Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers about Sparms products, sizing, sun protection, product care, shipping and returns.

About Sparms

Why is Sparms called Sparms?

The name Sparms reflects where our brand began. It combines “SP” for sun protection with “arms”, representing the arm sleeves that launched our range.

What began as a solution for protecting athletes’ arms has grown into a broader collection of UPF 50+ apparel designed for sport, work and everyday outdoor activities.

Where is Sparms located?

Sparms is an Australian-owned company based on the Gold Coast, Queensland.

Where are Sparms products manufactured?

Our products are manufactured in South Korea using specialised technical fabrics selected for comfort, performance and sun protection.

Is it safe to shop with Sparms?

Yes. We take your privacy and payment security seriously.

Our Shopify checkout uses secure encryption to help protect your personal and payment information. Secure payment options, including major credit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay and Shop Pay, may also be available at checkout.

You can confirm that your connection is secure by looking for the padlock icon in your browser’s address bar.

Sun Protection

What does UPF 50+ mean?

UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor. It measures how effectively a fabric helps block ultraviolet radiation from reaching the skin.

UPF 50+ is the highest protection category and is designed to block at least 98% of UV radiation. Protection applies to the skin fully covered by the garment.

Do Sparms products protect against UVA and UVB rays?

Sparms UPF 50+ products are designed to help protect covered skin from both UVA and UVB radiation.

The garment must fit correctly, remain in good condition and fully cover the intended area to provide effective protection.

Do I still need to apply sunscreen?

Yes. Sparms products help protect the skin covered by the garment, but sunscreen should still be applied to exposed areas such as your face, ears, neck and hands.

For comprehensive sun protection, combine protective clothing with sunscreen, shade, a hat and sunglasses.

Does the sun protection wash out?

The sun protection comes from the construction and properties of the fabric rather than a temporary surface coating.

However, excessive stretching, harsh chemicals, incorrect washing or significant fabric damage may affect the garment’s performance over time. Always follow the recommended care instructions.

How do I know when to replace my Sparms?

Consider replacing your garment if the fabric becomes excessively thin, stretched, damaged, transparent or no longer maintains its original fit.

The lifespan of the product will depend on how often it is worn, the activities it is used for and how it is cared for.

Do Sparms still provide protection when wet?

Wet or excessively stretched fabric may perform differently from a dry, correctly fitted garment.

For the most reliable coverage, make sure your Sparms fit correctly, remain in good condition and are not stretched beyond their intended fit.

Choosing Your Product

Which Sparms product is right for me?

Each Sparms style offers a slightly different fit and level of coverage:

  • Original Arm Sleeves: Lightweight, smooth and breathable for sport and warm conditions.
  • Everyday Sleeves: A softer, cotton-like feel with a more supportive and compressive fit.
  • Performance Sleeves: A versatile, one-size-fits-most option designed for active use. Same material as Everyday Sleeves.
  • SP Plus Sleeves: Extended coverage over the back of the hand with a thumbhole.
  • Shoulder Wraps: Additional coverage across the shoulders and upper back.
What is the difference between Original and Everyday Sleeves/Performance Sleeves?

Original Sleeves have a lightweight, smooth and silky feel, making them ideal for sport, warm weather and customers who prefer minimal compression.

Everyday Sleeves and Performance Sleeves have a softer, more cotton-like feel and provide a more supportive, compressive fit.

Both ranges are designed to provide comfortable UPF 50+ coverage.

Are Sparms products unisex?

Yes. Most Sparms products are designed to be worn by all genders. Sizing is based on body measurements rather than gender, so we recommend using the size guide provided on the relevant product page.

Can children wear Sparms?

Yes, provided the child is wearing the correct size and the garment does not restrict movement or circulation.

Children should be supervised, and sunscreen should still be applied to all exposed areas of skin.

Are white sleeves cooler than darker colours?

All Sparms colours are made using lightweight and breathable fabrics. Some people may find lighter colours more comfortable in strong direct sunlight, while others prefer darker colours for their appearance and resistance to visible marks.

The most suitable colour will depend on your activity, conditions and personal preference.

Fit and Sizing

How do I find the right size?

Choosing the correct size will help your Sparms products feel comfortable and remain securely in place.

A detailed size guide is available on each relevant product page. We recommend checking your measurements against the guide before placing your order rather than relying only on your usual clothing size.

How do I measure my upper arm?

Use a flexible measuring tape around the widest part of your upper arm. Keep your arm relaxed and make sure the tape sits flat without pulling it too tightly.

Compare this measurement with the size guide on the relevant product page.

What should I do if I am between sizes?

If your measurement falls between two sizes, consider how you prefer the garment to feel.

Choose the smaller size for a firmer, more secure fit or the larger size for a more relaxed feel. Customers with larger upper arms should pay particular attention to the upper-arm measurement.

How tight should my sleeves feel?

Your sleeves should feel comfortably fitted without restricting movement or circulation. A secure fit helps prevent slipping, but the sleeves should not cause pain, numbness or excessive pressure.

If you are between sizes or prefer less compression, we generally recommend choosing the larger size.

Why are my sleeves slipping or rolling down?

Slipping may indicate that the sleeve is too large, has stretched over time or is not positioned correctly.

Make sure the upper band sits securely around the widest part of your upper arm and that the fabric is distributed evenly. Sunscreen, moisturiser, perspiration or body oils underneath the upper band may also reduce grip.

Will the sleeves stay in place during sport?

When correctly sized and positioned, Sparms sleeves are designed to remain secure during activities such as golf, tennis, running, pickleball, cricket and other outdoor sports.

Fit can vary depending on your arm shape and preferred level of compression, so checking the size guide before ordering is important.

Comfort and Everyday Use

Will Sparms make me feel hotter?

Sparms products are made from lightweight, breathable and moisture-wicking fabrics designed for warm outdoor conditions.

The fabric provides coverage without the weight of a traditional long-sleeved shirt and may feel cooling as moisture evaporates from the surface.

For additional cooling in hot conditions, the sleeves can be lightly dampened with clean water.

Why should I wear Sparms instead of a long-sleeved shirt?

Both options can provide additional coverage, but Sparms offer greater flexibility.

They can be worn with your existing sporting uniform, removed easily when no longer needed and replaced without changing your entire outfit. They are also made from lightweight technical fabric designed for movement, breathability and outdoor activity.

Can I wear Sparms all day?

Yes. Sparms products are designed for extended wear during sport, work and everyday outdoor activities.

As with any fitted garment, remove the product if you experience pain, numbness, irritation or restricted circulation.

Are Sparms suitable for sensitive skin or eczema?

Our products are made from soft, lightweight fabrics and are designed to sit comfortably against the skin. However, skin sensitivities vary from person to person.

We recommend checking the fabric composition and speaking with a healthcare professional if you have eczema, allergies or another skin condition. Discontinue use if irritation occurs.

Are Sparms compression garments?

Some Sparms styles have a fitted or supportive feel, but they are not medical compression garments.

They should not be used to treat circulation problems, swelling or other medical conditions unless recommended by a qualified healthcare professional.

Can I wear Sparms in the pool or ocean?

Sparms products can get wet, but they are not specifically designed as swimwear.

Regular exposure to chlorine, salt water and pool chemicals may cause the lightweight technical fabric to deteriorate more quickly. If your Sparms are exposed to chlorine or salt water, rinse them thoroughly in fresh, cold water and allow them to air-dry.

Are Sparms suitable for gardening and outdoor work?

Sparms can provide sun coverage and a lightweight fabric barrier during gardening and general outdoor activities.

However, they are not designed as protective equipment and should not be relied upon for protection against thorns, sharp objects, chemicals, machinery or workplace hazards.

Can Sparms protect me from chemicals or cleaning products?

No. Sparms products are designed for sun protection and comfort. They are not chemical-resistant garments, personal protective equipment or workplace safety wear.

Always use the protective clothing and equipment required for the chemicals, machinery or materials you are handling.

Product Care

How should I wash my Sparms products?

To help maintain the fit, performance and longevity of your Sparms, gently hand wash them in cold water using a mild detergent.

Avoid bleach, fabric softeners, harsh detergents and soaking the garment for extended periods.

Can I machine wash my Sparms?

Sparms may be machine washed on a cold, delicate cycle. We recommend placing them inside a wash bag and washing them with similar delicate garments.

Hand washing remains the best option for helping extend the life of the fabric.

Can I tumble-dry my Sparms?

We recommend allowing your Sparms to air-dry naturally in the shade. Avoid tumble-drying or exposing the garment to high heat, as this may damage the technical fibres and affect the fit.

Can I dry-clean my Sparms?

No. We do not recommend dry-cleaning Sparms products.

The chemicals used during the dry-cleaning process may damage the fibres, reduce the life of the garment and affect its sun-protective performance.

Do I need to iron my Sparms?

No. Sparms garments are designed to resist creasing and should not require ironing.

To protect the technical fabric, avoid ironing and direct exposure to high heat.

What's making my sleeves discolour?

Sparms CoolTech fabrics absorb colours quite easily as a result of their being as light and thin as possible. If machine washing, care must be taken to ensure they are washed with like colours as dyes from other clothing may stain the sleeves.

Care should be taken when Sparms are worn with makeup or tinted sunscreens and lotions as they can discolour the fabric. We recommend washing off any make up from the product as soon as possible.

Orders and Shipping

Can I change or cancel my order?

Please contact our customer support team as soon as possible at support@sparms.com.au, quoting your order number and the changes you would like to make.

We will always do our best to assist. However, orders are often packed on the same business day, and we may be unable to change or cancel an order once it has been packed or dispatched.

If the order has already been processed, please refer to our Returns and Exchanges Policy.

When will my order be dispatched?

We aim to dispatch most orders within one business day. Orders placed on weekends, public holidays or during major promotional periods may require additional processing time.

You will receive a confirmation email with tracking information once your order has been dispatched.

How long will delivery take?

Delivery times vary depending on your location, selected shipping service and the carrier.

Estimated delivery timeframes will be displayed at checkout where available. These timeframes begin once your order has been dispatched and are estimates rather than guaranteed delivery dates.

Please refer to our Shipping Policy for further information.

How can I track my order?

Once your order has been dispatched, you will receive a shipping confirmation email containing your tracking information.

Please allow some time for the carrier’s tracking system to update after receiving the email.

What should I do if tracking says delivered but I cannot find my parcel?

Check around the delivery location, including safe-drop areas, parcel lockers and reception areas. We also recommend asking other members of your household, neighbours or building management.

If the parcel still cannot be located, contact the shipping carrier using your tracking details. You can also contact our support team with your order number for further assistance.

Can I collect my order from the warehouse?

Yes. Local pickup is available from our Gold Coast warehouse:

Shop 26
12–20 Lawrence Drive
Nerang QLD 4211

Please wait until you receive confirmation that your order is ready before arriving for collection.

Will I need to pay international duties or taxes?

International orders may be subject to import duties, taxes or customs fees depending on the destination country.

Where available, applicable charges may be displayed at checkout. Charges not collected at checkout may be payable by the recipient before delivery.

Can I use more than one discount code?

Unless otherwise stated, promotional and discount codes cannot be combined. Only one discount code can generally be applied to an order.

Discount codes must be entered before completing checkout and usually cannot be added after an order has been placed.

Returns and Exchanges

Can I return or exchange my item?

Eligible products may be returned or exchanged provided they are unworn, unwashed and remain in their original condition and packaging.

For full eligibility requirements, return timeframes and instructions, please refer to our Returns and Exchanges Policy.

Can I return an item that has been worn or washed?

For hygiene and quality-control reasons, we are generally unable to accept returns of products that have been worn, washed, altered or damaged after delivery, unless the product is faulty.

We recommend trying your product on carefully before washing it or removing any original packaging.

What should I do if I receive the wrong or damaged item?

Please open a return request using our self-serve returns portal HERE. You may be asked to provide photographs so that our team can process a resolution as quickly as possible.

What if I ordered the wrong size?

If the product remains unworn, unwashed and in its original condition, you may be able to return it for an exchange in accordance with our Returns and Exchanges Policy.

We recommend reviewing the product size guide and measuring carefully before selecting your replacement size.

Still Need Help?

How can I contact the Sparms team?

Our customer support team is happy to help with product selection, sizing, orders, returns and general enquiries.

Email us at support@sparms.com.au and include your order number where relevant.