Dress to flatter fuller Upper Arms

Do you sometimes feel a little self-conscious about your upper arms or feel your arms look thicker than you’d like?

You’re far from alone. As we get older, the upper arms often become softer, even when our weight hasn’t changed very much. Muscle tone shifts, skin changes, and fat can settle differently over time. It’s completely natural. And it isn’t a “problem” unless it bothers you.

This is simply about dressing in a way that helps you feel cool, elegant and confident.

Upper arms are only an issue if they bother you!

Some women are perfectly happy to bare their arms at any age. Others feel better with a little softness or coverage. Both are absolutely fine.

If you don’t feel comfortable showing your upper arms, you do not have to hide away in heavy clothes or avoid sleeveless styles altogether. A few simple styling ideas can make a surprising difference.

The secret is not to “cover up” so much as to create balance. We want to avoid drawing attention to the roundest part of the arm and instead create a longer, slimmer line through the shoulder and upper body.

Choose shapes that create balance

The most flattering styles are usually the ones that give a little definition at the shoulder and skim gently over the arm rather than clinging to it.

These are especially helpful...

• extended shoulder line that protrudes a little over the shoulders, it covers just the top of the arm and helps balance the fuller area below

• set-in sleeves rather than soft sloping shoulders

• fluid fabrics with a little structure, so they glide rather than cling

• a small shoulder pad or slightly extended shoulder line to make the arm look slimmer by comparison

• wider shoulder straps instead of very thin ones

• sleeves with a little volume such as angel sleeves, batwing sleeves or fuller sleeves ending in a cuff

• jackets with a clean shoulder line and a vertical shape through the body

• V-necks and open necklines to draw the eye inward and visually slim the upper torso

• clothes with enough room across the back and upper arms to hang properly

• long necklaces that bring the eye to the centre of the body

• outfits that emphasize your best features whether that’s your neckline, waist, legs or lovely face

What to avoid if you want a slimmer look...

Some styles can unintentionally make fuller upper arms look more pronounced.

Try to be cautious with:

• tight T-shirts and fine clingy knitwear

• stretchy fabrics that hug the upper arms and upper body

• stiff fabrics that pull across the arms or back

• thin straps and halter necklines, which can make the shoulders and upper arms look broader

• sleeves that finish exactly at the widest part of the arm

• raglan sleeves, as the seam can slope into the fullest area of the arm

• rounded or drooping shoulders, which can add width to the upper torso

In general, anything too clingy, too tight or too flimsy tends to be less flattering than fabrics with a little weight and shape. 

Other easy ways to feel comfortable and stylish

I've found that just an extended shoulder line will disguise fullness in and around the sleeve opening. And checkout how I coped with my favorite jumpsuit at the bottom of the page! 

Left: upper arm is exposed; Right: sleeve protrudes over the top of the shoulder

But if you would like a little more coverage without feeling hidden, here are some elegant options...

• A lightweight kimono, soft summer cardigan or airy linen shirt worn open can be perfect over sleeveless dresses and tops. A short jacket with a neat shoulder can work beautifully too.

• Three-quarter sleeves are often one of the most flattering choices because they show the narrower part of the arm and create a graceful line. Bracelet-length sleeves can do the same - but all sleeves have to have enough volume not to pull!

• It also helps to draw attention upwards. Pretty earrings, a flattering neckline, a lovely collar, fresh lipstick or a necklace near the face all help bring focus to you rather than to any one area of the body.

• And never underestimate posture. Standing tall with your shoulders gently back improves the line of your clothes and gives the whole figure a more elegant look.

A simple style remedy...

Sometimes you don’t need a whole new outfit. A small alteration can make all the difference.

My navy and white jumpsuit is one of my favourite pieces for holidays and special occasions, but I did feel a little exposed around the arms.

Left: my jumpsuit and right: Jumpsuits with good sleeve options from Coast

Shop the look: Coast 1 and Coast 2 (both on sale) 

Fortunately, it had a very long sash. So I cut some of it off and wrapped it around the armholes to extend the shoulder line slightly. It was just enough to soften the look of my upper arms and create a more flattering silhouette.

A dressmaker would no doubt have made a neater job, but it worked - and, more importantly, I now enjoy wearing it much more. 

That is often the real secret. Not hiding yourself away, and not worrying about so-called flaws, but making a few thoughtful style choices so you can feel like the very best version of yourself.