Sleeves vs. Sleeveless: My Choice

56 Comments

1. I am 71 years young and no longer wear sleeveless. I wish I could but my arms are saggy and crepey. I am a healthy weight but not “firm”. Not a good look. I do like some of the cover ups you have shown and may think about buying some loose weight coverups..

2. Thanks for starting us off, Dorothy!

3. I do wear sleeveless. My arms used to be one of my best features, even as a plus size, I think because of the swimming I do regularly. But my 60 pound weight loss has made the skin somewhat loose, even on the forearms. I’m ok with that, because I’m finally at a healthy weight – it is what it is, as long as I’m healthy! I like the look of sleeveless garments on people; I often think they are slimming because of the amount of skin exposed, and I like the silhouette it creates. There’s an effortlessness about it. I do see that many older women have a lot of loose skin there and I still think they look good. While I likely look better in a cap sleeve, or a sheer sleeve, covering up too much on a hot day calls attention to the issue, in my opinion.

4. Thanks for a thoughtful comment, Linda!

5. The top is cute and flattering. And around the house, when it’s hot, I’m sleeveless. I work out and lift weights plus use fake tanner that I love. When the stars align, it’s not a bad look. The thing that bother me more is that skin crepey look. Retinols may help that some, but I’ve yet to see results. I’m 72, and recently in Paris and other places in France noticed lots of sleeveless dresses on women past a certain age (it was hot in Paris). I looked a lot at fashion and shoes of people I believed were French or at least European.. I saw very little of what we call athleisure and no matchy sets on anyone but influencer type young girls. The weather was cool, the French people so helpful and it was lovely!

6. I will turn 73 in a couple of weeks and I go sleeveless all the time. My arms aren’t buffed or muscular but, to me, they don’t look terrible. Living in a hot climate I can’t imagine wearing sleeves when it’s over 100 degrees.

7. I avoid sleeveless by itself, because of the crepey and saggy skin…but being in south Florida , in the summer, sometimes it’s the only choice.

8. Thanks for sharing a touch of Paris with us, Susan! Love it!

9. I understand Linda…thanks!

10. I agree…there are those days..,

11. Due to having been overweight/obese for most of my life I have ‘batwings’. I have long worn some kind of sleeves. I always wear long sleeves out of doors. It’s ok with me because my button down shirts/jackets are part of my sporty style. Last year I began having senile purpura on my forearms (little bruises on the forearms). They appeared not from bumping into something, but from doing push-ups and holding planks. When I added more protein to my diet in January of this year the bruises decreased. I am 75.

12. Very helpful, Linlee, I your arm bruising. And I love that you are true to your sporty style!

13. My arms have also lost their shape plus I’ve suddenly developed crepey skin so I’m only wearing elbow sleeve or 3/4 sleeve tops. I do have sleeveless tops but only wear them as a layer under cardigans. I’m currently trying to find a skin product for crepey skin. Any recommendations are appreciated !

14. Susie, I have been using this Retinol Cream that I get on Amazon…I really like it…and it is cheaper than many of the creams we see promoted.
    NATURE WELL Clinical Retinol Advanced Moisture Cream for Face, Body, & Hands, Anti Aging, Targets Discoloration, Wrinkles, Sun Damage, Crepey, & Sagging Skin, 16 OzNATURE WELL Clinical Retinol Advanced Moisture Cream for Face, Body, & Hands, Anti Aging, Targets Discoloration, Wrinkles, Sun Damage, Crepey, & Sagging Skin, 16 Oz
    I use it every day on arms, hands and legs.

15. This relates to a pet peeve of mine, the idea that at a certain age, women should not go sleeveless. Yes, my arms are a bit saggy but it is HOT out there and comfort is my top priority. If someone does not like the look of my arms, look somewhere else. Chances are I am nicely dressed, made up, etc. but the arms are free! We have the right to bare arms( pun intended).

16. I agree, Penelope! You should wear what makes you feel your confident best…no matter your age. Often times this decision to go sleeveless or not has nothing to do with age. So be confident and cool in the heat and do what works for you. These conversations often help women who are wondering what to wear make that decision that is best for them.

17. I wear sleeveless tops in hot weather though I prefer a cap sleeve which is more flattering to my narrow shoulders. My arms are not as toned as they once were but yoga actually keeps them relatively firm. Actually I don’t worry about a little loose skin. Most of the time when I’m in stores, restaurants, our church, etc my arms are covered because these places set the A/C for just shy of freezing. You look good in sleeveless and I like that style of top on you. That v-neck is one of my favorite necklines. Too bad they didn’t send you a different color, though.

18. I know…It’s a great top! Would love one of the other colors!

19. Nope…no sleeveless for me. I used to have “decent” arms but now, older than 75, those nice-looking arms went “south” overnight. I will wear sleeveless under sweaters, jackets, etc. I guess I would wear sleeveless in the house but I don’t think I even have any besides tank tops lingering in my closet.

20. LOL to Penelope’s pun! 😄
    As to arms, I will turn 61 in a few weeks, but still go sleeveless. I prefer a lightweight sweater over my sleeveless blouses because I feel like my outfit presents as more completed or polished, and I don’t always like the extra exposure of so much skin, depending where I’m going (bank, doctor’s office, grocery). Doing water aerobics class with foam weights has kept the muscles fairly nice so far.
    Pam, thanks so much for the link and info today on the James Avery sale. He has a necklace with charm circle that I have been needing for several months now to put my mother’s wedding rings onto securely. I had tried a regular neck chain but it felt temporary. With this lovely solution, I can keep her memory close to my heart, and some day I will add my father’s wedding band, and have them together. So, thank you. 💕

21. Thanks Margie…that is how I mostly wear them right now.

22. Thank you, Connie. I also believe it is a more polished look and completes an outfit…you said it so well. And I am thrilled that James Avery has helped you with this solution to wearing your parents rings. What a lovely idea.
    I am going to share it with the James Avery ladies I work with.

23. I have always had long slender but ‘toned’ arms (with a very small wrist as well) however due to an old back injury rearing its ugly head two years ago and lack of exercise no longer am wearing sleeveless or short sleeved tops unless topped off with an overlay of some kind so can relate to what you are saying Pamela re confidence etc. In fact as a result for this summer all my purchases have been in a long sleeved version even though I might roll or ruche them up to the elbow and are in a lightweight or semi to sheer or loosely woven fabric, that also can be worn on their own with a nude colored bra. i.e: Fabrics — Cotton, linen, silk, rayon, ramie, gauze, organza, mesh. -Brenda-

24. I’m 79 and proud of it. I wear flutter sleeves that are just caps on my shoulders and short sleeve tees. My arms are beginning to get a little crepey but my weight isn’t terrible at 143 pounds. I use my arms a lot because of my bars in the shower and by the toilets. I need to balance and support myself more than a non disabled person. However, I had a very active career as a critical care nurse for most of my 30 years as a nurse. We also were avid bicyclists and downhill skiers. I think that carries over into our later lives. We walk the dog every morning to start our day. I also do as many household chores as I can physically do. My Mr. B is 83 in September but is still slim and fit. Since my health failed about 10 years ago, I made up my mind to be as healthy as possible and do as much as I can each day. For a petite woman, I have broad shoulders and sleeveless has never looked good on me.

25. So sorry that you had to deal with a back injury, Brenda. I do believe it is all about what we feel confident wearing…no matter what. I just want to smile in the mirror before I go out!

26. I love how you focus on your health no matter the challenges, Sydney. thanks for sharing.

27. I don’t wear sleeveless anymore because I’ve been on dialysis now for 29 years. As a result of having to get stuck twice each treatment I have track marks on my arms plus to receive dialysis you have to have to have fistulas put in my arms for dialysis. So my arms scare people so I have stopped with sleeveless!!!

28. I do not wear sleeveless tops except as a layering piece. I have vitiligo & really prefer long sleeves, but summer is to hot & humid for that. I wear short sleeves in the heat of summer but go back to my 3/4 sleeve or long sleeves as often as possible.

29. Oh Natalie…we all have those challenges. My ripped ear lobe has actually made a woman gag! Thank goodness for long hair. And thank goodness you can look amazing with covered arms!

30. Thanks for sharing your journey as well, Becky!

31. Like Brenda I have slender arms and wrists. My skin began to go crepey a couple of years ago, but the broken ankle really accelerated loss of muscle mass. This happened even though I had to use my arms a lot more to get around. I am starting with weights and stretch bands again post vacation, which I am sure will help tone, but I’m also going to try some of the retinol creams. I wear tank tops only under sweaters, etc. Talbots has been selling loose weave sweaters that require a tank — which I I find really annoying b/c of expense — but both these sweaters and those with lace sleeves are stylish and provide arm coverage. I tend to wear elbow length sleeves a lot.

32. It looks like there are many of us here working on arm strength together. I am doing it for health reasons more than anything…if I don’t wear a sleeveless top without a topper again that is OK by me.

33. I am 53 but still glean a lot of useful information and ideas from your blog. I like sleeveless but I rarely wear it. If it’s a casual thing like just running errands, I might, but I never wear it to work or dinner because I have a rather prominent tattoo on my right upper arm that I don’t like to show in professional settings. I’m not ashamed of it, it’s just not professional. I got it when I was 40 believe it or not. It was my own little rebellion against my mom (yes, at age 40. LOL) and a way to show myself how much I’d healed my own self-image and was no longer afraid of what people thought and a way to show myself I could handle physical discomfort and I shouldn’t avoid things just because of a little discomfort. Anyway, I went down a rabbit hole. I still have nice arms (thankfully) and my mom always had nice arms so I’m hopeful I will too. So sleeveless when I can but it isn’t often.

34. lol…enjoyed your comment, Karla.

35. Pam, I’ve learned a few things about sleeveless…love them dearly..but “all sleeveless are not created equal”. Some of my own sleeveless just don’t seem to be quite as attractive as others in my closet. I realize now why…sleeveless that hit at the edge of the arm, don’t elongate your arms….sleeveless which curve into the shoulder at bit, elongate and flatter our arms. I looked at the black sleeveless in your picture…and liked it on you…because…it curves in a bit. So my feeling is sleeveless can work for many of us..as long as we know how it fits on us…sort of like the debate over short or long skirts or capris pants. Btw fabric also plays a part in the sleeveless debate..that’s for another time. Thanks Pam For such great topics! Karen L. 💚

36. I am 61, and live in Florida so sleeveless is so much cooler. I have never done arm workouts but I am going to start. I love sleeveless! It does help that I am almost always tan. ♥️thanks for the article.

37. You are welcome! Thanks for being here. You can start arm workouts with standing push ups on the kitchen counter. Then add light weights.

38. I wear both sleeves and sleeveless. I will be 84 in September. Living in warm weather, still playing tennis and walking, I decided I will still wear sleeveless in the warmer weather. So glad I can still choose. I do find if my activity will take me to a colder building, the sleeves are my choice. Liked your top in the first photo.

39. Thanks Audrey! I am sure you have encouraged many with your comment.

40. I’m 67 and don’t do sleeveless. For me it’s more modest, and I prefer at least a cap sleeve. My arms look pretty good, but I have had so many basal cell carcinomas that I stay covered up here in California. Fortunately, on the coast it is not usually too hot. I am not much of a swimmer so that also helps. I do think everyone should do what is comfortable for them. My dear grandmother would wear sleeveless in the sweltering heat of Philadelphia in the 1960’s. She had pretty ample arms and wore iron clad underpinnings. So it was as though the arms sleeveless were her only way to be free. I have noticed some very large puffy sleeves on dresses in stores lately. Is this a returning 1980’s trend?

41. Love these questions. My choice is covering my arms from the elbows up at this point. I am working with weights but I cannot see that I will ever be so toned that I would feel confident. I am much more comfortable with coverage during the last 3 years. C’est la vie!

42. The last two years we have seen all kinds of big sleeves, Mary. I will do a little research to see if that trend is continuing. I enjoyed reading your comment.

43. Me as well, Deborah. I have not walked out of the house in a top like I have on today.

44. Thanks for joining in Karen…good points!

45. I never wear sleeveless because I need a larger size top for my ample bust line which makes the arm holes too big. I could have these tops tailored but unless it was really special I just go with a little sleeve. Its just easier!

46. I understand that. Thanks Michele!

47. I just turned 66 and do wear sleeveless tops on occasion. I can’t say I’m confident about it. We live a rural life style which is mostly casual. That said, if it’s a special occasion or church, I wear light weight wraps. Thank you for sharing how to age gracefully and be confident. I always look forward to your Sunday posts.

48. Thank you, Janet…see you tomorrow!

49. When I was young, I was too self-conscious to wear anything sleeveless, but once I started working out with weights in my 40s, that changed. Now, at 71, I still enjoy wearing sleeveless tops.

50. Good for you, Elaine! That hard work pays off with many rewards!

51. I’m with Karen L. Tops with arms that curve in look better on me. It’s like a bathing suit with a high leg, it elongates your limb.
    I have some “firming” body lotion and I use that on my upper arms. I have a permanent Farmer’s Tan so I put self-tanner onto the upper part of my arms, and they look nice and glowy.

    I try to keep my arms out of the sun, that Farmer’s Tan attests to many sun exposures of my arms, so if I’m out I’m likely to have a long-sleeved top on over my tank. With temperatures in the upper 90s I do what I can with the skin on my arms and wear sleeveless tops indoors to keep cooler.

52. Thanks for sharing, Rose!

53. Still catching up on posts I missed due to birthday celebrations this week, so I’m late to the sleeveless discussion. This has been an ongoing topic of conversation among my friends lately, as I’m being scolded for wearing some sleeveless items in public. I just turned 65 this week, and my arms are anything but toned. Dealing with my mother’s house and estate has been like a full-time job this year, so I’ve had a good excuse for not making time to exercise daily. Now that we are hitting 100 degrees on a regular basis, I find myself much more willing to go sleeveless in public. My theory is that no one is looking at me or my arms, and honestly I really don’t care that much anymore. I spent the first 60 years of my life trying to meet the impossible beauty standards we grow up with in the south, and the last five trying to deprogram myself, stopping just short of being guilty of the cardinal sin of “letting myself go.” I wear makeup and fix my hair when I go out in public, and I carry a light wrap when I’ll be in air-conditioned spaces, but in general I am exercising my right to bare arms almost daily. I even wore a sleeveless dress on a first date last week, which felt like huge progress for me. I am using Jergen’s Skin Firming lotion on my arms several times a day, and I mix it with a Neutrogena water-based lotion that doesn’t leave me as sweaty and sticky as my normal winter lotions do. As one of my post-birthday resolutions, I hope to start doing some toning exercises daily, but we will see how it goes. I applaud every woman’s individual choices of what she wears, whether or not she colors her hair, gets Botox or whatever else makes her feel like her best self. Let’s focus more on supporting each other and less on buying into the media’s ideas of how we need to look to be acceptable!

54. Despite all the arms talk….Happy Belated Birthday!!!

55. I can thank my daily swimming for my arms not being too scrawny or shapeless ! However I do have quite wide square shoulders so avoid narrow sleeves or sleeveless tops and go for a softening line .

56. I keep thinking I need to swim!

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