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Arm warmers are knitted "sleeves" worn on the arms. Sometimes worn by dancers to warm up their bodies before class, they have also become a fashion item, popular 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
thumb|An [[illustration of a person wearing striped arm warmers]]
Various sub-cultures, such as the punk, emo, scene and goth subcultures, have also adopted arm warmers as a fashion statement.
Sports
thumb|right|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. During 2010 FIFA World Cup, arm warmers featuring the participating national teams became a phenomenon in the host country South Africa and abroad.
See also
- Engageante
- Evening glove
- Gloves
- Leg warmer
References
fr:Gant#Moufle ou mitaine