentist and alifesuited both recommended this video for how to shorten your NATO strap.  Whoever made the video does not do a close up of the finished product at the end.  I wonder why?  If anyone has done this and has close up pictures, let me know.  

Option 2: Under-Under

Sometimes there is not too much extra strap.  You can get away with just letting it hang out.  

Option 3: Under-Over-Back-Under-Under

If there is not too much extra strap, you can tuck it under in this fashion.  The camo strap has too much extra for this to work.  

Option 4: Under-Under-Back-Under-Under

This works well with thicker straps where the rungs are not too far apart.  The camo strap is too thin and the rungs are too close together for this work.  

Option 5: Under-Under-Back-Over-Under

This works well with most straps.  If the strap is too thick, the rungs are too far apart and/or their is not enough extra strap, it may come undone.  

Option 6: Option 5 + 1

This is probably my favorite way to wear my NATO.  It only works on longer straps though, but it’s very secure.

Option 7: Option 6 + 1

If you want even more security, you can, with a little finagling, get the above look.  I rarely go this far, but every now and then you have to batten down the hatches.

Which one do you use?  Enjoy. 

35 Notes/ Hide

  1. notyourbatmans reblogged this from acutestyle
  2. saifudeane16 reblogged this from acutestyle
  3. iamphl reblogged this from acutestyle
  4. angebuen reblogged this from acutestyle and added:
    Interesting. All my Nato straps are too long. (I have a very small and weak wrist)
  5. gottalift88 reblogged this from acutestyle
  6. lado89 reblogged this from acutestyle
  7. shipwreckedsailors reblogged this from acutestyle and added:
    i need to buy a new watch to go with a couple of straps that i’ve had my eye on for like ever.
  8. tangodancingphdcandidate answered: Option #4 is preferred bu military types, because it allows the watch to be taken off in one move, which apparently is useful in combat
  9. jiforce answered: I’ve used both options 1 and 4 for my NATO straps. I find that using a lighter to seal the ends is useful for option 1, to prevent fraying.
  10. kellerwhale answered: roll it back through the first loop - the strap bends and learns the new shape quickly!
  11. styleknotfashion answered: i go with number 4
  12. jo-wo answered: I usually go with 4. Might try 6 or 7 one of these days though
  13. thesilentist answered: Boom: vimeo.com/4057387…
  14. girouxmcisaak answered: I always do 4.
  15. yooshenelee reblogged this from acutestyle
  16. dreeces reblogged this from acutestyle
  17. theretardedones reblogged this from acutestyle
  18. alifesuited answered: or for a more permanent solution youtu.be/Cx31V1_…
  19. thekyotomaiko answered: I have a very tiny wrist. I fold it back in under the metal.
  20. asphericalperspective answered: Aren’t you supposed to fold it back into the last loop? That’s what I see a lot of people do. Personally, I’m not a NATO fan.
  21. lukassuveg answered: I was under the impression that this excess length was simply meant to be “folded back” toward the clasp [no sarcasm].
  22. beyondfabric answered: I was wondering if I was the only one with this issue… Great insight, I usually go with number 4 Best
  23. stylepoints reblogged this from acutestyle and added:
    The more you know…
  24. acutestyle posted this

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