Choosing golf sun sleeves: six things to check

Golf sun sleeves all look much the same in a photo. In your hand, and on a hot back nine, they are not. This guide sets out the six things worth checking before you buy, whichever brand you choose. We have kept it plain and practical, and we have been honest where our own product has limits.

1. The sun rating, and the proof behind it

UPF is a rating for how much of the sun's UV gets through a fabric. UPF 50+ is the top rating, and it blocks 98%+ of UV. Cancer Council recommends UPF 50 or 50+ clothing, and ARPANSA classes both as "Excellent".

A rating is only as good as the test behind it. Ask three questions of any sleeve:

• Who tested the fabric, and when?
• Which colour or sample was tested?
• Can you read the report?

For IceRays, the answers are public. The fabric was tested by ARPANSA in 2015 (black sample) and rated UPF 50+, the "Excellent" category. The report covers that black sample of the material. It does not cover every colour or every production run since. You can read the 2015 test details (PDF, opens in a new tab) for yourself.

2. Coverage: wrist to upper arm

The sleeve should run from your wrist bone to the upper arm, far enough to tuck under your polo sleeve. Any gap between shirt and sleeve is a strip of skin that cops the sun every time you reach for a club.

Some sleeves have a thumb loop to stop the cuff riding up. That can suit some people, but check how it sits with your glove before you buy. Many golfers prefer a plain cuff that ends at the wrist and stays clear of the grip.

3. Fit: comfortable, not tight

A golf sleeve should feel snug enough to stay put through a full swing, but never so tight that it pinches or leaves a deep mark. Sun sleeves are clothing, not medical compression wear.

Some brands sell sleeves in sizes from extra small to extra large. Others, including IceRays, keep it simple: one size fits all adults. Sized ranges can suit people who like a precise fit. One size takes the guesswork out, especially when you are buying for someone else.

Whichever you choose, avoid stretching the fabric hard to make it reach. Cancer Council notes that stretched fabric lets more UV through. Our guide do sleeves affect your swing? has a five-minute practice-tee check for fit.

4. Feel on a hot day

Look for a fabric that feels light and smooth and dries quickly. On a warm day, sweat drying off the fabric can give a pleasant cool feel. How cool it feels depends on the day, the breeze and how much you sweat.

Be wary of any brand that promises a fixed number of degrees. Comfort is personal, and no sleeve changes the weather. If heat is a real concern for you, read golf in the heat over 60 and do cooling sleeves work? for an honest look at what to expect.

5. Colour

Colour is partly taste and partly science. Cancer Council says darker colours of the same fabric absorb more UV than light pastel shades. Light colours, on the other hand, look cooler and suit many club dress codes.

IceRays come in six colours: White, Black, Beige, Light Blue, Light Grey and Charcoal. The 2015 test was on a black sample. If you want the colour that matches the tested sample, choose Black. If you prefer a lighter look, read does sleeve colour matter? before you decide.

6. How many pairs, and the real cost

One pair gets you started. Most regular golfers find two pairs is the sensible minimum: one in the bag and one in the wash. If a partner or playing group wants them too, a four-pack goes further.

You can mix colours across the four pairs. Standard shipping is free on orders of AUD 100 or more in Australia, and USD 90 or more in the US. Check the cart for the final total before you pay. See the four-pack or the single pair.

A quick checklist to take to the shop

Do not forget the drive to the course

If you drive yourself to golf, your window arm gets sun on the way there and back. In Australia that is your right arm. In the US it is your left. Cancer Council notes that car side windows can let some UV through, depending on the glass and any tint. Slipping your sleeves on before you leave home covers the drive as well as the round. Our driving sleeves page has more.

Returns, care and help

Our returns policy gives you 30 days from receiving your order to ask for a change-of-mind return. Items need to be unworn and unused, with tags, original packaging and proof of purchase, and you pay the return postage. Read the full refund policy before you order.

For washing, follow the care label on your sleeves. Our care guide explains what to look for. For the wider sun-safety routine on the course, see our sun protection for golfers checklist and the golf sun sleeves page.