Craft Arm Warmer

Everyone needs a pair of arm warmers in their cycling wardrobe, especially in the UK where you can get four seasons in one day. It's possible to buy what is essentially just a tube of material in many variations – thermal, windproof, water-resistant, with multi-panel construction, even with UV sun protection – but the unisex Craft Arm Warmer is plain and simple like its name. This makes the £33 price tag seem very high, considering you can buy many other arm warmers that boast more features for about £10 less. 

That's not to say the Crafts aren't good, because they do deliver what they promise – warmth and comfort for cooler weather. The polyester/elastane material has a brushed inner that feels cosy and soft against the skin and seams are flatlock stitched to prevent any chafing. There's also no care label sewn in to irritate; instructions are on the packet.

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Craft says they have an ergonomic fit, although there's no obvious shaping at the elbow. They do fit nice and snugly and I found them acceptably breathable. They are small and lightweight (granted, so are most arm warmers), so will easily roll up into a jersey pocket when the temperature rises.

More plus points are the ease and speed with which you can pull them off, thanks to the fabric's stretchiness, and the fact that there's just one seam along the length – fewer seams equal less chance of irritation. They are lovely and long so pull right down over your wrists (and stay in place) and won't leave a gap even if you're wearing a very short-sleeved jersey. There is white silicone gripper both inside and outside the top band which keeps them perfectly in place and isn't too tight (I went up a size to a medium from the ones I modelled in the photo).

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They also have a usefully large reflective logo on both forearms for safety on the road, as well as a small reflective arrow on each bicep, handily labelled L and R, and the subtle geometric pattern makes them less boring than plain black. (They are available in plain black too, if you prefer...)

While they work well as a thermal layer when it's dry or under a jacket, they are not at all water-resistant, nor windproof, so if you get caught in the rain your arms will get cold – in noticeable contrast to the Madison Road Race Optimus Softshell Arm Warmers (review to come), which cost £13 less. It seems a shame that Craft has priced these basic items so highly as the Craft 3D warmers scored well for their features and price.

Verdict

Decent basic arm warmers for cool days but expensive for what they are