I Woke Up To.

Have you ever woken up to find tiny curled bits on your bedsheets, desk, or even on your wrist after removing your smartwatch? These odd little pieces might look like miniature Velcro hooks, and if there’s no Velcro around, it can be puzzling—where did they come from?

As strange as they seem, these tiny curls are quite common and usually come from a source many people wear daily: their smartwatch or fitness tracker band. If your strap is made of silicone or rubber, chances are you’ve seen these shavings before. They may seem mysterious, but they’re simply small fragments that break off from the band over time.

This happens because of the regular friction and pressure the band experiences from daily use. Skin contact, moisture, and movement gradually wear the material down, causing it to shed in these curled bits that resemble Velcro. Think of it like a busy road—eventually, the surface starts to deteriorate under constant traffic.

Several things can speed up this wear and tear. Daily motions like twisting your wrist, tightening the band, or removing it can strain the material. Sweat and natural oils from your skin also play a part—especially during workouts or hot days—by weakening the band’s surface over time.

Friction is another big factor. If your wrist frequently rubs against desks, sleeves, or cuffs, those repeated small abrasions can wear down the strap and cause those little hook-like shavings to appear. And not all straps are created equal—cheaper or older silicone and rubber bands tend to wear out faster.

On the other hand, higher-quality materials like fluoroelastomer are more resistant to wear and usually don’t shed as easily, making them a better option for long-term use.