Ask Angie: (and others) dolman sleeves on wide shoulders - YouLookFab Forum

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Ask Angie: (and others) dolman sleeves on wide shoulders

delurked

Veteran

Just musing here, and curious as to your thoughts...

I recently tried on, and notice I gravitate to trying, dolman or drop shoulder tops. With my strong shoulder line, they fit comfortably unless there is a line across my bicep. (Strong biceps too )

However, when these tops make it into my wardrobe, they languish and get moved on because I feel like they are making me look less proportional than I’d like to aim for.

Also, I’m drawn to trying more volume on bottom this year (I like this find of Sterling’s), but it seems like volume on bottom needs tucking or more streamlined on top. I am kind of an anti tucker. Maybe I change my mind this year? Do you think there’s a way to wear pants like that without tucking a top? my thought would be a shorter top. That shouldn’t be too hard to find this year.

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27 replies

Latest reply was from Suzanimal

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

SURE. Wear a more roomy cropped top. Keep the contrast between the top and bottom low with a gently fluid top that's regular length. TRY the semi tuck.

I need to see you in the dolman sleeves...

LaPed

Veteran

I have a strong shoulder line as well, and I rather like a subtle dolman sleeve. Ridiculously comfortable, and a smidge "arty" or something. I like dropped shoulders too -- there's something inherently relaxed about them, I think, but in the right fabrication they can have a sort of "undone" elegance. (For reference, some of the drop shoulders in my closet, off the top of my head, in Finds. Don't have my dolman shirt saved, I guess.) I do tend to prefer shorter lengths for these tops to provide some balance. Boxy and hip-length is good, don't think I could manage a batwing tunic.

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texstyle

(website)

Veteran

Wondering why you don't like the semi-tuck, I agree you should try it to make sure.

delurked

Veteran

I simply don’t understand a semi tuck. It’s messy to my eye, and I can theoretically understand it changes the line, but then I turn to the side and don’t like it.

Is this actually considered a dolman sleeve? A drop sleeve? It’s not nearly as exaggerated as some, so feel free to school me.

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Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Thank you.

Not a dolman sleeve - that's a dropped shoulder sleeve. Looks good.

You've tucked too much of the front for the semi-tuck. Take a much smaller side portion. See pics.

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delurked

Veteran

Pic above

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

Here is a post from a while back on semi-tuck
https://youlookfab.com/2014/08.....-years-in/

delurked

Veteran

Ok Texstyle, I’m going to try where possible this year (only many years late to the party). Just know that I will be having to ignore DH, who totally doesn’t get this concept. But, not the first time. I’m up to the task.

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

I think it takes a little adjustment in both the physical and the mental aspects. I like my semi-tuck less "tucked" in front - more barely tucked I guess - so I spend a few seconds to get it right.

More like this one.

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Liz A.

Veteran

Strong shoulder line reporting in... and I love to wear dropped shoulder and dolman sleeves for the reasons you mentioned re: comfort. I think they look good on me too as long as they are not too long or voluminous. It may be a matter of preference.

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

Yeah, my DH took some time to get used to it too :-). But if it makes me happy he goes along with it -- most of the time at least.

delurked

Veteran

I will have to experiment. Laughing at myself...I think I can like this

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

THERE YOU GO. Much better semi-tuck. You can do this...

delurked

Veteran

LP - I also like a raglan sleeve, which seems harder to find. Generally has an athletic feel, which I don’t mind but prefer to be without logo.

delurked

Veteran

Liz - I agree if not too exaggerated. I do like my shoulders. Just like to look in proportion as well. I hate feeling constricted.

Thanks Angie.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I have narrow but square shoulders giving me a strong shoulder line from side to side (if that makes sense -- it's all bone and not much meat on the bone. But the bone is real.)

I love raglan sleeves, dolmans (if snug enough down further for structure) dropped shoulder (if the neck-shoulder point is narrow enough for my frame) and all similar styles. Both because they are easy and comfortable and because they create a sort of relaxed elegance, as LaP said.

Semi-tucking is seriously brilliant once you get the hang of it and find the version that works for you. I tend to semi tuck in front, and quite substantially, but leave the sides out. DH took a few days to get used to it but then his eye adjusted and his tongue stopped wagging.

Liz A.

Veteran

Yes! LOVE a raglan sleeve!

Anonymous

What’s the issue? Do they make your shoulders look too big? I think they look good, and far better than having the shoulder seam in the wrong place.

I think all iterations are good.

delurked

Veteran

Smittie - thanks. I do try not to overemphasize my shoulders, which can make me look top heavy. I also prefer shoulder seams hitting in the right place. I really was asking Angie about proportion, trying to find maximum flattery.

Helena

Veteran

Don't know about the sleeves/body type piece to help there, but fwiw your second and third semi tucks look great!

delurked

Veteran

Thanks torontogirl. I like my third attempt best. I still think it’s funny I’m just now figuring out the semi tuck.

karen13

Veteran

I love this post - I can't get my head around the semi tuck either and may need to practice. It always feels forced and I get the askance glance from DH. I love it on others.It looks good on you in the later pics, so I think you are getting the hang of it.

I love raglans. And I don't like drop shoulders on me. Drop shoulder seem to visually expand the width of my shoulders, where a set in sleeve "ends" them in a less wide place.

jussie

Veteran

The other day I tried a semi-tuck, walked into work and my colleague immediately walked over and untucked me. She just assumed I had done it by mistake. Lol. I may build up the courage to try again sometime.

Joy

Veteran

Another strong shoulder line. I dislike dropped shoulder seams and dolman sleeves as messy and feel they emphasize the boniness of my shoulders. Batwing sleeves draw the eye in but can be a layering nightmare. Dolman sleeves can be batwing, but not necessarily.

dol·man sleeve
ˈdōlmən slēv/
noun
plural noun: dolman sleeves
a loose sleeve cut in one piece with the body of a garment.

karen13

Veteran

OMG - what Jussie said! That is how I feel when ever I try this. That is too funny.

unfrumped

Veteran

Please do try shorter tops!
I like what the semi- tuck can accomplish, but for mf it’s a casual- only option. I get frustrated when bloggers show very upscale, apparently serious workwear outfits with a semi- tuck because it creates a look and proportions that could not be achieved without it, with those same pieces.

Suzanimal

I love dolmans. I also have broad shoulders and I've found the dolman sleeve is flattering if it's in a lighter weight fabric, fitted around the waist ( and a little shorter than I typically like tops), and without horizontal ribbing. I saw a lot of dolman sweaters this winter in thick knits with horizontal ribbing that looked so cozy but made me look like a linebacker.