Arm warmers earn their keep in that temperature range where a short-sleeve jersey feels optimistic but a long-sleeve feels like overkill. The Elite Thermal Arm Warmers from Pearl Izumi sit squarely in that gap, using their Elite Thermal fleece fabric to add meaningful insulation without the bulk that makes layering awkward. The fabric construction brushes the interior for warmth against skin while the exterior sheds light moisture—the kind of drizzle or mist that turns a cool morning into a cold one when your arms are exposed.

The fit follows Pearl Izumi's anatomic patterning, which means the warmers curve with your arm's natural shape rather than fighting against it when you're bent over the bars. Flat seams run the length of each warmer to eliminate the pressure points that show up on longer rides, particularly where your arms rest against the handlebar or compress against your body in an aero tuck. The fabric has enough stretch to stay in place without requiring a death grip at the openings, and the silicone gripper at the bicep keeps everything anchored without leaving marks or restricting circulation.

What makes thermal arm warmers worth owning over a second jersey is the modularity. Morning starts at 45 degrees, warms to 65 by mid-ride, and you've got options. Roll them down, stuff them in a pocket, or keep them on—the choice is yours based on conditions rather than a commitment you made in the parking lot. The Elite Thermal weight handles temperatures roughly from the low 40s into the mid-50s before you're generating enough heat to want them off, though that range shifts based on your personal thermostat and effort level.... Read More