7 Ways To Cover Your Arms This Summer
Do you struggle finding clothes in summer to cover your upper arms?
If yes – then today’s blog post is for you!
Every summer, I like to cover this topic due to the abundance of women struggling with this very problem.
It seems many women believe their upper arms (often referred to as bingo wings), are somewhat so enormous that they just cannot be on show.
(They’re not really).
Many of these women will spend their summer days covering up and avoiding any type of arm movement (think clapping or waving) and even covering up on a sweltering 40-degree day.
Now I do like to remind women that when it is a sizzling summer day, people are generally focused on the important things: hydrating, keeping cool and eating their gelato before it melts. So no one is really looking at the size of their arms.
That said, I also understand that this is a real problem for many women and like all style concerns – I respect them.
Now, if you are a little self-conscious about your upper arms, this part of the year might be a little more challenging for you.
The season is filled with festivities; weddings, luncheons, parties, racing, and of course Christmas and New Year where singlets and sleeveless dresses beg for your attention.
So to try and assist, we’ve headed in-store at Chadstone to find some cool cover-ups for those lovely arms along with a few fashion tips that don’t include arm Spanx. Yes – they do exist.
- Instead of a cardigan or blazer, try using a soft/lightweight scarf or pashmina to throw over your upper arms and tie underneath at your back.
- Try a sheer Georgette sleeve that is loose enough for air to flow.
- Opt for a soft, lightweight cardigan, long or short to the waist.
- Try a mesh or lace top with a cap sleeve or ¾ sleeve. This will keep you cool but still offer the cover-up.
- A lightweight cotton top or blouse that will breathe with cotton slacks.
- Attempt an off-the-shoulder top with cap sleeves or a cold shoulder like my black top I’m wearing.
- Work some slim accessories (such as a bangle or bright watch) on the wrist to draw attention away from the upper arm.
Finally, a couple of “slimming” tips:
- The ever so faithful faux tan will help streamline your arms, making them appear slimmer. Notice I said faux – we don’t condone outdoor tanning unless in moderation…..Vitamin D!!! DIY with a St Tropez product or see a professional tanner.
- If you will be in a lot of photos this silly season, don’t hide in the background. Instead, work the hand on hip pose with the arm away from the body.
So I hope you enjoy today’s shopping trip and it gives you some style inspiration for tops/dresses with sleeves along with some great cover-ups.
Now it’s over to you. Do you prefer not to show your upper arms?
I would love to hear your personal style tips or favourite “arm-covering” fashion items that you have in your wardrobe.
Hope to hear from you in the comments below.
In the meantime, if it is scorching hot, I beg of you – brave a singlet.
Louise says
A loose thin cotton or linen shirt which sleeves rolled up, half tucked into a skirt, jeans, pants or shirt is perfect. I have a navy blue, a light blue and a white and red stripe with cutout around the back from Zara which look great with everything. Wear with flat shoes or dress up with a heel.
Cindy Newstead says
Yes! Fantastic Louise! Many outfit combinations there 🙂
sylvia says
what about the black top your wearing. thats the one i want.. where from and how much
Cindy Newstead says
Hi Sylvia, my black top is brand new from Cue and still in store for $169 🙂
Tanyah says
I love your shoes Cindy! May I ask where u got them? xx t
Cindy Newstead says
Thank you Tanyah! They are from Zara but a little while ago 🙂 x
Gail says
Hi Cindy, Well, I’ve never understood why items of clothing over a size 16 were ever made without sleeves, or those tiny little cap sleeves that tend to frame my huge slab of upper arm. My sister & I have always called them Xmas hams (coz they look like that upside-down). Now living in a hot, hot climate I’m totally over my silly inhibitions …. the ‘Ham’s’ are out, brown & a few PUMP (weight) classes to tone them up & singlets are the GO. Seriously, if anyone’s interested in my upper arms they have little else to think about & I’m amazed how much cooler a singlet is after all these years.
Cindy Newstead says
Gail…….I don’t have to have this problem personally to not understand…..so I hear you!!!!! :):) Glad you have moved on as really, Its about you feeling comfortable in your own body! xxo
Beth says
I think you look lovely in everything especially the red sportsgirl top Cindy
Cindy Newstead says
Oh Thank-you Beth!!! 🙂