Arm warmer
{{short description|Clothing worn on the arms}}
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
File:Awkwardemo.png 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
File:侯怡君.jpg 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.{{cite web |url=http://www.endurancehour.com/top-three-reasons-to-wear-running-arm-sleeves/ |title=Endurance Hour: Top Three Reasons to Wear Running Arm Sleeves |last=Erickson |first=Dave |date=20 June 2020 |website=www.endurancehour.com |publisher=Dave Erickson Media |access-date=6 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200114095110/http://www.endurancehour.com/top-three-reasons-to-wear-running-arm-sleeves/|archive-date=January 14, 2020}} During 2010 FIFA World Cup, arm warmers featuring the participating national teams became a phenomenon in the host country South Africa and abroad."[https://archive.today/20120724181250/http://www.capetownpartnership.co.za/unique-arm-warmers-have-taken-the-world-by-storm/ Unique Arm Warmers Have Taken the World By Storm]." Cape Town Partnership. Retrieved on July 5, 2010.
See also
{{Commons category|Arm warmers}}