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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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

55 replies

ThatPinkCrab · 29/06/2026 19:32

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.

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Booboobagins · 01/07/2026 23:53

Not posting about a top, but consider hifu on your upper arms - check out wowcher and Groupon for a deal. I had my thighs done ref cellulite and the results are amazing. I'm going to get my upper arms done in a few weeks too!!!

familyicons · 02/07/2026 02:27

Hifu?

VictoriousPunge · 02/07/2026 09:38

Swiftie1878 · 30/06/2026 20:14

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

Well, I never knew that. 🎓

VictoriousPunge · 02/07/2026 09:42

DoraDont · 01/07/2026 13:19

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).

In my day they were known as "hay-baling arms" and were much prized in agricultural circles.

MaturingCheeseball · 02/07/2026 10:17

VictoriousPunge · 02/07/2026 09:42

In my day they were known as "hay-baling arms" and were much prized in agricultural circles.

I also have legs most suitable for standing astride pulling up turnips. Sadly the Industrial Revolution eliminated the desirability of chunky limbs 😢

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