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BUYER'S GUIDE

Best arm and leg warmers for cycling 2024 — take the chill off your limbs with these versatile cycling accessories

Navigate changing weather on the bike with ease using our comprehensive guide to the best arm and leg warmers

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In the realm of cycling accessories, arm warmers, leg warmers and knee warmers can play a pivotal role in maintaining comfort and adaptability across diverse weather conditions. Our comprehensive reviews cover a selection of arm warmers that cater to various needs and preferences - and here are the very best of them.


Warmers for your upper and lower limbs come in many different forms and offer a blend of quality, warmth, and protection against the elements. They also cater to the budget-conscious, but also for those who want to invest in something more sustainable. Arm warmers can keep your arms protected from rain, the sun, or the wind, and the same goes for the lower limbs, which can be slipped into leg warmers when the temperatures drop lower. Each of the models listed here has scored top marks in our testing - but if you didn't find what you wanted here, there are more arm and leg warmer reviews over here

The very best scorers have also been featured on road.cc recommends, our prestigious tag that is rewarded to the best of the best products we've reviewed. 

To complete your versatile cycling wardrobe, you might want to check out our best short-sleeve jerseys and bib shorts buyer's guides as well. Now, let's get to the warmers and if you scroll all the way down, you can also find out answers to your most pressing warmer questions, if you have any! 

Our top picks for the best arm, knee and leg warmers

Best arm warmers

GripGrab AquaRepel Water-Resistant Arm Warmers

GripGrab AquaRepel Water-Resistant Arm Warmers

8
Best for eco water resistance and warmth
Buy now for £18.83 from Amazon UK
Super comfy
Nice sleek look
Impressive water resistance
Quite expensive

The GripGrab AquaRepel Water-Resistant Arm Warmers earned a solid rating of four stars for their impressive water resistance, comfort, and sleek appearance. These arm warmers excel at repelling water while providing a comfortable fit. They stand out with their effective but non-fluorocarbon (more environmentally friendly) water resistance, although their higher price point of £38 can be a drawback. The warmers feature a versatile black design that blends well with any jersey and there is a silicone elastic gripper on the upper part preventing slipping during rides. Temperature-wise you're looking at being comfy in anything from 15°C to around 20°C. These are great warmers for those seeking both water protection and warmth.

Kostüme Unisex Arm Warmers

Kostüme Unisex Arm Warmers

9
Best small-brand arm warmers with environmental credentials
Buy now for £45 from Kostume
Ergonomic arm-hugging design
All feels very well made
Good environmental credentials
More expensive than some very serviceable arm warmers

The Kostüme Unisex Arm Warmers receive a commendable, near-perfect score of 4.5 for their exceptional quality, comfort, and environmental considerations. Priced at £45, these warmers are pricey, but they stand out for their bespoke feel and well-thought-out design. They feature an ergonomic, multi-panel construction that provides a snug yet comfortable fit, enhanced by a pressure-spreading gripper high up the arm. The warmers excel in warmth retention, boasting a brushed microfibre inner lining that keeps arms cosy down to single-digit temperatures. 

While they are on the pricier side, their impressive construction, fit, and eco-conscious approach make them a good choice for those willing to invest in quality and sustainability.

Spatz Burnr 4 Season arm warmers

Spatz Burnr 4 Season arm warmers

8
Best armwarmers for long arms
Buy now for £39.99 from Spatz
Warm
Comfortable
Very long
No water resistance

The Spatz Burnr 4 Season arm warmers offer exceptional warmth and comfort, which somewhat justifies their slightly higher price. These seamless arm warmers feature a detailed wavy design, and features with specific panels for distinct functions, resulting in a highly comfortable fit without pressure points. Their length is long, though, meaning they are best for long-armed people.  

While they lack water resistance, they excel in dry and cold conditions.

 

 

Van Rysel Merino Arm Warmers 900

Van Rysel Merino Arm Warmers 900

8
Best budget merino option
Buy now for £19.99 from Decathlon
Very comfortable
Merino keeps you warm
Seams aren't noticeable at all
Size up small

The Van Rysel Merino Arm Warmers 900 got a four star review from us, and praise for their softness, warmth, and comfort. These arm warmers feature merino wool composition (47% wool, 4% elastane, and the rest polyamide) that offers excellent temperature regulation and comfort. The seamless construction ensures minimal bunching and no irritation. The merino wool provides warmth in a range of temperatures, making them suitable for rides between 12°C and -2°C.

The price of £19.99 is considered reasonable, especially compared to other merino arm warmers on the market. While they may not have the highest merino content, their performance and value make them a solid choice for colder rides.

Van Rysel Cool Weather Arm Warmers

Van Rysel Cool Weather Arm Warmers

9
Best budget option for cold weather rides
Buy now for £9.99 from Decathlon
Soft and stretchy seamless fabric
Inexpensive
Extremely light/low bulk

The Van Rysel Cool Weather Arm Warmers were praised for their performance and value for money by our tester. This pair is suitable for cool weather use and offers great value at just £9.99. Made from a seamless and stretchy fabric blend they are also incredibly light and compact. Despite lacking grippers, they stay in place during rides and don't interfere with GPS watches. 

Megmeister Ultrafris Pro Cool UPF 50+ Arm Sleeves

Megmeister Ultrafris Pro Cool UPF 50+ Arm Sleeves

8
Best armwarmers for UV protection
Buy now for £14.99 from
Well made
Effective cooling
A little pricey

Unlike most arm warmers that offer warmth, Megmeister Ultrafris Pro Cool UPF 50+ Arm Sleeves are highly effective in cooling and sun protection. Designed to keep arms cool during warm rides while safeguarding the skin against UV rays, these sleeves are made of a thin and textured material that aids cooling by promoting airflow. Megmeister claims that more sweating leads to greater cooling - which they've confirmed in testing. We found that the UV protection of these sleeves is notable, with no sunburn experienced during testing. The sleeves, available in three sizes, stay securely in place due to silicone grippers and their construction is well-engineered and durable, distinct from flimsy alternatives. 

Endura FS260-Pro Thermo Arm Warmer

Endura FS260-Pro Thermo Arm Warmer

8
Best reflective detailing
Buy now for £12 from Sigma Sports
Light
Good protection
Water resistant
Meaningful reflective detailing
Quite tight at the top
Only two sizes

The Endura FS260-Pro Thermo Arm Warmers are designed to provide quality protection for most autumn and spring rides, offering insulation and water repellency. Our review highlighted their good performance in cool conditions and light showers, with the Thermoroubaix fabric providing comfort and warmth.

The reflective detailing adds to these warmers, offering better visibility on dark rides. In terms of value, the arm warmers are considered reasonably priced at £22.99 and are recommended for autumn rides. While they are not suitable for very cold days, they perform well in cool temperatures and light drizzle.

Endura Pro SL Arm Warmers II

Endura Pro SL Arm Warmers II

8
Best windproof armwarmers
Buy now for £28.99 from Wiggle
Warmth to weight ratio
Windproof
DWR treatment
Reflective accents
Large and numerous labels
Come up small

The Endura Pro SL Arm Warmers II benefit from high quality, windproof, and showerproof properties. The Thermoroubaix lining provides warmth, and the DWR treatment offers water repellency. Reflective accents enhance visibility, while the three-panel construction ensures a good fit - although they do come up small, and the numerous labels are considered to be a wee drawback. The fit is comfortable and secure, and they're suitable for temperatures ranging from 6°C to 16°C.

ETC Snug Arm Warmers

ETC Snug Arm Warmers

8
Best budget option
Buy now for £10 from
Close fit
Grippers keep them in position
An impressive price
Not thick enough for winter temperatures

The ETC Snug Arm Warmers have an impressive fit, grippers that keep them in place, and bargain value for money. We found that these warmers fared well in cool weather, and are best suitable for early spring and late autumn rides. While these warmers might not be suitable for extremely cold winter temperatures, their price and performance make them a great option for cooler seasons without breaking the bank.

Galibier Ardennes II Arm Warmers

Galibier Ardennes II Arm Warmers

Galibier Ardennes II Arm Warmers

8
Best for comfortable fit
Buy now for £12 from Galibier
Multi-panel design gives a great fit
They stay put
Good price

The Galibier Ardennes II Arm Warmers have an excellent fit, achieved through an anatomical design and multi-panel construction. The ThermoRoubaix fabric provides protection against wind and offers comfort, while the Lycra section around the elbow prevents bunching. Silicone grippers and a well-thought-out shape make this pair for long rides in temperatures ranging from 5°C to 15°C. 

Sportful NoRain Arm Warmers

Sportful NoRain Arm Warmers

8
Best for waterproofing
Buy now for £22.5 from Saddleback

The Sportful NoRain Arm Warmers deliver comfort, featuring a soft inner fleece and a water-resistant outer layer. The hydrophobic silicone within the fabric effectively repels light rain and wheel spray. Being rather lightweight, these are great warmers for spring, early summer, and autumn rides - and they have a relatively neutral design that makes them easy to pair with rest of your kit. 

Best leg and knee warmers

Spatz Burnr 4 Season leg warmers

Spatz Burnr 4 Season leg warmers

8
Best leg warmers for long legs
Buy now for £49.99 from Spatz
Comfort
Dry weather warmth
Long in the leg
No water repellency

The Spatz Burnr 4 Season leg warmers offer exceptional warmth and comfort for cooler dry rides, featuring a seamless waffled fabric that retains heat effectively. Their stretchy construction ensures a comfortable fit without being restrictive, and silicone grippers keep them in place. While they excel in dry conditions, their wet-weather performance is limited due to the lack of water repellency. Because these warmers are quite long, they're best suited for those with longer limbs and temperatures ranging from around 5°C to 15°C.

Castelli Nano Flex 3G Knee Warmers

Castelli Nano Flex 3G Knee Warmers

8
Best knee warmer for great fit
Buy now for £31.99 from Wiggle
Great fit
Stay up well throughout long rides
Warm and water repellent
Expensive
No reflective elements
Marketing material says one seam, when there are clearly two...

The Castelli Nano Flex 3G Knee Warmers are comfortable knee warmers that excel in keeping your knees warm and protected from water, making them ideal for cold and damp conditions. Castelli has achieved that by using its Nano Flex material, which is both warm and water-resistant, making these knee warmers suitable for a range of weather conditions.  Their snug fit, mid-calf length and silicone grippers ensure they stay securely in place during rides. But with all these great features, the warmers come with a premium price tag, too and lack reflective elements.

7mesh Colorado Leg Warmers

7mesh Colorado Leg Warmers

8
Best light but warm leg warmers
Buy now for £80 from 7Mesh
Shaped for comfort on the bike
Light yet warm
DWR treatment works well
Pricey!

The 7mesh Colorado Leg Warmers feature a specific left and right leg design, ensuring a snug fit without any bunching or irritation behind the knees. The silicone grippers keep them in place without causing discomfort and the 'Colorado fabric' is thin yet warm, and its fleece backing helps trap warmth. The leg warmers are also water-resistant, thanks to a durable water-repellent (DWR) coating. Perhaps the best feature of these warmers is, however, the ability to customise the length using the trimmable cuffs. 

Van Rysel Cool Weather Cycling Leg Warmers

Van Rysel Cool Weather Cycling Leg Warmers

9
Best for water-resistance
Buy now for £14.99 from Decathlon
Good quality for the money
Nice fit
Thigh and ankle grippers not too tight
Good water resistance
Seam behind the knee can irritate
Title is misleading

The Van Rysel Cool Weather Cycling Leg Warmers provide excellent performance and fit at an incredibly affordable price point - but their length makes them more of a pair of knee warmers. They're made from a soft, warm, and stretchy Super Roubaix material with a water-repellent treatment that effectively keeps light rain and road spray at bay. The shape of these warmers comes from three panels, which provide a naturally bent form that reduces material bunching behind the knee. The silicone grippers at the thigh and calf keep them in place without causing discomfort, and the sizing guide based on thigh circumference ensures a good fit. 

dhb Aeron Rain Defence Leg Warmers

dhb Aeron Rain Defence Leg Warmers

8
Best leg warmers for ease of movement
Buy now for £18 from Chain Reaction Cycles
Shaped for pedal stroke
No irritating seam position
Plenty of stretch for ease of movement
Seams let water in quickly

The dhb Aeron Rain Defence Leg Warmers offer impressive warmth and water resistance, along with a well-fitted design that's optimised for comfort during pedaling. The warmers are constructed from MITI Rain Defence fabric, which provides breathability and stretch for ease of movement. The DWR coating on the fabric offers water repellency, but the seams can be a weak point in heavy rain. Despite the name "Rain Defence," these warmers are not waterproof but are effective against light rain and road spray - and they're very competitively priced. 

Specialized Therminal knee warmers

Specialized Therminal knee warmers

8
Best lightweight knee warmers
Buy now for £25 from Tredz
Lightweight
Warm
Good cut
Full size range
Signs of the elastic fraying

The Specialized Therminal Knee Warmers got praise for their outstanding comfort and warmth. They have a cut that provides an excellent fit without causing discomfort during pedalling, and the lightweight Lombardia fleece fabric offers impressive warmth without feeling bulky. The warmers have a two-way stretch that adapts well to movement, and the elastic grippers at the top and bottom help keep them securely in place. 

Endura FS260-Pro Thermo Leg Warmer

Endura FS260-Pro Thermo Leg Warmer

8
Best windproof leg warmers
Buy now for £27 from
Windproof
Warm
Comfortable
Reflective accents
Only available in two sizes

The Endura FS260-Pro Thermo Leg Warmers perform well in offering warmth, comfort, and weather-resistant properties. These leg warmers are lined with Thermoroubaix fabric, which offers good protection against wind and light rain while also being comfortable. Because of the windproofness, these warmers perform well in chilly temperatures and can easily be packed down for storage - and they have reflective details for added visibility. 

Sportful NoRain Knee Warmers

Sportful NoRain Knee Warmers

8
Best legwarmers for wet weather
Buy now for £25 from Saddleback

The Sportful NoRain Knee Warmers are great for repelling rain and providing warmth during wet rides. Their nanotech silicone finish beads water off the surface, while the fleece lining adds comfort and warmth. The wind protection is also good, as is the fit, with a silicone gripper at the top to keep them in place. 

 

Everything you need to know about arm, leg and knee warmers

faq-icon
What is the point of cycling arm leg and knee warmers?

Arm, leg and knee warmers are easy to take off and put on while riding. They take up little space and can be carried in the rear pockets of your cycling jersey or vest, which means that regulating your temperature is a lot easier than if you wore a long-sleeve jersey or bib tights. Warmers can offer extra protection against the sun, cold, wind or rain.

faq-icon
What material should my warmers be?

Choosing what material your warmers should be really depends on what you intend to use them for. You can have highly breathable materials, water-resistant materials or even wool ones.

Arm and leg warmers are usually made of some sort of insulating fabric that’s thicker than the usual Lycra or jersey material. The most common is a fleece-backed Lycra called Roubaix which traps air against your skin to keep you warm. Super Roubaix, as the name suggests, is a thicker, warmer version of the same idea.

Arm and leg warmers are also made from knitted fabrics, usually some sort of polyester or Merino wool for maximum warmth and luxury. These are often thicker and warmer than Roubaix, and if they’re knitted in one piece they don’t have the seams that some people find annoying.

A big step forward in the last few years has been the introduction of water-repellent fabrics that help keep you dry. Rain beads off Sportful’s NoRain line, Castelli’s NanoFlex and dhb’s Rain Defence fabrics. Water gets through them eventually, but they’re a good first line of defence against damp weather.

You can also get thinner arm covers that protect against the summer sun without adding insulation. 

faq-icon
What's the difference between knee and leg warmers?

Arm warmers are usually all full-arm-long, but when it comes to the lower body, there are different options available.

As well as shorts-to-ankle leg warmers, you can also get knee warmers that end mid-calf and turn your shorts into three-quarter-length tights. If you find it’s your knees that really take the brunt of cold weather, you may find this surprisingly comfortable. Knee warmers might also be a great option if you have relatively short legs, because they might - paired with longer socks - be just the perfect length when leg warmers would be too long. 

faq-icon
How do the warmers stay in place?

Most warmers use silicone strips to grab your skin, although some very carefully-designed models manage to stay up without it. Some also have silicone on the outside to grab your shorts legs or jersey sleeves to keep them in place too.

faq-icon
How should my arm or leg warmers fit?

Good arm or leg warmers should be long enough to cover your wrist, similar to how your long-sleeve jersey would fit. In chillier weather, the last thing you want is a gap between your warmer and the short or jersey sleeve, or between your glove and the warmer's cuff. Different brands make their warmers in different lengths, so it's worth trying them out to find what fits your limbs perfectly. 

faq-icon
Should I wear socks under or over leg warmers?

This one is a bit controversial, and there is no right or wrong answer. Some prefer to wear their socks under leg warmers to keep the cleaner, while some remain determined to show off their white sock game even on the grimmest winter days. Really, it's personal preference. One thing can be said, though: if your leg warmers have zips, they're less likely to rub on your legs if you wear your socks under them. 

faq-icon
Do I need arm or leg warmers?

Arm and leg warmers can really be a great, versatile addition to your cycling wardrobe. They can make your summer jersey a little warmer so you can wear it in the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn. They can also add sun protection to your summer riding kit, and protect your arms from the annoying road spray in wet weather.

Leg warmers can be harder to justify - and that's because your legs are not as important as your core and arms in regulating your temperature. They are also less likely to mind a little spray from the road or rain. 

Both arm and leg warmers are lightweight in nature so what they excel in is providing you a way to tailor your kit during your ride. You cannot take sleeves off a long-sleeve jersey or cut off your bib tights to be shorts mid-ride, but you can stash your warmers into your back pocket when the sun comes out and remain comfortable for the whole ride. Likewise, on rides that start warm but end chilly, they can be taken out of the pocket in the evening when temperatures drop. 

Suvi joined F-At in 2022, first writing for off-road.cc. She's since joined the tech hub, and contributes to all of the sites covering tech news, features, reviews and women's cycling content. Lover of long-distance cycling, Suvi is easily convinced to join any rides and events that cover over 100km, and ideally, plenty of cake and coffee stops.