These Arm Sleeves Will Keep You Comfy, No Matter Where Your Runs Take You

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Arm sleeves are one of the most overlooked pieces of running gear, whether you’re an occasional runner or a daily devotee. They’re great for keeping warm on cool days and protecting the skin in hot weather. Unlike long-sleeved shirts, arm sleeves are loose and won’t bunch on the shoulders, plus if you start overheating, they’re easy to take off and store.

While an extra garment may seem to add warmth, that's not always true. Some arm sleeves are perfect for summer runs, designed to be moisture-wicking and ventilated to keep you cool on hot days and provide UPF protection. Others can…TK. To help you choose the arm sleeve that's right for you, we have rounded up our favorites below.

The Best Arm Sleeves

• Best Overall: Nike Pro Elite Arm Sleeve 2.0

• Best Budget: Sportstrail Cooling Arm Sleeves

• Best for Cold Weather: PEARL iZUMi Elite Thermal Arm Sleeve Warmers

• Best for a Skin Tight Fit: New Balance Outdoor Sports Compression Arm Sleeves

• Best for Firm Compression: Compression Z UV Protection Arm Sleeves

What to Consider

Thickness

The thickness of your compression sleeve is determined by the climate you’ll run in. Opt for more insulation if you’re trying to keep warm in a chilly environment. Sleeves don’t typically include specific information about thickness, so look for warm materials or sleeves that are specifically designed for warmth. But if your main goal involves sun protection on a hot day, you’ll probably want sleeves that are as thin as possible to prevent overheating.

Material

Fitness apparel is synthetic (nylon, polyester, or spandex), natural (wool, cotton, or bamboo), or a combination of both fabric types. Synthetic fabrics tend to be lighter and techier (offering improved moisture wicking, for example), while some prefer the latter's natural feel. If you prefer natural fabrics for allergies or environmental reasons, natural fabrics like merino wool or alpaca provide moisture-wicking, warmth, and other benefits and are a great alternative to synthetics.

Arm compression sleeves are usually made with synthetic fabrics, so your biggest consideration for materials involves how much stretch or compression you prefer. A sleeve with a higher percentage of spandex, sometimes called elastane or branded as Lycra, generally translates into more stretch.

UPF

A product’s ultraviolet protection factor—better known as “UPF”—indicates how much UV passes through its material. Factors like the type of fabric fibers, the tightness of its weave, and its color all play a major role in warding off harmful rays. Loosely woven materials might feel nice and breezy, but they also reduce sun protection.

The UPF rating system appears similar to SPF, but while sunscreen is rated based on how long it provides protection, UPF is determined by how much UV a material allows to reach your skin. For example, a product with a UPF rating of 30 allows one-thirtieth of UV to reach your skin, while UPF 50 brings that down to one-fiftieth. Any coverage is better than none for preventing sunburns and reducing the likelihood of skin cancer, but if you’re looking for more substantial protection, wear something with a higher UPF rating.

How We Selected

As an all-season runner, I’ve worn arm compression sleeves for just about every possible reason. During my lifetime of running and years reviewing products for publications like Runner’s World, Popular Mechanics, and Popular Science, I’ve had the opportunity to test out sleeves from various brands,small and large. To find the best arm compression sleeves, I found the most popular models available and compared them to products I’ve tried in the past. I also consulted expert-tested reviews from trusted sources like Men's Health.

For more great additions to your summer running arsenal, check out our picks for the best summer running gear, sunscreens for runners, and moisture-wicking shirts!

Pro Elite Arm Sleeve 2.0

These Nike Pro Elite 2.0 sleeves come in two colors and are just thick enough to keep your arms from tensing up during races. They are moisture-wicking and UVA- and UVB-protective—plus the fabric is anti-chafe, so it won't cause irritation, even during long races. I’ve worn the Pro Elite 2.0s in both sun and cold and the soft, slightly stretchy fabric feels great on the skin. Past buyers repeatedly hail its excellent fit, durable craftsmanship, and slip-proof grip. They look great, too.

Cooling Arm Sleeves

These arm sleeves are not only super affordable, but work great in warmer weather. They’re also super light and stretchy, making them a comfortable one-size fit. They have a UPF rating of 50+, and are breathable and moisture-wicking. They also come in multi-packs of 2-5 spanning $15-30, which is a great value. And there are plenty of color options and combinations.

Buyers hail the surprisingly effective cooling, their ability to hold up through many washes, and their overall fit and feel. They check a lot of boxes without breaking the bank.

Elite Thermal Arm Sleeve Warmers

These sleeves are ideal for running or cycling in cold conditions thanks to their soft, thick, fleecy warmth. Reflective elements add a boost to visibility during low-light runs, and outstanding moisture wicking thanks to the brand’s water-shedding PI Dry technology make them even more comfortable. While some buyers report that the sizing runs small, many found that by ordering one size up they enjoyed a comfortable fit that doesn’t slip thanks to wide elastic bindings.

Outdoor Sports Compression Arm Sleeves

These New Balance sleeves are moisture-wicking, affordable, and receive high praise from most users for their comfortable fit. Though relatively tight due to the compression factor, they are also quite thin, like a second skin on race day. While not everyone likes compression, if you want the stability and increased blood flow the extra snugness affords, these are a great option.

UV Protection Arm Sleeves

For firm compression—whether for medical reasons, in-run stability, or personal preference—CompressionZ has you covered. These sleeves deliver more four-way constrictive pressure than any of the other inclusions on our list, lending them a pleasantly snug fit which not only provides great compression but ensures that they stay in place. Previous buyers report that the compression is substantial without restricting bloodflow, making them a solid pick for athletes or injury recovery.

Merino Arm Sleeves

Most arm sleeves are made of synthetic materials such as polyester, which some people either don’t like or outright cannot wear due to skin allergies. These sleeves from Condor are a great alternative thanks to their soft, breathable merino wool.

Fitted to stay in place, the absence of silicone or elastic grippers boosts their hypoallergenic cred even more. While merino wool offers solid warmth in cold weather, it’s also highly breathable making them a good choice for runs on warmer days too. Past buyers express appreciation for their warmth and comfortable fit.

6-Piece Neck Gaiter and Arm Sleeves

This three-pack is perfect for runners who expect to be hitting the pavement night after chilly, dark winter night. Multiple pairs allow you to get in several runs between washes. They offer outstanding visibility, and include matching face gaiters for added wind and sun protection. Some buyers report that the sizes run a bit small, so you may want to order one size up. They generally agree, however, that they’re comfortable, breathable, and an all-around great value..

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