I have always worn sun sleeves, and only stuff them in my jersey when it gets beyond hot. For riders that spend 20 to 30-plus hours a month in the saddle, do yourself a favor and cover your arms with any brand of sun sleeve that has a good SPF rating. These Pearl Izumi sun sleeves are constructed of a nice light material that does the job. There's always a funny, thin ring of a sun tan between my gloves and the wrist-end of the sun sleeves, so I can see that they are working, and doing what I need them to do.
Not really a complaint, but the most recent pair I purchased are actually a deep-dark-blue color, and not the color black like my older P.I. sun sleeves.
Too much time spent in the sun decades ago is now sending me reminders in the form of skin cancer issues. My dermatologist has recommended no more sun exposure. That's not too hard here in the NW climate except for the exceptional summer rides. I bought these sun sleeves to give me the protection I need without overheating. They seem to work.
BTD had white in stock locally and had to ship the black from another site. I had both within a few days. BTD is my go to source for most of my bike needs.
I'm 65 years old, stand 6'3 and I have skinny arms. I measured and the size table said "small" so I ordered "medium" just to be safe. I should have ordered "large" because the "medium" actually makes my hands cold it is so tight. The Length was spot-on for me as my sleeve length is 36.5 - 37". I have to eat the cost because by the time I pay return postage it would be a waste. BikeTiresDirect should update the size charts to reflect American sizes accurately.
My most recent pair is my third pair. I'd say they last two years before they start to get less snug but still perfectly functional. I ride in Hawaii where it is always hot and sunny so I wear these on every ride. Other brands don't use silicone arm grippers to hold them up or they are cut too large for my cyclist arms (I'm looking at you Spesh). I'm 6' 3" and I wear size large but maybe the XL would work too. I love these bright white snug arm covers.
I have many different types of arm SPF protectors, but this one has to be one of the heaviest in terms of material. Most of them are very light and do the job. The Pearl Izumi provides 50+ but you will sweat quite a bit with them at temps above 75degF. I do enjoy them for cool sunning days. They do provide minimal warmth and sun protection. I am 5'3" 130lb and find them to fit very well without any marks left on my arms after removing them.
I wear these all throughout the summer in the hot Southern California streets. They keep one cool and protected from the harmful sun. I do not need to spray sun block when wearing them and my forearms stay cool
These fit well with a left and right sleeve. They are a little on the long side, but better than too short, They are a good sunscreen and wick well. I live in the desert where it is really hot. It's true that if you get them wet they will be very cool to your skin until they dry - which is within a mile of starting a ride where I live. After that, they do wick away sweat which keeps you cooler and dry. I like that they are SPF 50 - I'd rather wear these then have a sunscreen film. That said - when it's really hot (and I mean 90+ degrees at 6am and 105+ by 10:00, I am about 60/40 wearing these - and less so on a day where the humidity is about 70%.
I sized up from the measurements on the size chart. The sleeve fit great, but the band at the top was very tight. It restricted my muscle, even though I have soft lady arms. Was not able to try a larger size.
not sure the science behind all this (evaporative cooling) but they work, riding in dry (er) Colorado heat and not dry at all South Carolina. I wish i had converted sooner to these sleeves instead of slathering on the sunscreen. get em. fit is a solid match to my t shirt size. I'm not sure what BTD size guide means...
I ride in Florida where the sun is very strong and the heat and humidity are brutal. I use these to protect my forearms from sun damage, and they work great and fit perfectly. They can also be wetted to provide evaporative cooling while riding. I've used other brands of arm protectors but these are the best in my opinion.
I've had carcinoma removed from my forearm. So these have become a requirement for me. They fit well and are very light weight. Just what I needed. They work as light weight arm warmers when starting a ride early, then keep me protected when the sun comes up. Keep them damp to keep cool when it gets hot.
