Light long sleeved tops for summer

[dotty2]

I have developed lymphoedema after breast cancer surgery and have to wear a compression sleeve. (You can get patterned ones but it’s early days and my prescription keeps changing so don’t want to invest ££ until it settles down.) I started wearing the sleeve in autumn and am used to it now but am a bit miserable about summer clothes. Can I ask for your suggestions for either general styles or, ideally, specific tops you’ve seen that are long sleeved, natural fabrics but light weight? My style is simple with a feminine or quirky edge. I’m 5ft 9, 51, and a M&S 14 all over. I have super short hair post chemo so feel I look too utilitarian without a bit of softness somewhere in the outfit. For reference, I recently bought this blouse which I love but I need some cheaper and more every day things too. Thank you.

I own this in oxblood , dusty pink rather than the red shown.

https://www.marksandspencer.com/pure-cotton-broderie-tie-neck-blouse/p/clp60676554?color=SOFTWHITE#intid=pid_pg1pip41g2r6c1

Sorry about the chemo 💐

What about this for everyday casual. I know it’s Sainsburys, but cotton, and the quality of their stuff is usually great for the price

https://tuclothing.sainsburys.co.uk/product/tuc143814634?clickCSR=slp:cannedSearch

Or this

https://www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.1216334004.html?srsltid=AfmBOoq9Ien0o4AvUCLCRNEO53GqWVHfGBYvnvWWr9_Qym8h9_Xpop9ZWzo

I hope you are doing well OP 💐

Following, as I'm looking for similar things (significant scaring and a skin condition).

Long sleeves and light, natural fabrics is what we need!

Linen is lovely in summer, and keeps you cool even with long sleeves:

https://www.johnlewis.com/mango-linen-pocket-shirt-bright-pink/p111690576

https://www.johnlewis.com/monsoon-layla-linen-pocket-top-orange/p111565517

https://www.johnlewis.com/boden-alice-floral-linen-top-ivory-multi/p111554649

https://www.seasaltcornwall.com/gypsophilia-top-organic-cotton-jersey

https://www.monsoon.co.uk/tie-cuff-button-through-linen-blouse-pink-54015310.html

https://www.forgottentribes.com/products/asymmetric-cotton-t-shirt

Thank you everyone. Some good suggestions here. The broderie ones are my favourites but sadly out of stock but it’s a good idea and I’ll keep hunting. And, yes, thank you, mainly doing well apart from the arm.

Don't have specific suggestions but maybe worth raiding eBay - masses of items in amazing condition. Also helps you experiment without breaking the bank!

These are viscose, but they’re very light, soft, and affordable. I have one in each colour including a red one which isn’t available online, and they’re great day-to-day tops. They wash well and require very little ironing.

https://www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.1219130002.html

https://www.thewhitecompany.com/uk/Organic-Cotton-Slub-Rib-Jersey-Shirt/p/A00942

This is nice

I often feel depressed by the prevalence of three-quarter length sleeves on clothes that would otherwise be just right for me. I have (very old) self-harm scars, and I know that these sorts of scars on the arm are common (perhaps increasingly common) among women.
It surprises me a bit that fashion retailers haven't identified this particular need for long-sleeves as a consumer demographic to market to. Especially sportswear. I want supercool sports tops with long sleeves.
MN style & beauty always looks like a v well informed place, so I'm hoping some of the big clothing manufacturers/retailers scan it to look for demand trends. <waves at big clothing manufacturers/retailers>. Pleease look into this, big clothing manufacturers/retailers!!

I find the prevalence of sleeveless or very short sleeve tops surprising. Few middle aged women I know actually like or want to make a feature of our upper arms! I know some do - they either have conventionally "good" arms through exercise or genetics, or just aren't bothered about it - but most don't. I don't want to dress like an 80 year old but neither am I 17 and a size 8.

PS @ValueAddedTaxonomy I hear you on the self harm scars. Mine are mostly on my legs thankfully.

@ValueAddedTaxonomy I own one of these saysky long sleeve running tops. They aren't cheap but they are super comfortable https://saysky.co.uk/collections/running-long-sleeves?pf_t_gender=WOMEN pasting in case you are interested.

While these aren't cheap (I got one as a birthday present), they're incredibly lightweight cotton (and long sleaved):
https://www.seasaltcornwall.com/larissa-printed-cotton-shirt

Yes, absolutely on the three quarter sleeves. And some search/filter functions (I’m looking at you M&S) bring up cropped sleeves when you search for 3/4. V frustrating. My compression sleeve comes right to my wrist bone.

but thank you all for the suggestions and the solidarity. I have bought myself a broderie shirt and one of the sea salt ones so far (one print was reduced in a 14).

I'm on ebay buying up all the linen and silk shirts, linen jackets and shorts currently.

Good luck health wise.

I absolutely love this, and it’s a bargain!

Blouse is Next clearance

The other day in M&S I saw some plain, white linen, long-sleeved shirts that might fit the bill.

Thanks for all the further suggestions. I bought one of the Next ones - would prefer 100% cotton, but at that price thought it was worth a go. I can see, however, that I am dooming myself to a summer of ironing...

I bought this recently from Next, 100% cotton and very lightweight, almost like a cheesecloth fabric.

Gap has some pretty good options - not quirky, but good basics for every day. These are all around £25 -

These long-sleeved T shirts have enough linen to be cool. I tumble dry for a few mins and then they don’t need ironing.
https://www.gap.co.uk/style/ls423482/K90677#K90677

long sleeve 95% cotton Henleys (looks like thin cotton)
https://www.gap.co.uk/style/ls437309/k21121#k21121

Crew neck long sleeve T shirts 58% cotton
https://www.gap.co.uk/style/ls356755/k41201#k41201