Keep your arms warm with our guide to cycling arm warmers
Cycling arm warmers are one of those essential items of clothing that get a lot of use throughout the colder months. They’re perfect for when the temperature starts to drop at the beginning of autumn until spring when the weather starts to pick up.
Arm warmers are designed to be worn as an extension of a short sleeve jersey to provide extra warmth and protection from wind and rain. They also work well as an extra layer under a winter jacket when it’s really cold out.
Many arm warmers are designed specifically for winter use will have a water-resistant coating, made of windproof materials and will have a fleece inner lining. Finding the right arm warmer to suit you can be tricky so it’s best to order a couple and go from there.
We’ve put together this guide to cycling arm warmers to give you an indication of the better products to get you started.
Sportful No-Rain Arm Warmers
Water repellent arm warmers with a soft, flexible feel for protection and warmth in all cool weather conditions. The advanced NoRain Nanotech finish simply sheds water before it can soak in. If you’re heading out in changeable weather with a chance of rain then Sportful’s No-Rain Arm Warmers are the perfect warmers to pull on. While they’re not waterproof they will shrug off showers and drizzle should the weather turn, allowing you to ride on in greater comfort until the rain passes. They’re an ideal accompaniment to weatherproof tops and jerseys such as those found in Sportful’s own Fiandre range.
Key specifications
- Excellent water resistance
- Reflective Sportful logo
- Silicone gripper
- No-Rain nanotechnology
- Machine washable, hang dry
What wevelo say
The Sportful No-Rain arm warmers have been a constant in my collection for some time now. Really well made and fit nicely, they also repel water well and are warm enough for almost all situations. The only time I wear a jacket over them is when I know there’s a chance of a downpour or it’s close to 0°c. Brilliant product that’s reasonably priced.
Where to buy
dhb Merino Arm Warmers
The dhb Merino Arm Warmers give you high levels of comfort and warmth, using a superfine 18.5 micron grade of merino yarn. Blending in a stretch fabric with the wool plus the addition of sillicone grippers keeps the arm warmers snug and in place. The soft and luxurious merino wool is also naturally odour resistant and highly breathable meaning even as you work up a sweat you will remain comfortable and fresh as you ride. Being light and easily packable these arm-warmers are great for use throughout the year.
Key specifications
- Superfine grade 18.5 micron merino yarn for high level comfort against the skin
- Natural odour resistance, wicking properties, and breathability
- Silicone grippers
- Abrasion free flatlocked seams
- Australian wool from a guaranteed non-mulesed source
- 97% Merino Wool, 3% Elastane(Spandex)
What wevelo say
If you’re looking for some of the warmest and most comfortable cycling arm warmers then check out these merino wool warmers from dhb. Comfortable, warm, brilliant at wicking away sweat, they are perfect for cold days out. The dhb’s are a great option as they are made well and not too pricey.
Where to buy
Endura Thermolite Arm Warmers
The Endura arm warmers utilise THERMOLITE® for warmth with high performance repel TEFLON® fabric protector for ultimate weather comfort with durable water repellency. Ideal for cold weather cycling, Thermolite® uses hollow-core fibre technology to create an insulating layer of warm air. The result is a lightweight, warm fabric with superior moisture vapour transport properties that doesn’t get heavy even when wet.
Key specifications
- Extra warm THERMOLITE® insulation
- Repel TEFLON® fabric with durable water repellency
- Silicone gripper elastic at biceps
- 45% Polyamide(Nylon), 42% Polyester, 13% Elastane(Spandex)
Where to buy
Black Sheep Cycling Thermal Arm Warmers
Lightweight, packable, and practical thermal protection for the rider looking to tackle that earlier start, colder weather, and long ride with changeable conditions. The Black Sheep Cycling Essentials Euro Collection Thermal Arm Warmers provide a one-piece construction for supreme comfort and reduced irritation against the skin, allowing you a comfortable layer between you and the weather.
Key specifications
- Thermal Endurance fabric composition
- One-piece performance construction
- Comfortable and durable
- Reflective detailing throughout
- Recommended for temperatures between 5 to 20 degrees
Where to buy
Rapha Merino Arm Warmers
Soft Merino wool makes riding in these lightweight and insulating Arm Warmers from Rapha an absolute joy. Stretching to the perfect fit thanks to high levels of premium Lycra in the mix, Rapha’s Merino Arm Warmers put comfort at the top of your cycling agenda. As well as keeping you warm when the mercury begins to dip, their innate breathability allows for fast sweat-wicking, flatlock stitching significantly reduces chafing over longer distances, and the quality of the material won’t leave you itching throughout your ride. Perhaps most impressive, the Arm Warmers are made with an anti-bacterial finish to resist those stale smells, so you’ll feel as fresh in the last mile as you did in the first.
Key specifications
- 97% Merino Wool, 3% Lycra
- Flatlock stitching
- Rubber gripper
- Odour resistant
- Soft and itch-free
- Breathable
- Insulating
- Quick-drying
What wevelo say
This merino wool arm warmer from Rapha will serve you well throughout winter. Being merino, it’ll keep your arms warm and comfortable whilst being quick drying and odour resistant. Perfect for 3-season use and made to the usual excellent Rapha standards.
