elbow length - YouLookFab Forum

Category

Shopping

Welcome! Read about what to wear and how to wear it on the YLF Blog. Join the YLF Forum to ask specific questions or just chat about fashion and personal style. Or check out the curated list of things we love in YLF Finds.

Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

elbow length

BrieN

Veteran

I recently purchased a few tops from Ann Taylor to try on with a skirt I purchased a while ago. Several of the tops have an elbow length sleeve, which I didn't give much thought to, but now that I have tried them on, I don't think they are flattering on me.

Are these sleeves awkward (especially for a busty type) or do I just have to get used to them?

Elbow Sleeve Turtleneck

View Info

Top Pick

2

Shopping

18 replies

Latest reply was from ClaraT

Anonymous

I don't know the answer. I don't care for them though. They end at a point on my arm that makes me constantly re-adjust the sleeves. They "feel" funny.

Traci

Veteran

Hmmm....I don't think elbow length is necessarily unflattering on a busty figure. What I notice for me is that shirts can be less flattering if the line of the sleeve is right at the widest part of my bust, so I generally have a harder time with typical short sleeves.

Echo

Veteran

In terms of "traditionally flattering", elbow length sleeves and a larger bust tend not to go together. But that's only if you are looking for the stereotypical "rules" and not things like JFE. Likewise, a turtle neck or mock turtle neck can also make bustier figures look even more so. Again, not necessarily bad, just not "traditionally flattering".

I rather like an elbow length or, even better, a 3/4 length sleeve. I tend to have T-rexy arms, so shorter sleeves are a good thing for me. Boho sleeves and long bell sleeves can be very sloppy looking on me.

Joyce B

Veteran

I recently got some elbow or maybe slightly above the elbow mock turtlenecks. The length of the sleeve didn't bother me but I'll check again.

Diana

Veteran

I don't care for them on myself because they tend to end right at my natural waist (which is very high) and that emphasizes how short waisted I am. I think on a less short waisted person they may end near the bust, which could draw attention to that area.

And I agree with sterling that they feel funny! I don't like to have the hem right in the bend of my elbow.

Shelly

I personally don't buy that length. I find it awkward and wouldn't be happy if the sleeve ended at the largest part of my bust. I would keep shopping until I found a sleeve that ended a few inches lower than my elbow. I prefer 3/4 or ballet length. Just me though.

BrieN

Veteran

Thanks everyone, your comments have me thinking that I will need to pass on this type of sleeve in the future. As Shelly, and others mention, the 3/4 length sleeve will likely be better; I just have a hard time finding any type of sweater in fabrics I can wear.

Sterling and Diana: Yes. Now that you mention it, they do feel a bit "off" -- much less comfortable than 3/4 length.

Traci - I know what you mean about short sleeves! I have learned to be more thoughtful about short sleeve length since joining YLF...

Echo - thank you for your input and sharing of the "rules". As far as tops go, I think I am looking for traditionally flattering.

Diana: You have touched on something I hadn't considered--I am short waisted as well. I am going to have to try the top on again just to see if that's contributing to my feeling much-less-than-fab in these tops. That's really helpful.

Barbara Diane

Veteran

I was thrilled to find dresses with elbow length sleeves at NAS as my upper arms lack tone.

Style Fan

Veteran

I prefer 3/4 length sleeve tops. I would find elbow length sleeves irritating to my arms. I do like the length of both these sleeves because they emphasize the torso or waist.

JAileen

Veteran

I think I only have one elbow length top, and I wore it yesterday to register voters. I like it, but I'm not busty. I have a few tees that come below my elbow. I love them for in between weather.

Liz A.

Veteran

I like them on me as long as they are not tight. No need to emphasize a flabby area if I can avoid it.

Sara L.

Veteran

I have one top with elbow length sleeves and I really like it. I'm not busty and am long-waisted so maybe that's why.

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

I recently started to buy a top that had sleeves about this length and I decided against it. I think I prefer a 3/4 sleeve or regular sleeve to this particular length, but it all depends on how it looks on of course. In my case it was online so I didn't try it on - it just looked a little odd on the model (like her arms were very small towards the end of the sleeve at the elbow.) Here it is in my Finds.

Turtleneck Swing Tee

View Info

Top Pick

0

Joy

Veteran

Tops like this are perfect for small-busted women like me. Both the turtleneck and elbow length sleeves seem to add needed volume to the top half. Look how the AT model looks busty, but look closely and she isn't. I need to try this top!

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

Actually I prefer this sleeve length for myself - looks more flattering than the short sleeves and easier to layer under jackets than the long sleeve (especially if I want to scrunch the jacket sleeves). But I am small busted and tall so these sleeves end up above my elbows.
How about trying to style it and posting pictures?

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Personally, I love them.

sylvie55

(website)

I love elbow sleeves (especially the way they cover my bingo wings) but I don't want them to hit right at the boobline, and I don't want them to be too snug-fitting. A little bit above the elbow with a bit of drape is best for me.

ClaraT

Veteran

I like elbow-length sleeves. For someone with athletic arms like myself, they blend my shoulders a bit and my forearms look more delicate (? something like that). Great for layering and for showing off bracelets. I think this length can work on a busty figure depending on the neck and how close-fitting vs. skimming the fit is.