STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

Kitty · Hermes

3/4 length sleeves

atlgirl · Gucci

ITA with you. I think that's one of the silliest fashion dictates I've ever heard!

My only issue with 3/4 length sleeves is that they bunch up under blazers or coats - drives me crazy. Other than that, I love them. (and they're great for keeping your arms warm, but still showing off bracelets in the colder months).

littlebean · Kate Spade

I definitely have a number of 3/4 length sleeves myself, but I have to say that upon considering it, I do think they are less flattering than long or short sleeves.

Teresa · Kate Spade

i think you have to take all that fashion advice with a grain of salt. I mean, some of the top designers make stuff with 3/4 sleeves. To each their own. I personally love them

Kelly · Hermes

I think they aren't as flattering, esp. if they're real 3/4 length and not just 1/2 length, but I don't think you have to throw all of yours out. I don't wear my most flattering outfit every single day because that would be boring. Obviously I don't wear things that look bad on me - but I don't think 3/4 sleeves necessarily look *bad* on everyone, I just don't know if they're the most flattering for anyone, either.

boobaby · Kate Spade

I just realized that I usually push or roll up the sleeves on my 3/4 length sleeve tops a little bit - I think it's because I have short arms so they are never quite 3/4 length on me.

I do have a pet peeve regarding these tops and I mean no offense because I know many women do it. I don't like when I see someone wearing a 3/4 length sleeve top with capris. It looks weird, like the outfit shrank in the wash.

HeatherLynn · Gucci

ttara123 wrote:

I think they aren't as flattering, esp. if they're real 3/4 length and not just 1/2 length, but I don't think you have to throw all of yours out. I don't wear my most flattering outfit every single day because that would be boring. Obviously I don't wear things that look bad on me - but I don't think 3/4 sleeves necessarily look *bad* on everyone, I just don't know if they're the most flattering for anyone, either.

Ditto. They aren't the most flattering option for a sleeve, but they don't look terrible. I own several and won't be throwing them out anytime soon.

ILoveChoo · Hermes

I hope not- i wear them all the time too! I can't stand full length sleeves cause they alwas feel slightly too short- so I end up pushing them up to my elbows anyway.

KaffeeKlatsch · Marc Jacobs

Most of my fall/winter tops are 3/4. So of course I had to run upstairs, put one on and stare critically into the mirror...and...it looks fine. Seriously, probably more flattering on me than either long or short sleeves. Short sleeves always cut off at the wrong point on me and long sleeves are always a tad to short.

Bastet · Kate Spade

I wear 3/4 sleeves all the time. I didn't see the show, maybe the woman had short arms? I think 3/4 sleeves are fine.

subwolley · Kate Spade

I think they're fine too. I like 3/4 sleeves to cover my elbows though.

lynnie · Chanel

Maybe it was just that particular woman or style of clothing she was wearing?
I think in general i prefer long sleeve or short sleeve. Not because I think it looks bad to have 3/4 sleeves (unless the proportions are off.) But for a classic button down blouse, it looks more expensive and flattering IMHO that it is long sleeve and you roll the sleeves up if you choose to. I don't like the idea of a style like that being permanently 3/4 sleeves.

luckylily · Gucci

Hmmm...I haven't really noticed it being unflattering. I do like my sleeves either super long or above the elbow.

BargainQueen · Marc Jacobs

I havent noticed it being unflattering either. Maybe he meant it was unflattering on her; some things don't work for everyone I guess.

XtinaStyles · Marc Jacobs

I think they can be unflattering on shorter arms. Sometimes I don't like a shirt depending on where the 3/4 sleeve hits, especially if its a blazer and has volume.

I guess its the same theory as with a skirt, sometimes those midlength ones are less flattering than a knee length skirt.

Personally, I wear them all the time bc I hate my fat arms/elbows so short sleeve is a rarity and I only wear long sleeve in the Winter.

jaymiek · Coach

My arms are longer than average so 3/4 sleeves are actually more flattering on me. I think the woman on the show had shorter arms so 3/4 would have made her arms appear more stumpy.

Suasoria · Chanel

boobaby wrote:

I don't like when I see someone wearing a 3/4 length sleeve top with capris. It looks weird, like the outfit shrank in the wash.

LOL - that's so true!

Even long sleeves sometimes feel too short, so I push them up anyway (consulting a ruler) to about 4" away from my wristbone. 3/4 sleeves usually bug me except for very soft sweaters.

Hedvig · Coach

I thought that was a weird comment and I, too, have to disagree with Tim Gunn on this one. I love 3/4 sleeves and they definitely look flattering and slimming on me. I also tend to push long sleeves up because I think my hands look awkward and big in long sleeves.

FashionPrincess · Hermes

I too love 3/4 sleeves. I think they slim out my upper arms. Sometimes short sleeves hit me at an unflattering part of the arm. I think it just depends on the person, like so many things in fashion.

zeitgeist4 · Gucci

I don't think 3/4 sleeves are unflattering in general, but sometimes the fit/length of a 3/4 sleeve can be unflattering.

If the sleeves are too loose it can look weird. And a lot of times 3/4 sleeves are a little too long on me, so they look like long sleeves that are too short, rather than intentional 3/4 sleeves.