Pearl IzumiSun Sleeves (Return to Product Page)

This review is for the black sun sleeves. They keep the sun off your skin, but are warm. I like using sun sleeves in lieu of sun screen. Purchased the black ones, since the white ones are hard to keep clean. Used them on a 19 day bike tour in Sardinia. Daily temperatures were in middle to upper 80's with sunny skies. Felt they were uncomfortably hot. Stopped wearing them. Would be OK for sunny Spring or Fall weather when a little warmth is desirable , but they are much warmer than the white sun sleeves.

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.

I have found the Pearl Izumi Sun Sleeves to be the best out there. They last longer and have always fit me better than other brands.

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.

This is my second pair. The top part of the sleeve is just the right and not too tight. I also have the Castelli sun sleeves and they feel tight. I wear size medium.

Just started using these. Size is correct. Better than I expected. Not hot to wear. Makes riding in the sun easier than having to reapply sunscreen. Also a good sleeve to use in cool mornings.

I needed to protect my arms from the sun better so I tried this product. They seem to help block the sun rays and my arms aren't so burnt. I would say that when temps reach the high eighties they are warm but hard to think of any cover that would not feel warm at that point.

I would recommend the sleeves.

Midwest heat of 90+ degrees and humidity put these sun sleeves to the test. They live up to their description of spreading the sweat through the fabric for a general cooling effect upon evaporation. They were slipping down my arm a bit at the high side but stopped sliding after I started sweating. I'm not a big fan of lotions and these sleeves are a nice alternative.

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%.

Just looking for something to use in place of sunblock and these work....but warmer of course

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

It fits perfectly and seems to be of good quality. I haven't tested it under extremely sunny conditions though. I have used it under mild cold weather and works perfect! Very glad with my purchase

Used for sun protection. A bit over priced even on sale. Still a good value.

I live in the deep south and need sun protection for my arms on long rides. I've tried cheaper sun sleeves, but these are the best I've found.

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.