Finding a pair of the best arm warmers for cycling is a little more difficult than you might originally think. Not only do you need to consider the performance of the product in itself, but you also need to ensure it will fit correctly without being too compressive or too loose. There's also a style consideration, and of course, it's all got to come within budget.
Balancing all of those needs can be difficult, but there are lots of reasons why you should spend the time on it. In my opinion, a decent pair of arm warmers is something that every cyclist should add to their kit list. Not only will it offer versatile protection against the elements, but in the same way that the best leg warmers can allow you to get more use out of your bib shorts, a pair of arm warmers will also extend the season of your best cycling jerseys. There's an economic benefit to this too, in that the best arm warmers can even replace more expensive items of clothing entirely. For example, I own one long-sleeve jersey, but I've worn it just once in the past two years. I will wear my short-sleeved jersey and arm warmers right until the point that winter jackets are needed, choosing the best cycling base layer for the conditions, and potentially adding one of the best gilets for cycling on the most frigid of days.
The reason for this is that I value the versatility that it offers. On days when the weather is unpredictable or likely to change mid-ride, I can be ready to add or remove the arm warmers in response. While Sportful's Fiandre NoRain bests the Castelli Nano Flex 3G in terms of warmth, I found the Castelli's to breathe better and last longer before wetting out which is why I award them the top spot in the guide.
In order to help you decide which pair of arm warmers will meet your needs, whilst also fitting correctly, the Cyclingnews test team has spent months in odd arm warmers, pitting them head-to-head - or arm to arm - to work out which are best for warmth, water resistance, comfort and more.
Best arm warmers for cycling - our picks
+ Hydrophobic treatment
+ Double-sided gripper holds against the sleeve and arm
- Narrow gripper can pinch
In my Castelli Nano Flex 3G arm warmer review, they performed well, adding warmth and protecting against wind and rain, making them some of the best arm warmers I have used.
The symmetrical shape means you can easily get them on quickly without having to worry about finding the correct arm. However, the 'Castelli' and 'Nano Flex' wordmarks would be upside down if you got them the wrong way around. The availability of a navy colour is another possible selling point, and a third is that the Nano Flex 3G warmers also have a double-sided gripper around the top so it can grab onto your arm and jersey to prevent them from falling down.
+ Thicker fabric for more warmth
+ Reflective details
+ Great price
- Sizing runs small
The Endura FS260-Pro Thermo arm warmers are on the thicker end of the spectrum with the 'Thermoroubaix' fabric treated with a PFC-free DWR treatment to help repel water and rain. Even with the heavier material they aren't restrictive and don't bind or pinch at any point. The lower portion of the warmer also sees a reflective logo for extra visibility.
If these arm warmers tickle your fancy, be aware that Endura has employed some interesting sizing, and they seem to run a bit small, even on our scrawny arms. Sizing confusion aside these arm warmers perform well for significantly less than comparable premium options.
+ Silicone-free gripper
+ Incredible wind resistance
- Shorter in length than average
The Gore Windstopper material needs no introduction, its name makes clear its intention and its highly-respected reputation proves its credentials. By integrating the material into the Gore M Windstopper arm warmers, the result is complete windproof protection. But more than that, they do so whilst being breathable, and the DWR coating means they're water-resistant, too.
They also possess a unique take on the gripper. Instead of silicone grippers, the wide elastic cuff on the wrist and bicep are made from a lighter fabric and seem to hang on pretty well. Just beware of the length, as they come up a few centimetres shorter than average.
+ Slightly thicker for extra warmth
+ Extra length
- Bulky material and extra length can cause bunching
- Silicone band can pinch upper arm
The Sportful NoRain warmers receive a DWR treatment to keep moisture from soaking into the fabric, although to be clear, they are not waterproof and you'll need one of the best waterproof cycling jackets for that kind of protection.
However, as highlighted in my Sportful Fiandre NoRain arm warmer review, there are a couple of reasons to still include the Fiandre NoRain among the best cycling arm warmers. First, they are a little longer than the rest, allowing for extra coverage at the wrist and upper arm. They are also a little thicker, which means a slight increase in warmth, and more compressive, which is a possible symptom of the thickness. However, in testing, the thickness did result in a slight overcompression at the silicone gripper, leaving indentations on my skin.
+ Merino blend brings qualities of natural fibres verging on the warmth of Roubaix fabric
- Bicep opening is a bit tight
Made with a plush merino-polyester blend, Rapha's Classic Thermal arm warmers see a terry-brushed interior for a bit of added warmth. They aren't as toasty as Roubaix fabric but they dry faster and also don't pick up an odour anywhere near as fast, so they're the best arm warmers for overnighters or bikepackers planning on wearing them day after day.
With an articulated left and right arm-specific cut, Rapha has placed all the seams on the outside and back of the arm to prevent pinching. The top elastic band features silicone dots to keep them in place and the logos near the wrist are reflective for added visibility.
+ Beware they size up larger than average
+ SPF40 protection
- Beware they size up larger than average
Protection against the elements doesn't limit itself to the cold, wind or rain. For those fortunate enough to live in warmer climates and looking to block out the sun's harmful UV rays - or for those of us who burn easily when the sun does shine - the Pro Team Arm Screens have an SPF rating of 40 and are a convenient addition to your kit list that prevent the need to lather up the sun cream each morning.
The best part is their sheer lack of bulk, making for an incredibly lightweight, packable addition to every ride. That said the thin construction makes for an under-compressed fit on your upper arms, and they size up a little larger than expected. When worn under a race-fit jersey, there seems to be enough adhesion to keep them from falling, but if you have skinny arms, we recommend going a size down.
Whether it's beating the chill on an early morning training ride or tucking into a jersey pocket in preparation for some changeable conditions, I have been pulling arm warmers on and off during rides for years. Arm warmers are more than just tubes of materials, having a great fit is vital to stop them from falling down while riding and they must offer protection against rain, wind, and cold. The best way to test this is to put the miles in to find out which arm warmers offer the best performance.
Last updated on 1st of November 2024
A big update to the guide to ensure all the products are still current and available and added new imagery. A new format streamlines the guide's information to make it easier for the consumer to pick between the products.
How to choose the best arm warmers for you
What size arm warmers do I need?
Ideally, you'll be in a position to try a pair on, which certainly takes some of the guesswork out of things. However, this isn't always possible, not least for those shopping for cheap cycling clothing online.
Generally speaking, your arm warmers will match your jersey size if the manufacturer doesn't have specific size guides for their arm warmers. The fit should be snug, so as to reduce the risk of irritating slippage, but not so tight as to reduce range of movement or cut off the circulation. Pay particular attention to the articulation at the elbow, as this is where most issues arise.
One thing to consider though is if you're tall but with a particularly slim build then the smaller sizes will tend to come up short. This can be easily overcome if you or a friend are handy with a sewing machine, as you can take in the hem at the upper gripper of a larger pair. Conversely, there isn't a way to make them longer, and as keeping your wrists insulated is key to keeping your hands warm we'd suggest sizing up and getting some minor alterations done if you can't find the perfect size for you.
Which fabric is best for arm warmers?
The majority of arm warmers combine a fleece-lined inner and a stretchy Lycra outer into what is known as 'Roubaix' fabric. Given that they're designed to add insulation on cold days it's usually the ideal choice.
If you want a pair for high-tempo racing then there are some available in uninsulated fabrics, so opt for these for race-day, or if you run particularly hot and just want something to take the worst of the wind chill away.
Merino options are rare but available. These will be more breathable while maintaining insulating properties, so perhaps a better option if you don't want to be constantly taking them on and off throughout the day.
Are arm warmers waterproof?
None will be truly be waterproof, as that would require the use of a membrane, resulting in a very crinkly pair of tubes. Many do however come covered in a durable water repellent (DWR) coating. This effectively makes water bead up and run off the surface, rather than soaking in.
It's not a permanent treatment and will eventually wear off any product, but it is easy to top-up with commercially available wash-in or spray-on treatments.
It's also possible to simply add your own DWR to any set you like with these products at home, so if one pair fits you perfectly but they aren't water resistant, then you can easily change that to suit your needs.
Will my arm warmers fall down?
If they fit correctly, they shouldn't do. Most will be equipped with an elasticated hem at the top covered in tacky silicone in some form or another to grip your arm and stop them descending into a frustrating bundle around your wrists.
Some offer grippers on both sides of the hem to also resist the tendency of your jersey sleeves to ride up. As mentioned above, if you do find yours keep falling down then a quick play with the sewing machine can work wonders, or even a pair of safety pins if you're in a pinch, to reduce the diameter of the hem.
What is the point of arm warmers?
Particularly in spring and autumn, the beginning of a ride can be noticeably colder than the middle, or if you're setting out late then things can rapidly cool down when the sun dips below the horizon.
Having a set of arm warmers to throw on allows you to account for these smaller changes in temperature easily, without resorting to donning a jacket and risking a boil-in-the-bag situation.
Are arm warmers worth it?
If you consider the cost of a long-sleeved jersey, they do offer excellent value for money, considering they effectively turn any short-sleeved option into a long-sleeved one.
While for winter a dedicated long-sleeved jersey is going to be the ideal choice in most cases, if you rarely ride in the very coldest conditions a set of arm warmers may sleet you against the elements at a much more palatable price point.
How tight should arm warmers be?
When trying on arm warmers, there's a balance to strike between being tight enough that they stay in place without falling down, but not so tight that they dig in, cause discomfort, or worse, cut off circulation. The whole point is to warm your arms, and restricting blood flow is the fastest way to achieve the opposite.
They should sit something like a second skin, with enough compression to stay in place when you move your arm around.
How do we test arm warmers?
You can trust Cyclingnews Our experts spend countless hours testing cycling tech and will always share honest, unbiased advice to help you choose. Find out more about how we test.
Testing of arm warmers usually begins the moment they arrive through my letterbox. I'll make note of the packaging for environmental friendliness, before switching off the lights and checking the brightness of the reflective details. I'll also check the label for washing instructions and flag any complexities here.
As part of the waterproof testing, I simply put on an arm warmer, set the tap running at a medium flow, and see which ones let the water in first. Most of the DWR-coated pairs survive this test for a very long time, so I also up the ante with a heavier flow of water to see which breaks first.
The rest of my testing is done on the bike, and rarely will I wear the same pair of arm warmers on both arms. Almost every ride I've done this spring has left me looking like I got dressed in the dark, and the benefit of this is an ability to really compare two different products in consistent conditions.
I will make note of how the material feels, how well it breathes, and how secure they feel at the upper arm, combining those opinions into an overall rating against the competition.