Arm warmers are knitted "sleeves" worn on the arms. Sometimes worn by dancers to warm up their bodies before class, they have also become somewhat of a fashion item, appearing in the fall.

Arm warmers can also describe any glove-like articles of clothing that lack finger coverings and/or were originally designed to keep wrists and lower arms warm. Today, many competition and sport bicyclists as well as distance runners/marathoners wear spandex-compression arm-warmers.

History

An illustration of a person wearing striped arm warmers.

Various sub-cultures, such as the punk, emo and goth subcultures, have also adopted arm warmers as a fashion statement. Stores such as Hot Topic sell arm warmers with chains and designs of skulls, piano keys, band logos, and other alternative inspired designs.

Sports

A marathon runner wearing running sleeves in Taipei, 2016.

Sleeves made from Spandex or Lycra are used by long-distance runners and other endurance athletes. The compressive effect prevents swelling of the arm muscles and the build-up of lactic acid; they also provide insulation in cold weather and solar ultraviolet protection.[1] During 2010 FIFA World Cup, arm warmers featuring the participating national teams became a phenomenon in the host country South Africa and abroad.[2]

See also

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Arm warmers.

References

  1. ↑ Erickson, Dave (20 June 2020). "Endurance Hour: Top Three Reasons to Wear Running Arm Sleeves". www.endurancehour.com. Dave Erickson Media. Archived from the original on January 14, 2020. Retrieved 6 October 2020.
  2. ↑ "Unique Arm Warmers Have Taken the World By Storm." Cape Town Partnership. Retrieved on July 5, 2010.
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