User submitted reviews
Review by ChanS
I tend to ride a lot on hot/muggy days, try to be careful about sunscreen, though am probably not the only one here that falls off the wagon a bit and by mid summer has deeply tanned arms no longer as vulnerable to burning and just accepts hot sweaty arms as normal. I've tried similar add-on sleeves in the past but poor results, usually because I've got tiny arms/massive quads so anything other than a long sleeve jersey just slides right off. That's not the case with these--they have a fantastic elastic gripper that works for scrawny arms like mine but would also stretch to fit weight lifters. I do recommend fitting these under closely cut jersey cuffs to help keep them tight.
More important than just staying on is that they actually work very well. They are impressively breathable, block the sun, so the net effect is my arms actually feel cooler having them on than off, and I've now got the added benefit of UV protection. I'm buying a couple additional pairs when on sale.
Review by mark
These offer a cooling effect as well as SPF 50. All day in hot sun with no burn. The Castelli Logo is attractive. My only reduction from five stars is how small they are. I have skinny arms. Bought medium which are very tight. Ordered large. Not sure what a normal to muscular male could wear.
Review by Jeff
Super lightweight. Protects from sun and you don�t have to get sunscreen all over yourself. After putting on try wetting it and your skullcap to stay cool at beginning of ride on extreme hot day!!!
Review by Jeff
Super lightweight. Protects from sun and you don�t have to get sunscreen all over yourself. After putting on try wetting it and your skullcap to stay cool at beginning of ride on extreme hot day!!!
Review by Mike in Richland WA
Just wore these today in SE WA, August 8, 2024. It was sunny and hot - the sleeves, in contrast were light and kept my arms cool. I like the fact these sleeves are really light - work well for me on hot sunny days, but I have also used the sleeves on cool days to keep warm. Easy to put on, and the sleeves don't slip down. PS, I got a good deal from BTD on the sleeves when I ordered.
Review by Ralph Vasquez
Great fit, well made high quality. A good sub protecter, however, it can be slightly warm.
Review by Infinito2015
My first venture into sun protection apparel. I'm 6 ft tall and ordered a medium size- they go up to the top of my arm, wouldn't want them any longer. I normally use a large size in arm warmers. As far as sun protection goes, I think they do a great job blocking most of the UV light. I've done 70+ mile rides with no sunburn, and just a little tanning. They get a little warm when you're stopped, but quickly cool down when moving. I've used them so far in low 80 degrees and significant humidity. The fabric is very thin, so be careful pulling them on and off. Also, I use the handwash cycle on the washing machine (no fabric softeners), place them in a lingerie bag, inside out, then hang dry them. My cycling stuff lasts a long time this way (not everything in a bag, just the more delicate items), with no pilling and extremely low fading.
Review by Jim
Good product Bike tire direct best customer service i have known
Very knowledgeable and friendly
Review by Seth
These are pretty much what I expected- fit true to Castelli size for me (normally wear medium jerseys in Castelli). These are comfortable on my skinnier arms in size medium (guys with regular size arms will probably want large or bigger). The material really does have a cool to the touch feeling and they're pretty thin. Used on a ride with temps in the upper 50s-lower 60s and they kept my arms just warm enough as well. The white gets dirty really easily but I will just wash by hand. I'm not sure how long they will hold up as the seams had some loose pieces already. But overall, they are nice for me and most importantly a good fit on my arms.
Review by Rick
I ordered these to relieve the intense itching i get from sun damaged arms. I suffered through many summers with intense itching. This product solved my problem. I purchased them from Castelli because I know they make quality products. They are easy and comfortable to wear and they look good too. So glad I purchased them.
Review by Bike_Fanatic
I love these sleeves. Cooler that riding with no Sleeves - I Love Em.
My Doctor told me to start taking better care of my self skin-cancer-wise.
I now ride with long sleeves and gloves (Yeti) all the time.
I don't like putting on sunscreen - Too lazy - These work great.
These sleeves turn all my old short sleeve jersey into long sleeves and look cool with the white color
I'm a Scorpio so the Castelli Scorpion graphic is cool.
They stay in place real well. I'm 5' 11" and 190 pounds.
I ordered Large - They worked - Time Trial type fit
I went up to Extra Large and I like the fit and length a bit better.
Those Euros must be tiny......
Review by Anonymous
Castelli sun sleeves do what they're designed to do. I also use Pearl Izumi sun sleeves. Castelli size small fits even tighter than their small jerseys and bibs, but are surprisingly not uncomfortably restrictive and zero slip better than the PI sleeves. And black sleeves are not overly hot.
Review by Don
Good sun protect and provide some cooling. I do not have big arms and the mediums fit me well. If you are considering the Pearl Izumi version (I got them on sale so figured worth a try), they run significantly smaller.
Review by Anonymous
Don't waste money on sunblock that sweats right off. Been using these for years awesome
Review by Stanley
These fit snug but are comfortable. No negatives.
Review by Anonymous
Don't waste money on sunblock that sweats right off. Been using these for years awesome
Review by bryanbooya
I bought these to spare my skin from both UV radiation and chemical sunscreen. My past experience with Castelli has been great, so despite not being the cheapest arm sleeves, I figure they'll be a better value in the long run. They definitely protect. They definitely fit and feel great, although you might want to size down if you're built like me with skinny arms. I'm 6'0" and Medium fits perfectly. The fabric is superb! I definitely feel cooler in the sun, partly because my skin isn't getting direct sunlight, but also because the evaporative cooling of the fabric is really good!
Review by Dmurph
My dermatologist advised me to use sun sleeves to prevent any further skin damage to my over 60 yr old arms. I have tried a few products and these are quite nice. They are light, breathable and fit well. They are the best sun protection for my arms I have found.
Review by Anonymous
Used about 10 times � now split
Review by Joe Bob
These are thin and breath well when you�re moving. They do feel a bit uncomfortable when I�m still air and not moving, but that�s to be expected with skin tight arm sleeves. If they were loose and baggy, they would be more comfortable but less aerodynamic.