The Pros and Cons of Sleeveless

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Angie is co-founder of YLF and its resident fashion stylist.

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Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

The Pros and Cons of Sleeveless

— by Angie

on May 31, 2018

Sleeveless tops and dresses are extremely popular at retail, so much so that it can be more difficult to find a top or dress with sleeves. There is a significant market for sleeveless items, so stocks are high throughout the year.

Here are the pros of wearing sleeveless tops and dresses:

They are breezy and ventilating in hot weather
They are comfortable and not constricting
They showcase the arms if that’s a body part you want to draw attention to
There is no sleeve bunching under cardigans and jackets
They can be alluring

Here are the cons:

They are overly breezy and uncovered
They showcase the arms if that’s not a body part you want to draw attention to
They might be inappropriate in settings that require modesty
They transfer perspiration and deodorant stains onto cardigans and jackets
They can be uncomfortable due to bad fit when armholes are cut too wide or low

My clients run the gamut when it comes to wearing sleeveless tops and dresses. Some wear sleeveless by default because they like to showcase their arms, run warm, and find the silhouette extremely comfortable. Others reserve sleeveless items for hot weather only. Some wear sleeveless tops but not dresses, and vice versa. Some prefer to layer sleeveless tops under jackets and cardigans because it’s more comfortable on the arms. Some wear sleeveless tops and dresses but with an additional arm covering layer. And some will not wear sleeveless items at all.

I used to wear sleeveless tops and dresses, but these days I’m in the second camp, and don’t wear sleeveless unless I’m practicing hot yoga or wearing a bathing costume. It’s not a modesty or visual thing, but a comfort preference. I find sleeveless tops and dresses overly breezy on a warm day and particularly uncomfortable in air conditioning. On a hot day, I don’t enjoy the sun beating down on my bare skin. I prefer to cover up in the heat and sun, just like they do in the hottest countries of the world. Instead of adding a topper to a sleeveless item to create comfort, I simply buy tops and dresses with sleeves. I don’t find wearing sleeves under jackets bothersome. I might make the sleeveless exception for a stunning formal gown because I do like the look of sleeveless dresses, but the weather would have to be perfect and absolutely no air conditioning.

Over to you. Do you wear sleeveless tops and dresses?

Individual Style

72 comments · Add a comment

Staysfit

Veteran

I may be on the fence with a slight preference for sleeveless by default, not necessarily for the reasons you list although I like my arms and shoulders. I end up with sleeveless because they fit best. My shoulders are slightly broader than my torso and hips, but my frame is narrow, and my arms are long making it hard to find tops and jackets with sleeves that fit nicely and don’t feel too baggy and boxy, especially since that style fit looks awkward on my frame. When I look in my closet, my woven tops and dresses are mostly sleeveless, and my knits have sleeves. The knits have more give so they can work better over my shoulders and still provide some shape. My woven jackets and tops with sleeves always need tailoring which becomes costly. I have to take in extra material in the torso, usually off the back, sometimes off the sides. There are a few brands that fit well.

May 31, 2018 at 3:49 am

Eliza

Veteran

I rarely wear sleeveless; prefer a bit of sleeve for flattery and practicality. Happy to see more dress options with sleeves. Interesting how much formal wear is sleeveless, regardless of season. Since it can be a challenge to find a topper that works great with a dress, I prefer to start with some coverage.

May 31, 2018 at 4:02 am

The Cat

Veteran

Very fitting descriptions, Angie.

For many years, I avoided sleeveless items, as I didn’t think they are flattering for my body proportions. In general, I still think so. However, in recent years I have aquired a number of sleeveless tops and dresses because I like the colour, print, fabric or other elements of the design.

I enjoy dressing in layers and have quite a collection of fun shawls and breezy long and short blouses/shirts that I like to wear as toppers over my short-sleeved items. These combos feel comfortable and add interest (colour, print, texture …) to my summer outfits.

May 31, 2018 at 4:03 am

The Cat

Veteran

Sorry, I meant to say: …. wear as toppers over my SLEEVELESS items.

May 31, 2018 at 4:05 am

Kathie

Veteran

I prefer sleeves, but have ended up with some sleeveless tops for high summer, due to availability at retail, and some challenges with getting the right fit through the bust/shoulders, similar to what staysfit mentioned. If I know I’ll be adding a topper, then I look for tops with slimmer fitting sleeves, because of the deodorant issue. I’ve had success with short sleeved dresses this season, but am still looking for a short-sleeved white or blue woven blouse.

May 31, 2018 at 4:07 am

Style Fan

Veteran

I prefer to wear tops and dresses with sleeves for comfort reasons. I do go sleeveless for Yoga, for layering and for special occasion dressing.

May 31, 2018 at 4:11 am

Toban

Veteran

Sleeveless and 3/4 length is my go to top and dress sleeve lengths because these are the most flattering on me. I have a collection of toppers that make them office appropriate. I would like to see more cap sleeve and short diagonal cut sleeves rather than short sleeves that create a horizontal line at bust level, which overemphasizes my bust.

May 31, 2018 at 4:27 am

cindysmith

Veteran

Love them. My arms and shoulders are big, and sleeves are just so hard to fit. Also? Texas is HOT, y’all :-O

May 31, 2018 at 4:41 am

anne

Veteran

I wear a lot of sleeveless, in summer. Even inside, our AC isn’t cold (evaporative) and sleeves hold in heat. As do long skirts, incidentally. I do need more covered options for wearing outside in the heat though.

May 31, 2018 at 4:44 am

lyn67

Veteran

Not fan of them(as my arms are not that tonned like I would like), but I use the sleeveless tops to layer under jackets and cardigans if weather is not too cold as find this layering less restricting like others. I also wear sleeveless tops and dresses in the summer heat for very very casual(home/lounge/beach) or with an additional arm covering layer for other functions.

May 31, 2018 at 4:45 am

Laura

(website)

Veteran

I fall into the “rarely wear sleeveless” camp. I don’t like to showcase my arms, but will occasionally wear a sleeveless item with a topper. For example, I own some sleeveless sheath and fit-and-flare dresses. When I buy a sleeveless dress, I make sure I already own a topper that works with the dress, or I purchase one with the dress. I appreciate that you include toppers for dresses in your round-ups!

May 31, 2018 at 5:12 am

Cynthia

I wear sleeveless dresses year round — by themselves in hot months or over another dress/shirt in winter. I get my dresses from a maker that knows how to provide good coverage (high necklines, not-strappy shoulders, well-fitting armholes). I have very wide square shoulders, and breaking up that line is good on me. So much so that for more formal work “looks” lately I’ve been into fitted vests over a sleeved dress or top and skirt, rather than jackets.

May 31, 2018 at 5:31 am

Cheryl K

Active Member

I reserve them for hot weather because I get cold. I don’t go in for the current trend of cold shoulder tops and dresses for the same reason.

I don’t understand why clothing makers think women are always hot – women are shown with sleeveless dresses for winter months while men wear a suit – long sleeves times two! Give me a nice dress with long sleeves for the winter months, please! And there are those who would say that it’s not even that cold where I live. But it does get quite hot and humid in the summer months, so bring on the sleeveless then!

May 31, 2018 at 5:32 am

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I was nodding along with Toban. I feel most flattered by sleeveless or 3/4 length sleeves.

I like and wear sleeveless tops and dresses in summer because my climate is hot and humid at that time of year and I do not have air conditioning where I work and live. I do have a selection of toppers I can use if it gets breezy or if I have to go to a place with AC.

I do have to watch for the fit — armholes can be too wide or low for me at times, or the torso of the whole top can be too wide so that modesty is an issue. I have no problem exposing my arms, which are fine, but I don’t really want to expose the rest of me when supposedly clothed.

I like many short sleeved styles, too, and typically don’t mind sleeves under jackets or toppers (depending on the sleeve details, of course). I do like the shoulder/ arm protection that sleeves offer in the sun. So I happily try and buy sleeved styles too. Still, the majority of my summer items are sleeveless while the majority of my fall/ winter items are sleeved.

May 31, 2018 at 5:38 am

Beth Ann

Veteran

It’s short sleeves that are my nemesis, at least in terms of style. They cut my arm in an unflattering spot and widen the visual line across the bust. They also aren’t as cool as sleeveless, nor as covered as a 3/4 — a length I really like. Right now, there are a lot of short sleeves with tight, round necks, and I need to pass these by, although I always think about how lovely they’d look on you and Suz! Right now, I’d love to find a good resource for tops with bateau or v necklines and 3/4 sleeves. I generally do not shop Chicos, but I’m think they do good basics like this!

May 31, 2018 at 5:44 am

Bijou

Veteran

I often buy sleeveless tops and dresses because often that is all that is available. I do like wearing sleeveless tops and dresses underneath jackets for work, although I like wearing long sleeve dresses and shirts too. The only sleeve that I find tricky is a 3/4 with a frill or something that makes it difficult to sit under a jacket or coat or ride up the arm when putting on a topper.

May 31, 2018 at 5:52 am

Sisi

Veteran

I usually avoid sleeveless garments just because I find a short sleeve, or a little bit of sleeve more pleasant visually.

May 31, 2018 at 5:53 am

Thistle

Veteran

I only wear sleeveless bathing suits. Otherwise, I don;t like them. I’m not interested in drawing attention to my arms, and I have no issues with sleeves under jackets. I have also been enjoying some of the length you can find on sleeves these days.

May 31, 2018 at 5:56 am

lisa p

Yes ! All year round, too. It’s not all I wear though – as I like some of the fun sleeve treatments trending right now.

May 31, 2018 at 5:56 am

BlueJay

Veteran

My shoulders tend to burn, even with sunscreen, so I prefer something with sleeves. I will wear sleeveless if it’s an indoor or night event, or if it’s cool enough for a jacket that I won’t take off.

May 31, 2018 at 5:58 am

Andrea H

Active Member

I’m in the if it’s not sleeveless, it’s got to be 3/4ths to long sleeve camp. I hate short sleeves other than a very minimal cap sleeve. I like my arms and shoulders but somewhat dislike my elbows (yes, weird, I know) and I feel like short sleeves draw attention there. I also cannot abide the feeling of sleeves under sleeves, so for layering it’s sleeveless all the way.

May 31, 2018 at 6:02 am

suzanne

(website)

Active Member

I do love sleeveless tops in the summer, but sometimes find that I get cold in a restaurant! They are more comfortable under a jacket in spring and fall. I agree with Lisa P above about liking some of the statement sleeves that are so popular right now!

May 31, 2018 at 6:04 am

Eace

Active Member

I wear sleeveless a lot during warmer weather. My arms are most definitely not my best feature, but I’ve made peace with my body. I have challenges with sleeveless, however. Sometimes the arm holes are cut too low, exposing my bra band– and that’s not a look I’m going for. I have to make sure that my bra straps are not exposed when the shoulder area is cut further back-racer back bras are hard to find in my size. Oh, and I have to make sure that I shave every day during sleeveless season.

Oddly enough, when I worked in a corporate environment, I could wear sleeveless shirts and dresses, but now that I am working in retail (on the sales floor). Sleeveless is forbidden.

May 31, 2018 at 6:05 am

JAileen

Veteran

As a vintage person, my arms do not look like they did when I was young. But I’m not ashamed of them. So I wear sleeveless tops a lot in summer. It’s soooo hot here.

When I was looking for a top to go with my olive leather jacket, though, I consciously chose a top with sleeves over a sleeveless top for the reasons you outlined. Plus, if it’s cool enough for a leather jacket, it’s cool enough for sleeves.

May 31, 2018 at 6:23 am

Becky

Veteran

I do wear sleeveless items throughout the year; in summer, I wear them alone for ventilation and comfort, though I do take your point about covering from direct sun (I’m not usually in the sun for hours at a time). My arms are relatively toned and I find my shoulders and collarbone area to be one of my best features. In the other seasons I layer sleeveless tops and dresses under cardigans or other toppers for comfort. I prefer layering over sleeveless items since I don’t have to deal with the sleeves bunching up, and my arms are muscular anyway, which is an additional challenge. Also, because my arms are proportionally short, I don’t have to worry about correct sleeve length. I would say I am glad that there is such a plethora of sleeveless items on the market. The one thing that bugs me is so often sleeveless items are scanty all over: cut low in front, low in back, etc.

May 31, 2018 at 6:25 am

Sigrid

Perhaps the abundance of sleeveless garments is because they are less costly to produce and are easier to fit on many different people? Like you, I prefer sleeved garments because of several reasons: the hygiene factor (do people clean jackets after one wear when wearing sleeveless tops underneath?), as protection from the sun and due to work dress codes. If the arm opening is very wide and the piece of fabric that covers the shouldes very narrow, I won’t get away with it for work. Hence, last week I purchased several fitted nicer tees to wear under sleeveless dresses. I like the layered look and it gives more variety to my small summer wardrobe!

May 31, 2018 at 6:27 am

Kim M

(website)

Active Member

I only wear sleeveless on the hottest of days. I just don’t care for the feel of bare shoulders. I have to watch the cut of short sleeves as well, as others’ have stated, because of my bustline. Fortunately, there’s something out there for everyone. In summer, I find the boho style quite friendly, as they are not overly fitted.

May 31, 2018 at 6:29 am

Sara L.

Veteran

I love sleeveless tops in hot weather. I like them for layering too but I don’t layer that often. I get too cold in sleeveless tops unless it’s really warm. Luckily, I live where the summers are nice and hot.

May 31, 2018 at 6:35 am

Alecia

Veteran

I have lots of sleeves tops for their ease of layering. When wearing a shirt alone, sans topper, I much prefer to have sleeves.

May 31, 2018 at 6:40 am

Alecia

Veteran

Shoot. I meant to say I have lots of sleeveless tops.

May 31, 2018 at 6:41 am

citygirldc

(website)

Veteran

I may not be a fan of showing my arms but in these warm and humid months in the East coast, I do wear them and since I bike to work all the time, there’s always a topper of some sorts since the AC will be blasting on high all summer long. Plus, I hate tee shirt tans.

May 31, 2018 at 6:42 am

Windchime

Veteran

I’m hoping to wear sleeveless tops and dresses in summer for as long as I live, and I’m intentional about keeping my arms toned so that I can do so. I’ve tried a couple sleeveless things under jackets in winter and just can’t do it; I feel too cold.

I’ve also tried on cold shoulder tops but don’t like the feel of them; it feels like a sleeveless top with stray fabric brushing the top of my arm. Or even like the sleeve is falling down; I kept looking to make sure my bra strap wasn’t showing!

May 31, 2018 at 6:44 am

krishnidoux

Veteran

One thing more about sleeveless: the need to shave armpits! If of course that’s what to do. May was the month of hair here (mai poils- may/my hairs) a movement like movember where women don’t shave nor wax for a month to support the right to chose not to. I am old school, sorry. Call me alienated all you want. Sleeveless means waxing.

May 31, 2018 at 6:48 am

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I wear a LOT of sleeveless tops in the summer. I don’t love the appearance of my arms (Michelle Obama I am not, sadly), but I do like my shoulders, so it’s a mixed bag. Overall, I do generally find sleeveless cuts pretty flattering on me, despite my not-terribly-toned arms.

I will do an angled cap sleeve or short sleeve, but I’m really picky about them, for the reasons Toban mentions. Cut straight across at the wrong spot, and short sleeves look frumpy and emphasize my bust too much. I’m also not crazy about 3/4 sleeves — for some reason, when I try them, they always annoy me. Somehow they never seem to end at the spot I want them to, so they roll or pinch or shift in a way I don’t like. Plus they can be tricky to fit under jackets without bunching. I either want full sleeves that I can push up or roll to the length I want, or short, or no sleeve at all.

May 31, 2018 at 6:49 am

krishnidoux

Veteran

Looked it up – the event is called maipoils (https://www.maipoils.com/copie-de-accueil) and I saw the English translation MaYhair

May 31, 2018 at 6:57 am

Diana

Veteran

I like and wear sleeveless tops and dresses often. They’re cool in high summer and layer well under jackets and other toppers. (I hate the feel and look of bunch sleeves under my jacket sleeves!). Too long armholes can be an issue for me, but most of the time taking up the shoulder of a sleeveless top is an easy alteration that I can do myself in a few minutes, so it’s not a huge dealbreaker.
Part of the reason I have so many sleeveless options is that I don’t see as many sleeved options – and then there are many sleeve styles/lengths that I don’t like, which narrows the field even more.

May 31, 2018 at 6:57 am

Joy

Veteran

Now, at the far end of menopause and living in a cooler climate, I’m wearing sleeves more and sleeveless less. In fact I even have purposefully looked for sleeves. I find sleeveless hard to wear as most are cut too low and wide. I am also more sensitive to drafts and air-conditioning.

May 31, 2018 at 6:58 am

Peri

Veteran

I love it when I can find something flattering with sleeves, but find it easier to find sleeveless things that work for me. That is part “fashion”…lack of options in the stores in past years…and part me. I am broad shouldered and a little busty and so many times the cut of sleeves just make that area look wider. Cap sleeves are usually bad on my shoulders, and regular T-shirt type sleeves often hit right at the bust line.

Overall I find sleeveless more easily flattering since even though I’m closing in on 59, I have decent arms and the above issues bother me more. (And yay for me, I’ve done my strengthening work, but as an aside, I object to the idea that anyone should hide their arms in the heat unless they look great. If it’s hot but my bare arms don’t look good enough for someone’s judgement they can just look away.) Off soap box now, when I do find the exact right sleeves that don’t hit the issues above, I’m very happy to wear sleeves.

May 31, 2018 at 7:19 am

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

WOW. Lots of good sleeveless thoughts. Lots of preference for sleeveless layering.

Staysfit, Cindy, Diana and Kathie, that makes a lot of sense. Sleeves can be hard to fit, making sleeveless the easy default.

Eliza and Cheryl K, it’s ridiculous how sleeveless formal wear is for women – when men are as covered as can be.

The Cat, shawls are a handy Summer cover-up.

Toban, I like those sleeve lengths on you too.

Laura, good job thinking about the toppers in advance. SO much better than battling afterwards.

Suz, sounds like you have it all sorted and worked out. Of course you do. You look GREAT in sleeveless.

Beth Ann, indeed. Sleeveless tops can be more flattering than short sleeves – to my eye anyway.

Bijou, YES. A cape is a good topper for exuberant sleeves.

Sisi, interesting. You don’t like the look of sleeveless at all?

Thistle, there you go.

Lisa p, and why do you prefer sleeveless?

Blue Jay and Joy, high five.

Eace, or you can wear a pretty bra and make it part of the look (but not for work).

JAileen, you crack me up: “as a vintage person….”. You look great in sleeveless.

Sigrid, yes to your production insights.

Windchime and citygirldc, you look fab in sleeveless.

Krish, as always, shaving is a personal preference. I prefer to shave like you, but am fine with those who don’t. In fact, I enjoy the diversity.

Janet, you look great in sleeveless, which keeps you cool.

May 31, 2018 at 7:35 am

Runcarla

Veteran

Like several posters above, my favoured style is either sleeveless or 3/4 sleeves – though I am an equal opportunity sleeve wearer when the top fits. I have a strong shoulder line so a cap sleeve of short sleeve creates a horizontal line that isn’t flattering. I have a poison eye for exposed bra straps though, and that is a challenge with sleeveless tops.

May 31, 2018 at 7:44 am

Robin

Active Member

I do wear sleeveless, though I feel a little self-conscious when I do. My formal summer ddress (which I haven’t had occasion to wear in years!) is sleeveless. I’ve also discovered that I don’t like wearing sleeves under most toppers, so I’ll be adding more sleeveless tops to my wardrobe.

May 31, 2018 at 7:58 am

LaPed

Veteran

I’m pretty equal-opportunity when it comes to sleeve length, and have a little bit of everything. I generally prefer tanks over tees for layering purposes and for flattery (I love the look of a tucked-in fitted tank-top with wide leg pants), but don’t have many true shirts or blouses that are sleeveless. But I also don’t have that many that are short-sleeved. I run cool and like sun protection, so I’m happy to wear lightweight long sleeve shirts, usually rolled up to show the wrist, in hot weather. I definitely run too cold to wear short sleeves or sleeveless tops during the cooler months, even under a topper. I live in long sleeves for about half the year, if not more.

May 31, 2018 at 8:08 am

vivien_noir

I love sleeveless! Actually, an all-black Outfit consisiting of coated skinny Pants and sleeveless ribbed tank top is one of my signature styles.
I usually don’t like short sleeves, one reason might be that my shoulders, which are a tad wide, and my slightly larger bust cause unflattering creases or the armhole can feel tight. I do wear them in Winter underneath wool Pullovers to “shield” them from my armpits, so I don’t have to wash them that often.

May 31, 2018 at 8:14 am

Chris987

Veteran

I do wear sleeveless tops in high summer, due to heat and humidity, but most of the rest of the year I prefer longer sleeves, even if I’m wearing a jacket. I have AC at home but we rarely use it and most of my life is not in AC these days. I was a bit skeptical of the long-sleeves-in-really-hot weather thing until my trip to New Mexico a month ago, where I felt the need to be covered due to the very strong sun at those high altitudes. We went on a hike one morning from 8-10am and even with SPF55, a breezy long sleeved shirt, and a sun hat, I still got just a hint of color on my face and neck. I’m now convinced, and with the right fabrication such a shirt can be quite cool. However, in every restaurant we were in, the AC was quite toned down and I wanted to wear sleeveless or short sleeved tops!

May 31, 2018 at 8:20 am

Cardiff girl

Veteran

This is a very timely post for me as I have been contemplating the age at which one suddenly feels the urge for a3/4 length sleeve.Up until 2days ago I was ,in the summer,a short sleeved t shirt girl with or without light weight cotton cardi depending on the temp.In Warmer climes I would happily wear a vest or sleeveless dress .I have normal arms for my age but I would like to age gracefully and am keen to stay elegant .l am not particularly self conscious and go to the gym in vests and swim but out and about I wonder if avoiding too much flesh on display would now be advisable.l am surprised at myself as I always used to wonder why older ladies went on about covering their arms and assumed it was because they had specific issues pertaining to their arms which I don’t.Maybe it’s just something that happens like always checking I ve got a Hanky in my handbag before I go out.

May 31, 2018 at 8:28 am

Tessera

Active Member

Sleeveless is not flattering on me, but my summers are hot, so I tend to wear sleeveless cotton jersey maxi dresses topped with thin rayon kimonos with 3/4 sleeves. I like the added visual interest of the kimono as well as the coverage.

May 31, 2018 at 8:43 am

Sisi

Veteran

Angie, I can like the sleeveless look on others. On myself, I can tolerate it if the shoulder strap is wide and ends at the shoulder-arm angle. I cannot explain why I have this preference.

May 31, 2018 at 8:58 am

Linder51

I’m in the wear both camp. Never like to limit myself to just one look. Besides, if you have the guns why not show them off.

May 31, 2018 at 9:16 am

Dana

(website)

Veteran

Team sleeveless here! I don’t like any bulk under my arms when I’m wearing a topper. Secondly I like the way they look–Like Beth Ann, I look terrible in short sleeves. Sometimes a cap sleeve is ok. 3/4 length sleeves are way too hot for summer.

As much as I love clothes, I prefer to be extra easy and breezy. Lots of sleeveless, shorts and skirts! Wish I could say cropped pants, but I’m having a hard time finding some to fit.

May 31, 2018 at 9:18 am

Keix

Veteran

I’m in the sleeveless layering camp, too. I find it easier to fit under jackets and cardigans, plus I always have the option of taking off the outer layer because I do enjoy showcasing my arms. In the summer months, I’ll carry a sleeved layer to work with me so that I can warm up in the air conditioned office.

May 31, 2018 at 9:18 am

aquagirl809

Active Member

Sleeves, sleeves, sleeves! I cannot understand how people during cold weather will wear quilted vests with NO sleeves! I wish I could just buy sleeves and no vest! My torso is usually warm, but my upper arms, if lightly covered or uncovered, need full coverage. I do love shawls and scarves for extra warmth in winter. Even in the hottest summers, I prefer sleeves. Air-conditioned buildings call for sleeves, and even outside in the sun, sleeves protect me from sunburn (because I have very fair skin.) Finding non-sleeve clothing is definitely easier, but then it is easier for me to buy fewer items in order to maintain my capsule wardrobe. So sleeves are the only option fo me.

May 31, 2018 at 9:50 am

jacquez

Active Member

I’m with Beth Ann — short sleeved tops widen my bust, which is not a great look on me. I wear t-shirts anyway, but for dressier looks sleeveless or 3/4 sleeves are my preference.

May 31, 2018 at 10:00 am

Kate

Veteran

I love sleeveless garments and I wear them year round. I do like my arms, but for me it’s also a comfort thing. My shoulders are broad and I often find sleeved garments really tough to fit, though I am a fan of interesting sleeve treatments. Those I tend to reserve for winter, and I have a number of sweaters with fulsome sleeves of various types. My very favorite type of sleeveless top is the turtleneck shell, and I have lots of them, mostly in black of all weights and textures, but also in other neutrals. I just bought a perfect one in white.

May 31, 2018 at 10:19 am

Gail

Veteran

I have quite a few sleeveless items but shy away from them as my arms aren’t what I would like them to be. I dislike 3/4 sleeves as they bunch under toppers and prefer a long sleeve with coverage from the sun.

May 31, 2018 at 10:24 am

virago

Active Member

Are you reading my mind?!

After a lot of hemming and hawing, I *just* pushed the button on a sleeveless stretch jersey fit-and-flare dress from Pact.

This is a big shift for me! Though I’ve been Team Short Sleeves for a lot of summers, lately I’ve not been liking the way they point right to my bust (echoing Toban, Suz, Beth Ann, and Janet here). I have a short torso and a short waist, and I wear a 32G bra. Short sleeves not only overemphasize my bosom but also, visually speaking, put it right on top of my hips. Not a good look.

Anyway … Online reviewers with my height and proportions like this dress, for both work and weekends — I hope I do! I’m planning to wear it with an aqua linen-blend J.Jill cardigan tied at the waist and will ask for feedback from you all if I can get some decent pix.

May 31, 2018 at 10:34 am

rachylou

Veteran

I wear sleeveless when conditions are hot, tops and dresses. The look is fine to me, although I should maybe mention I like a high neck even on sleeveless. That said, sleeveless has been the bane of my office-life existence. Too informal and exposed for my stiff ways and way too uncomfortable in frigid a/c. I’d love some close-fitted half sleeves for bakery work. Why those chef jackets all come with big floppy sleeves I’ll never understand.

May 31, 2018 at 11:07 am

Sal

Veteran

I wear them for practical comfort and sometimes aesthetic reasons. I like my arms from the front and side view but not the back sadly but I just don’t worry too much.

I like all sleeve lengths except mid bicep/traditional short sleeves which is very unflattering on me (as a few others have also said), cap or angled sleeves, three quarter, long or sleeveless are all better.

May 31, 2018 at 11:34 am

lisa p

In response to your question : I prefer sleeveless tops under jackets and cardigans, and am usually comfortable temperature-wise in sleeveless tops . I hate being hot. Today, I wore a double -faced crepe boxy sleeveless top under an athletic style knit blazer. Sleeveless has a certain elegance I like, and I’m fine with showing my reasonably toned and firm arms. For now Of course for weekend/around the house wear, it’s usually a short-sleeved t-shirt or tank, depending on the weather. Long sleeves are a winter thing for me.

May 31, 2018 at 11:55 am

Barbara Diane

Veteran

I’ve been trying to rid my wardrobe of everything shorter than elbow length but as I have not found replacements I am wearing lightweight shirts and sweaters over some of them.

May 31, 2018 at 2:52 pm

Aida

Veteran

Pro sleeveless here for all the reasons you listed, plus that I prefer to err on the side of too cold rather than too hot (I have a very hard time cooling off once overheated, which happens quickly). I like to wear sleeveless, elbow, bracelet, and full sleeves (not really into the standard short sleeve length unless they’re diagonal), but find full length sleeves particularly difficult since most sleeves in smaller garments are too short for me. Sleeveless negates that issue If I’m out in the sun, though, I try to cover up because I burn super duper fast.

May 31, 2018 at 2:54 pm

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Enjoy hearing your sleeveless thoughts, ladies.

Lisa p, thanks for chiming back in. Makes sense. Interesting. I feel that way about long sleeves and the elegance-factor – which I wear throughout the year.

Aida, I did not know that you have a tendency to overheat. No tropical climate for you!

Sisi, you don't need to explain why. You simply have a visual preference, and that's absolutely allowed – We ALL have them. As long as we don't condemn others for having visual preferences that are different to ours, it's all good.

Aquagirl809, I nodded along to every word you wrote. You get it.

May 31, 2018 at 3:22 pm

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Cardiff girl, again – it’s a very personal thing, and it’s ALL good. I have clients from ages 60 to 81 who LOVE to wear sleeveless tops and dresses. I have clients who are much younger who refuse to. I don’t wear sleeveless for practical reasons, which is polar to opposite to the reasons most wear sleeveless on this forum. It’s VERY interesting, and broadens our horizons doesn’t it.

May 31, 2018 at 3:26 pm

Karie

(website)

Veteran

I do have a few sleeveless top/sweater twinsets and some dresses (and I have short sweaters and other toppers for those), but I much prefer to wear sleeves. I am just always cold!

May 31, 2018 at 3:40 pm

Aida

Veteran

Angie, yes! I do as much as I possibly can to mitigate overheating. It’s a bit unfortunate since I quite like the sun and its warmth but tip over into “too hot” so quickly (even more unfortunate for Davy because he looooves and thrives in tropical weather). It’s the main reason I seek out natural fibers, especially for summer pieces — poly just gets me too hot, no matter how breathable it is. My heat tolerance has gone up as I’ve gotten older, at least, so I have been able to really enjoy our recent rash of delightfully warm summers ^^

May 31, 2018 at 4:15 pm

Brooklyn

Veteran

I prefer sleeveless tops because of overheating. I overheat (and perspire) easily and can become quite panicky when I do. I much prefer to layer up and then be able to de-layer if needed. I constantly keep a sleeveless black top at work just in case I overheat on days when I do wear sleeves. I am not so worried about sun exposure because I go to work early in the morning and leave fairly late in the evening, and I think its a good time to get some vitamin D. I do carry a scarf just in case. On the weekends, when I spend more time outdoors, I wear short sleeves. I also think I have a general preference for knit and jersey tops over wovens and, while I can tolerate a sleeveless cotton knit in summer, a cotton knit with sleeves in summer would be too much for me! So sleeveless suits me from a style perspective also.

May 31, 2018 at 5:33 pm

unfrumped

Veteran

Sleeves here. Initially due to being to fond but I’m not keen on showing upper arms in formal situations.
I have found some sleeveless tops specifically for layering.

May 31, 2018 at 7:04 pm

bridgie

Veteran

I do not wear sleeveless unless under a jacket or sweater that I know I will not be removing. I prefer long or 3/4 sleeves. This is a personal preference and probably because I do not like the looks of my bare arms.

May 31, 2018 at 7:18 pm

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Like others have mentioned, the bane of my existence is short sleeves that end at the widest part of my arm. I prefer sleeveless in some situations and elbow length or 3/4 in others. Goes well with my knee length or 3/4 length bottoms in the summer .

May 31, 2018 at 7:57 pm

Lesley

Veteran

I like, have, and wear sleeveless. But I also really like options for things with sleeves in the summer, and I find these harder to find! So I think I might have slightly more sleeveless just because it’s easier to find.

June 1, 2018 at 8:28 am

Nebraskim

Veteran

Late to the party but I never wear sleeveless and own no sleeveless tops but have 2 sleeveless dresses that are worn only with a cardi or jacket. I am always cold. Always. And it’s worse in the summer in AC. And my arms are hideous. I do wish there were more options in terms of sleeves, esp. 3/4 sleeves. And that sleeves did not usually mean “cap sleeves,” which I find even more unattractive on me. I also do not like, nor wear, scoop necks or v-necks. And most camisoles are cut too low for me. Sorry to whine.

June 2, 2018 at 3:42 pm

K.M.

Veteran

I am firmly on the sleeveless camp. When it gets warm (say, mid-70s and up), I feel most comfortable with no sleeves for maximum aeration! I have a very small range of temperature comfort on my own, meaning I’m always running hot or cold easily. So my favorite warm and hot weather outfit will combine a sleeveless top + a cardigan or other topper and potentially a lightweight scarf for the inevitable air-conditioned environment, or perhaps gust of wind or cool shaded area.
The one thing that bothers me with sleeveless tops is finding the right cut that will allow me to wear a bra without showing the straps or band. Also, those pesky deodorant stains… despite using a supposedly “no-show” deodorant…

June 3, 2018 at 7:56 pm

I NEVER wear sleeveless. I was surprised at all the affirmative answers- so many woman I know are uncomfortable with showing their arms. I would love to be comfortable enough to show off my wiggly arms but I’m not. It makes warm weather dressing difficult. I have big shoulders, big chest and small hips And I think showing bare arms is very flattering but alas not for me.

June 11, 2018 at 6:44 pm

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