We’ve learnt the hard way that sun protection is vital, whether you’re running around the backyard after the kids, outdoors for work, or playing your favourite sport in the sun.
UV protectant arm sleeves are the best way for women to keep their skin safe from the sun’s harmful rays, stay cool, and look great all day.
Unlike long-sleeve tops, which offer little to no UV protection, arm sleeves block UVA and UVB rays that can cause melanoma skin cancers and other skin problems.
With so many options, we’ve broken down the benefits of each type of arm sleeve to help you find the right style.
1. The best women’s arm sleeves for 2023
Women’s arm sleeves are a fantastic alternative to wearing a long-sleeve top for sun protection, especially in summer. You simply slide them on your arms under your favourite outfit and be confident that your arms are safe from UVA and UVB rays all day with UPF50+ protection.
Why use arm sleeves? As little as 11 minutes of sun exposure can increase your risk of skin cancer, especially if you’re outside during the peak sunshine hours of 10am to 4pm.
Sun exposure is cumulative, meaning every little bit adds up to raise your risk of melanoma and damage your precious skin. That’s right, even those quick trips to the shops or the walk around the block with the dog – it all counts.
Your arms are one of the top seven body parts most at risk of skin cancer.
Skin cancer isn’t the only concern, either. Ultra-violet radiation from the sun can change the appearance of your skin, causing dark spots, redness and broken blood vessels. It also saps vital collagen, which helps improve elasticity and reduce the visible signs of aging. So, every time you pop outside unprotected, you could be causing irreversible damage to your skin.
We recommend looking for arms sleeves with enough length to cover your wrists, and with high-quality cooling fabrics so you don’t overheat. Of course, arm sleeves that look good are a plus! You can see our range of women’s arm sleeves here.
- Extra-length protection: Arm Sleeves with Thumb Holes
Like regular arm sleeves, sleeves with thumb holes provide unbeatable sun protection for women on the go. They feature a longer length that extends to your fingers which helps to protect the back of your hands from sun exposure, while the thumb hole keeps the sleeves securely in place throughout the day.
Our SParms sun sleeves with thumb holes are a good option for women who are particularly active in the great outdoors, or who participate in sports where hands are at greater risk of sun exposure such as cycling or golfing.
- Upper back protection: the Shoulder Wrap
Shoulder wraps are a versatile choice for busy women who need extra upper-body sun protection but don’t want the full coverage of a shirt. A shoulder wrap can be worn under your clothing, or as an additional layer of protection over the top of a sports bra or training crop.
The shoulder support at the back of our wraps ensures it’ll stay in place during even the most vigorous of activities and gives extra protection under sleeveless garments.
SParms shoulder wraps are anti-bacterial, hypoallergenic, and soft and gentle on the skin – making them a perfect choice of sun sleeves for women with skin sensitivities.
- All-over sun protection: Base Layer shirts for women
Lightweight and breathable, base layer shirts offer total upper-body protection for women, including full-length arm sleeves. UV-blocking sun protective shirts can be worn on their own or under your clothing for a chic sun-smart look.
Our range of sun protection base layers includes several colour options to suit different styles of outfit or sports uniform, so you can easily mix and match your existing wardrobe.
If you’re worried about overheating, SParms sun protection base layer tops feature patented cooling technology which can reduce your body temperature by up to five degrees Celcius, making them ideal for the Aussie sun.
Plus, you’ll still have full range of movement for whatever the day brings. If you’re concerned about sun damage around the neck area, opt for a high-neck sun protection base layer shirt like this one for extra protection.
- Full protection and warmth: Base Layer for Cooler Weather
We all know that sun protection is important in summer, but we tend to let our guard down when the mercury drops. In many parts of Australia, the UV level can still be sitting at 3 or higher during the cooler months. Considering that even a mild case of sunburn can increase your risk of melanoma, it’s important to protect your skin all year round.
Our Sun Protection Body Warm tops have got you covered. Made from nylon and polyurethane, our Body shirts are durable, lightweight, comfortable, and UPF50+ certified. Not only are they 20% warmer than cotton, they’re also 30% lighter, so you can rug up without the additional weight or bulk.
The fabric has been blended with heat-retaining Aerowarm technology yarns that are machine-washable, which makes these tops a low-maintenance option for women looking to protect their skin during winter.
The ultimate skin protection for women: sleeves + sunscreen
While your arms and body will be safe and sound, it’s also important not to forget about the rest of your skin. Make sure you apply a high-quality, SPF50+ sunscreen to your face and neck, and any other exposed skin, before heading outside.
Our SParms 100% organic sunscreen is made without the use of toxic chemicals, and it’s reef-safe and cruelty-free. It’s also been dermatologically tested, making it suitable for those with sensitive skin and babies from three months old, so the whole family can use it.
