Need tops with smaller armholes - any suggestions?

I got a few items for Christmas and found the same old story of low armpits on the tops. If I pull the armpit/shoulder up where they belong, everything else fit fine. For those of you who have this particular fit problem, are there any particular brands that fit closer up into the arms than others? I could use some guidance . . . I'm talking regular knit tees and pullover sweaters - that kind of thing. I think in the past Old Navy fit pretty close so perhaps the sister company Gap would as well? It's been years since I bought either. I don't think I need true petites, just higher armholes. Thanks for any suggestions!

14 years ago

Shopping

12 replies

Latest reply was from Mo

elpgal

Veteran

I have run into the tight armhole problem with the tees I have ordered from Esprit and the woven shirts at Talbots, so maybe those are worth a try. How about trying clothing cut for Juniors or Asians (there was a store review on YLF a while ago about such a line, can't remember the name).

14 years ago

Maya

Veteran

Asian lines will be too short for Mo. They run much more petite than American brands.

I have found no solution for this problem, other than to wear a tank or cami with adjustable straps under everything. It's not comfortable in summer, but I don't know what else to do. EVERYTHING seems to be cut with larger people in mind--larger arms, larger calves, larger waistlines, larger bustlines, larger all around--and yet I still hear complaints that clothes are cut too small, so surely things are only going to get bigger. I'm sure I'm going to be sized out within the next decade, and I'm not even that small, so I'm trying to look for solutions now and not finding many. Even H&M gives me the armhole problem.

14 years ago

Tricia

Veteran

I run into this problem, too. Are you sure petites wouldn't work on you? How tall are you?

14 years ago

Maya

Veteran

I am petite and still have problems with petite tops gaping. It might be less of a problem for a regular height person, but then the top will be too short overall.

Earlier this year I took 2 dresses to get the arm holes altered, and while it solved the problem, it set me back $100, so it's not something I can rely on.

14 years ago

crazyone

Veteran

Maya: if I understand correctly, you're talking about sleeveless items, whereas Mo is talking about sleeved items, right? I have to say I haven't run into this issue very much with sleeved items, even though I have very slender upper arms. Though maybe I'm just not noticing enough.

14 years ago

(website)

Veteran

Ah, yes, I am talking about sleeved arms - and to this end, I've noticed that things are pilling almost instantly under the armpits because the material is just hanging there and rubbing against itself. I am 5'4 1/2" but pretty well proportioned, so I am always right between sm and xs in women's. I think this is why I default back to Juniors half the time - the frustration at the higher price tag isn't worth it. . . .

14 years ago

crazyone

Veteran

Mo, strangely I've been finding a bunch of knit tops/sweaters with tight arms recently, and like I said, I have pretty slim upper arms. It seems like some tops at Gap or Banana Republic are cut slenderly in the arm, and yesterday when trying on a sweater at Loft, this one: http://www.anntaylorloft.com/c.....pe=Regular

I had to size up because the arms were so tight otherwise.

BTW, in store this sweater was wayyyy cheaper than it is online, I think it would have been about $18.

14 years ago

(website)

Veteran

Ooh, C1 I almost got that sweater!! Sad now that I didn't, as the one I did get was a small and after a 3 hour test drive had underarm pills! It was my very first ATL order and I knew right away the t shirt was too big but I gave the sweater extra time. They both have to go back It's just hard to live too far away from any chains where I can try things on in person. My only in person options are discount stores so they are hit and miss. So if your sweater was ATL and my sweater was ATL and we have different armhole measurements I'm just stuck when it come to online orders I guess!

This post has 1 photo. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

14 years ago

crazyone

Veteran

Mo, well, if it had underarm pills after 3 hours, I'm glad *I* didn't get the sweater, and I think you should probably have been glad too. I do think a XS would have fit you then. And they even have an XXS...

I think I actually tried on the XSP, which is also probably cut more slimly.

And that's too bad about having no stores nearby...

BTW, have you tried Esprit? They're European and hence more slimly cut than a lot of American retailers, and they have essentially free shipping and definitely free and easy returns...buying stuff from them is essentially like having your own fitting room. They also have a 40% off sale right now, so it's a good time to try out some knit tops to see if you like them.

http://www.espritshop.com/index_us_GG1_A1.htm

ETA: based on pictures, I'd think we have very similar armhole circumferences, but pictures can deceive.

14 years ago

(website)

Veteran

Thanks for the heads up! I will admit the last Esprit purchase I made was vertical striped blue on white pants in 1982 or '83 back when Emporium Capwell's used to carry them - but I will look into online options now, thanks

14 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Try bebe, MNG and Arden B.

14 years ago

(website)

Veteran

Thank you!!

14 years ago

Category