Cyclist
Best arm warmers 2024 reviewed: Easy layering in autumn and spring
Arm warmers are a great option for those between-season rides, where summer kit is a tad cold but full winter kit is overkill. They offer extra warmth, a bit of wind protection and, depending on the model, sometimes rain protection as well. There are many different types of arm warmers to choose from, so we’ve collated our favourite tried-and-tested sleeves to help keep you cosy in the colder months.
Cyclist’s pick of the best arm warmers
- Altura DWR unisex arm warmers
- GripGrab Classic thermal arm warmers
- Van Rysel Cold Weather arm warmers
- Castelli Nano Flex 3G arm warmers
- Rapha Thermal arm warmers
- Le Col arm warmers
- Dhb Regulate thermal arm warmers
- Sportful 2nd Skin arm warmers
- Shutt Velo Super Roubaix arm warmers
- Endura Pro SL arm warmers
What are arm warmers?
Arm warmers are essentially removeable sleeves, designed to work with short sleeve cycling jerseys and gilets in middling or changeable conditions. They offer the choice to remove a layer if you warm up during a ride or can be carried with you in case of dropping temperatures or changing weather.
Different arm warmers focus on different elements, with some favouring out-and-out warmth while others may include water-proofing treatments to protect from the rain. The best way to choose the right pair for you is to work out which features most affect you and select accordingly.
How we test and why you should take our word for it
As our team is based in the UK, we get our fair share of temperamental weather and spend most of the autumn and winter months riding out in the cold and the wet. As such, we know the key features as well as the things to avoid when it comes to choosing the best arm warmers.
Led by our tech editor, Sam Challis, our team has individually tested all of the products listed in this guide to give you an honest and accurate representation of their strengths and weaknesses.
Best arm warmers 2024 reviewed
1. Altura DWR unisex arm warmers
RRP £30 | View offer
Pros: Water-repellent, Soft lining, Great fit, Plenty of reflective detailing
Cons: Not warm enough for very cold temperatures, Limited sizing options
Sizes available: S/M, L/XL
Fit options: Unisex
The Altura DWR arm warmers have a curved fit which helps them stay in place while riding, and they use a combination of brush lined fabric and DWR coating to provide protection from rain and the cold. The reflective detailing is a highlight, which much more visibility than most warmers offer.
The Altura warmers are soft and comfortable, with low profile seams. They aren’t the warmest so are best suited to mild-cool rides where there’s a chance of rain.
2. GripGrab Classic thermal arm warmers
RRP: £34.95
Pros: Warmth, Hi-vis colour option, Secure fit, Soft lining
Cons: Not water-repellent
Sizes available: S, M, L
Fit options: Unisex
The GripGrab Classic thermal warmers provide excellent warmth, great for colder riding conditions. The fit is simple but effective, with low profile seams and secure grippers, and the material uses a soft fleece lining for added comfort.
The warmers don’t have any water-repellent features, so better for dry rides, but are available in a hi-vis neon yellow for added visibility on darker rides. They sit in the middle of the average price range so, while not the cheapest, do offer good value for money.
3. Van Rysel Cold Weather arm warmers
£17.99 | View offer
Pros: Price, Highly stretchy, Minimal seams, Comfortable fit, Water-repellent treatment
Cons: Not warm enough for very cold temperatures
Sizes available: XS/S, M/L, XL/2XL
Fit options: Unisex
The Van Rysel Cold Weather arm warmers are an excellent set of budget sleeves that are highly stretchy for a secure but relaxed fit. The material is relatively thin, which Van Rysel says helps them dry faster if they get wet, and has claimed water-repellent properties. They aren’t hugely effective in the rain but are great for mild-cool conditions and would be best for those after smooth comfortable arm warmers that sit nicely against the skin.
4. Castelli Nano Flex 3G arm warmers
RRP £45 | View offer
Pros: Water-repellent fabric, Very warm, Secure, comfortable cuffs
Cons: Price
Sizes available: S, M, L, XL
Fit options: Unisex
The Castelli Nano Flex 3G arm warmers are some of our favourites. The upper cuff is thick and grippy, holding the fabric in place without being uncomfortable. The material itself is very warm and the water-repellent treatment performs well in wet weather.
The Nano Flex arm warmers are stretchy and allow enough plenty of bend at the elbow and, despite being on the pricier side, are well worth the money for those after sleeves that will tick all of the boxes.
5. Rapha Thermal arm warmers
£45 | View offer
RRP: £45
Pros: Fleece lining, Pull tabs, Warmth
Cons: Price, Not water-repellent
Sizes available: S, M, L
Fit options: Women’s, Men’s
The Rapha Thermal arm warmers have a brushed fleece liner which is soft against the skin and use a wide elasticated band to secure the material at the top of the arm. There is a pink pull tab which helps for quick on-and-off and the fabric is nicely stretchy and compressive.
The Rapha Thermal warmers are great for when the temperature really drops and, though at the pricier end of the spectrum, are a good option for those with a focus on warmth. They don’t have a DWR coating, so would be best for cold, dry conditions.
6. Le Col arm warmers
£40 | View offer
RRP: £40
Pros: Comfortable, Easy to get on/off
Cons: Price, No weather protection
Sizes available: S, M, L, XL
Fit options: Unisex
The Le Col arm warmers use Italian Roubaix material which is fleece lined and very soft against the skin. The thick upper band and silicone grippers hold the warmers securely in place and the wrist is well elasticated for easy on-off.
The fabric is relatively thin, and doesn’t have wind- or water-resistant qualities so is best suited to mild rides where you’re just after a little extra warmth.
7. Dhb Regulate thermal arm warmers
RRP: £18
Pros: Price, Warmth
Cons: Tight grippers, Slightly loose fit, Not water-repellent
Sizes available: XS, S, M, L
Fit options: Unisex
The Dhb Regulate Thermal warmers are a decent set of entry level arm warmers, delivering budget-friendly protection from the cold. The fleece-lining helps provide warmth and the warmers are made from Bluesign material.
The gripper-to-material tension is slightly off, with the grippers running quite tight while the overall fit is on the loose side, but the Regulate warmers would be good for those looking to keep warm in the between-seasons weather at an affordable price.
After Wiggle’s demise these are now discounted on the stores that still have stock.
8. Sportful 2nd Skin arm warmers
RRP £25.84 | View offer
Pros: Soft against skin, Comfortable fit, Seamless construction
Cons: Not water-repellent, Middling warmth
Sizes available: S/M, L/XL
Fit options: Unisex
The Sportful 2nd Skin arm warmers are relatively thin and, while they provide some warmth, are better suited to mild autumn riding rather than colder temperatures. They offer a little protection from the wind but have no water-repellent qualities.
They are made using a seamless construction and from soft fabric, so sit very smoothly against the skin, and would work best for those after lightweight, comfortable arm warmers for early autumn or late spring.
9. Shutt Velo Super Roubaix arm warmers
£25 | View offer
RRP: £25
Pros: Very warm, Eco-friendly claims, Fleece lining
Cons: Very long, Baggy fit, Not water-repellent
Sizes available: XS, S/M, L/XL, 2XL
Fit options: Unisex
The Super Roubaix arm warmers are made from fleece-lined fabric, which Shutt Velo says is moisture-wicking and is BlueSign (eco-friendly) certified. The Super Roubaix warmers are toasty, ideal for colder rides, and have secure elasticated grippers to keep them in place.
The warmers are quite long, potentially too long for some riders, and the fit is quite loose in comparison to the tautness of the grippers. They would be suit dry, deep-winter riding where the temperatures are likely to drop into single digits.
- Buy now from Shutt Velo (£25)
10. Endura Pro SL arm warmers II
RRP: £42.99
Pros: Warmth, Water-repellent, Wind-proof
Cons: Stiff material, Very small hand holes, Hard to get on and off
Sizes available: S/M, M/L, L/XL
Fit options: Unisex
The Endura Pro SL arm warmers II use a PFC-free DWR treatment to provide high water-repellence as well as boosting the overall insulation. The Pro SLs are very warm and also delivery excellent wind-proofing.
While the upper grippers are okay, the hand holes are very small in comparison to the rest of the fit which makes them quite fiddly to get on and off, and the material is relatively stiff. They would be best placed for those solely focussed on weather-proofing qualities (and who also have quite small hands).
FAQ
What are useful features for arm warmers?
- Double grippers – while inner grippers are very common to hold arm warmers in place, having an external gripper will also help hold your jersey in place over the top of the warmer which will keep the heat in better and be less faff.
- Wind resistance – autumn/winter months are typically windier as well as cooler so having warmers with wind protection will help keep you warmer for longer.
- Water resistance – while no arm warmer is going to keep you completely dry – save for making them out of bin bags – a good DWR treatment will help keep the majority of the water off your skin for a decent amount of time, especially helpful if you’re starting and stopping where the water has more chance to chill you.
- Dexterity – wind- or water-resistant treatments can affect arm warmer dexterity and end up feeling somewhat stiff. It’s worth working out which features are a priority as it’s difficult to achieve all of the above.
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