The Sad Case of Solar Sleeves

You won’t find a bigger advocate for sun protection than me (perhaps my dermatologist, but that is her job). Taking care of your skin while you’re golfing is essential, but I fear things have gone a bit too far. Maybe "far" isn’t the right word because no protective measure is too much, but we all have to admit, we’ve strayed off the path. We’ve veered off in our conscious skin-healthy choices to a point where style is an afterthought. Let me say it clearly: sun safety and style are NOT mutually exclusive.

The bane of our existence (am I projecting?) comes in the form of those bright white solar/sun sleeves.

I see them all of the time, mainly when I'm watching women’s golf. You can’t miss it. The best players in the world, who grind day in and day out in the sun and heat have no choice but to find more comprehensive ways to block the UV rays. But the sad solution, without fail, ruins a good fit.

Players will be head to toe in a monochromatic look and boom—those damn sleeves stick out like a sore thumb.

Sometimes they’re black.

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Sometimes players will throw on a light weight mid-layer or a long sleeve polo for more coverage—but more often than not, those pesky solar sleeves are always lurking around.

*Getty Images

I’m not placing blame on people actively putting their health first—I’d never do such a thing—but if there are fingers to be pointed, it's at brands.

To our trendsetters and tastemakers, we need you to step in and take control of the situation. There has to be some sort of alternative that provides the same level of coverage and protection, but that would just fit the flow of a look more and make it better—or at the very least not takeaway from an outfit.

Though, there is one brand that comes to mind who dabbled in creating a solution to the gaudy, plain white problem. The UK boys from MANORS dropped their Shooter Sleeve as an attempt to departure from the status quo, to create a sun sleeve that was a little bit more streamlined and technical.

In a nod to arm-sleeve LeBron, the Shooter Sleeve was the perfect candidate for fashionable functionality. Wearable and practical. Sadly, it's no longer available, it was a product from last season or the one before, and it's a shame that there hasn't been another iteration of it. I would have love to seen more recreational players dip their hand in playing with alternative sun accessories. The more obvious choices, hats and sunglasses, get their spotlight—so why can't the solar sleeve get a little TLC?

Or maybe sleeves aren't the right medium in general. Perhaps investing and looking into UV/UPF coated fabrics is the new wave of golf fashion? Whatever the case may be, it's time we all be a bit more intentional with how we take care of ourselves so we can also feel our best.

In the meantime, use your sunscreen. Get regular check ups. And check out a few pieces that just might satiate your UV-needs.