After 15+ years of playing golf, I have had my fair share of sunburn out on the golf course. Despite the appealing tan, a deeply burned neck and arms are unbearable for the following two days. One of the best preventative measures you can take is to wear a sun sleeve on those hot days, which completely prevents burning up your arms! In this post, I unveil the best sun sleeves for golf this year to avoid intense burn.
Those looking to keep your head and shoulders protected should read our review on the best straw hats for golf. Let’s dive in.
Overview Of The Best Sun Sleeves
Just want a really quick look at our top ranked sun sleeves? Here’s our shortlist:
1.Outdoor Essentials Compression Sleeves – Overall Best Sun Sleeves
2. Tough Outdoors UV Protection – Best Budget Sun Sleeves
3. YQXCC Compression Sleeves – Best Sun Sleeves For Warm Weather
4. ShinyMod UV Protection Sleeves – Best Quality Sleeves For Sun
5. JoeYoung Arm Sleeves – Best Looking Sun Sleeves
6. HopeShine Sun Protection Cooling Sleeves – Best Sun Sleeves For Cool Weather
7. Feeke Arm Sleeves – Most Durable Sun Sleeves For Golf
Things to Consider Before Buying Sun Sleeves
Type Of Material
Nylon
Open Learn describes nylon as a tough, synthetic material that resists tears. Plus, it does not lose shape during a machine wash. Nylon is highly elastic. That helps you enjoy optimal freedom of movement during your swing.
In addition, the fabric produces superb moisture-wicking abilities and dries rapidly. It is an ideal quality for those who play in wet weather conditions.
Nylon is not without its faults. It lacks breathability and can cause chaffing and body odor. The material corrodes due to UV exposure. Therefore, don’t expect a long lifespan.
Polyester
According to the University of Kentucky, Polyester is renowned for its water, oil, and fire-resistant qualities. Its durable construction enables it to withstand consistent movement, to last longer. When the manufacturer pre-shrinks the fabric in the finishing process, it reduces the risk of contorting.
Despite its positive qualities, it is less breathable than natural fibers such as cotton, and it retains odors. That requires you to wash them after every round, which is recommended in any case.
Spandex
Spandex fabric is incredibly elastic and ideal for wearing during activities with optimal movement. Unlike Nylon, Spandex resists sunlight and heat and stands up, but it has several flaws. For example, it is susceptible to shrinking, discoloration, and overstretching.
Based on its downsides, spandex is usually blended with other synthetic materials as it is not durable on its own.
UPF Rating
Once you have decided on your preferred fabric, the next step is to consider your ideal (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) UPF rating. If your skin is fair and you burn horrendously, you need sun sleeves with maximum protection.
The Skin Cancer Foundation suggests that clothing with a UPF protection rating of 50 is optimal and blocks out 98% of the sun’s rays. Conversely, if your skin is strong and can handle moderate amounts of sun, a a protection rating of 30 to 49 is sufficient.
Moisture Wicking
Material with moisture-wicking qualities removes sweat or water from the skin, keeping it dry. This quality often requires you to sacrifice breathability, which can heat up your arms and increase discomfort. Ideally, you will want your sun sleeves to be made from moisture wicking material. If not, you may end up dealing with a pretty uncomfortable situation part way through your round.
Breathability
Technology has allowed manufacturers to combine breathability with moisture-wicking materials. Therefore your arms stay dry and cool on a warm day out. The increase of airflow helps reduce the risk of chafing. On a hot day, you need a breathable sun sleeve that can prevent you from overheating.
Elasticity
Since the sun sleeves go around your arms, they need to fit like a glove without cutting off the blood supply. They also need to stretch during your swing to not restrict your arms. Otherwise, it can cause you to lose leverage at the top of your backswing.
I recommend looking at sun sleeves with 4-way stretch as they last longer. When you swing it offers sufficient space to move your arms, then it stretches back into place at the end of your shot.
The Best Sun Sleeves For 2022
1. Outdoor Essentials Compression Sleeves – Overall Best Sun Sleeves
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Optimal sun protection
- Moisture-wicking material
- 4-way stretchable fabric for increased movement
- Breathable
- Comfortable
Cons
- It may feel tight on players with larger biceps.
The overall best sun sleeves for golf in 2022 are the Outdoor Essentials Compression Sleeves. It is deserving of this title thanks to its affordable price, optimal sun protection, and moisture-wicking and cooling qualities.
Starting with the most important element, protection. The Outdoor Essentials Compression Sleeves provide a UPF Protection rating of 50, suitable for players who burn badly.
Furthermore, these sleeves are crafted with 4-way stretch fabric, designed to increase elasticity and durability. It also increases movement to enable you to swing freely.
On top of its sun protection and elasticity, the Outdoor Essentials sleeves are breathable and wick moisture away from your arms. Therefore, it is water-resistant and keeps you cool and dry.
Finally, these comfortable sun sleeves are affordable and accessible to golfers on all budgets. If you are looking for a well-priced pair of golf sun sleeves that are water-resistant, breathable, and sun protective, these are at the very top of our list.
Overall Score: 97/100
2. Tough Outdoors UV Protection – Best Budget Sun Sleeves
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Affordable
- UPF 50 protection
- Moisture-wicking material keeps your skin dry
- Airflow ensures that your skin is cool
- Optimal stretch and durability
Cons
- Taller players have found them to not cover the length of the arm.
As it is, golf sun sleeves are a highly affordable item. But, if you just want something highly affordable to get the job done, this category is dedicated to you. The Tough Outdoors UV Protection sleeves are the best budget option this year. Thanks to their protective qualities, comfortable fit, and stretchability.
These sleeves are a combination of nylon and spandex. Together they offer a breathable, sweat-wicking construction for improved comfort. As a result, your limbs remain cool and dry.
In addition, the 4-way stretch fabric helps the sleeves to fit all arm sizes and reduce discomfort. Plus, the lightweight design is soft on your skin and limits the risk of rashes or itching. Finally, the Tough Outdoors UV Protection sleeves provide UPF 50 protection to cover those most exposed.
Ultimately, the Tough Outdoors UV Protection Sleeves offer superb value for money and suit those who need to save a few shekels. These are phenomenal as a bang-for-buck option.
Overall Score: 96/100
3. YQXCC Compression Sleeves – Best Sun Sleeves For Warm Weather
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Encourage increased airflow
- Wicks moisture away from the skin
- UPF 50 protection
- Water-resistant
- Optimal elasticity
Cons
- Players with larger arms have found the sleeves to be tight
- Retains odor if not washed frequently
Protecting your skin from the sun is one thing, but remaining cool and comfortable is a different story. Apparel needs to keep your skin dry and deliver supreme airflow for breathability to earn the title for the best sun sleeves for warm weather.
The YQXCC Compression Sleeves achieve this objective perfectly, which is why it is the clear winner of this category this year. The combination of 90% nylon and 10% spandex provides a UPF 50 protection rating. That means it shields 98% of UVA and UVB rays for superior protection.
In addition, the sleeves are water-resistant and keep your arms dry in the rain. Plus, they allow air to flow through the sleeves to keep your arms cool in the heat.
Lastly, the YQXCC sleeves provide increased elasticity for superior durability and are easily machine washable. If you play down south or generally in strong heat, these are a great pick.
Overall Score: 94/100
4. ShinyMod UV Protection Sleeves – Best Quality Sleeves For Sun
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Supreme quality
- UPF 50 protection
- Increased elasticity to fit all arm sizes
- Keep your arms cool
- Fashionable design
Cons
- They can only be hand washed
- Marginally tight on wider arms
Those who desire quality above all else should appreciate our next item on the list. Claiming the top spot for the best quality sleeves for the sun is the ShinyMod UV Protection design.
Its heavy sleeves, checkerboard design, and precise sewing epitomize quality when it comes to this kit. The weighty sleeves deliver increased durability, while the checkerboard pattern offers a fashionable appearance.
Added to the quality of the ShinyMod golf sun sleeves are its nylon and spandex material which offers UPF 50 protection. The optimal shield protects the most vulnerable to sunburn and skin cancer.
Moreover, these sleeves possess an advanced, highly elastic, non-conforming arm shape for superior movement. Not only can you swing freely, but you will also not restrict blood circulation.
Overall Score: 93/100
5. JoeYoung Arm Sleeves – Best Looking Sun Sleeves
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Unique design
- Two different sizes to cater to petite and large golfers
- Increased airflow
- Moisture-wicking
- Optimal stretchability
Cons
- Traditionalists will not approve of the funky designs.
You cannot complete a list of the best golf products without including the most attractive option. JoeYoung stands out above its competitors for its funky designs that add flavor to otherwise dull golf equipment.
Like most products on this list, these sleeves contain a UPF 50 rating for maximum sun protection. Unlike their peers, JoeYoung offers a range of outlandish designs to help you make a statement on the golf course.
Furthermore, the sleeves are stretch fit to not restrict movement and comfortably fit over your forearm. Plus, they are offered in a small/medium and large/extra-large size to cater to golfers with long or wide arms as usual.
These sleeves also remove moisture from the skin and dry quickly, optimizing comfort while out on the course. Finally, the sleeves are low maintenance and easily washable.
Overall Score: 93/100
6. HopeShine Sun Protection Cooling Sleeves – Best Sun Sleeves For Cool Weather
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Provides warmth in cold weather
- Quality design
- UPF 50 protection
- Two different sizes to cater to a range of golfers
- Durable
Cons
- It can struggle to cool your down in intense heat.
Just because the sun is shining doesn’t mean it is warm. If you can play in the winter, you will need sun sleeves that keep you warm. Thanks to the high-performance fabric of the HopeShine Sun Protection, it provides warmth in crisp conditions and keeps you cool in the heat.
That is why the HopeShine Sun Protection sleeves find themselves on top of the list for the best cool weather option. As is common with other picks in this guide, these sleeves are 92% nylon and 8% spandex and feature Fast Sweat Kick Away and Fast Dry material. That means that they provide superb elasticity and moisture-wicking capabilities.
Added to its moisture-wicking qualities is water resistance to keep your arms dry in the winter rain. The quick-dry material rids the sleeves of droplets for increased dryness. Plus, the sleeves contain UPF 50 protection qualities to reduce the risk of sunburn.
Moreover, HopeShine suggests that these sleeves encourage rapid blood circulation and muscle recovery to reduce the risk of injury.
Tall and broad golfers often complain about the length or width of the sleeves being too small. That is why HopeShine offers these sleeves in two sizes, small to extra large and XXL to XXXXL.
Those who seek a quality set of sleeves that will keep you warm during the wet should give some thought to the HopeShin Sun Protection sleeves.
Overall Score: 91/100
7. Feeke Arm Sleeves – Most Durable Sun Sleeves For Golf
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Durable
- Stretchable, comfortable material
- UPF 50 rating
- Elastic band prevents sleeves from slipping down
- Moisture-wicking
- Heat regulator
Cons
- Shorter sleeve length may be problematic for players with long arms.
If you wish to save yourself from frequently acquiring a new pair of sun sleeves every few months, you need to invest in a durable design. The Feeke Arm Sleeves claim the crown in this category because of their durable, comfortable, weatherproof qualities that extend their lifespan.
The weatherproof material keeps you warm in the cold and cools you down on a hot day. Plus, the fabric wicks moisture from your skin to keep it dry and comfortable, with minimal risk of a rash. Feeke suggests that the material even protects you from mosquitoes if you play in hot and damp conditions.
Like the other top performing items on this list, the Feeke Arm Sleeves are equipped with a UPF rating of 50 to optimize your protection from harsh rays.
Furthermore, these sleeves are fitted with anti-slip technology. A nonskid elastic band fastens around your skin to prevent the sleeves from falling down every time you move your arms. While delicate stitching holds the sleeves together for superior durability.
The design team at Feeke optimized the elasticity of these sleeves to not restrict blood flow or your ability to freely swing your club.
Finally, these arms are machine washable and easy to maintain. Throw them in the machine and hang them up, and they are clean.
In summary, Feeke arm sleeves are best suited to players looking for an all-around pair with exceptional durability.
Overall Score: 90/100
Golf Sun Sleeves: FAQs
Do Golf Sun Sleeves Work?
From my personal experience, golf sun sleeves absolutely work, but don’t just take my word for it. In a 2016 article, Golfweek suggested that PGA and LPGA pros use golf sun sleeves to combat harsh rays.
When wearing sun sleeves, I do not experience the painful after-effects onset by sunburn. I also help to lower my risk of skin cancer.
The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends that you acquire sun-protective clothing with a UPF rating of no less than 30. Anything below that mark does not receive the stamp of approval from the foundation. Therefore, if you want golf sun sleeves to reduce your risk of sunburn, opt for an option with a UPF of 30 plus.
Are Sun Sleeves Worth It?
Sun sleeves are absolutely worth it. The record of golfers and skin cancer is bleak. That is why any protective clothing is worth taking seriously and employing into your game.
Fred Couples, Rory Sabattini, Adam Scott, and Jimmy Walker are but a few renowned golfers who have had a run-in with skin cancer. Most of those names did not have access to the type of UV protective clothing we enjoy today early in their career.
Besides the protective qualities, sun sleeves are super affordable. If you can afford to purchase a dozen new golf balls, you have the capital to give sun sleeves a try. Ultimately, it is safe to conclude that sun sleeves are worth it, and there is little risk in acquiring a pair.
Do Compression Sleeves Protect From The Sun?
Yes, compression sleeves protect from the sun as long as the material contains a UPF rating of 30 and above. Every pair of golf sun sleeves listed in this guide feature a UPF of 50 plus. That means they offer supreme protection against the sun.
Final Thoughts
There you have the best sun sleeves for golf this year! It is promising to see how many manufacturers develop UPF 50 + products, exceeding the requirements of the Skin Cancer Foundation. That means that these golf sleeves will block out 98% of the rays thrown at them.
Given the skin cancer experiences of renowned professional golfers, we must take care of ourselves out on the course. The Outdoor Essentials Compression sun sleeves are the best sun sleeves for golf this year, and would benefit any golfer who wants a little more sun protection. Look after your skin and take a closer look at the winner here.
