Best Sun Sleeves For Golf

You have probably heard that sun sleeves for golf can be of tremendous help if you are exposed to the sun for hours, however, they can also aid your recovery process in case of an injury or improve your setup. 

When I started spending more time on the course, I started being more aware of the other golfers’ equipment and gear, including the extras they had. Actually, it was the extras that got my attention, as not many of them we see around. 

What I couldn’t realize at the time, was the use of the sun sleeves. They seemed ridiculous to me until I forgot to apply Sunscreen to my arms and got sunburnt to the point I couldn’t proceed with the game. Then, a fellow golfer pointed to the sun sleeves, explaining that one of the purposes they had was to protect the arms from the harmful sun rays.

Of course, I wanted to know more about them, and when we got back to the club and Jon, who was buying drinks after a hole-in-one,  I started researching. It is now at the point that I never head to the course without a pair of sun sleeves.   

So, from sun protection and moisture-wicking to warming up and keeping the insects off, from better extension and set up to tension-free swings, sun sleeves could be the solution you were looking for. 

We explored the market and came up with the best sun sleeves for golf, so let’s check them out!

7 Best Golf Sun Sleeves

Nike Golf Dri-Fit Solar Sleeve

Ever since Nike got onto the golf scene with Tiger Woods under their hat, the company has become imperative when it comes to golf apparel and accessories. It has developed numerous technologies to satisfy golfers’ needs, worked with the best golfers to realize what those needs were, and created state-of-the-art designs. 

Features

I don’t think there’s a golfer who doesn’t own at least one piece that belongs to Nike’s Dri-FIT line, the most popular hot-weather franchise that Nike has launched. It is moisture-wicking, keeps the material dry and cool so that you focus and perform better. Plus, the material keeps you protected from the UV rays, which is a huge benefit.

What I think most of you would like about them is the excellent fit thanks to the elastic cuffs that feature silicone strips. 

When it comes to color varieties, the model is limited to black and white only. Since this is a primarily men’s model, the available sizes refer to those matching men’s arms, even though women can wear them too.

Under Armour Performance HeatGear Sleeve

(Runner UP)

This Under Armour Sun Sleeve has been on the market for quite some time, and if you are a fan of this brand, which I personally admire, you already know that we are talking about premium quality. UA technologies have been cutting-edge in many aspects and proven to work highly efficiently.

Features

This golf sun sleeve is made from a performance material that comprises 80% polyester and 20% elastane. This blend is efficient in wicking the moisture away, it dries very fast, and it is elastic and thin enough so that it creates the second-skin effect.

Since this sleeve belongs to the UA proprietary HeatGear collection, it works perfectly during hot, sunny days. This does not only imply that you’ll have UV protection, but it will also keep you cool throughout the day. 

But, golf sleeves are not only used to protect you from the sun, but most of them also offer additional help. This UA model provides compression which increases the circulation preventing muscle fatigue, swelling, or golf elbow.

When it comes to styling, there are several color options to choose from as well as sizes to fit you the best. Mind you though that the price refers to a single sleeve, which makes a pair a rather expensive set.

Shinymod Arm Sleeve

(Best on a budget)

When someone mentioned this brand on the course I got rather skeptical, however, I decided to give them a try, noticing the high number of positive reviews. And, I am so glad that I did, as they have proven to be of high quality and very useful. 

Features

The combination of 92% polyamide and 8% spandex seems to be a winning combination that delivers a cooling effect during scorching summer days, but it can also warm you up when the weather gets cold. 

The material boasts high elasticity, allowing a snug fit without getting loose. It has such a design that provides muscle comfort, but at the same time, it protects them from straining and helps golfers to achieve a consistent setup.

The material features UPF 50+, which means you don’t have to worry about sunburns. Plus, they have a seamless, thumb-hole design extending the protection all across your hands. 

With multiple color options and the unisex, one-size-fits-all sizing, you can’t really go wrong with them. The price is another catch as it is affordable for a pair. In a nutshell, Shinymod sun sleeves for golf are excellent value for the money.

Aegend Cooling Arm Sleeves

When I was looking for the best sun sleeves for golf, Aegend sun sleeves got my attention as they seem to be very popular. They somehow resembled Shinymod, so I needed to see if they differ in any way. Well, they are strikingly similar, but there are some differences in the material composition, design, and available sizes.

Features

Made from 88 % polyamide fiber and 12% spandex, the material guarantees cooling and moisture-wicking features. It is soft, breathable, and stretchy and it doesn’t easily skid as you go on with the game. The bands are also very elastic and feature anti-slip silica gel points to hold it in position.  

As with some other products on the list, the material features UPF 50 sun protection, guaranteeing to block about 98% of the UVA and UVB rays. They also offer the possibility to be worn over the thumb, which means your hands get protected too, or you can opt for the classic, wrist styling. 

Another perk of Aegend sun sleeves is their ability to protect you from tendon inflammation and swelling. If you have recently suffered from a muscle injury or feel muscle weakness, it is advisable to try using arm sleeves to help you endure until the 18th hole.  

 

Sparthos Arm Compression Sleeve

Contrary to the common opinion that sun sleeves protect you only from the sun, this model shows that their use has a much wider scope, among which, to provide sufficient compression and improve circulation, to relieve symptoms of golf elbow, joint pain and tendonitis, and to prevent muscle straining. This is exactly what this Sparthos arm compression sleeve is used for.

Features

The soft, performance material generates the second-skin effect, making it very comfortable to wear regardless of whether you wear it during hot days or as a layer when the weather is cool. The material is highly breathable and moisture-wicking, a key component of any performance material. Plus, it has a UPF protective factor to keep those burning rays away.

What I like the most about these Sparthos compression sun sleeves for golf is their versatility, not only in the ways you can use them but also the 4 colors and the 4 sizes. The affordable price for a pair is the icing on the cake, so all in all, a good sleeve to go to.

CompressionZ Arm Sleeve

If you are looking for the best sun sleeves for golf that offer compression and unique styling, then you might want to take a look at CompressionZ. The “Camo” and “Tangled” designs are among those that you don’t usually see among other models. However, their purpose is more than to add some fashion elements since they could be a precious help if you are recovering from injuries, swelling, or inflammation.

Features

Since this model has an enhanced medical purpose and it is the compression that attracts many, you’ll find it tighter than you would generally expect it to be. In case you’d like to lessen the compression effect, get yourself one size up. 

The material is highly breathable, anti-bacterial, comfortable, and wicks the sweat away. The upper cuff offers a secure fit and it doesn’t easily slide down. The material is also UV protective, even though I’d rather say it creates a more enhanced heating effect than cooling as it functions as an insulation layer.

KMINN Arm Sleeve

We are closing the list with another pair of sun sleeves for golf which features a triple function: cooling, heating, and compression. These multiple functions in addition to their peculiar checkerboard design have made them favorite among golfers.

Features

The combination of polyamide and spandex seems to be the winning formula for versatility and effectiveness. The material is lightweight, breathable, and delivers maximum UV protection. It is resistant to scratches and external impacts, expanding its use not only on the course but much wider.

The seamless design without any protruding stitchings allows comfortable compression and soft feel. The sleeves are ergonomic and you can wear them in any season and for any purpose, so for the competitive price that includes two pairs you get an excellent value for the money.

And the Best Golf Arm Sun Sleeves Are…

Even though all 7 models are well-performing and deliver considerable protection and relief, CompressionZ Arm Sleeves meets these functions at the highest level. It features UPF 50, cooling and heating effect, so it allows golfers to use it for different kinds of purposes and needs. The compression it provides can help you prevent or recover from tendonitis, golf elbow, or muscle cramps.

The material is soft, durable, breathable, and feels like second-skin. It stays firm on the skin, without the annoying skidding that many similar models feature. With unique color varieties and an affordable price, CompressionZ offers excellent value for the money.

Check out other clothing reviews on AEC Info including Golf shirts and some of our top-rated Winter clothing.

FAQ

Do Compression Sun Sleeves Decrease Pain and Provide Aid in Muscle Recovery?

In addition to providing golfers and other athletes with protection from the sun’s harmful rays, compression sleeves help to increase blood flood in injured areas as well as support painful joints.  Compression sun sleeves can provide relief from painful tendonitis, along with relieving golfer’s elbow and tennis elbow. 

The compression they provide means that they stimulate the blood flow which in turn relieves the pressure from your muscles. Boosted circulation means more oxygen and more nutrients to the body parts that need them most. At the same time, it keeps the muscles protected from straining, tearing, and pulling.

Who Needs Sun Sleeves For Golf? 

It won’t be an exaggeration if I say, everyone. Firstly, you need them to protect your arms from UV rays, particularly if your skin is too sensitive to sunscreens. Secondly, you might want to consider getting yourself a sun sleeve that provides adequate compressions, even if you don’t suffer from a Golfers elbow or Tendonitis since it is highly effective in providing protection. Lastly, most of the sun sleeves for golf feature cooling and/or heating properties, you can feel fresh and relaxed during summer days and warm during cold days.

For more information on some of our favorite picks, be sure to check out the rest of AEC’s Info.