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Original poster

What is the appeal of 3/4 sleeves?

86 replies

pennycarbonara · 18/07/2018 00:11

It can't just be me who doesn't get it; have seen threads where people use 3/4 length sleeves as reasons for deciding against something.

Surely if it's cooler you want proper long sleeves (3/4 knits are especially strange) and if it's warmer, 3/4 is too warm? I can see some uses for work where you need to frequently look at a watch or roll up your sleeves a bit, but that doesn't account for their popularity.

I've heard they are popular in plus size ranges because some people really want to hide their upper arms - but there are lots of them available in small sizes too.

Do some people's forearms just not get that cold?

(I can understand people wearing short skirts in cold weather because I have some of that cold-tolerance in my legs, and have read that fat distribution in the legs helps with the physiology of it, but arms, no - never developed it.)

OP posts:
ThisIsHistory · 18/07/2018 00:15

I’m petite and the proportions of a 3/4 sleeve look a lot better on me.

Don’t really notice cold forearms with them.

ToastyFingers · 18/07/2018 00:23

Another who is petite and agrees. there's nothing worse than too long sleeves trailing. I always feel like kid dressing up in their mum's clothes.

Katescurios · 18/07/2018 00:24

I'm plus side and want to hide my upper arms. I also do not feel the cold as much as others seem too.

I prefer a half sleeve in the summer and usually go with a shrug or kimono type throw in jacket.

Even in the depths of winter i hate sleeves right to my wrist, I end up ruining knitwear by rolling the sleeves up. It's made especially worse as I work in an office where the temperature is permanently 22 or above which is just too hot for me to be comfortable in long sleeves.

ShovingLeopard · 18/07/2018 00:25

Also petite, and love them.... they elongate the arms and make them look more elegant.

Time40 · 18/07/2018 00:25

I love them. I'm wearing them at the moment. They look very elegant, and they're really practical (they don't get in the way and catch on things).

Apileofballyhoo · 18/07/2018 00:30

They are long enough to be warmer but don't get in the way. I hate proper long sleeves and I usually wreck cuffs by pushing them up. I do have short arms though. They also look a lot better than sleeves that end just above the elbow, which look matronly. I don't mind proper short t shirt sleeves.

Ofthread · 18/07/2018 00:32

I am a person who pulls at sleeves and pushes them up all the time. 3/4 sleeves are better for me, is it just me who does this?

SenecaFalls · 18/07/2018 00:33

It's my favorite sleeve length. I'm tall with long arms. Short sleeves often hit at an odd and unflattering place on me, and long sleeves are often too short. Plus I like to wear a bracelet.

Goostacean · 18/07/2018 00:33

As a teen my mum somehow always bought me tops with 3/4 length sleeves, don’t think it was especially intentional. It’s taken me years to be able to wear full length sleeves- and even now I tend to pull them up my arms a bit for comfort!

All the warmth of long sleeves, but unconstructed wrists and freedom of movement! Bliss! 😂

ThisIsHistory · 18/07/2018 00:33

Me too Ofthread

Fatted · 18/07/2018 00:34

I'm short and prefer them. I just hate having to roll sleeves up constantly. I do also think they're more flattering and show the slimmest part of the arm/wrist.

Now, cold shoulder jumpers are something I will never understand!

Slanetylor · 18/07/2018 00:36

I’m petite so can’t buy anything with long sleeves. I notice lots of normal heighten people push long sleeves up if they are doing anything much too. For fashion or comfort I’m not sure. I like a shorter sleeve top in winter but normally wear a cardigan over it.
I would totally discount a long loose sleeve. I might consider one with a cuff if it didn’t look too long or fussy. But only if 3/4 length not available. I think long sleeves are coming back into fashion and I’m horrified.

MissLingoss · 18/07/2018 00:43

Yes, have short arms, so full length sleeves are too long. And a couple of years ago, I found I couldn't get proper short sleeves, that is to just above the elbow. It was 3/4 length or very short/sleeveless, and 3/4 length are better for keeping the sun off in very hot weather.

Fleurelle · 18/07/2018 00:47

I've always felt this op.

LoniceraJaponica · 18/07/2018 00:51

"Surely if it's cooler you want proper long sleeves (3/4 knits are especially strange) and if it's warmer, 3/4 is too warm?"

Yes, yes, yes

I think 3/4 length sleeves are one of the most pointless fashions ever. I have long arms and struggle to get knitwear long enough as it is. I have a couple of men's jumpers for the sleeve length. In cold weather I just can't get warm unless my wrists are covered. In hot weather I wear short sleeves or sleeveless tops.

Original poster
pennycarbonara · 18/07/2018 00:52

Interesting, thanks!

Also petite, and love them.... they elongate the arms and make them look more elegant.

Ah, I am a bit shorter than average but long-waisted so had forgotten that info as I don't need to make my upper body look any longer. Definitely heard it before now you mention it tho!

Do other people not find it incredibly irritating that 3/4 sleeves ride up and bunch when you put a jacket or jumper on top, and you can't hold the cuff in place or pull it down easily as you would with a long-sleeve? The few times I tried wearing them this made it really uncomfortable.

OP posts:
MakeItStopNeville · 18/07/2018 01:04

I LOVE 3/4 sleeves. I have really nice wrists and hands and I love the look of a 3/4 sleeve, a nice watch and a ring. I think people like them because it's an attractive look when they look down at themselves, as opposed to what it looks like in the mirror or to anyone else.

Slanetylor · 18/07/2018 01:04

I suppose as a petite person it’s eady for me to grip the end of sleeve if I’m popping on a cardigan but I can see how that might be irritating.

MissLingoss · 18/07/2018 01:11

If I'm wearing a jacket, I prefer short sleeves. Under a jacket it doesn't matter so much if they're shorter than I'd ideally like. And for under a jumper at home I've got some old tops with proper short sleeves. Only the collar shows, so it doesn't matter if they're old and faded.

blueskypink · 18/07/2018 01:24

Also love 3/4 sleeves - and I'm certainly not petite! If I'm wearing a shirt I always roll the cuffs up to 3/4 length. If it's a jumper/cardigan I push them up. Certainly don't feel the need to keep a few inches of arm above my wrist warm.

PerspicaciaTick · 18/07/2018 01:26

I like 1/2 to 3/4 length sleeves.
They show off my hands and wrists, cover my upper arms and don't flop in the washing up.

AlbaChick · 18/07/2018 01:28

I hate the feeling of sleeves around my wrists! I’ve always got my hands in water, mess or whatever and can’t bear to have to keep pulling long sleeves up. Just practicality and comfort really.

SenecaFalls · 18/07/2018 01:32

If I'm wearing a jacket, I usually don't wear a 3/4 sleeve top. But I do have several 3/4 sleeve jackets. Where I live (Florida), 3/4 works all year.

BlooBagoo · 18/07/2018 01:43

I have long arms and if I somehow manage to find long sleeves which fit me they just really annoy me. 3/4 length don't bunch up under coats for me (in fact long sleeves under coats annoy me as they either hang out or slide up). I'm also very rarely cold so I'll wear 3/4 length in winter, and the cooler days in autumn and spring, then short sleeves in summer.

Clinicallysilly · 18/07/2018 06:57

I'm a short arse and 3/4 is my favourite sleeve length. It ensures that I don't trail my sleeves in soapy water and get my dinner on it.