How to Measure Elbow Sleeve Size (NZ Lifter’s Guide)

• Measure your forearm (thickest point below the elbow) and your biceps (10 cm above the elbow).

• Choose fit intent: tight (top sets), snug (all-session work), regular (comfort/recovery).

• Pick the sleeve that matches your goal: 5mm Elbow Sleeves, 7mm Pro Elbow Sleeves, or Double-Ply Elbow Sleeves. Shop the full range here: Elbow Sleeves Collection.
  
  

Why sizing matters (and what the sleeves actually do)

Correct sizing gives you three wins:

1. Compression & warmth → calmer elbows during press and pull sessions.

2. Stability → steadier touch on bench/OHP; less wobble on accessories.

3. Longevity → sleeves last longer when they’re not overstretched or sliding.

If sleeves are too tight, you’ll get numbness, tingling, or a purple forearm. Too loose? They slide, bunch, and lose the performance benefit.

What you’ll need

• A flexible tailor’s tape (cm or inches).

• A mirror (optional) to find the thickest points cleanly.

• 60 seconds and honest measurements (no ego sizes).

Where to measure (2 quick measurements)

1. Forearm circumference

• Relax your arm.

• Measure at the thickest point below the elbow (usually upper forearm).

• Keep the tape level, snug, not digging in.

2. Biceps circumference

• Measure 10 cm above the elbow crease.

• Arm relaxed (not pumped).

• Again, snug—not compressing skin.

Keep both numbers; your snug fit should work for both. If you’re in between sizes, choose based on fit intent below.

Pick your fit intent (tight · snug · regular)

Use this as your North Star. Same lifter, different day = different intent.

• Tight (performance)
  

• Best for: top sets (1–3RM), low-rep bench/OHP, meet-prep specificity.

• Feel: “locked-in” elbow, max compression, on-off between sets.

• Trade-off: tough to pull on, not for long sessions.
  

• Snug (training all-rounder)
  

• Best for: main press work (4–8 reps), accessories, hypertrophy blocks.

• Feel: supportive, warm, all-session comfortable.

• Trade-off: a touch less “cast-like” than tight.
  

• Regular (comfort/recovery)
  

• Best for: long sessions, technique work, return-to-train phases.

• Feel: easy on/off, warmth with minimal squeeze.

• Trade-off: less compression boost.

Sleeve thickness & build: match it to the job

• 5mm neoprene = balance of support + mobility. Great all-rounder for long sessions and accessories. See: 5MM Elbow Sleeves for Enhanced Gym Workouts. 

• 7mm neoprene = more warmth/stability for heavier pressing and cooler gyms. See: FitnessFox 7mm Pro Elbow Sleeves (Pair). 

• Double-ply (fabric/elastomer blend) = very firm feel, strong rebound-style compression. See: Double-Ply Elbow Sleeves (Black/Gold). 

Shop them all in one place: Elbow Sleeves Collection. Fitness Fox

Quick Decision Table (use-case → fit → sleeve)

Step-by-step: turn measurements into a size pick

Note: Every brand’s cut is a bit different. Fitness Fox sleeves run across S–4XL with inclusive options. Use this workflow to translate your numbers to an on-body fit, then choose the product that matches your goal. 

1. Start with forearm
   

• Pick the size whose listed range (on the product page) most closely matches your forearm measurement. (If you’re exactly between two, go smaller for tight, larger for regular.)
  

2. Cross-check biceps (10 cm above elbow)
   

• Make sure your selected size won’t bite into your biceps. If it’s close, favour snug over tight for longer sessions.
  

3. Reality-check with your intent
   

• If you plan short heavy tops sets → bias down (tighter).

• If you plan long accessories or hot gyms → bias up (more comfort).
  

4. Choose the construction
   

• Prefer mobility and all-day comfort? 5MM Elbow Sleeves.

• Need extra warmth/stability under heavier loads? 7mm Pro.

• Want firm, high-compression feel? Double-Ply.

Fit-check at home (takes 30 seconds)

• Slide test: Should take effort but not a fight.

• Pinch test: You can pinch a thin layer of sleeve; if you can’t, it’s ultra-tight.

• Sensation check: No numbness or tingling after a few minutes.

• Movement: Elbow flexion/extension is smooth; no hard “bite” at the crease.

• Set test: Do 10 pushups or light presses—no slippage.

If it fails any check, swap size. Fitness Fox offers easy 30-day returns and free NZ shipping $50+, so you can dial it in without risk. 

Product picks (with direct links)

• All options in one place: Elbow Sleeves Collection. Fitness Fox

• All-session comfort & mobility: 5MM Elbow Sleeves for Enhanced Gym Workouts. Fitness Fox

• Heavier pressing stability: FitnessFox 7mm Pro Elbow Sleeves (Pair). Fitness Fox

• Firm, high-compression feel: Double-Ply Elbow Sleeves (Black/Gold). Fitness Fox

Pro care tips (make them last)

• On/off: Roll them like a donut to get past the forearm—don’t yank at seams.

• Wash: Cold hand-wash, mild detergent, air-dry away from heat.

• Cycle: If you train daily, keep two pairs and alternate—compression fabrics rebound better with rest.

Why buy from Fitness Fox (NZ)

• NZ-based brand with free NZ shipping $50+ and 30-day easy returns.

• Inclusive sizing (S–4XL) across models; frequent restocks.

• VIP membership perks for regular lifters (express shipping, discounts).
  Details are visible on the product pages and header banners. 

Ready to size up?

Measure forearm + biceps, choose your fit intent, then grab the pair that matches your training:

• Start here: Elbow Sleeves Collection

• Go all-rounder: 5MM Elbow Sleeves

• Go heavier: 7mm Pro Elbow Sleeves

• Go firm: Double-Ply Elbow Sleeves