Tell me about sun sleeves

[JSSPRADLIN]

Considering going this route as opposed to drowning in sunscreen all summer.  They claim they stay cool even in high temps.  What has your experience been?  Any brands better than others?  Advice on sizing?  

[ThinkingPlus]

SParms shawl

 

Best I have ever seen.  Not cheap, but well made.  Unisex sizing so good for you guys as well.  Used extensively on the LPGA tour.

[larryw]

I wear the Ice Silk type sun sleeves from Amazon. 8 pairs for a little over $20. One size fits all and they fit me just fine.

They are thin and do wick the sweat away from the arm which provides cooling if there is any wind blowing. In Texas that is never an issue.

You can get them with designs, tattoo's or some with just plain colors.

 

The thick/expensive ones that are heavier material did not do what I wanted, which was thin, cool and not expensive.

[596]

I used them for years when I was training and racing triathlons.  They are much cooler then bare arms and provide sun protection.  When you are training on the bike for 4-6 hours in the beating sun of Arizona, you best have something on your arms.  I used them running and cycling.  Any of them are fine.  I had numerous pairs from different companies but can't remember any of the brands.  As far as sizing, I was on the thin side at 6' 3" and 165 and had to wear at least a large for nothing else then the length.  I have very long arms.

[bvmagic]

Sun sleeves are great, started wearing on the course years ago and much better than dealing with sun screen (always forgot to re-apply mid round).  I bought the adidas sun sleeves from Carl's golf land recently for $18.  Amazon has some cheaper no name brands but I use those for when I'm doing yardwork as they aren't as good.  The best sleeves I ever had were the pearl izumi sleeves.

 

https://www.carlsgolfland.com/adidasaeroready-uv-golf-arm-sleeve?product=120640&gclid=Cj0KCQjwvLOTBhCJARIsACVldV3dVQjHGKT3cX4WXQahMhi1JxEan7gjxJ7Ce9iMNrXy_dKCZGMpjOkaAumjEALw_wcB

[DrDon]

I've been wearing sun sleeves for years (after skin cancer was removed from my arm).   The sleeves are so much cooler than lathering up with greasy sun block.

 

I have many pairs of sleeves from UVoider -- in multiple colors and designs.   Excellent products.

[DFW Snowman]

Another vote for the Sparms shawl. It takes a little getting used to, but they are light and stretchy and you never have to worry about them sliding down your arms or pinching. I've worn mine for about 40 rounds in the Texas summer, and they've held up well so far. 

 

If you'd rather go with sleeves, then another vote for Pearl Izumis. I found them much lighter and more comfortable than the Nike and UA ones I tried which seem more like fashion pieces. I used to cycle about 1500 miles a year, and the Pearl Izumis were great. 

[Curmudg3on]

I'm a believer in sun sleeves.   I have a couple pair and they seem to be cooler than direct sun.    The brand I have aren't available from Amazon currently.    It's important to ensure that they have elastic around the upper arm are to keep them from slipping down your arm during the round.  

[golfortennis]

There are some good ones, some better than others.  Columbia PFG are good, but there is a risk of them sliding down, as they do not have a band at the top to hold them in place.  

 

But sun sleeves over dousing in sunscreen... sign me up.

[rollen]

Bought the KMMIN brand from Amazon (4 pair for under $20) as I was a bit skeptical.  I wore them on the hottest day last summer while hitting balls on the range. I was surprised that they actually felt cool.  Definitely worth trying.  

[llewol007]

I’ve worn sleeves during a round  when visiting my Father in law in Las Vegas during the summer. I would take that any day compared to baking arms in the sun. Any way to protect your skin is worth it.

Edited April 30, 2022 by llewol007

[DrDon]

I probably have over a 1,000 rounds in sun sleeves.    A few more notes.

 

The sleeves from UVoider stay up on your arms.   You'll get AT LEAST 50 rounds out of a pair.   The white sleeves eventually get "washed out" and lose their "whiteness" after 50+ rounds.   The elastic to hold the sleeves on your upper arm last just as long. 

 

The material of the sleeves from Adidas were so heavy that I wore them once during cold weather, then never wore them again.   

[Dr.Frankenputz]

I’ve been using Nike & cheap Amazon ones for a few years; last year got footjoy. They’re all perfectly fine. My preference is FJ > Nike > cheap Amazon.  

[LeftDaddy]

Another vote for Sparms shawl. I much prefer sun sleeves over sunscreen. The Sparms shawl has a “cooling” and almost silky feel when you first put them on. I wouldn’t say they stay cooler than no sleeves necessarily, but again, beats the heck out of sunscreen. 

[azgolfer44]

+1 for sleeves.  I have been wearing year round for 6+ years in Arizona.  I have tried many brands and I prefer Sparms. They definitely are cooler in the summer since they reflect the heat.   I find they last better if you don't put them in the dryer.  

[JSSPRADLIN]

24 minutes ago, azgolfer44 said:

+1 for sleeves.  I have been wearing year round for 6+ years in Arizona.  I have tried many brands and I prefer Sparms. They definitely are cooler in the summer since they reflect the heat.   I find they last better if you don't put them in the dryer.  

 

Thank you.  I've looked at Sparms but wasn't a fan of the visible logo.  May still give them a try

[DrDon]

7 hours ago, azgolfer44 said:

 I find they last better if you don't put them in the dryer.  

 

Yes, lay flat to air dry.

[North Butte]

For coolness, you really want light colors like the white, silvery gray, pale blue. In the June/July sun, darker colors will get HOT. But it's a trade-off, I find that a certain amount of sun does get through the light colored sleeves. I'd say SPF 30 sunscreen probably protects slightly better over the course of 4-5 hours than a pair of white sunsleeves. Then again the ultralightweight, light colored shirts I wear in the hottest part of summer allow a good bit of sun to reach my shoulders and upper back. 

 

I'll second (or third) the advice to never dry them in the clothes dryer. Take them out of the washer, spread them out somewhere and in an air conditioned house they will be dry in 4-5 hours. Assuming you use the lightweight ones.

 

Overall I find they feel cooler than bare arms and sunscreen when it's sunny. Or about the same if it's not sunny. The only time they are less comfortable is on a cloudy day when it's like 100% humidity and no breeze. Under really oppressive conditions like that they take a while to wick away the perspiration. But I'd say in my normal golf that kind of day happens maybe once or twice a year.

 

I also advise using the kind that can come down to cover the back of your hands (but not fingers). I wear a glove on my glove hand so I don't pull the sunsleeve down on that side. But on the meat hand, it keeps the back of the hand from baking brown over the course of a summer. I do not feel it interfering at all with my grip on the club even though it covers part of the palm. That's the hand where the palm sits on top of the (gloved) thumb of the other hand.

 

I also have one pair of darker colored sunsleeves to wear in the winter when it's cool but not quite cold enough to need a long sleeve shirt. On a coolish (50's F) sunny day in November/December the sun warming the dark-colored sunsleeve feels wonderful and they are still breathable. 

[jordan2240]

I've been wearing them for a couple of years now.  I still have to put sunscreen on my face, neck, back of hands, and legs, so they don't eliminate it completely, but I definitely feel that, since the arms are the most exposed, they provide more safety than sunscreen does.  Time will tell if that's the case, I suppose.  As noted, they can get hot on humid days with no wind, but you can always roll them down for a hole or two if you feel it necessary.

 

I pretty much went by Amazon reviews when I purchased mine, but they all seem to get similar approval regardless of price, so I do wonder what it is that would make the more expensive ones like Sparma different.  Do they have some manufacturing secret that supposedly offers better protection?

[mshills]

I have a skin graft on my L arm, and it would be really bad to get it sunburned, so I’ve gone to a sleeve on that arm all the time. Haven’t noticed much difference between the thinner / less expensive ones. I get plenty of wear out of them, and when they lose the elasticity, just buy another pair. 
 

I may start wearing one on my R arm as well. They really are comfortable, though I wish I didn’t still have to use sunscreen on face / neck / ears. 

[ThinkingPlus]

1 hour ago, jordan2240 said:

I've been wearing them for a couple of years now.  I still have to put sunscreen on my face, neck, back of hands, and legs, so they don't eliminate it completely, but I definitely feel that, since the arms are the most exposed, they provide more safety than sunscreen does.  Time will tell if that's the case, I suppose.  As noted, they can get hot on humid days with no wind, but you can always roll them down for a hole or two if you feel it necessary.

 

I pretty much went by Amazon reviews when I purchased mine, but they all seem to get similar approval regardless of price, so I do wonder what it is that would make the more expensive ones like Sparma different.  Do they have some manufacturing secret that supposedly offers better protection?

The SParms shawl is a single piece that runs from one arm, across your back, all the way to the other arm.  No rubber grippy stuff which may or may not work or be comfortable.  Comfort and stability of a shirt without the extra fabric.

[jordan2240]

58 minutes ago, ThinkingPlus said:

The SParms shawl is a single piece that runs from one arm, across your back, all the way to the other arm.  No rubber grippy stuff which may or may not work or be comfortable.  Comfort and stability of a shirt without the extra fabric.

Interesting looking device.

[ThinkingPlus]

32 minutes ago, jordan2240 said:

Interesting looking device.

The fit, for me, is like wearing a compression shirt.  The sleeves are not loose at all.  Very secure and comfortable.

[caniac6]

We were at Pinehurst several years ago, and the vast majority of caddies were wearing sleeves and wide brimmed hats. That’s all I need to know. Those guys make their living in the sun.

[bluedot]

Yet another vote for the Sparms shoulder wrap.  MUCH better than sleeves that either slip down, or are very tight to avoid slipping down.  There are a lot of products that aren't worth the extra money; these are.  And they are also cooler than the sun on your bare arms.

 

FWIW, I never EVER play in short sleeves anymore.  Coolibar long sleeve T's up to about 80*, then the Sparms shoulder wraps for the rest of the summer.  Not only beats sunscreen, but REALLY beats the various treatments you'll have to do at the dermatologist down the road.

Edited May 1, 2022 by bluedot

[Phreddy]

On 4/30/2022 at 1:45 PM, ThinkingPlus said:

SParms shawl

 

Best I have ever seen.  Not cheap, but well made.  Unisex sizing so good for you guys as well.  Used extensively on the LPGA tour.

Just wanted to double down on this recommendation.  I've used them for a couple years.  Very comfortable, not hot and never creeping down your arms.  I find the sizing to run a bit small in the men's stuff.  The only garment where I wear an XL.  They were originated in Australia and those folks know a thing or two about sun protection.

 

Phred

[Minarets]

I love my Sparms but have never used the shawl.   Seems weird to me.  Their sleeves never roll down.  I love them.   

[ChaosTheory]

I have a couple pairs of the sleeves, and like them.  Makes you wonder if similar leggings will ever make it with men. I am not shy about being a little different, but I wouldn’t go that far.

[mshills]

Sunburn on legs is pretty easy to avoid….leg sleeves would be weird AF, solving a problem that does not exist. 

[Minarets]

I HATE my sock tan.  Drives me insane.  I spend all summer at pool to get rid of it.  Would actually probably consider tights of leggings sleeves just to get rid of that sock tan.