Plus Size Designers need common sense! Sleeves...

[thecoffindontwantme]

I have this shirt, it's a size 2x, and it's really cute.
One problem...the sleeves.
Let me show you this shirt as an example:



See those sleeves? Subtract about an inch and a half, and there's the length of the sleeves on my shirt.
I would like to think that plus size women's clothes are actually designed by plus size women, but wouldn't they know that I DO NOT WANT TO SHOW OFF MY JIGGLY ARM FAT, NOR DO PEOPLE WANT TO SEE IT? Why do that to a perfectly adorable shirt that would look great with sleeves about 5" longer?

So, does anyone have any ideas on how I could adjust those sleeves?
I can post a picture of the shirt if I need to.

[LisaB234]

If you already have the shirt, could you add a band? Not sure if you could find similar fabric. Maybe if you put similar fabric as the bands that exist. . . You could add lace or other trim to what's there to make it match??

[mystico_tala]

A lot of those kimono type tops come with longer sleeves now (like this Simplicity pattern-2nd in-, or this top from anthropologie)
To try and get that look on the top you have already, I might try to find some white that matches the rest on the top (or hey, maybe even some funky print, anything matches black and white!) and make a longer, fuller sleeve like the pictures.  I think it would help a lot

[thecoffindontwantme]

Thanks! The picture I posted is not the same shirt, just the same style. The shirt I have is dark green with pink, yellow, and light green stars on it. I was thinking of finding fabric in one of those colors and just extending the sleeve, but I also like the idea of adding lace to it. Maybe I can find lace in those colors?

[MissDisney]

being a young lady of sizable-ness myself...i have a question

why would you buy the shirt? i mean, if it wasnt flattering, or your idea of flattering, than why spend your money on it? my arms arent that bad...they arent super toned, but they arent really jiggly, and i sometimes i wear tank tops if im feeling in the mood, or i feel confident in it...but sometimes i just want to be in a t-shirt length sleeve or longer, to cover a *bad flab* day....

i think its less to do with design, and more to do with lack of knowing your own limits honestly (im i allowed to be honest?)

you can definitely add to anything, and a sleeve is relatively easy...i hope you find something that works for you, and that makes you feel good....

[thecoffindontwantme]

Of course you're allowed to be honest! 

Why did I buy it?
My mom bought it for me (I wasn't with her), it was on sale for $4 and she thought it looked like something I would wear based on the style, colors, and print pattern on it, and she was right. My only problem with it is the sleeves. Plus at $4, I have no problem altering it, I'm just not sure what the best way is.

My arms aren't like insanely jiggly, I'm just self-concious about them. I'm not someone that is proud of my size and wants to show it off no matter how it looks.

It may not have anything to do with the design, but I know personally (and not to offend any plus size girls, I AM ONE!) I find myself questioning the clothes some plus size girls wear. I'm glad they can embrace their bodies and are proud of themselves, but somethings just DO NOT look good.

Thanks! 

[alwaysinmyroom]

I found a similar style pattern for shirts like that but I also like longer sleeves and add about four inches to the pattern...I think that if you are going to be more comfortable with something longer, lace or a complimenting color would be great!

I think there is a fine line between being comfortable with your body and sticking your head in the sand, believing that you can look good in anything--I agree that just about everyone, whether they are larger or not, would feel more comfortable in finding a style that flatters them--knowing you look good is a great start to feeling it!

I would love to see what you decide to do--please post the finished item!

[batgirl]

Could you wear something under it with longer sleeves? You could even maybe add the sleeves of a longer top underneath for a layered effect without changing the neckline.

That drives me crazy too. I like short sleeves, but long enough to hide my "hanger-downers". Cap sleeves do not flatter arm flab. 

[thecoffindontwantme]

Could you wear something under it with longer sleeves? You could even maybe add the sleeves of a longer top underneath for a layered effect without changing the neckline.

I tried putting something underneath it, but it looked ridiculous 
The neckline has a deeper v-neck than the example I showed, so I will need to wear something underneath, but I was thinking of another idea.
I get fabric that matches the colors in the shirt. I add that onto the sleeves, sew it on the inside of the sleeve to make it look like I'm wearing a shirt underneath, and then I use the same fabric and sew it across the deep v-neck.

Did that make any sense? 

[alwaysinmyroom]

ahhhh--brilliant!  You just gave me the answer on another top of mine that I won't wear because of the sleeves!!!  It is a t-shirt type fabric--sewing in a pretend second layer is perfect!!! duh--why didn't I think of the layering thing?!