Armholes vs body size

Anonymous

Hi all,
I'm not exactly Mrs. Beefcake, but I do work out, but I've been noticing this phenomenon of too tight armholes on voluminous tops. Normally a xs kinda works in the body, but the arms are so tight I need to size up to s or m, then have 8 + inches of extra volume. Grr. Is it just me? Are there brands that are more balanced?

7 years ago

Shopping

12 replies

Latest reply was from Beth

WitchyD

Active Member

I'm not sure, but I run into this a lot. Either armholes are too tight on the XL, or on the 1X plus clothing they are huge and gaping. Sometimes even within the same top or brand. It's hard to find balance.

7 years ago

Anonymous

It's a common fit problem - it's not you.

7 years ago

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I've noticed this too -- especially in some of the brands that cater to younger customers like Free People. The cuts are voluminous but the sleeves are tight. It's definitely not just you.

7 years ago

DonnaF

Veteran

Yup; junior sizes especially.

7 years ago

Jessikams

(website)

Veteran

No wonder you want a sleeveless robe!

I have troubles too, especially with jackets.

7 years ago

cindysmith

Veteran

It's not you. It's the clothes. I hate shopping for shirts and tops, especially woven ones. My arms/shoulders always feel like they're going to split the seams no matter how much I size up, and then the body of the shirt just swallows my torso

7 years ago

Kathie

Veteran

Definitely not you. I’m certainly not ever trying out for weight-lifting competitions, but I do lift a couple times each week. I love it, and have no plans to stop, even if it means that getting the right fit through arms/shoulders/bust is tricky.

7 years ago

Anonymous

Glad I'm not the only one! And yes too big armholes are an issue too sometimes. Knit fabrics are sometimes less a problem, but I prefer woven blouses (sleeveless in summer, 3/4 or long in winter) for work.

7 years ago

Windchime

Veteran

My arms are slim, and I still not infrequently encounter long sleeves which feel uncomfortably tight. Who are they designing these for???

On the other hand, I often find the actual armhole too large—and revealing—on sleeveless tops and dresses.

7 years ago

Anonymous

I am having a slightly different issue- on sleeveless tops and dresses I am finding armholes cut too generous and need to wear a tank in addition to bra. Adding a layer defeats the purpose when trying to stay cool in summer. Men designers????? Haha

7 years ago

Barbara Diane

Veteran

Yes, both, and I have large arms. Armholes are too low on sleeveless tops and dresses and too tight on items with sleeves.

7 years ago

Beth

Veteran

I find long sleeved tops often have very high, tight armholes, but the armholes on sleeveless tops nearly always gape wide open, just like Barbara said.

7 years ago

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