Sleeveless is better than cap sleeve
May 31st, 2007Cap sleeves on tops and dresses are one of the hardest styles of sleeve to wear. They either cut straight across the least flattering part of your arm, or look like little wings. Unless you have lusciously toned arms, avoid cap sleeves altogether. It’s a popular misconception to think that you’ll look better with some coverage over the top part of your arm, rather than none at all. This is simply not true.
The right type of sleeveless top is often more flattering than a cap sleeved option. The secret lies in showing your shoulder bone. Everyone has alluring shoulders, but fewer people have toned upper arms. The best type of sleeveless top is one that is cut more closely to the neck than it is to the shoulder.
Less flattering cap sleeve (left) and more flattering sleeveless (right) tops from Banana Republic.
May 31st, 2007 at 7:36 am
Interesting about the shoulder bone! I’m willing to be convinced but I do usually gravitate towards cap sleeves b/c I have to wear a serious bra and sleeveless tops don’t usually allow for that unless they have super-wide straps which I often find to be quite ugly. It makes summer a challenge!
May 31st, 2007 at 10:01 am
So today I got up and put on a cap sleeve top, wondering, “why don’t I like to wear this more?” I get it now.
I do have one that looks really cute on, though. It’s a button-down (really, although I tend to unbutton the buttons and let the collar “fly”), in a taut fabric, and the cap sleeves stand away from my upper arms and almost look puffed.
May 31st, 2007 at 1:06 pm
I couldn’t agree more. I have yet to find the perfect capped sleeve as opposed to great, clean ones like you have on the right hand side. Also with sleeveless, I like ones that sit firmly on the shoulder. With my narrow shoulders, I can have sleeves that tend to fall off or pouch up if they’re not firmly snug fitting.
May 31st, 2007 at 4:11 pm
I have given up on sleeveless tops. The armholes are usually gigantic on me and come down so far that my bra strap is exposed (and if you dare to peek, you can sometimes even see the cup). If I take the straps in, the shirt ends up being too short. Cap sleeves may be unflattering, but giving everyone a free peep show is worse.
May 31st, 2007 at 5:19 pm
Good point - but it’s definitely not a clear choice for me. Unfortunately, many sleeveless tops are cut wrong and they end up accentuating armpit fat. Also, for women who do have toned arms, or who can find cap sleeves that fit well, cap sleeves can balance out larger looking hips. Of course, there are other styles of sleeves that are easier to wear.
May 31st, 2007 at 7:19 pm
[…] Why sleeveless is better than cap sleeve, via youlookfab. Come back and tell me what you think. […]
April 16th, 2008 at 6:41 am
[…] The armholes are cut away to reveal a pretty shoulder bone. Sleeveless tops usually look better when you show your shoulder bone. […]