Plus size tops I’m going to cry!

[Wallawallakoala]

Please help!

I’m 38, size 16/18 and a short arse. But I’m in desperate need of tops for the summer.

i hate my arms so living in vest and shirt combos at the moment and it’s driving me mad.

looking online I am really struggling to find anything that’s either not frumpy or not a crop top?!

please help!!!

16/18 is not plus size when it comes to shopping

I think every single clothes shop sells 16/18

@Matilda1981 I know what you mean - I feel frumpy in midi length dresses as I too am 16/18. ( and 63) and can never find sandals or boots that look right with them - so go for maxi with sandals or trainers or just on knee length with sandals if warm enough or good quality leggings and boots if not

When I buy 16/18 from high street brands they never fit me right, I have to go for curve or plus size ranges x

It’s like the high street 16/18 tops aren’t designed for me though, when I filter by size all these like bandeau or tight tops come up, or cropped… just not for me so struggling but think I’m going to see how these maxis go they might be my new go to! Thanks so much!

@Wallawallakoala I know - I’m still in mourning for the clothes range from Bravissimo - I have some lovely dresses from there that I’ve had years and just fit right

I’ve discovered I have a short body and longer legs relatively speaking, (long legs when you’re 5ft 2 is a bit of a stretch).
I have found a seamstress locally who is reasonably priced and she shortens things for me at the shoulders, the results are little short of miraculous, wrap tops no longer expose the girls, and it takes about a stone off my figure!

https://www.newlook.com/uk/womens/clothing/tops/petite-light-blue-short-sleeve-denim-shirt/p/918683645

https://www.newlook.com/uk/womens/clothing/tops/petite-blue-crinkle-texture-button-front-tea-blouse/p/917582240

https://www.newlook.com/uk/womens/clothing/tops/petite-cream-striped-shirt/p/917550949

New Look is worth a look.

https://www.uniqlo.com/uk/en/products/E477683-002/00?colorDisplayCode=60&sizeDisplayCode=003

@Britpopbaby thank you! I’ve ordered the cream and black striped shirt that looks great.

@Crikeyalmighty ooo I’ll have a look on Vinted and see if there is anything because that would be perfect

@Wallawallakoala my H bought me a lovely black bravissimo stretch dress with cut out shoulder detail at Xmas off vinted - size 14 super curvy as he knew I was dieting - I’m about half a stone now off getting into it - looks brand new too and was £17 , originally £80 .

@Wallawallakoala I’m going to get that striped shirt too - I find the problem with tops is they are either too short and show off my tummy or plenty long enough but hang straight down from by boobs and make me look matronly - hence why I find fit and flare stretchy dresses ( think skater style) with leggings and boots actually suit my shape more - don’t care if it’s not fashionable look !!

@Crikeyalmighty this is exactly it!! I’ve found a lovely dress in vinted too, bravissimo so everyone has helped loads thank you!

If I could wear long sleeved skater dresses and tights with boots all year round that would be great

If the weather carries on like it is you can! It's freezing here today.

Nomad clothing do some nice tops with slightly longer arms https://nomadsclothing.com/products/saige-plain-textured-cotton-puff-sleeve-top-white

https://nomadsclothing.com/products/ik4144-ikat-cotton-floaty-top

Bit more expensive but they are an ethical clothing company if that is something you look out for.

As regards tops - do you want all of your arms hidden or just the top of them? I love the Next t shirts which are long enough to cover the tum. Some are bastard viscose which I cannot wear but some are cotton. You can buy individually or in a pack. I prefer v necks as otherwise I get too hot!

Have you looked at Sahara? They’ve always got lovely summer tops.

Hi, can I ask how you found out that? Did someone tell you or did you use a guide or something? I'm even shorter than you at just a smidge over 5' but have often wondered if I'm in proportion, or have 'long' legs or a 'long' torso.

I recommend moving to Northern Ireland, I'm still in sweatshirts and expect to be for the entire "summer" (I use the term loosely), bar about three days at some point during August. Last weekend we were all in our winter coats.

What about a kimono from somewhere like One Hundred Stars to wear over a plain t shirt and give you a bit more coverage? I have one of their dressing gowns in the same fabric and it's lovely and light and floaty.

Kimonos – One Hundred Stars

I'd echo @evilharpy and was just about to recommended One Hundred Stars too (if you decide moving Northern Ireland is too drastic). They aren't cheap, but I have a few of their kimono tops that I pair with vests or baggy t-shirts. Great for summer.

I got a few lovely tops from shein. Search broderie - well I like them and the holes keep
you cool

I'm (quite a lot) bigger than you, but I live and die in M&S linen tops. Depending on how much you mind about the unironed look, you can can wash and wear without ironing 🙂

Also Sainsbury's have a good selection .....

I shop online at betty bramble for T-shirts I’m 5ft 2 size 16-18 and buy 3 xL. The length is perfect for me. Cost £22.