Cap Sleeves - YouLookFab Forum

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Dressing

Cap Sleeves

Nicole

Veteran

I used to think cap sleeves looked good on me. Better than sleeveless or short sleeve. Clinton and Stacy say that cap sleeves are good for busty women. But I have big arms and shoulders.

I don't want spend my summer sweltering in 3/4 or long sleeves. What is more important? Making my bust look smaller or making my arms and shoulders look narrower?

Dressing

14 replies

Latest reply was from Angie

Ana

(website)

Veteran

I don't think cap sleeves are very flattering on most people. I think having a deep V or scoop neck on your shirt will do more to minimize your bust than cap sleeves would. I think sleeveless would be fine, but if you're really self conscious about your arms, go for true short sleeves instead.

Antje

Veteran

Second that. Unless you have super arms (toned, nice skin and all that good stuff) they just do more harm than good. I used to wear them, too, but now that I'm paying attention how see how much more flattering other sleeve lengths are. With a good bra and well fitting top, are you sure you can't wear sleeveless, Nicole? Also, I find form fitting 1/2 sleeves that end just before the elbow very flattering on most women, and they seem to be more available these days.

Maya

Veteran

I personally can't see the problem with cap sleeves. When I look at pictures of women in cap sleeves, I don't see the unflattering qualities everyone else seems to see. Having said that, sleeveless tops seem to be a pretty good choice for everyone. A thick strap that's not too close to the neck should be very flattering on you Nicole (now that I've seen you!).

What about elbow length sleeves?

I agree with Ana--sleeves are more about your arms than your bustline. Stick to v's and scoops and fitted knits and that will do just fine.

shiny

Veteran

I think what's most important is not sweltering all summer long!!

Fashion is about confidence - not just about fit - and if you're sweating and uncomfortable, you won't feel confident.

I used to NEVER wear sleeveless, but for me it was more because of that roll of armpit flab. Yuck. Then I realized it's because the armholes were cut to deep. Now I'm used to seeing myself in sleeveless. A lot of it is about what your eye is used to.

My suggestion? If your eye isn't used to seeing yourself in sleeveless, buy yourself some well-fitting tank tops to wear around the house - I wear them to sleep in. Over time, you get used to seeing yourself in a different light.

Nicole

Veteran

I do own and wear sleeveless tops when it's hot. But only in a casual setting. Never to work. Even if I had great arms, I don't think I'd wear them to work. Some of my coworkers do, but some of them also wear sweats! (Don't even get me going on that!)

I guess I'll have to take some pictures of me different length sleeves. It's amazing how a photo can really change the way I look at an outfit.

Sarah

I'm with Maya. I don't see a lot of people not looking good in capped sleeves, but then I'm mostly around people in the 18-22 age group. That could make a difference. Personally, I think capped and sleeveless can be equally flattering on people with nice arms, but people with chubby arms won't look right in either. Just my 2 cents.

Nicole

Veteran

Ok I took a bunch of pix of me in different short sleeve tops. The photo of the blue sweater is what I'm actually wearing today. My kids both have sporting events and I'll be going to both and carting them around.

I didn't want to keep changing my entire outfit to go with the tops, so some of the tops might lko weird with my jeans. (Which my casual Tahari jeans, BTW).

http://s289.photobucket.com/al.....Nichripar/

OMG I need to lose that roll!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I'm all for sleeveless instead of cap sleeves. Everyone has a pretty shoulder bone. Donna Karan believes this wholeheartedly. Show it off. My size 20 client looks so much better in sleeveless than cap sleeves. You have to find the right sleeveless cut, though. Cap sleeves not only cut into your arm but they can look either dumpy, or child-like (which is in fine if you have youth on your side, but not so fab if you’re older). I’m with Ana, Antje and Shiny on this one.Keep it elbow length or sleeveless.

Tanya

Veteran

I definitely like you the best in the sleeveless red top and long sleeve blue one.
I think the cap sleeves are fine on all the tops are then the first red henley one.
There's something about the first one that I do not like: I think it's a bit too short for pants ( great for skirts) and also the neckline might be a tad too high. But the cap sleeves with deeper scoop look good!

Maya

Veteran

Nicole, I like you best in the sleeveless tops, but maybe they're not the right sleeveless tops. They look very casual to me, like tanks or layering pieces. There are plenty of sleeveless tops that are work appropriate as long as the strap is thick enough.

http://www.anntaylor.com/catal.....ory=Misses
http://www.anntaylorloft.com/c.....ory=Misses
http://www.anntaylor.com/catal.....ory=Misses
http://www.anntaylor.com/catal.....ory=Misses
http://www.anntaylor.com/catal.....ory=Misses
http://www.anntaylor.com/catal.....ory=Misses

Tanya

Veteran

Sorry for the weird grammar in previous post. I guess i wasn't quite awake yet!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I didn't notice the pictures this morning! Sorry, Nicole! I too was not awake yet.

Thanks for posting. You have been busy. Love you in that red colour. Very pretty with your complexion. Sleeveless looks best to me. There is NOTHING wrong with your arms. I see a dainty shoulders. That particular top is a little clingy though. Good for layering. he cap sleeves look okay but sleeveless looks better. Try elbow length too. I really like the neckline of the brown top and you look extremely good in black. The longer tops look better than the shorter ones. Gorgeous necklace!

Ps that black spot Tahari dress that we discussed months ago is on 60% sale. You might like to have a squizz.

Your best neckline is a deep V that’s cut close to neck point. The satin hibiscus printed AT top that’s knotted in front is a very good silhouette. Deep V, cut away from the shoulder and the straps are close to the neck. The front knot detail allows the fabric to fall away from the mid-riff section. Could be fab.

Nicole

Veteran

Oh gosh...yes the red tank top is only a layering shirt. I've never worn it solo. I like to keep layering tanks on the tight side so they don't add any bulk. I just wanted to give a full range of sleeve styles for body type. I recently got rid of 3 sleeveless tops because they had an empire seam that didn't fall under the bust. So all I had in my closet for that style was layering tanks.

I would have never considered a twist front top! I thought it would be too much fabric at the fullest part of my body. But, I'll definately give it a try!

Thanks everyone!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Good thinking on keeping layering tops close to the body, and tell us what you think of front knotted tops!

So glad that we convinced you on sleeveless