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Original poster

Light long sleeved tops for summer

82 replies

dotty2 · 02/05/2024 14:03

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.

Voluminous Stand-Up Collar Blouse

Voluminous blouse featuring a stand-up collar and long sleeves with gathered cuffs. Loose silhouette Curved hemline Length of blouse: 64.6" / 25.4" (EU 36 / UK 10 / US 4)

https://www.stories.com/en_gbp/clothing/blouses-shirts/blouses/product.voluminous-stand-up-collar-blouse-white.0954744002.html

OP posts:
Thread gallery
15
whoateallthecookies · 03/05/2024 13:39

The seasalt ones aren't supposed to be ironed - I definitely don't! They should be slightly crinkly

Zebracat · 03/05/2024 14:34

I’ve bought the next one too.m intendin* to give it a good shake, not an iron!

Bignanna · 03/05/2024 14:57

Zebracat · 03/05/2024 09:33

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

Thinking of getting this myself- is it generously sized or should I get next size up?

CharlotteBog · 03/05/2024 16:31

ValueAddedTaxonomy · 03/05/2024 07:57

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 don't think I own a sport top with 3/4 length sleeves, they are either vests, t.shirts or long (with or w/o thumb holes).

I also don't have many tops with 3/4 length sleeves, mainly because I find they really annoying - I just want to pull them down to my wrist and find the cuff annoying at that length (catches on things).

I think there are enough clothes out there to allow people to cover as much or as little skin as they like i.e I don't think there is a need for specific SH clothing.

CharlotteBog · 03/05/2024 16:35

sweetnessandlighter · 03/05/2024 08:12

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.

What's middle age?

Loads of my peers are wearing short sleeves or sleeveless.
Showing your arms isn't making a feature of them, it's just that your arms are showing due to the clothes your wearing.

Arms which have lost some of the muscle and have loose skin isn't anything to be ashamed of, it's just ageing.

Bignanna · 03/05/2024 19:25

heldinadream · 03/05/2024 18:57

Despite what some say, Roman has a lovely selection of clothes at reasonable prices!

heldinadream · 03/05/2024 19:36

Bignanna · 03/05/2024 19:25

Despite what some say, Roman has a lovely selection of clothes at reasonable prices!

Show quote history

I agree with you! Bought a few things from them, no complaints.

sillylittlethings · 03/05/2024 19:40

Poetry do some lovely long sleeve linen tops. Sweaty Betty do some nice long sleeve sports tops with tiny little air holes in.

PepsiMaxLime · 03/05/2024 19:45

OP Seasalt has an eBay shop so keep a look out there if you like the Larissa shirt, as PP says they’re supposed to be worn crinkled so no ironing - yay!

my summer uniform is linen trousers, a tank top and an open linen shirt. I get the H&M ones, they currently have 15% off.

Zebracat · 03/05/2024 20:22

@Bignanna . The blouse arrives tomorrow.Tell you then.

CMOTDibbler · 03/05/2024 20:32

I have some great blouses from NRBY which are great colours. Nice voluminous sleeves that don't stick to your compression as well.
When you are ready, the compression sleeves from Lymphedivas are awesome. They are so light and comfortable to wear. I have a Koi and a Sakura bloom one and though it was tough at first to get through drawing attention to my arm I've had so many compliments. If you can get someone on holiday in the US to let you buy and have them shipped to their villa/hotel it works out hugely cheaper too

Thursdaygirl · 03/05/2024 22:00

I’m not keen on 3/4 sleeves, simply because they leave me a bit chilly, and I’m at an age where you’d expect me to be hot (or at least warm) most of the time!

eatreadsleeprepeat · 03/05/2024 22:41

Maybe look in the beach bit of shops, some of the cover ups have long sleeves? Also French Connection do some that might work.

ComputerInitiateJump · 04/05/2024 09:12

Adding a very cheap option for you, op. Primark have very light cotton shirts that are great for very hot weather. I got a couple last year that wash well and 'iron' well enough with a quick tumble on the cool setting.

Original poster
dotty2 · 04/05/2024 09:38

Thank you all for the great suggestions. And thank you for the sleeve tip @CMOTDibbler I’d seen those but baulked at the price, but I have friends in the states who come over fairly often so they would be happy to help.

OP posts:
RazzlePuff · 04/05/2024 11:16

H&M - filter on size, material & sleeve length. Plus 15% off online til 7 May.

anon1968 · 04/05/2024 12:21

New look have some lovely broderie shirts, don’t know if they are too casual

https://www.newlook.com/uk/womens/clothing/tops/pink-cotton-broderie-long-sleeve-shirt/p/886344670

also next and river island have lots of floaty chiffon style tops that would be summery/cool but also have the sleeve you want too, there are some lovely patterned mesh tops in next too, that are more fitted but long sleeved.

I had breast cancer too, no chemo/lymphodema, and i too felt the need to feel feminine, and feel good.

Good luck in your recovery. Onwards and upwards 💞 xx

Pink Cotton Broderie Long Sleeve Shirt | New Look

Shop Pink Cotton Broderie Long Sleeve Shirt. Discover the latest trends at New Look.

https://www.newlook.com/uk/womens/clothing/tops/pink-cotton-broderie-long-sleeve-shirt/p/886344670

Bignanna · 04/05/2024 13:38

Zebracat · 03/05/2024 20:22

@Bignanna . The blouse arrives tomorrow.Tell you then.

I ordered last night because at that price they would run out. Normally Next comes up small, so ordered one size up. Received it today - should have stuck with usual size! Will keep it, as I don’t mind loose fitting tops in the heat.

pambeesleyhalpert · 04/05/2024 14:53

www.newlook.com/uk/womens/clothing/tops/rust-double-cloth-long-sleeve-shirt/p/886339281

I have a few of these they're great. They also have them in different styles x

Badlands1 · 04/05/2024 16:33

Annoyingly it doesn't look like it's properly linked the individual items - but there is quite a selection

Good luck OP