Why are we talking about the best flattering tops for your arms this summer? It’s because it’s been one of the top complaints I (Dianne) have heard from women my same age. It’s definitely an issue as we get older. It gets harder to keep that muscle tone in your arms, but you don’t want to wear long sleeves all year long.
Two things can be true! You can be stylish and flatter your arms at the same time. I am going to show you how to do just that!
**This post contains affiliate links and we will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on our links. However, we only recommend products that we truly love. Amazon prices are as of 3/28/24.
Flattering Tops for Your Arms: Top 10 Tips
The easiest tip to give would be “wear long sleeves”, but that’s not what this post is all about. It’s all about adding style while still minimizing an area that you might not be fond of. (But these are all great styles even if you love your arms).
Tip 1: Don’t wear tops that are too tight – you want a balanced proportion. Anything that pulls will stretch across and make you look wider.
Tip 2: Choose lightweight fabrics and layers. They create a soft, billowy look. Kimonos fall into this category.
Tip 3: Consider V-Necks — they draw attention to the collarbone and away from the arms. They also elongate your neck for an overall slimming effect.
Tip 4: AVOID cap sleeves. They cut at the widest part of the arm which can actually make them look larger.
Tip 5: Make sure the armholes on any sleeveless tops are high enough. Besides not wanting your bra to show, it also gives the illusion of that area looking larger.
Tip 6: If you are wearing long sleeves, fold your sleeve to show your wrist and expose the thinnest part of your arms.
Tip 7: Look for interesting details on sleeves like sheer sleeves, eyelet sleeves, lace sleeves and puff sleeves. They do double duty by hiding your arms while adding interest to your top.
Tip 8: Add bracelets – they take the attention away from the widest part of your arm to the most narrow part of your arm. And they’re fun!
Tip 9: Consider dolman and batwing sleeves. This goes along with the billowy fabrics – it’s a nice, relaxed look.
Top 10: Of course, a jacket is always an option, but choose one that has some style, not one that is “covering up”. A linen bomber jacket is a great example
Flattering Tops for Your Arms: The Best Styles
Now let’s get into the actual top styles that will we think work the best to flatter your arms.
Flutter Sleeve Tops
Flutter sleeve tops are so in style this season and I think they might be one of my favorite flattering tops for your arms. They are also very feminine and add interesting detail to any top.
Puff Sleeve Tops
Puff Sleeves have been around for the last few years and they don’t seem to be going away anytime soon. Besides making your arms look flattering, they also can make your shoulders appear a little more broad, which, in turn, can help give you more of an hourglass shape.
Sheer/Interesting Sleeve Tops
These tops can often be both flutter sleeve and puff sleeves – giving you a 2-for-1 look! You can’t see it too well in this photo, but these sleeve are sheer with a large swiss dot pattern.
Off The Shoulder Tops
I have always loved off-the-shoulder tops. I think they are subtly sexy and perfect at any age. I also find them very feminine as well. And most of us don’t have a problem with our shoulders, so they work perfectly!
V-Neck Tops
As mentioned above, V-neck tops help in that they draw attention to your collarbone and away from your arms. They also elongate your neck, giving a slimming effect.
Flowy Fabrics
These flowy type shirts have lots of advantages – not only do they fall loose on your arms, they can be loose everywhere. So, if you are looking for a comfortable shirt that doesn’t cling to your body, these styles are a great option. As I mentioned above, kimonos fall into this category and can make for an interesting and fun outfit.
Fun Jackets
While I did say this post was NOT about just wearing long sleeves, a cute jacket is still a great way to flatter your arms and still look stylish!
If you liked “The Best Flattering Tops for Your Arms”, then you will also love “How to Wear The Latest Jeans Trends” and I also just updated one of our most popular posts, “The Most Flattering Swimsuits If You’re 50+”.
AND, make sure that you’re signed up for our newsletter – sign up today get our FREE “14-Time Saving Tips Shopping Guide”