Size 16, 5'2, hate my arms. What tops are actually flattering?

[ThatPinkCrab]

Hi all, I’m 29, size 16 and only 5’2. My biggest bugbear is my arms - I just don’t like how they look and I’ve been hiding in cardigans all year. I’m a JSS1 tutor so I need stuff for work and church too, but everything I try either feels too tight across the arms or just drowns me because I’m short.

I’ve mostly been wearing loose t-shirts but I look boxy and it’s making me feel frumpy. I’d love to find tops that cover my arms without looking like ‘mum in a car park’ if that makes sense. I’m fine with sleeves, but I don’t know what necklines or cuts actually suit a short, curvy frame. Budget is around £20-£40 per top, and I shop mainly at M&S, New Look, or online.

So please be honest - what cuts, sleeves, or styles are actually flattering for size 16 and 5’2? Are wrap tops or 3/4 sleeves better? Any specific brands that work for real bodies? Links or photos welcome! Thank you in advance, I really need the help.

I work as a bridal stylist and arms are the most common insecurity I would say!

I have the same insecurity, took me a long time to figure out what I feel good in. Best thing for arms is floaty sleeves with a bodice (idk none wedding dress term for it, but basically the chest and stomach area) that is a little tighter. V neck and low scoop neck also really helps, the angle pulls the eye in where arms are usually biggest. Very square neck usually doesn’t work but depends on the individual.

also, having something that covers the part where your armpit meets your chest at the front - the arm clit, if you will - does wonders for making arms appear slimmer. So off the shoulder tops or one sleeve tops that cover this part. Yesterday I wore a tight fitting top with floaty very short sleeves and it’s the best I’ve felt in a long time

I wear three quarter length sleeves because my arms are disgusting after weight loss. They are very flattering.

I've got similar proportions to you, OP! Cowl neck top with long sleeves suits me. Butterfly sleeves are great in hot weather. I also find peasant dresses really flattering. Good luck!

I have big upper arms and unless in a swimming costume I keep them covered. I wear t-shirts that are mid length upper arm in summer, rest of the year between wrist and elbow.

All I can say is avoid batwing sleeves. They make me look like a linebacker

A style like this might be flattering overall with a slightly longer short sleeve and v-neck. It’s plain and simple and should fall nicely with a good bra.

This time I will attach the link!

https://www.next.co.uk/style/su751680/v25573

That reminds of a dress style that Whistles does in petite, which may suit the OP if she is fine with sleeves that are short/above the elbow. Unless you want 3/4or full-length sleeves, OP?

It's not exactly a summer dress - but it's useful from autumn through to spring with boots. And is in the sale ... lots of tops in their petite sale too!

https://www.whistles.com/product/melanie-dress-40043.html

Btw OP, I think that cap sleeves are the most tricky to wear, as they cut across the flesh at the top of the arm & make it look larger.

"Arm clit"??!!! Well, I learn something new daily on here ... Though I'm assuming the OP won't be wearing any one-shoulder tops if she wants to cover her arms. Unless she just hates the left one ...?!!

You could try a session with a personal stylist, it's free at John Lewis:
https://www.johnlewis.com/our-services/personal-styling

Uniqlo skipper neck blouses in darker colour are my go to.

I have always hated my arms ..all the women in my family have them . My rule for tops and dresses is : V Neck & floaty half sleeves … l promise you it’s super flattering !

Polyester! Yuck.

I always look for a slanted sleeve rather than a short sleeve that goes straight across . It looks more flattering and isn't framing the width of your arm. I also think a camisole spaghetti strap can look better than a wide strap as more flesh visible everywhere else takes the eye away from the upper arm.

The rough shape yes, which I realise is what you mean - but gathers over the bust if you're large of boob, no! It makes me look huge ...

I think it was more the shape that she was recommending?

Arm clit? Well that's a new one on me!

I know what you mean - but the exception IMO is a very short cap sleeve that cuts across the fattest bit of the shoulder. I still have relatively slim long limbs (it's my boobs & belly that are fat!), & certain tops/dresses that hit that bit of my shoulder make me look lots wider & my shoulders bigger.

I've never thought about spaghetti straps looking better than vest tops. Not sure I can imagine it. The look of tops/dresses with really thin spaghetti straps on woman with very large breasts (one of which I have become!) makes me feel on edge as I worry that a strap will give way!!! It looks a bit ... precarious ...?!!!

Maybe not fill on spaghetti but thinner straps.

I know it's a bit of a mumsy shop, but how about booking a personal stylist thing at John Lewis, if you are near enough to a branch? That way someone who's actually looking at your shape can bring you loads of stuff you wouldn't normally try. Then you can then go and buy similar shaped stuff that works for you in other shops.

Years ago a friend forced me to try on some stuff that I thought I'd look like a tank in and would NEVER have tried on - and it looked so much better than what I'd assumed I should wear for years. I reckon a professional would be even better to get you out of your rut.

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Thanks I will definitely look into it

Yeah, I hardly knew what to think about that little saying 🥴

What does mum in a car park mean?

Balloon sleeves are lovely - lots of room for bingo wings and bulge, but brought in at the cuff to look neat and intentional.

I second balloon sleeves - perfect for hiding arms and they are much cooler (as in temperature!) than a tight three-quarter sleeve. The very worst sleeves are ones that end just above the elbow - they only suit Jennifer Aniston-type arms.