When cap sleeves can work

shiny

Posting a lot this morning, because I have a lot on my mind.

I've found that sometimes cap/short sleeves can work, yes, even with my strong shoulders and undefined upper arms. I am trying to figure out why that is, and would love to hear your thoughts. Do you own a short sleeve/cap sleeve top that somehow seems flattering even if - theoretically - it shouldn't be?

For example, I bought a blouse on sale at BR this weekend. The sleeve hits about an inch or two down from the shoulder - exactly where you think it would be least flattering. Except, it has elastic around the arm sleeve. Not tight elastic - loose. So to my eye it seems to make my upper arm - which is by no means slender - seem more slender than it is. If the elastic was tight, it would not have this effect.

Your turn.... what subtle details have you discovered make cap/short sleeves work for you?

16 years ago

General

4 replies

Latest reply was from Ele

Louise

Veteran

I've got a cap sleeve top with frills on the front so it draws the eye away from the sleeve x

16 years ago

Anonymous

I have an old light-weight silk/wool knit layering tee in black with a short fitted cap sleeve that works for some reason. It barely covers the shoulder. I'm not sure why it works but suspect lack of sleeve volume has something to do with it.

I also have a consignment Italian made tee that is a lacy weave in nylon with a print of Japanese lady faces scattered on it like polka-dots. Basically it's sleeveless with a ruffle of the fabric around the armhole. I got it because I loved the print and planned to cut off the ruffles but haven't done it yet. Like yours, Shiny, they seem to make my arms look smaller and the ruffle is soft enough not to show or create a lump under a cardi.

16 years ago

Sarah

(website)

Veteran

I feel like I can make a cap sleeve work in a blouse of this style:
http://bananarepublic.gap.com/.....=670903012
Where I run into problems is if they fit snugly against my arm.

16 years ago

Ele

(website)

Active Member

I've said it before, and I'm definitely a fan of (certain) cap sleeves!

I agree with you, Shiny, in that it's often the tightness or looseness of the sleeve that makes a difference. I cannot do tight, but loosely gathered works well.

Also, the neckline plays a part for me. I like caps when they're on something that has a wider, more open neck. I'm not sure why exactly is is, but crew neck+cap=linebacker on me, while open neckline+cap=elegant, proportioned.

16 years ago

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