About sleeves - YouLookFab Forum

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About sleeves

Traci

Veteran

Buckle up, this is going to get rambly.

A combination of the year in review posts, new year's/post christmas house sprucing, and off season purchases collided into a lightbulb moment for me that has me rethinking my approach to sleeves.

My typical approach for the last many years has been to buy mostly sleeveless tops and then wear a topper. Somehow I only realized in the last year that I quite dislike the feeling of my arms being exposed to air. I like my arms fine, and don't mind them being exposed for aesthetic reasons. I also really dislike the feeling of bunchy layers on my arms. I'm not particularly hot or cold natured, but I do like wearing layers so I can shed or add layers if there's an unexpected draft, or I get more active than I had planned for. It's become such a crutch and formula that I don't even realize it anymore.

So, 2017 is going to be the year of the sleeve for me. I recognize this is also going to bring about some fit challenges that I've avoided by going with sleeveless plus topper. I'm also going to buy some inexpensive long sleeved tshirts to layer under some of my sleeveless things.

Isn't it funny how something so basic can be overlooked? What's your approach on sleeves?

Dressing

17 replies

Latest reply was from Traci

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I tend to be all or nothing when it comes to sleeves. I'm not even so crazy about elbow or 3/4 sleeves because they bunch up when I put on a topper. Plus I've hit the stage of life in which I warm up randomly. My arms are not my best feature -- I should really be doing more upper body exercise -- but I tolerate it in summer because it's simpler and more comfortable. I do wear short sleeves, but I prefer a slight angled cap-style sleeve rather than anything that cuts horizontally across the middle of my upper arm -- that line is a sure fire way to make me look very grumpy.

Ledonna N.

Veteran

Its all or nothing for me also. I enjoy layers, light weight jackets and seweaters. I've noticed my arms more now because im gaining more weight for my pregnancy. I lift a bit of weights but am more aware of them. In the summer i really don't care because i over heat.

cindysmith

Veteran

Sleeves are my nemesis. Or something. I have strong arms and shoulders from all my years as a stagehand, and it is so freaking hard to find sleeves that don't feel like a pair of boa constrictors on my arms. I'm OK with exposing my arms. Heck, it's necessary because Texas heat makes me sweat like a buffalo LOL

I hate sleeves that don't cover my wrists when I reach for things, so by default I don't wear bracelet or 3/4 sleeves and many long sleeves are just not long enough. Ugh, right? So my approach to sleeves has been to ignore them as much as possible.

Sleeveless has been my default solution for a few years now, but that doesn't do anything to keep me warm in winter (thank heaven our winters are mostly rather mild). Knits are my friends. The extended sleeves trend has been my friend.

This year, I've had to go grab some base layers quick and cheap so I can stay warm. This year, I've got to do better, plan better, prepare better.

My approach to sleeves is going to have to be to search for some that work.

I hope we both find something that works for us!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Very interesting observations, Traci!

I don't think about sleeves that much. But I tend to prefer either long (or bracelet/ elbow length) or sleeveless. I always thought it might be a function of climate -- where I live it's either hot or cold. I do layer, even with sleeves -- but I have rather slender arms and while my shoulders are square, they are not broad, and my chest is small -- so this is not a fit problem area for me (except for my inability to fill out anything that is a surplice or a wrap type of top.) I don't like the feeling of "bunching" layers, either, though, and often need to layer. So my solution is often silk or poly blouses rather than crisp shirts, in winter -- or toppers that are quite oversized. The silk collapses in (and also keeps me warm). A common layering would be: bra, cami, silk blouse, cashmere pullover, coat.

jill58

Veteran

I don't like 3/4 sleeves at all for the reason Janet gave. I'm also not a huge fan of short sleeves on me although I do wear t-shirts. I pretty much go with sleeveless in the summer or long sleeves in winter. It is funny how a style habit can become ingrained and outlive its usefulness. I've had similar revelations.

Anonymous

I also prefer wearing sleeves, even though sleeveless would be a million times easier to fit (with my broad shoulders and biceps). My main fashion goal for the year is to find short sleeve tops I like. Certain lengths such as a cap sleeve emphasize my shoulders. I would love to chuck most of what I have and start over, but was disheartened that of the three short sleeve tops I bought last year that I really liked, two were knits that already look pilled or worn. I can wear this category all year long, so it is my most pressing dressing need. I don't mind elbow length, and I like 3/4 length, but it tends to get too hot lots of my year.

That's also why I will not participate in a no buy February - I'm planning to start looking as soon as early spring stuff is out. But I'm not settling for OK - I've got that in my closet already.

kkards

Veteran

Traci, I had the same lightbulb moment about 2 years ago. I will still buy the occasional sleeveless tank to use as a baselayet, but 90% of what I buy now is long sleeved, even in the summer....

Traci

Veteran

Suz, I'm beginning to think silk is always the answer. I'm currently stockpiling quite a few silk wardrobe items and your comment has me on the hunt for sleeved silk blouses to add to my silk tanks.

All the comments on short sleeves and 3/4 sleeves made me realize I have an aversion to full length sleeves too. I'm going to have to ponder what that's about, but I pretty much always unbutton my cuffs and push my sleeves up when I wear a blouse with full length sleeves.

DonnaF

Veteran

I hear you on the sleeve thing. I tend to run cold and keep my thermostat low, so going sleeveless with a topper generally isn't warm enough. I have finally learned that I can't hope to wear short sleeves under a topper because the bunchiness can't be smoothed out. Three-quarter length sleeves are absolutely the most flattering on me, and I tend to prefer the scrunched look over sleeves cut that short. Plus, it gives me the option to wear them full length and cover that pulse point to keep me warmer.

Staysfit

Veteran

I hate sleeves! They are typically too short for me, and they get in my way so I am always hiking them up my arms when I'm at work, cooking, or doing just about anything. I prefer sleeveless although I freeze in the winter, so I wear cardigans.

carter

Veteran

I thought I was the only one who was so picky about sleeves! I don't layer if there's any possible way around it. (Combo of living in the South and being 53). I love sleeveless tops, mostly worn alone, but if I must layer for temperature swings, sleeveless is the only way I can stand it. If the season isn't right for sleeveless, I enjoy 3/4 sleeves in Spring/Fall and long sleeves as it starts to get cooler. Once it's cold enough, I switch to sweaters. I no longer wear short or elbow length sleeves, ever.

Diana

Veteran

At some point I started to notice that my arms were always cold at work... which seemed weird because I don't think they are particularly cold sensitive. (For example, if i am cold at home it's usually my core that feels it first.). But I finally realized that it was because I had moved to a different desk which was directly under a vent and it was blowing down on me all day. So I've learned that if I'm wearing sleeveless or short sleeves I need to bring a topper with me to work. (I do have a cardigan and fingerless gloves at work too....)

I also prefer to wear sleeveless or short tight sleeves under toppers and even under pullovers. I hate that bunchy feeling of long sleeves getting caught up under a jacket, especially because my upper arms (bicep area although I only wish the bill were caused by muscles, lol) are a little bigger than average for my top size.

I like my long sleeves extra long., covering my entire wrist. i hate bracelet length sleeves most of all on myself, in terms of both looks and feel.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Traci, I will wear long sleeves in colder weather yet almost always push them up a bit, too. I'll cuff/ roll/ or do the Jenna Lyons trick with them if not layering, and sometimes even with a sweater or jacket overtop.

I think for me it's partly practical, but also something to do with proportions. I have heard that 3/4 sleeves can be good on the gamine types in particular. I have no real idea why but it must have to do with proportions.

Bijou

Veteran

Traci I have a number of sleeveless winter dresses that I wear button down shirts or black turtlenecks under because I want sleeves and I also like the tunic effect of wearing something underneath a dress. We have a good brand here in Australia called Metallicus (Deb wears a lot of their clothing to amazing effect). I am sure that you could find a similar light knit in the States. Personally I love 3/4 sleeves the best. I like wearing a watch and cuff on my forearms, so I like having this part of my arms free.

Gigi

Veteran

Great analysis, Traci! It's exciting when we hit on something that can take our wardrobe in a different direction.

I'm like you too--I dislike the feeling of bare arms under a topper, at least when it's cold out. What has helped me in the colder weather is to find tops that are specifically called "layering" tops. I bought a few layering turtlenecks at Anthropologie last year and love them! They are very thin cotton but very stretchy, so they fit well but do not bunch up if I want to wear them under a topper.

Sisi

Veteran

After reading your post I thought that you live in a warm climate, but I see it is not so.

I wear long sleeves from Autumn to Spring. Nothing like a long sleeve makes me feel warm and protected. A sleeveless top plus a topper would make me feel cold anyway. Maybe it is a psychological thing.

Traci

Veteran

Sisi, I do live in a cooler climate, but I am decidedly not very temperature sensitive, neither cold or warm natured. I think this is partially why it hadn't really struck me until recently that I don't like the feeling of my arms being exposed. Somehow I'd set it in my head that arm exposure was only about temp or modesty.

Suz, you bring up a good point about proportions. I suspect that is part of why I scrunch as well. How do you wear the sleeves on your long sleeved silk blouses? I have a terrible time keeping my sleeves on even cotton shirts scrunched and my silk shirts are just hopeless. I futz with them all day long.

Bijou, that is exactly what I'm picturing. I'm going to try to pick up a few layering tees today and see how I like them. I think a layered tee could also be a fun way to add a spot of color to my mostly neutral wardrobe too.

Diana, a draft or vent is my worst. I don't run cold, but I hate the feeling of wind on my arms. Even when traveling in tropical locations I keep a light weight topper in my bag.

I'm so glad to hear I'm not the only one with a complex relationship with sleeves.