Arm Warmers

Arm warmers, also called arm covers or cycling sleeves, are loose sleeves that you pull over your arms as a supplement to a cycling jersey with short sleeves. They give extra warmth and protection on fresh mornings, colder rides or changeable transitional seasons, without having to put on a different jersey. As it gets warmer, you pull them off and store them in a back pocket of your cycling jersey.

Arm warmers are suitable for road cycling and mountain biking. Most models are made of breathable, lightweight material and are provided with silicone grippers at the top so they do not slip down during the ride. The most important selection criteria are the temperature at which you want to use them and whether you need a thinner or warmer model.

Which arm warmers suit you?

The right choice depends on the season and the temperature at which you cycle. The following scenarios help you quickly find the right direction.

You cycle at temperatures between 10 and 15 degrees and want to keep your arms warm without putting on a completely different jersey: Arm warmers are developed precisely for this situation. Pull them over your short-sleeve cycling jersey and you immediately have the protection of a long sleeve. Most road cyclists and triathletes use arm warmers in this temperature range as the most flexible solution.

You ride in the morning when it is still fresh and expect it to get warmer during the day: Arm warmers are the ideal choice for this. Start the ride with arm warmers on and roll them off — or put them in a back pocket — as soon as the temperature rises. That is not possible with a long-sleeve jersey. That flexibility is their greatest advantage.

You mountain bike and also want to protect your arms against branches and splashing water: Lightweight arm warmers with water-repellent properties also give off-road protection against mud, branches and cold. They are more compact than a jacket and easier to put on and take off on the terrain.

What to look for when purchasing?

Thickness and warmth

Arm warmers are available in lightweight thin models for the transitional season and warmer, thermal models for colder temperatures. A thin model of lightweight elastic material is suitable for 12 to 16 degrees. A thermal model with a fleece lining is suitable for temperatures between 5 and 12 degrees. If you buy them for changeable spring weather, choose a thin breathable model; for autumn and winter rides go for thermal.

Silicone grippers

Almost all cycling arm warmers have silicone grippers at the top to prevent slipping. Check whether the grippers are wide enough for a stable fit and whether they feel comfortable on the skin. Narrow grippers can constrict during intensive exertion; wide grippers distribute the pressure better.

Fit and size

Arm warmers must fit snugly on the arm without constricting. Too loose and they slide down, even with grippers. Use the brand's size chart and measure the circumference of your upper arm and forearm for the best size. Most brands offer S, M, L and XL for men; women's models are cut narrower to female arm proportions.

Water repellency

Some arm warmers have a water-repellent DWR coating that wards off light precipitation. That is handy in changeable weather where you do not know if it stays dry. A fully waterproof model is rare for arm warmers and also not necessary; for that you use a cycling jacket.

Our advice: Combine arm warmers with a short-sleeve cycling jersey if you cycle in spring and autumn. That gives you the most flexibility for the daily temperatures in those seasons. If the temperature is consistently below 10 degrees, a long-sleeve cycling jersey is the more comfortable choice than arm warmers on a summer jersey.

Arm warmers or long-sleeve cycling jersey?

A long-sleeve cycling jersey gives consistent warmth across the whole arm and is more comfortable if it stays cold throughout the entire ride. A long-sleeve jersey also generally has a better fit around the sleeves than arm warmers over another jersey.

Arm warmers are the better choice if the temperature varies during the ride. You start warm, the sun comes out, it gets a few degrees warmer — with arm warmers you adapt your outfit in ten seconds without dismounting. With a long jersey you are stuck with that choice for the entire ride. If it stays cold all day, choose a long jersey. If the temperature varies or you start in the cold in the morning and ride in the warmth in the afternoon, arm warmers are the smarter choice.

Who are arm warmers suitable for?

• Road cyclists and triathletes who ride with a short-sleeve cycling jersey and want extra warmth on fresh mornings or in changeable transitional seasons.
• Cyclists who regularly ride outdoors in spring and autumn and want to extend their cycling wardrobe without buying multiple jerseys.
• Mountain bikers who at colder temperatures also want to protect their arms against cold and splashing water.
• Athletes who travel to cycling competitions and want to be ready to ride for changeable weather in minimal luggage space.

Arm warmers are less suitable at temperatures below 8 degrees or during prolonged rain. In that case a long-sleeve cycling jersey combined with a cycling jacket offers better and more consistent protection.

Need help with your choice?

Would you like to buy arm warmers but are not sure which model suits your needs best? Then we are happy to help. You can reach our specialists by phone on +31 (0)413-256800, send an email or visit our triathlon store in Volkel, the Netherlands.

Frequently asked questions about arm warmers

What are arm warmers and what are they used for?

Arm warmers are loose sleeves that you pull over your arms as a supplement to a short-sleeve cycling jersey. They give extra warmth and protection in fresh or cold conditions, without needing a different jersey. As it gets warmer, you pull them off and store them in a back pocket. They are ideal for the transitional season where the temperature varies during the day.

At what temperature do you use arm warmers?

As a guideline: arm warmers are most practical at temperatures between 10 and 15 degrees in combination with a short-sleeve cycling jersey. At temperatures below 10 degrees a long-sleeve cycling jersey is generally more comfortable. Above 16 degrees arm warmers are no longer needed for most cyclists. The exact threshold is personally dependent on how quickly you get cold.

Do arm warmers not slide down during cycling?

Good arm warmers have silicone grippers at the top that prevent them from sliding down. Those grippers grip on the skin or the cycling jersey and keep the arm warmer in place, even during active exertion. Always choose a model with wide, well-fitting grippers for a stable fit during the ride.

Are arm warmers also suitable for running?

Yes, arm warmers are also used by runners on fresh mornings or in changeable weather. The working principle is the same: an extra layer of warmth that you take off as it gets warmer. When using for running, look for a model that also stays well in place with arm swing movements; some cycling-specific arm warmers are slightly less designed for that.