If you're wondering what that is, the dolman sleeve looks like this:
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A bit wider in the upper sleeve area...
It was popular back in the 80s, and as with a lot of the styles at the time, was exaggerated and oversized. But the dolman is back, with less bulk and exaggeration, and just in time for me. One body part that has vexed me since I lost weight is my upper arm area - relative to the rest of me, that area is bigger than normal, and I can't seem to get it to shrink. I can't tell you how many times I've tried on a top that will fit everywhere except for my upper arm. Last year when I was trying to find a running jacket, even the XL size in certain brands would be swimming on me, except for the upper arm - there, they were super tight. So armed (haha) with this discovery, I started looking for tops with dolman sleeves, and was happy to see there is quite a nice selection in the stores. Hurray - I can wear sleeves without my arms looking like squeezed sausages!
Speaking of running jackets, while we were shopping at the Lucy store, Barbara tried on a jacket that looked hideous on her. I said so, and then said what I always say - "let me try it on and show you." Guess what? It didn't look hideous on me - in fact, it looked good! What was the difference? It had dolman sleeves, which swamped Barbara, but fit proportionally on me. Sweet! I bought it:
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Lookie here - no arm squeeze!
The last thing of note that I bought was new jeans. Why was this noteworthy to me? Because I still can't get it into my head that I can buy new jeans solely due to want. I spent so many years outgrowing my jeans, and it felt like every winter I had to buy a new pair because I couldn't fit into the pair from the previous year. While I didn't particularly need new jeans, I was kind of tired of the pairs I'd been wearing for the last couple of years. So I bought them - in the same size as before. I think this is what normal-sized people do...and I like it!
First of all you really are normal:) and your not the only one to have the problem with sleeves I have it too nice to know that I am not alone. Since I originally lost my 40 pounds I have been in size 12 jeans I love Lee brand. What brand do you like? It is a very nice part of weight loss maintenance to be able to wear the same size clothes and same clothes year in and year out. I definitely have a minimalist wardrobe and spend most of my clothes money on workout stuff and running shoes I so get it being a stay at home wife and mom.
ReplyDeleteI like Lee jeans, too! They fit my body shape well. :)
DeleteI have that upper arm issue as well - guess I need to look for dolman sleeves. I never knew such a wonderful thing existed!
ReplyDeleteI'm telling you, it's like a mini-miracle with that sleeve style!
DeleteMy upper arms are bigger than my lower arms too. I think I could wear a smaller size if they were the same. Oh no wait, I wouldn't fit that because my belly is way too big at the moment.
ReplyDeleteI remember having dolman sleeves in the 80ties but they were indeed exaggerated back then but we still would wear them because it was fashion! You know those are also very easy to make yourself? You just need to cut a front and back and sew it together.
I don't wear jeans to work, not appropriate for my job so I only wear them at the weekends. I only have 2 pairs: blue and black and I always wear them till they need to be replaced.
Somehow I suspect that if I were to cut a front and back and sew them together, they wouldn't exactly look as good as what I can shop for...my measuring/cutting/sewing skills aren't very good. ;) Of course, now I'm thinking I should KNIT a dolman-sleeved sweater...
DeleteYou should! You can do it!
DeleteI always like getting new clothes but I hate shopping for them! I too believe I have more running clothes than everyday clothes!
ReplyDeleteWell if it makes you feel any better Shelley, I do work and have hardly any clothes - its just not high on my priority I guess - Helen is always shocked when I tell her I have five pairs of shoes, and one of those are flip flops and two are gym shoes!
ReplyDeleteYou are right--that jacket is really attractive on you!
ReplyDeleteAnd regarding the jeans brand conversation above--I have my first pair of Lee jeans and they are quite attractive, I think. I have shied away from them because I like stretch jeans…my faves are Coldwater Creek. But of course, I have to wait until I can find those at the thrift store!
I have the upper arm issue as well, coupled with lifting and I can hulk out of arms and shoulders in tops if I am not careful LOL!
ReplyDeleteI have trouble with jeans. I have a bigger ratio of hip to waist size and I always get the gap at the waist, even with low rise jeans (although those fit better then regular).
Need to see if I can find those sleeves!
I'm in on the upper arm thing! So many tops would look cute on me if not for the sausage arms.
ReplyDeleteCute jacket!
What a timely post, Shelley! I was looking at myself in the mirror this morning [I can finally do this] & noticed how flabby my upper arms are even though my thighs, tummy & face are a wee bit smaller since I began my journey. I'll have to scout around for dolman sleeves. Time to recall the 80s! PS .....your jacket is very cute!
ReplyDeleteLoving all of you chiming in, and I'm so glad to hear I'm not alone with the upper arm issue - thank goodness for that dolman sleeve, right?!
ReplyDeleteThe jacket looks fantastic! Bring back the dolmans!!!!!! :) I'm jumping on the upper arm issue wagon too. :) Have a great week Shelley!
ReplyDeleteMy issue in tops is in what my arms are attached to: my broad, linebacker shoulders! And didn't the dolman sleeves in the 80s also come with shoulder pads?? Yikes. They didn't come back, did they?
ReplyDeleteI can report no sightings of shoulder pads out here, LOL.
DeleteYay to some great finds in clothing!!
ReplyDeleteCute stuff! And I think buying jeans when you find a good pair is always worth doing, because so often the styles get weird and you can't find your faves anymore. And yay for buying the same size again!
ReplyDelete--Crabby
Timely is right, thank you, thank you, thank you for sharing your dolman discovery. I'll have to keep a discernng eye out. I carry a great deal of my weight in my arms and legs and now that I've lost a lot of weight I'm realizing that if a top fits in the torso it is often tight in the arms. The jacket looks great on you.
ReplyDeleteNormal sized - music to my ears!
ReplyDelete