Arm sleeves have many benefits, such as protecting against sunburn and the cold and reducing arm fatigue, but they actually are called various things.
- Arm Sleeves
- Arm Covers
- Arm Supporter
I would like to explain in detail the differences between them and how to use them.
The crucial difference is whether to apply pressure or not
These three terms are not clearly defined , and each manufacturer uses their own terminology. However, in general, almost 100% of arm supports have compression , while arm covers and arm sleeves are available in both compression and non-compression varieties.
So, if you are prioritizing compression, I recommend searching for "arm supporter" or "arm supporter", but if you are looking for something with less strong compression, it would be quicker to search for "arm covers" or "arm sleeves".
The meaning of applying pressure to the arms
First of all, do you know what it means to compress your arms?
For example, compression socks that apply pressure below the knee are often used in everyday life to relieve swelling and reduce leg fatigue , but arm supports with compression are mainly used only in sports scenes (because, unlike the feet, there are few opportunities to use the arms a lot in daily life).
As the name suggests, it provides strong support and reduces unnecessary muscle movement by applying moderate pressure to the entire arm. This reduces the strain on the muscles and has the benefit of slowing down the decline in performance during times when fatigue is likely to occur . Some products are sold with clever stitching and fabric thickness that help support movement like taping.
It is especially popular in sports such as marathons and soccer, where you use your arms for long periods of time, and darts, where your arms are of vital importance.
Effect of arm sleeves 1: They absorb sweat from your arms
Arm sleeves (arm covers/arm supports) offer many benefits even for people who don't need that much compression.
Many arm sleeves (arm covers/arm supports) are quick-drying and sweat- absorbent, absorbing sweat from the arms and releasing it further (i.e. keeping the skin dry). This means that sweat doesn't run down , and for example, when playing sports with a ball or equipment, you are less likely to slip.
Effect of arm sleeves ②: Protection against the cold in winter
During the winter when people do not sweat, many people use it to regulate their body temperature and as a way to protect themselves from the cold .
If you wear long sleeves, you have to roll up your sleeves if you get hot, which can be quite stressful as they tend to slip down, but arm sleeves (arm covers/arm supports) almost completely eliminate this stress.
If it gets hot, you can simply take it off your arm , and if you're running, you can move it and fasten it around your wrist so it doesn't become a burden.
Effect of arm sleeves 3: UV protection
Until now, the main benefit of this UV protection was in sports, but it can also be used in everyday life. Recently, many arm sleeve products with UV protection have been developed, and they are very useful when going out for a short trip, such as taking children to and from school or shopping, when the UV rays are strong.
Of course, not many people wear arm sleeves (arm covers/arm supports) when going out because they think it's fashionable, but there are fashionable arm sleeves (arm covers/arm supports) available, so it might be worth giving them a try.
Disadvantages of arm sleeves: Some people find the compression uncomfortable
Basically, it's easiest to choose based on whether it's strong, low or no pressure, but you need to be careful with the pressure.
・Arm support: strong pressure, some pressure, or little pressure
Arm sleeves: compression, low compression, or no compression
・Arm cover: With compression, with little compression, or without compression
It's true that in sports where you use your arms a lot, compression makes it easier to move your arms, but if you wear it for a long time, it can become uncomfortable . Perhaps it's psychological stress, but the tightness gradually becomes stressful, and that stress can actually make you feel tired. (In my case, it feels like the blood is being cut off, and it starts to hurt.)
So, unless you are absolutely certain that stronger compression is better, we recommend that you try out something with less or no compression, and if you decide you want more compression, then going for something stronger may be less stressful.
Our OLENO arm sleeves are ultra-lightweight (approximately 24g) with little tightness.
・UV protection rate: 94%
- Highly absorbent and quick drying, so you won't feel uncomfortable wearing it in the summer
- Wide range of colors available
If you are interested, please take a look at our product page.
OLENO best-selling product "Arm Sleeve UL"
"UL Arm Sleeves with Thumb Hole" protects the back of your hands from the sun