Arm sleeves have many benefits, from protecting against sunburn and cold to reducing arm fatigue, but they actually have many different names.
- arm sleeves
- Arm covers
- Arm support
I would like to explain in detail the differences between them and how they are used.
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, it seems that arm supports generally have almost 100% compression , while arm covers and sleeves are available in both compression and non-compression versions.
So, if you are prioritizing compression, search for "arm support" or "arm support," but if you are looking for something with less strong compression, it might be quicker to search for "arm covers" or "arm sleeves."
The meaning of applying pressure and compression 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 (because, unlike feet, arms are not used much in daily life).
As the name suggests, they provide strong support and apply moderate pressure to the entire arm, reducing unnecessary muscle movement . This reduces the strain on the muscles and has the benefit of slowing the decline in performance during times when fatigue is more likely to occur . Some products on the market have clever stitching and fabric thicknesses that allow them to support movement like tape.
It is often used in sports, especially in marathons and soccer, where arms are used for long periods of time, and in darts, where arms are vital.
Effect of arm sleeves: Absorbs sweat from the 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- wicking, absorbing sweat from your arms and then releasing it (keeping your skin dry). This prevents sweat from running down your arm , which reduces slipping when playing sports that involve holding a ball or other equipment.
Effect of arm sleeves ②: Winter cold protection
During the winter when people don't sweat, many people use it to regulate their body temperature and as a way to keep warm .
If you wear long sleeves, you have to roll up your sleeves when you get hot, which can be quite stressful as they tend to slip down, but arm sleeves (arm covers/arm supports) almost completely eliminate that stress.
If it gets hot, you can simply take it off your arm , and if you're running, you can just move it and fasten it around your wrist so it doesn't take up any space.
Effect of arm sleeves 3: UV protection
Until now, UV protection has mainly been a benefit for sports, but it can also be used for everyday wear. Recently, many arm sleeves with UV protection have been developed, making them very useful for short outings, such as taking children to and from school or shopping, when UV rays are at their peak.
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 looking into them.
Disadvantages of arm sleeves: Some people find the compression uncomfortable
Basically, it is easiest to choose based on whether it has strong, weak or no pressure, but you need to be careful about the pressure.
・Arm support: strong pressure, some pressure, or little pressure
Arm sleeves: compression, low compression, or no compression
・Arm covers: with compression, little compression, or no compression
It is true that in sports where you use your arms a lot, compression can make it easier to move your arms, but if you wear it for a long time, it may become increasingly uncomfortable .
It may be called psychological stress, but the tightness gradually becomes stressful, and this stress can lead to the illusion of fatigue. (In my case, it feels like the blood is being stopped, and I start to feel pain.)
So, unless you are absolutely certain that stronger compression is better, we recommend starting with something with less or no compression, and if you decide you want more compression, it may be less stressful to go for something with stronger compression.
Our company OLENO also offers ultra-light (approximately 24g) arm sleeves that are not too tight.
・Ultraviolet shielding 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.
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