Mid-season rant: an overdose of short puffed sleeves
September 30th, 2008A puffed sleeve is gathered at the sleeve crown and hem. It’s appearance is usually poufy because of the volume both at the shoulder and at the base of the sleeve.
I’m all for feminine details on blouses, tops, jackets, coats and frocks, but the puffed sleeve epidemic is becoming frustrating. A great fashion season is one that offers variety to its customers, but I don’t see a great enough assortment of sleeve silhouettes in store right now. Especially with petites, where the challenge is often to prevent my clients from looking like their young daughters. Perhaps we need a hip designer to showcase a collection of “Not Your Daughter’s Tops”.
Puffed sleeves can look fabulous on a certain body type and at a certain age. Pretty pears with narrow shoulders and youth on their side look killer in short puffed sleeves. But it often isn’t a flattering sleeve silhouette, especially on an older woman. It tends to look cutesy and juvenile instead of stylish and sophisticated. It also isn’t a good look for women with broad shoulders and strong shoulder lines, as it tends to make that body type look top-heavy.
I personally enjoy fun sleeves that are gathered at the crown, but sleek at the hem, in a three-quarter or long length. This type of voluminous sleeve looks more streamlined and age-appropriate if you’re in your late 30’s and older. But they aren’t easy to find because the short puffed sleeve is out of control.
See what I mean? What are your thoughts on all the short puffed sleeves in store at the moment?
September 30th, 2008 at 7:04 am
This has been one of my own personal frustrations this season! Because I am petite with a strong shoulder line, I’d prefer to avoid this look, but there are so few alternatives out there!
September 30th, 2008 at 7:13 am
I can wear this look and like it - I am hourglass with slightly larger hips, so I feel that the sleeves balance them out. But I am also tired of it, I prefer variety ans while it’s nice to wear this occasionally, I do not want all of my tops, shirts and jackets to have these sleeves.
Actually, I am generally sick of short sleeves of any shape for this time of the year. Maybe I am old fashioned or something, but I prefer my fall tops to have 3/4 or long sleeves. I knosw that short ones are great for transition for people who live in warmer climate, and I also know that they can be layered, but still. I’d like more longer sleeves of any shape! Just look at, for example, BR’s top section and compare the number of styles offered in short vs. long sleeves, and it will be October tomorrow!
September 30th, 2008 at 7:16 am
I agree whole heartedly. Give us variety, please!
The designers have definitely gone overboard on the puffed sleeve.
It has been extremely frustrating shopping for serious blouses or tops in the sea of puffy blouses. I get irritated and leave.
I do like the third blouse you have shown, nice lines.
September 30th, 2008 at 7:20 am
Becky, I am so with you! What’s worse is that I’m 23 and look young for my age, so I look top-heavy and twelve. Lovely.
Angie, I really like the sound of the longer sleeve you’re describing, but can a younger woman pull that off without looking frumpy or like she’s playing dress-up, or is it for an older set (I don’t mean it that way, ladies!) only, do you think?
September 30th, 2008 at 7:33 am
Even though I can wear this look, I’m tired of it and would like to have other choices. It could be a seasonal thing but I’m tired of all short sleeves now.
September 30th, 2008 at 7:38 am
This has been frustrating for me too. BR has many blouses that I would have liked if it wasn’t for the sleeves. They make my shoulders look huge! I thought this trend would subside by now, and I am surprised that there are still so many short sleeves in the stores - especially puffed ones that you can’t layer very well.
September 30th, 2008 at 7:41 am
Hi all,
I agree. I went shopping for the first time in months this weekend and all the tops I saw were odd. I didn’t see a single thing that looked flattering. All either had puffy sleeves or weird necklines or such high intensity colors that they were even too much for me - and I like the winter brights. I only tried one store - Macy’s - so maybe I will find more out there. Next paycheck, I will try. If anyone has a shop or store recommendation for great tops, please send!
My two cents to Mai - I don’t think the style described would look frumpy on you as long as it hangs right. If you are busty, then you have to watch the cut so things look classic and not matronly or tacky. My non-expert opinion as once upon a time I was busty and 23.
Nancy
September 30th, 2008 at 7:47 am
I am trying to transition from t-shirts (since finding YLF) and it seems all I can find are puffy sleeve jackets AND woven shirts. I just bought and returned a cute black jacket from WHBM that fit perfectly but when I got it home the puffy sleeves bothered me.
This blog post shows it isn’t just me with this rant. Puffy sleeves at almost 50 years old just doesn’t cut it for me, for some reason.
September 30th, 2008 at 8:06 am
As someone with a strong shoulder line, this is frustrating for me too. I guess I just filter and ignore. At this point I do have a growing collection of sleeveless blouses that I wear with cardigans.
September 30th, 2008 at 8:09 am
I live in the NE and I like my clothes to be functional (warm). Puffy short sleeves do not cut it when the weather turns cooler. It is very difficult to find alternative sleeves. I’m leaving the stores empty handed these days. Frustrating!
September 30th, 2008 at 8:31 am
I do not like this look for older women at all. I avoid it. It is juvenile, too cute, and lacks sophistication. It belongs in the teen department unless its on a well tailored fitting jacket.
September 30th, 2008 at 8:35 am
*Sick* of the puffed sleeve! I am seeing a ton of sales on puffed-sleeve everything (jackets, tops etc) and all I can think of is that by spring of next year the fad will be totally over. Down with the puffed sleeve.
On another note, did anyone see Tea Leoni’s clothes in her latest movie (forget the name)? Super chic and age appropriate. Now where can I get her beautiful rumpled cotton button-downs (non-puffed!).
September 30th, 2008 at 8:39 am
I have avoided this like the plague.
I am a bit wider in the shoulders than the hips, short and not a young girl.
But, somehow, I was in the Van Heusen outlet store and found a little blouse that was the color of aubergine with a round neckline, body conscious fit and a puffed sleeve.
The color and the shape worked. I don’t think I will sprint out and buy another, but I wear this color well, it’s a “gem” color so it is good for my skin tone and, frankly, age, and I don’t feel too goofy in the blouse. Especially when I pair it with jeans and a pair of loafers.
Still, the puffed sleeve is not my friend.
I am kind of alarmed that I see it everywhere. Just like last year’s maternity smock.
Must admit, I do like the unusual draping that I am seeing in blouses, gathers and feminine touches. Such a nice departure from the manliness of the 80’s and 90’s. Almost like a collective zeitgeist of recalling early 1930’s femininity.
I guess my biggest fear is that the big, blousey, blouse comes back in style. AAAAaaagh!!! ;D (I have an old A&F linen blouse that is so well made - before they went all Tommy Hilfiger and the shop was super preppy/uptight in the Four Season Hotel building in Seattle - that I just can not get rid of. I know one day I will see the trend of “big blouses” and at least be able to pull it out of my closet as a back up until THAT trend goes away.)
So, yes, my name is Johanna and I have one puffy sleeve blouse. Now that I think about it, I do feel a little “kittenish” in the darn thing.
September 30th, 2008 at 8:49 am
Oh dear….just bought a short sleeved sweater with puffy sleeves. You’ll have to let me know if I chose poorly.
September 30th, 2008 at 9:25 am
I couldn’t agree more! I want it to GO AWAY now - PLEASE! It is practically all I have seen available for months and I have searched high and low for anything different. I just don’t care for this look as I think it looks like I am trying to wear children’s clothes. Add to that the fact that our weather here in Germany has already turned cold this does NOT makes the grade. I need pieces that will layer well and I have found that this sleeve just doesn’t do that. It’s to bulky to go under something and more often than not the gathering at the bottom prevents it from looking proper going over something.
Hopefully soon the trend will change. We can hope and maybe a little finger crossing will help too.
September 30th, 2008 at 10:48 am
I think puffy sleeves looks great on the right person, but it is not fun that stores seem to only have this type of shirts right now. How about everyone else that cannot pull it off or just doesn’t like the look? What are they suppose to be buying right now?
Even if I could pull this look well, I would want more options! not a closet full of puff…especially since they are hard to layer!
September 30th, 2008 at 10:54 am
I don’t mind having a few puffed sleeved tops 1) because I’m still in my early 20s and 2) I don’t mind emphasizing my strong shoulders some, because it balances out my small bust and makes me look more hour-glassy. However, some puff sleeves make me look like a linebacker, and others make me look like a 12-year-old. So I can certainly understand the frustration here. Variety would be nice, especially because this is fall/winter. I’m with Tanya: who want to be wearing short puffed sleeved tops all winter? Thankfully, I already have plenty of winter tops, so I don’t need any new ones. I’m also sick and tired of empire waist everything, but that’s a whole different topic.
September 30th, 2008 at 11:35 am
Unless you’re young and thin with great arms, this look is just plain dumb. We all looked cute in it at the age of five, though!
September 30th, 2008 at 12:36 pm
I’ve been working on my arms and I still hate the puffy sleeve. At least I’ll find something easily to go with the French maid skirt I have for Halloween, but other than that, what gives?
Speaking of “styles we’re afraid will come back”, I’m afraid the puffy sleeve will morph back into the ruffled off -the-shoulder dress with the spagetti straps and circle skirt with the ruffle at the bottom [Think Xanadu]. [Now stop.]
September 30th, 2008 at 2:22 pm
Couldn’t agree more: Enough with the creampuff sleeves!
September 30th, 2008 at 2:36 pm
I have to be so careful with puffy sleeves since I have a very youthful appearance for a 44 year old and puffy sleeves make me look child-like. Round peter-pan collars have the same problem for me!
I have been noticing a LOT of short, puffy sleeves for sale right now. Its fall. Its chilly. I’m not sure the logic for these shirts. I do have a puffy sleeve shirt that I love because of the fabric and fit…but I hide the puffy sleeves under my cardi. Actually, the puffy sleeves annoy me enough that I want to get them altered.
September 30th, 2008 at 3:40 pm
I also love and wear puff sleeves, but I’m with Tanya: it’s too much. Lately designers seem to be going overboard with certain trends that should be novelties and not mainstream. And I also agree that in the fall, I don’t want short sleeves. I can see how it might be nice in a warmer area, but in NY if it’s cold enough to wear a jacket, then it’s too cold to wear anything other htan full length sleeves.
September 30th, 2008 at 3:44 pm
Fuggedaboudit - short sleeves and Chicago winters?
September 30th, 2008 at 4:53 pm
Yup. Just went shopping today and saw rack after rack of short puffy sleeves. I thought I was in Gymboree.
September 30th, 2008 at 5:22 pm
Wow. I hadn’t expected as much frustration. Good to know. I’ve been sharing my feelings with as many store mangers as possible. I’m hoping that if I speak up, this info will get back to the buying head office!
I do want to reiterate that I am not at all opposed to the look on the right person. I’m thrilled that puffed sleeves are being represented at store level. But not in these HUGE quantities. Also, my gripe is with the SHORT puffed sleeve and not the longer, sleeker versions of this look. I adore a bit of gathering on the crown of a sleeve and am wearing a sleeve style like that right now. I have dainty shoulders and wear the look well.
I’m with Tanya, Julia and Maya on the lack of longer sleeve styles. I really like elbow length sleeves and these are really hard to find at the moment.
Mai, I absolutely think a younger woman can pull off the sleeker style I’m describing with the right current mix of clothing. Go for it.
Meredith, I’m sure you’ll look fab in your new jumper!
Sarah, don’t get me started on the overdose of empire cut tops. That’s been a seasonal rant for the pat 3 years.
September 30th, 2008 at 5:29 pm
The tops that have puffy short sleeves with a constricting band at the bottom are the worst!
September 30th, 2008 at 6:00 pm
More frustration - I find it almost impossible to hide these sleeves under cardis without getting unsightly volume and bumps. So frustrating and so limiting.
September 30th, 2008 at 6:42 pm
I haven’t been able to shop recently due to lack of funds, but I’ve definitely seen the trend on shop websites. To be honest, the only people I feel who pulled off the short puffy sleeve look well were all 6′ tall wisps with no shoulders. Gorgeous on them, but so wrong on so many others. Being petite with strong shoulders like Becky and Mai, this look is just not an option.
You know, I haven’t seen a whole lot of variety in general this season. Is that just me?
September 30th, 2008 at 6:57 pm
I have a strong shoulder line but I like short puffed sleeves, as long as the gathers are minimal. If the blouse has other non-childish features, like a sophisticated color or material, a pointed collar, or a tailored fit, then moderately puffed sleeves won’t make it look like you shop in the children’s department. However I agree that variety is lacking, especially with cooler weather coming.
Elbow and 3/4 sleeves would be great, but again you can run into problems with those styles too. My problem with them is that the sleeve cuff often hits right on the elbow. If the cuff has stiffener in it, it’s uncomfortable to bend your elbow, plus the cuff gets all scrunched up and looks awful.
September 30th, 2008 at 7:05 pm
OOPS!!!
I am hourglass-trending-towards-inverted triangle, petite, 43, and young looking, with teenage daughters with whom I do NOT want to look like. I do have that purple BR puff-sleeved tie-neck blouse I recently posted, worn with the vest. Maybe it’s a mistake… but I felt completely fab in that outfit and I will be wearing it again.
Otherwise, YEP, I’m tired of the puffed sleeve look too. In general, this is a very very bad idea for me and makes me look like a line backer. I have also been feeling very frustrated.
But there was something about that BR blouse … whether it was the color or the “over-the-top-edness” of the sleeves … or some unexplainable nostalgia for 80s shoulder pads….
I don’t care. I like that blouse. But just ONE - for when the mood strikes. I wouldn’t buy several of them.
September 30th, 2008 at 7:06 pm
P.s. my teens wouldn’t be caught DEAD in this look. It’s a big fat no amongst their friends.
September 30th, 2008 at 10:06 pm
Nancy and Angie, thanks for the input! I’m not busty, and I’m decent about staying current, so hopefully all shall be well.
October 1st, 2008 at 4:37 am
The sleeves are the first thing I look at when shopping for tops. If it has any kind of gathering or pouffiness–I don’t even consider it. It is NOT a flattering look for me at all. So, of course, I agree whole heartedly with you Angie. There should always be variety available to all body types, personal preferences and ages.
I wonder if it’s easier to sew a gathered sleeve than a straight seam? Maybe it’s a matter of cost? But then the excess fabric would cost more. Probably has nothing to do with it.
October 1st, 2008 at 5:45 am
Nicole, your mom would know best, but I seem to recall, from my long-ago sewing days, that sewing a gathered sleeve is more difficult than a straight seam.
I think it’s just a trend thing - an 80s revival look. Does anyone else remember praire shirts? Woven shirt with the puffy sleeves, ruffles and a tie neck. Also I think this is just about as close to bringing back shoulder pads as designers can get…
That’s my theory, at any rate!
October 1st, 2008 at 6:48 pm
Is anyone else getting Anne of Green Gables flashbacks? I can’t think of puffed sleeves without thinking of that series.
October 1st, 2008 at 10:49 pm
Gathered crowns cost more to manufacture.
Shiny you look GREAT in your purple puffed sleeve blouse and waistcoat. The colour is amazing. Somehow that style works on you. KEEP and SPORT.
Oh boy. 80’s pirate shirts *cringe*.
October 6th, 2008 at 8:12 pm
I have a faux leather jacket that has slightly puffed sleeves and a great ruffle down the front; it would be perfect if it wasn’t for the puffed sleeve. I have to wear a heel any time I put it on to make it look balanced because my shoulders are already slightly wide due to having an hourglass figure. Was going to replace this season but haven’t found anything that really appeals. I agree totally; puffed sleeves are a bummer and should be avoided.
October 12th, 2008 at 3:18 pm
I like the look of them–they remind me not of children but of fairytale princesses –but I can’t wear them in any color but black or very dark violet\ink blue. Linebacker, yay.