What to Wear When You Don’t Love Showing Your Arms (But Still Want a Cute Top)

Photo by Rachel Brooks

Let’s be honest: shopping for tops when you’ve got bigger arms or broader shoulders isn’t always fun. You find something cute, slip it on, and suddenly it’s like your biceps are in a headlock. Or worse—it fits… but it hugs in all the wrong places and clings like it’s mad at you.

Here’s the thing: dressing bigger arms doesn’t mean settling for oversized, stiff, or shapeless. You just need pieces that get you. The kind of tops that give your arms room to breathe, don’t ride up, and actually work for the life you’re living—whether that’s sweating through school drop-off or dressing for a dinner date where you want to look “put together” but not like you tried too hard.

So instead of breaking this list down by sleeve style (because, let’s be real, no one types “bishop sleeve with relaxed fit and gathered cuff” when they’re panic shopping), we broke it down by real-life scenarios. Because sometimes you’re dressing for brunch. Sometimes for a mood. And sometimes you’re just dressing so you don’t spiral in front of the mirror again.

Each of these 40 picks is handpicked for fuller arms—whether it’s a flutter sleeve that floats instead of fights, a wide-strap tank that finally doesn’t dig in, or a soft top that doesn’t cling to your upper arms like static.
Let’s find you a top that doesn’t make you second-guess yourself.

Not sure what to wear lately? We made something just for you: 60 outfit ideas for women over 60—no frump, no fuss, just real style you’ll actually wear. Send me the list!

1. When it’s 85 degrees and your arms said “not today”

A flutter sleeve blouse gives you movement and airflow without hugging your arms.

Flutter-Sleeve Dobby Top

$34.99

2. When you want to wear a tank top but still feel supported

Look for a wide-strap scoop neck tank that covers your bra and skims your shoulders without digging in.

Tuckernuck

White Brooks Shirt

$98

3. When you’re getting dressed for work and want to look like you run the place

A 3/4 sleeve button-down with a relaxed fit makes your arms look slimmer and feels pulled together without trying too hard.

Tuckernuck

Blue Stripe Cropped Jasper Button Down

$128

4. When you're meeting someone for lunch but you're bloated and over it

A draped wrap blouse floats over your midsection and has sleeves that don’t cling to your upper arms.

Tuckernuck

White Tie Front Bow Bea Blouse

$168

5. When you're on vacation and want to throw on something over your swimsuit

A lightweight tunic top with wide sleeves gives you breathable arm coverage that doesn’t add bulk.

Ines Drape Sleeveless High-Low Tunic Top

Marcella

$90.00

6. When you want to feel dressed up but not like you’re headed to a gala

Puff sleeve smocked tops balance out fuller arms with volume that’s soft and wearable.

Lillian Puff Sleeve Smocked Organic Cotton Peplum Top

Damson Madder

$140.00

7. When it’s date night and you’re already sweating before your makeup’s done

Cold-shoulder tops show just enough skin to keep things flirty while balancing broader arms and shoulders.

EDIKTED

Juna Off the Shoulder Ruffle Chiffon Top

$46.40

8. When your go-to tee is in the wash and you need something that works fast

A v-neck jersey top flatters the upper body and doesn’t cling to your arms or chest.

V Neck Casual Shirt

$14.99

9. When you want to layer but hate feeling bulky

Kimono-style blouses with a relaxed fit add arm coverage without the weight of a cardigan.

Amazon

Women's Lightweight Asymmetrical Wrap Sweater

$35.99

10. When your outfit needs to work for the office and happy hour

Bishop sleeve blouses bring softness and structure while drawing the eye down toward the wrist.

Amazon

Bishop Long Sleeve Collar V Neck Button Down Blouse

$29.99

11. When your arms feel puffy and your confidence is hanging by a thread

A flowy peasant blouse with airy sleeves keeps everything soft and easy without drawing extra attention.

Amazon

Off The Shoulder Long Bell Sleeve Tops

$33.98

12. When you need to look nice for a last-minute dinner

Go for a silky v-neck wrap top that creates shape and skims your upper arms without squeezing them.

HELMUT LANG

Relax Faux Wrap Shirt

$425

13. When your arms and chest both need some breathing room

Try a square neck smocked top with flutter sleeves—it opens up your neckline and gives your arms some space.

Tish Leopard Peplum Top

Damson Madder

$105.00

14. When you’re just running errands but still want to feel put-together

A cap sleeve t-shirt with a loose fit gives a little coverage and works with denim, leggings, or whatever’s clean.

Bryce Cap Sleeve T-Shirt

AGOLDE

$108.00

15. When it’s too hot for sleeves but you’re not about to wear spaghetti straps

A sleeveless top with wide straps and a relaxed armhole keeps things cool without feeling exposed.

Love Letter Floral Knit Camisole

Free People

$38.00

16. When you're tired of cardigans but still want arm coverage

Look for a crochet sleeve top or something with sheer or mesh sleeves—light enough to wear alone, cute enough to stand on its own.

Crochet Tops

$28.99

17. When you’re headed to a baby shower and want to be cute, not clingy

Try an empire waist blouse with flutter sleeves—it defines your shape without hugging the wrong places.

Empire Waist Flutter Sleeve Top

Loveappella

$49.00

18. When you need to wear black but still want texture or detail

A lace sleeve top adds interest while keeping coverage on the arms, especially in darker shades.

Long Sleeve Cotton Eyelet Top

Treasure & Bond

$99.50

19. When it’s girls’ night and you’re not in the mood for tight anything

Opt for a balloon sleeve blouse in a soft fabric—it floats around your arms and gives you room to breathe.

Tie Front Gingahm Linen Blend Top

Avec Les Filles

$89

20. When your jeans are doing all the work and you just need a top that cooperates

A flowy tank with a slight high-low hem keeps the outfit balanced and gives your arms room to move.

Loose Fit Tunic Tank Shirt

$19.98