Sleeves
Arm Sleeve – Protection, Support & Style for Your Arm
On this page you’ll find all our arm sleeves – tight-fitting compression sleeves for forearm and/or upper arm. They give you light protection, extra support and a clean style upgrade for practice and game day.
You can use arm sleeves for pure compression, as light impact protection or simply as a style piece that matches gloves, jersey and cleats.
What an Arm Sleeve Does in Football
A good arm sleeve can help you in several ways:
- Light protection: Reduces turf burns, scratches and abrasions when you go to the ground.
- Compression & support: Tight fit can give the arm muscles a bit of extra stability.
- Warmth & muscle feel: Keeps the arm warm and ready, especially in cooler temperatures.
- Style factor: Sleeve matched to gloves, team colors or cleats – your kit looks more complete.
Especially skill players feel the difference when catching, carrying the ball and tackling with an arm sleeve.
Who Arm Sleeves Are For
Arm sleeves are interesting for many positions:
- Receivers & tight ends: Protection on diving catches and contact with turf or sideline.
- Running backs: Fewer scratches on the forearms when fighting through tackles.
- Quarterbacks: Some QBs use sleeves for a more consistent feel during dropbacks and throws.
- Defensive backs & linebackers: Protection on pass breakups, tackles and falls.
- Special teams: Returners and gunners benefit from extra surface protection.
Basically, anyone who sees a lot of contact with turf, pads and opponents can use an arm sleeve effectively.
Types of Arm Sleeves
In this category you’ll find different types:
- Compression sleeves: Thin sleeves without padding for support, warmth and style.
- Lightly padded sleeves: With foam zones (for example around the elbow) for extra impact protection.
- Full-length or ¾ length: From wrist up to upper arm or shorter variants, depending on preference.
- Single or pair: Some models are sold as one sleeve, others as a pair.
The right sleeve for you depends on whether you want more protection or mainly compression and style.
Material & Fit
Typical features of football arm sleeves:
- Stretch performance fabric: Elastic, tight-fitting, without cutting into the skin.
- Moisture management: Breathable fabrics that move sweat away from the skin.
- Flat seams: Less friction and no chafing under pads or jersey seams.
- Grip zones (depending on model): Slightly textured areas that help keep the ball from slipping on sweaty skin.
The sleeve should fit tight but not painful – no big folds and no sliding down while you play.
How to Wear an Arm Sleeve
To make sure the arm sleeve helps instead of annoying you:
- Choose the right size: Not too big (it slips), not too small (it cuts in).
- Place it correctly: Line up any padding exactly where you need it (for example over the elbow).
- Test with full gear: Pads on, jersey over, then run a few routes, cuts and tackle reps.
- Avoid “rolling”: If the sleeve rolls up strongly, try a different size or model.
Use in Practice & on Game Day
Arm sleeves are very versatile:
- Practice: Protection from turf burns with many reps, 1-on-1s and scrimmages.
- Game day: Part of your game kit – visually and functionally.
- Camps & combine drills: Clean look for 1-on-1s, routes and testing drills.
- Gym & offseason: Some players also use sleeves during weight training or 7-on-7.
Care & Durability
To keep your arm sleeves in good shape:
- Dry after use: Do not leave them wet and crumpled in your bag.
- Wash regularly: Follow the care label, usually gentle cycle – no heavy fabric softener needed.
- Avoid high heat: Air-dry to protect elastic fibers and prints.
- Watch for wear: If the elastic is loose or there are tears, it’s time for a new sleeve.
Arm Sleeves – Frequently Asked Questions
Do arm sleeves really improve my grip?
Not directly on the ball – but warm, dry forearms and a smooth surface help reduce slipping on sweaty skin. Together with gloves, the whole setup often feels more stable.
Do arm sleeves limit my range of motion?
A properly sized sleeve should not limit your movement. If you feel pulling or pressure while catching or throwing, it is probably too small.
Can I wear arm sleeves in every game?
In most leagues yes, as long as there are no forbidden elements (for example hard, non-approved padding). If you are unsure, check quickly with your coach or league.
Should I wear one sleeve or two?
That’s personal preference: Many players wear one sleeve on their dominant arm, others go with both arms for style. Decide based on comfort and the look you want.
An arm sleeve gives you extra protection, light support and a clean on-field look. Check out the arm sleeves on this page and choose the model that best fits your position, playing style and kit setup.
