As a lineman, you know that having the right gear can make or break your performance. Even just a little extra support and protection can help you reach new levels of excellence. But with so much athletic apparel out there, you might not be sure what’s legit and what’s a gimmick.
You’ve probably seen other athletes wearing arm sleeves, and some of your teammates might already be sporting them. But what exactly do they do? Should linemen wear arm sleeves or not even bother?
Ultimately, the answer is yes. Below, we break down everything you need to know about why linemen should wear football arm sleeves and explain their unique benefits—both on and off the field.
Why Linemen Should Consider Wearing Arm Sleeves
You might think that arm sleeves are there to keep you warm, but that’s the least of your worries when you’re staring down your opponents. Arm sleeves are actually compression and protection garments, so their primary purpose is to elevate your game.
In fact, arm sleeves can enhance your performance on multiple levels:
- They give you the all-around benefits of compression garments
- They safeguard you when you’re slamming against other players or hitting the turf
But how do they work?
These tight garments put light pressure on your muscles, giving you an extra layer of support as you move, flex, and block. Whether you’re protecting your quarterback or blocking the opposing team, the added protection from your arm sleeves will help you go full send without holding back. And, because your arm sleeves give your body a boost for the entire game, you’re also giving yourself a headstart when it comes to your post-game recovery.
Don’t forget the added confidence boost you can get from being decked out in the right football drip. The uniform doesn’t make the player, but it can definitely give you an air of confidence that gets you that much closer to dominating the competition.
Benefits of Wearing Arm Sleeves for Linemen
When you’re blocking and tackling, you can use all the help you can get. Even though your success ultimately comes down to your strength, skill, and grit, wearing arm sleeves can get you that much closer to victory.
So, why do football players wear arm sleeves? Here’s a breakdown of how your arm sleeves can help you be a better lineman:
Enhanced Protection Against Scrapes and Bruises
Linemen are no strangers to how rough football can be. In fact, offensive linemen experience some of the highest instances of both light and heavy impacts compared to other positions.1
Having extra layers of added protection from your gear can both protect your body and give you the reassurance you need to play hard.
Now, arm sleeves are just a thin outer layer, so they aren’t some magical shield against injuries. While arm sleeves won't replace shoulder pads or football gloves, they can, however, give your skin some extra protection from scrapes, bruises, and painful turf burns. If you go into the game with bare arms, you’re simply exposing yourself to more superficial wounds, ultimately distracting you from the game—and the win.
Improved Blood Circulation and Reduced Muscle Fatigue
One of the main functions of compression garments, both on and off the field, is to improve circulation. By gently squeezing your muscles, compression arm sleeves put pressure on your circulatory system. This helps keep your blood flowing.2 But there’s even more to it than that.
This boosted blood flow helps your body deliver oxygen and nutrients to your muscles, keeping them at optimal health to resist injuries and heal from hardcore workouts.3
And here’s something else to consider: Your arm sleeves don’t just support your muscles in the moment. They can also speed up your recovery and reduce soreness, so you can get back on the field in record time. In fact, studies show that wearing compression garments can help your muscles get back to full power more quickly, speeding up your recovery time and helping you fight off fatigue.4
So, if you want to give full effort on the field without being down for the count after the game, you can rest assured that your arm sleeves will have you covered.
Temperature Regulation and Sweat Management
Giving 100% effort as a lineman means you’re going to sweat a little—or a lot. Quality arm sleeves are often made out of sweat-wicking materials, so you can stay cool and dry even during the most hardcore plays. Instead of getting distracted by sweat dripping down your body, you’ll be able to hone in on the game.
Along with managing your sweat, arm sleeves for athletes are made of highly breathable materials. Even though they’re thick enough to compress you’re muscles, they’re still lightweight enough to keep you cool. The breathable material can help regulate your body temperature, so even at peak activity, you won’t have to worry about overheating.
Potential Drawbacks of Wearing Arm Sleeves
So, if arm sleeves are so great, why aren’t all linemen suited up with them? Ultimately, not everyone prefers the same sports apparel—even if it comes with major benefits. And, although arm sleeves are equipped with impressive advantages, everything has its pros and cons.
By understanding the potential drawbacks of adding arm sleeves to your ensemble, you can decide if they’re right for you.
Here are some of the common issues players can encounter when it comes to long sleeves:
Possible Restriction of Movement
Oftentimes, wearing layer after layer of thick, heavy equipment can bog you down and limit your movement. And some players simply don’t want any extra gear to interfere with their speed and agility, even if it’s a thin, lightweight piece of fabric.
Plus, although the tight compression fabric is designed to keep your muscles and joints in place, it may also slightly restrict your range of motion. As a result, some players may not want to give arm sleeves a try.
It’s important to keep in mind, however, that arm sleeves for sports are designed to be aerodynamic. They’ll fit tight against your body, so they’re unlikely to weigh you down during plays. And, let’s be real—this is football, not gymnastics, so a bit more structure and support is unlikely to hinder your performance.
Personal Comfort and Preference
You play your best when you feel your best, right? Well, some people just don’t like the feeling of arm sleeves and are more comfortable with bare arms. If you find the compression feeling to be uncomfortable and distracting, they may simply not be for you.
Consider wearing arm sleeves during a few different workouts or scrimmages to give yourself a chance to adjust to the feeling. Then, after seeing how they make you feel during and after the game, you can decide whether or not they have a permanent place in your locker room.
Speaking of personal preference, you might’ve noticed some linemen wearing back plates. But do linemen wear back plates in the first place? Learn more in our blog.
How to Choose the Right Arm Sleeves for Linemen
It’s clear that arm sleeves are a popular garment for all kinds of athletes, and there are tons of options to choose from. So, how do you pick out the perfect arm sleeves for your game?
As you shop around, consider how different designs could impact you on the field.
Material and Fit Considerations
First, make sure you pick a style from a reputable, sports-focused brand that uses quality materials. Some arm sleeves aren’t designed for athletes, instead focusing on warmth and sun protection, so they might not be made of breathable, lightweight fabric.
Some sleeves also come with extra padding to protect your arms from hard falls and major impacts. Consider the level of protection you want before you make a purchase.
Once you find a style you like, check out the size guide to find the perfect fit. Arm sleeves usually have plenty of stretch, but the compression fabric can feel tight, so it’s important to order a pair in your size.
With the right fit, you’ll get the perfect balance of performance and comfort.
Compression Level and Length Options
Most classic arm sleeves cover the full length of your arm, giving you maximum protection. But if you don’t want to commit to full coverage, you have a few different options.
You can opt for elbow guards that give you targeted support around your joints. Or, pick out short styles that only cover your forearms for a bit more range of motion. Try on different lengths until you find a design that fits both your personal style and your preferences on the field.
There are also different levels of intensity when it comes to the compression fabric. Check out reviews and product descriptions to learn exactly how much squeeze you can expect out of your sleeves. You’ll want your sleeves to be tight enough to provide muscle support, but not so intense that you’re uncomfortable.
Explore Battle Sports Football Arm Sleeves Today
Arm sleeves are designed to boost your performance, your recovery, and even your swagger, optimizing your role as a lineman both on and off the field. So, before you suit up for your next big game, grab yourself a pair of football arm sleeves from Battle Sports. With designs and styles to suit every personal preference, you’re guaranteed to find the arm sleeves that’ll take your game to the next level.
Shop our collection today.
Sources:
- Live Science. The Science of Football: Which Positions Take the Hardest Hits? https://www.livescience.com/54972-which-football-positions-take-hardest-hits.html
- Cleveland Clinic. Compression Therapy. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/23449-compression-therapy
- University of Rochester Medicine. It’s all about blood flow! https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/MediaLibraries/URMCMedia/noyes/migrated-media/PT-Blog-April_1.pdf
- National Library of Medicine. Effects of compression garment on muscular efficacy, proprioception, and recovery after exercise-induced muscle fatigue onset for people who exercise regularly. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8884515/
