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 agree with balloon sleeves . The top should be a deep v neck ,fitted at the waist ( ruched )

Why so against it?

It’s sweat-making. Not breathable.

MandS have cotton t-shirts which are boat neck with 3/4 lenght sleeves which really work for me.

They're called 'slim fit' but I usually get a size up so they're fitted in shape but loose.

Great with wideleg linen trousers.

I’ve just bought these (to hide bingo wings!). I find they’re very flattering.

https://www.fatface.com/style/sv224163/h59293

I was going to link to another top from M&S but it’s now sold out!

What I don’t get is, if polyester isn’t breathable, how come it is used in the manufacture of sports tops ?

I think you are right. I have some T shirts which I thought gave me a nice shape, looking in the mirror from the front. They have a deep scoop and a cap sleeve but I spotted myself in a side view earlier and my arms look huge!

They’re made differently, from meshed polyester. Fashion tops are made from sheets of polyester with no holes for air to pass through.

Please explain what mum in a car park means! 😀

Actually, loads of polyester dresses are described as being made of polyester mesh!

I find cotton traders tops are great as they finish at3/4 of my arm length also get a lot of compliments. Ullapopken do wonderful tops. It is a German shop and went when I was on holiday 20 years ago. Also Marina Rinaldi. I get both from Vinted/eBay. When we were in Berlin the staff were very helpful and as the exchange rate was favourable my other half told me that at the time it was making prices half the price of UK prices. We went 2 years on the run. My Ullapopken clothes have lasted well. Just threw out a t-shirt which got holes in it. I got some last year from eBay and vinted and get complemented. Ullapopken have some great designs and colours.

Dare I ask what mums get up to in car parks? 🤔

Swinging their bingo wings of course! It’s a well-known dance.

I live in shirts. Stripy cotton or linen shirts. You can roll up sleeves, open collar - tuck or not tuck.

Mum in a car park? What specifically does she look like? I need to check before I drive to the supermarket.

I used to worry about my arms too and for 20 years always kept the tops of them covered no matter what. Lately I’ve been wearing vest tops and I feel so much better. I actually don’t care about what people think of my arms now. I love how comfortable I now feel in sleeveless dresses and vest tops. Sorry if that didn’t help.

@CheekyTealFawn Do you mean the Tail of Spence?

I've been crippled with insecurity about my upper arms since my twenties. I'm very short, a size 16, and my bingo wings are a quite something, despite actually being pretty active and walking a lot and swimming 4-5 times a week. When I have my blood pressure checked they have to get out the big lad cuff as the normal one pops off!

A few years ago I stopping giving a fuck and now wear vest tops all summer long. I really love having my arms out now and genuinely don't care what anyone thinks, it's extremely liberating and I wish I'd done it sooner (especially when I was younger and, judging by photographs, they were not freakishly huge at all).

I like off the shoulder and slightly puffy sleeves.
Crew/round neck makes me boxier.

A small cap sleeve can help. It is pretty and covers the chubby joiny bit where it meets your shoulder, and you don't look too hot and covered up. TBH, though, the best advice if trying not to give a fuck. No one is staring at your arms. This is easier said than done!

Arm clit is fantastic.

Can’t do cap sleeves as I also hate my upper arms. I am better with elbow length sleeves that are not tight. But I find the shorter angel / butterfly sleeves make me look wider across the bust area. Also higher necklines make me look all bust. I look for softer materials that are not clingy anywhere.

Give me polyester over that devil fabric linen every single time!

Love linen!! 😂😂

what is a JSS1 tutor