Heyday Scrunchie Apple Watch Band

How a Playful Accessory Transformed My Smartwatch Experience

Like many Apple Watch enthusiasts, I’ve cycled through countless bands over the years—sporty silicone for workouts, elegant leather for meetings, and metal links for special occasions. But nothing quite prepared me for the unexpected joy that came from slipping a Heyday Scrunchie band onto my wrist. The perfect fusion of nostalgia and technology, this accessory has completely transformed how I feel about my Apple Watch, turning it from a practical device into a true fashion statement.

Let me take you through my journey with the Heyday Scrunchie Apple Watch Band, share everything I’ve learned about this unique accessory, and explain why it might be the perfect addition to your Apple Watch collection too.

My First Encounter: Discovering the Heyday Scrunchie Band

I still remember the day I first spotted the Heyday Scrunchie band while browsing through Target. Standing in the electronics section, I was initially searching for a replacement for my worn-out sport band when a display of colorful, fabric-wrapped Apple Watch bands caught my eye. They weren’t just watch bands—they were scrunchies for your wrist! The perfect marriage of ’90s nostalgia and modern tech immediately drew me in.

As someone who grew up in the era when scrunchies were the ultimate hair accessory, seeing them reimagined as a watch band felt both revolutionary and comfortingly familiar. I picked up a blush pink one, ran my fingers over the soft, gathered fabric, and knew I had to try it.

The $19.99 price tag made it an easy impulse buy—significantly more affordable than Apple’s official bands and many other third-party options I’d considered. What began as a whimsical purchase has since evolved into a full-blown collection that spans multiple colors and patterns.

The Nitty-Gritty: What Exactly Is the Heyday Scrunchie Band?

For those unfamiliar with Heyday, it’s Target’s in-house tech accessories brand that’s developed quite a following for its combination of affordability, quality, and on-trend designs. The scrunchie band represents their creative take on Apple Watch accessories, bringing a playful textile approach to a category often dominated by silicone, leather, and metal options.

The band itself features a soft, gathered fabric exterior (just like a traditional hair scrunchie) wrapped around a flexible core. Standard Apple Watch connectors on either end allow it to slide easily into place on your watch, while the stretchy nature of the band makes it comfortable to wear and simple to put on and take off.

Compatibility: Will It Fit Your Watch?

One of my initial concerns was whether the band would work with my particular Apple Watch model. After thorough research and now owning several of these bands, I can confirm that Heyday offers options compatible with all Apple Watch series (from the original through the latest Series 9 and Ultra models).

The bands come in two size categories:

• 38/40/41mm for smaller Apple Watch models
• 42/44/45/49mm for larger Apple Watch models

This sizing system ensures that regardless of which generation Apple Watch you own, you can find a Heyday scrunchie band that will fit properly. I’ve personally used them with both my Series 5 and my newer Series 8 without any issues.

It’s worth noting that while the connectors are designed to match Apple’s specifications perfectly, the band itself has a one-size-fits-most approach due to its stretchy nature. This leads us to the next important consideration…

Fit and Comfort: How Does It Feel on the Wrist?

The first time I slipped on my Heyday scrunchie band, I was genuinely surprised by how comfortable it felt. Unlike traditional watch bands with fixed sizing holes or rigid materials, the scrunchie band offers a gentle, accommodating fit that adapts to your wrist throughout the day.

The band’s elasticity means it can stretch to accommodate wrist sizes ranging from approximately 5.5 inches to 8.5 inches in circumference. This flexibility provides a “just right” feeling—snug enough to keep your watch in place for accurate health monitoring, but never tight or restrictive.

What I particularly appreciate is how the fabric-covered design eliminates the common complaints I’ve had with other bands:

• No sweaty wrist marks from non-breathable materials
• No hair pulling or pinching that can happen with metal bands
• No skin irritation that sometimes occurs with silicone or nylon

For all-day wear, the gentle pressure distribution makes it easy to forget you’re wearing your watch at all. The fabric exterior stays comfortable even during temperature changes—it doesn’t get uncomfortably cold in air conditioning or hot and sticky in warm weather the way metal or plastic bands can.

Material Matters: What’s It Made Of?

The Heyday scrunchie bands feature a polyester fabric exterior, which gives them their soft, textured feel. This outer layer is gathered around an elastic core, creating the characteristic scrunchie appearance while providing the necessary stretch.

The connectors are made from a durable plastic composite designed to mimic the look of aluminum Apple Watch cases, available in silver, gold, or space gray to match your particular watch. While not made of metal, I’ve found the connectors to be surprisingly sturdy and resistant to scratching or breaking.

One aspect I appreciate is that the materials are lightweight. The fabric construction means the band adds minimal weight to your wrist compared to metal options, making it especially comfortable for long-term wear.

Style Selection: Colors and Patterns to Express Your Personality

If there’s one area where the Heyday scrunchie bands truly excel, it’s variety. Target regularly updates the collection with new colors and patterns, making it easy to build a wardrobe of options to match different outfits or moods.

In the year since discovering these bands, I’ve collected several favorites:

• A classic black velvet for more formal occasions
• A floral pattern that’s perfect for spring and summer
• A cozy plaid that feels just right for fall
• A sparkly option that adds a touch of glamour
• Several solid colors that coordinate with my wardrobe staples

The seasonal rotation means there’s always something new to discover. During holidays, you’ll find festive patterns appear (I couldn’t resist the subtle snowflake design last December), while summer brings brighter colors and lighter fabrics.

This variety is particularly appealing when you consider the price point—at around $20 each, it’s feasible to own several and switch them out based on your outfit or the occasion, something that would be prohibitively expensive with Apple’s own band offerings.

Installation: How to Put It On Your Watch

Attaching the Heyday scrunchie band to your Apple Watch is identical to installing any other band, which is great news for anyone who might be hesitant about trying a non-standard option.

The process is simple:

1. Turn your Apple Watch face down on a soft surface
2. Press the band release button on the back of your watch
3. Slide out your existing band
4. Slide the Heyday connectors into the slots until they click securely
5. Gently tug to ensure they’re properly attached

The first time I installed mine, I was pleased to find that the connectors slide in smoothly and lock with a satisfying click, just like Apple’s own bands. There’s no wobble or looseness once properly attached.

One tip I’ve learned: pay attention to which connector goes on which side. Each connector is designed specifically for either the top or bottom of the watch, and they won’t fit correctly if reversed. The connectors are typically marked with a small “12” to indicate the top side, though you may need to look closely to spot it.

Durability: How Well Does It Hold Up?

After months of daily wear, I can confidently report on the durability of these bands. While I initially worried that the fabric might quickly show wear or lose elasticity, I’ve been pleasantly surprised by how well they maintain their appearance and function.

The fabric exterior is more resilient than I expected. While light colors will eventually show some dirt (as any fabric does), the patterns and darker colors still look fresh even after extended use. The elastic core has maintained its stretch without becoming loose or saggy.

The areas I watch most closely for wear are the connection points, as this is typically where lower-quality bands fail first. So far, the plastic connectors have proven sturdy, with no signs of cracking or loosening over time.

That said, these bands do have a different durability profile than silicone or metal options. You’ll want to treat them more like a clothing accessory than a piece of tech—which brings us to maintenance considerations.

Care and Maintenance: Keeping It Fresh

One of the most frequently asked questions about fabric watch bands is whether they’re washable, and if so, how to clean them properly. Based on my experience with the Heyday scrunchie bands, I’ve developed a simple care routine:

For regular cleaning, I gently hand wash the band in cool water with a mild soap, being careful not to submerge the connectors unnecessarily. After rinsing thoroughly, I pat it with a towel to remove excess moisture and then allow it to air dry completely before reattaching it to my watch.

For spot cleaning, a damp cloth with a tiny amount of soap usually does the trick for removing smudges or marks. I’ve found that most stains come out easily if addressed quickly.

One important note: I always remove the band from my watch before cleaning it. While the band itself can handle moisture, there’s no reason to risk water exposure to the connection points unnecessarily.

With proper care, I’ve found that even my most frequently worn bands maintain their appearance and elasticity quite well over time.

Performance During Activities: Workout Worthy?

When I first purchased my scrunchie band, I viewed it primarily as a fashion accessory for casual wear. However, I’ve been surprised by how well it performs during various activities.

For light workouts like yoga, walking, or weight training, the band stays comfortably in place without shifting. The fabric actually absorbs light perspiration rather than becoming slippery the way silicone sometimes can.

That said, I wouldn’t recommend it for intense cardio sessions or activities with heavy sweating. During a particularly vigorous HIIT workout, I found that once the band became saturated with sweat, it didn’t maintain its position as well as my dedicated sport band.

As for water resistance, while the band itself can certainly get wet and dry out, it’s not ideal for swimming or water sports. The fabric absorbs water and takes time to dry, creating a soggy feeling on the wrist that isn’t particularly pleasant.

My practical recommendation is to keep a dedicated sport or silicone band for serious workouts and water activities, saving the scrunchie band for everyday wear and lighter activities.

Style Versatility: From Casual to Dressy

Perhaps the most surprising aspect of the Heyday scrunchie band is its remarkable style versatility. Initially, I assumed it would be firmly in the “casual only” category, but I’ve discovered it works beautifully across a wide range of settings.

For casual everyday wear, it’s a natural fit—adding a touch of personality to jeans and t-shirt outfits or complementing athleisure looks perfectly.

For work environments, the solid colors and more subtle patterns can look surprisingly sophisticated, especially when coordinated with your outfit. I regularly wear mine to the office with business casual attire and receive compliments rather than raised eyebrows.

Even for dressier occasions, the right scrunchie band can work beautifully. The black velvet option paired with a cocktail dress creates a look that’s both elegant and unique, while the sparkly versions add a festive touch to evening wear.

What I’ve come to appreciate most is how the scrunchie band softens the tech-focused appearance of the Apple Watch, making it feel more integrated with fashion rather than standing apart as a gadget on your wrist.

Target Exclusivity and Availability

One thing to note about the Heyday scrunchie bands is that they’re exclusively available through Target. As a Target house brand, you won’t find them at Apple Stores, Best Buy, or other electronics retailers.

You can purchase them in physical Target stores in the electronics department, typically near other watch bands and smartphone accessories. They’re also available through Target’s website and app for home delivery or in-store pickup.

The exclusivity can occasionally present challenges with availability. Popular colors and patterns sometimes sell out quickly, especially during sales or new season launches. I’ve learned to grab designs I love when I see them rather than assuming they’ll be available indefinitely.

Target typically prices these bands at $19.99, though they’re occasionally included in accessory sales that might bring the price down to $15-17. Compared to Apple’s bands (which start at $49 for the basic sport band), the value proposition is quite compelling.

The Return Policy: Peace of Mind

One advantage of purchasing through Target is their generally customer-friendly return policy. New, unopened bands can be returned within 90 days with a receipt for a full refund. Even without a receipt, Target can often look up your purchase if you paid with a credit card or used your Target account.

This generous return window provides peace of mind when trying a new style or pattern. If you get home and find it doesn’t complement your watch or wardrobe as expected, returning is typically hassle-free.

In my experience, I’ve only returned one band—a pattern that looked different in person than online—and the process was quick and simple. This customer-friendly approach makes experimenting with different options much less stressful.

How It Compares to Competitors

The scrunchie-style Apple Watch band has become increasingly popular, and several competitors have entered the market since Heyday pioneered the concept. Having tried a few alternatives, I can offer some comparative insights:

Compared to higher-priced options from boutique accessory makers (often ranging from $30-45), the Heyday bands offer comparable quality at a significantly lower price point. While some premium options may use slightly higher-grade fabrics or real metal connectors, the difference rarely justifies the doubled price.

Against budget alternatives found on Amazon (typically $10-15), the Heyday bands generally offer superior construction, particularly in the connector area. The cheap options often have connectors that fit loosely or break easily, while the Heyday connectors have proven reliably secure.

Apple itself doesn’t offer a direct competitor to the scrunchie style, keeping their focus on sport bands, braided loops, and more traditional watch band designs. This leaves a nice opening for Heyday to fill a style gap in the official lineup.

For me, the Heyday bands hit the sweet spot of quality, price, and style that makes them my preferred choice in this category.

Customer Experiences: Beyond My Own

Beyond my personal experience, I’ve spoken with friends and read numerous reviews to understand the broader consensus on these bands. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with a few consistent themes emerging:

Many users particularly appreciate the gentle, non-irritating nature of the fabric bands, especially those with sensitive skin who experience reactions to silicone or metal options. The breathability is frequently mentioned as a significant advantage for all-day comfort.

Fashion-forward Apple Watch users love how the bands allow them to coordinate their tech with their outfits more seamlessly. The ability to match or complement clothing choices transforms the Apple Watch from a tech accessory into a true fashion piece.

Parents of teens with Apple Watches often mention that the scrunchie bands have been a hit with their children, who appreciate the trendy, social-media-friendly aesthetic at an affordable price point.

The most common criticism relates to durability during intense activities or exposure to elements, confirming my own observation that these are best used as everyday fashion bands rather than sport-specific options.

Is the Heyday Scrunchie Band Right for You?

After living with these bands for over a year, I feel qualified to offer guidance on whether the Heyday scrunchie band might be right for your needs. Consider adding one to your collection if:

• You value comfort and want a band that feels gentle on your wrist all day
• You view your Apple Watch as both a tech tool and a fashion accessory
• You appreciate the ability to easily coordinate your watch with different outfits
• You’re looking for an affordable way to refresh your watch’s appearance
• You prefer breathable materials that don’t cause skin irritation
• You enjoy nostalgic design elements with a modern twist

However, you might want to look elsewhere if:

• You need a band primarily for intense athletic activities or water sports
• You prefer a very structured, traditional watch band appearance
• You require the absolute maximum durability regardless of comfort
• You want the most minimalist look possible for your watch

Gifting the Heyday Scrunchie Band

One final aspect worth mentioning is how well these bands work as gifts. I’ve given several to friends and family members who own Apple Watches, and they’ve always been enthusiastically received.

The bands come in simple but attractive packaging that makes them gift-ready with minimal effort. The affordable price point positions them perfectly as thoughtful tokens—substantial enough to be meaningful without breaking the bank.

The wide variety of colors and patterns makes it easy to select options that match the recipient’s personal style. I typically consider their wardrobe colors, whether they tend toward patterns or solids, and any seasonal themes that might be appropriate.

For Apple Watch owners who already have the standard sport band their device came with, a scrunchie band offers a completely different look and feel, making it a refreshing alternative rather than a redundant accessory.

Final Thoughts: Why I’ll Keep Wearing Mine

As I’ve shared throughout this guide, the Heyday scrunchie Apple Watch band has become a staple in my accessory collection. What began as a curious impulse purchase has evolved into a genuine appreciation for how these simple bands can transform both the comfort and style of my Apple Watch.

The combination of affordability, comfort, and style versatility makes these bands an easy recommendation for anyone looking to refresh their Apple Watch experience. The joy of having a watch band that feels as good as it looks cannot be overstated—it’s changed how I relate to my device, making it feel more personal and less purely technological.

If you’ve been considering trying one, I hope this detailed guide has helped you understand what to expect and how to make the most of these unique accessories. Whether you choose a subtle solid color or a bold pattern, the scrunchie band offers a playful yet practical way to make your Apple Watch truly your own.

And isn’t that the real beauty of accessorizing our technology? It’s not just about function—it’s about making these devices that accompany us throughout our days feel like a natural, personalized extension of ourselves. In that respect, the humble scrunchie band achieves something remarkable, bridging the gap between cutting-edge technology and comfortable, accessible style.

So here’s to finding joy in the small things—even something as seemingly trivial as a watch band can bring unexpected delight to our daily routines. And in a world where technology can sometimes feel cold and impersonal, that’s something worth celebrating.