I have chubby arms, true. Do I love them? Well, I don’t hate them, they just are. I can’t really change them so I just accept them and work with them.
Sure it makes shopping and getting dressed a little challenging and I can’t just purchase any outfit that takes my fancy, because chubby arms don’t fit into narrow sleeves.
When I buy clothes the sleeves always need to be taken into consideration, I tend to wear my tops over sized and fabric choice matters. I’m also wary of embellishment, embroidery and lace work on the upper arms of a sleeve because these will always make a sleeve tighter.
I can’t afford to have tight and restrictive sleeves because I have no lymph nodes and am prone to lymphoedema (swelling) of the arm, some days my left arm can be up to eight centimetres larger than my right arm! I know right, crazy!
Do I let my chubby arms stop me from wearing sleeveless dresses and tops? NO FREAKIN WAY!
I am proud of me, of this body and all it actually CAN do so I am not about to heap shame onto my OWN body. Nuh uh! Because, ‘my body feels what my brain thinks‘ so why would I do that to me?
So, I get my arms out and you know what…the world doesn’t stop. No one stops and points. There is no head turning for a second look at my chubby arms. Because they are just arms and NOBODY CARES.
Orange Tiered Mini Dress (6-20), Botanical Green Button Up Cave Dress (6-20), Spotty Smocked Maxi Dress (XS-XXL) – all from Frankie & Dash
Too often I hear from women who hate their arms…like actually ‘hate’. They are ashamed of their own body and will often sweat through a hot, uncomfortable summer in long sleeves rather than releasing their arms to a sleeveless top. Sounds crazy huh because we all know ‘what other people think of me is none of my business‘…right?
I bet a few of you reading cover up too, am I right?
Taking Shape Tropical Bouquet Dress (12-24), Adrift Rita Dress in Marrakesh (2XL-4XL), CS Curvy Gardenia Vintage Strapless Midi Dress (18-24)
Get your arms Summer ready.
Summer is approaching, it’s gonna get hot. Please don’t swelter through an uncomfortable summer, get your arms out girlfriend. Show your arms some love, get out the body scrub, add some fake tan and slap on moisturiser to give those arms a whole new lease of life. I find a little tan on my chubby arms just makes me feel better but if you aren’t into tan that’s ok, just exfoliate and moisturise, your body will love that kind of self love.
Blue Bungalow Aqua Essentials Dress (8-20), City Chic Riviera Dress (14-24), Katies Spot Print Hanky Hem Dress (8-20)
This dress makes me happy.
Over the weekend Last summer (yes an updated post) I wore a new purchase and yes, it showed my arms…and some of my back. I have been watching Little Party Dress online for a while and love what they do. Their products are budget friendly and cheerful but I wasn’t sure they would fit a curvier gal like me, so in the interest of research I purchased a frock to try.
Well, when this frock arrived it was love at first try, even though my arms and scars on my back were exposed. I chose to wear this little number without a bra (because I can and I give no fucks about what others think), but you can totally wear it with a strapless bra.
When I wore this dress I just felt happy, it was like I was wearing sunshine and summer 🙂 In fact I loved it so much I ordered another one in the same style but different print.
The back of the skirt is elastic and the bodice has a cute tie which is adjustable, I can even adjust how much cleavage I do or don’t want on display because it has adjustable straps and it’s under seventy dollars! Oh, and it has pockets! Hold me.
I am wearing the Louie Sunflower Print Dress in size 18 from Little Party Dress. Even though this post has been updated the dress is still available!
Will you get you arms out this summer? Geez I hope so.
Til next time,
Jen x
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Updated November 2018
Kim Kilpatrick says
November 15, 2017 at 8:04 amI so wish I could go without 3/4 length sleeves in Summer I swelter as I have dreadfully big arms & very noticeable stretch marks all down my inner arm area. Sadly I’ve had many ask me if I was a druggy & ask if they are track marks? 🙁
What I would give for your confidence Jen <3
Lise says
November 15, 2017 at 10:43 amIm the same. Have lost some weight and hate my flabby arms. I’ve been swimming to try to tighten up. But at 62 i think im stuck.
Jenni says
November 15, 2017 at 1:38 pmOh Kim, I hope this summer is different for you lovely x
Julie says
November 15, 2017 at 8:13 amI am loving that dress! Be prepared for us turning up as twins some time in the summer!
Jenni says
November 15, 2017 at 1:39 pmHaha it’s so cute and happy
Tricia says
November 15, 2017 at 8:20 amI love that dress and you look great in it! I have very large arms too and am working on not hating them. Your post has certainly helped me with that.
Funnily enough I fell in love with the dress you are wearing when I saw it online, I love everything about it but thought I shouldn’t wear it because of the straps and back. You are making me reconsider!
Jenni says
November 15, 2017 at 1:39 pmYou should TOTALLY wear it because you love it x
Jennnifer white says
November 15, 2017 at 8:22 amGood Morning Jenn and WOW is all I can say.. This year I have exposed my arms because as you say.. who gives a damn what anyone else thinks!!
That dress is Just Stunning on you and because of you this year I have bought two dresses and I don’t usually wear them….
But you gave me the confidence to do it!! I adore the back of the way dress….
When I look at you.. I have never seen anything other than a very beautiful and extremely Strong Woman!!!!
You Go Girl ?????
Jenni says
November 15, 2017 at 1:40 pmConfidence is an inside job Jen, I am so pleased you are getting your ms back x
Maryke says
November 15, 2017 at 8:42 amHello girlfriend I show my arms all the time and I have so many friends that hide them I say why I hate my arms and I go who cares I want to be cooler and free go for it luv luv luv
You’ve just made my day I am smiling from ear to ear thanks so much for your blog
Jenni says
November 15, 2017 at 1:40 pmI love that you show your friends the way x
Lynne says
November 15, 2017 at 8:49 amThank you Jenni for another inspiring article…..there is so much positivitiy ‘we’ can all take from it remembering our thoughts are who we are…..when in doubt about wearing a sleeveless top I think of Jenni’s quote…..”you know what…the world doesn’t stop. No one stops and points. There is no head turning for a second look at my chubby arms. Because they are just arms and NOBODY CARES.” …it works…..and it absolutely gives you a different perspective on what is really important in life!!!!!
Thank you!
Jenni says
November 15, 2017 at 1:41 pmPerspective is EVERYTHING x
Jan says
November 15, 2017 at 9:01 amI do love your attitude to your body. It’s taken me 60-something years to get to that understanding. What a dill I am !
Anyway, absolutely love the dress, especially the sunflowers. They have special memories for me . And their happy faces couldn’t help but brighten anyone’s day.
I’m off to investigate that website right now.????
Jenni says
November 15, 2017 at 1:41 pmIt’s like pure joy on a frock
Cass says
November 15, 2017 at 9:10 amI too am very self conscious about my arms. I have bolero’s in all colours to cover them in Summer.
I wont even wear a nightie that is sleeveless, I don’t mean long sleeves just a short sleeve.
I know when I see someone who has large arms out & about I think nothing of it, so I am going to have
to change my mindset and join the bare arm liberation movement. this Summer. Thanks Jen,, once again
you have given me that slap up the side of the face I needed xo
Jenni says
November 15, 2017 at 1:42 pmEnjoy your summer Cass x
Barbara sokol says
November 15, 2017 at 9:37 amYes I will,I have, and I don’t car what others think. Love the dress on you,I’m thinking about it for myself xx
Jenni says
November 15, 2017 at 1:43 pmIt’s a fun frock, enjoy wearing it if you do get it x
Sandy Osborne says
November 15, 2017 at 9:38 amLook at you -just gorgeous and all SUNSHINE.
Jen thanks for helping me love my body AND yes I use to cover up my arms BUT hey no more and I am soooo much cooler.
🙂
Jenni says
November 15, 2017 at 1:43 pmWay to go Sandy
Maggie Obst says
November 15, 2017 at 9:51 amLove the dress and boy you rock in it. Thanks for this post, as I don’t do sleeveless as my 70 arms are out of tone etc. Jen you are are a lovely honest girl and help with accepting our bodies. So out with shyness and on with being grateful for my arms. Lol??
Jenni says
November 15, 2017 at 1:45 pmYou can do it Maggie x
Claire says
November 15, 2017 at 10:17 amI love your comment ” it’s none of my business what you think” I am gunna free my arms and not worry about what others think xxx
Jenni says
November 15, 2017 at 1:45 pmWay to go Claire x
Tracie says
November 15, 2017 at 2:09 pmHi Jen
I have lymphedema too but in my leg. I going to be brave and wear cut off pants to work tomorrow! ?
Jenni says
November 15, 2017 at 2:43 pmGo You!!
Lynn says
November 15, 2017 at 4:44 pmFor many years I would wear sleeves and feel so uncomfortable. Not sure what happened but one day I just thought no more. Still feels quite liberating every time I go sleeveless!
Harriet dance says
November 15, 2017 at 5:41 pmMy arms aren’t too big, but they have scars on them, not too bad but they are there. But I don’t give a shit, it’s in the past and has nothing to do with anyone else. So I wear sleeveless tops all the time. It’s my sticking out fat tummy now that I’m learning from you, Jen to gradually like lol.
Thanks babe you’re a champion x
Cynthia kirk says
November 15, 2017 at 6:34 pmLove your post’s. Makes me feel good.
Jacqui Ryan says
November 15, 2017 at 8:21 pmOh this rang true to me in the past. I was in a ver controlling marriage and not encouraged to wear sleeveless. My arms weren’t even big. Just a contro, freak ex. When I kicked him out, without thinking, I started wearing sleeveless everything. and i felt good
Fast forward 12 years and I still wear sleeveless. I love my body. It is flawed. Stage 4 cancer and the treatments have knocked me around, but hey I’m still here. Anything looks good if you have a smile on your face, stand tall and enjoy every moment. Come on ladies. The time is now!
Sharan callender says
November 15, 2017 at 11:36 pmThe whole of my life I have covered up my big arms I have a cupboard of cover ups but truley I doubt thAt anyone notices other than my mum who constantly comments not flattering
These days at 51 I figure I am not going to be a twig and they ain’t going away I just dress for comfort besides these days I get too hot
It’s taken me 40 years but I am all good with my chubby arms
And Jen you look amazing in everything I think it’s about owning it if you feel good you look great ?
Cheekie says
November 16, 2017 at 6:51 amLove that dress on you
For me it’s shoulders, I used to love wearing off the shoulders tops, I am going to fake tan and get a good sturdy strapless bra and do it, saw a versatile Estelle top and desperately want to wear it this summer off the shoulder with my cargo pants.
You are simply gorgeous and radiate sunshine
Elizabeth Schultz says
November 25, 2017 at 3:28 pmDear Jenni, I loved this blog so much, it was like you were talking to me, I am getting the loofa, fake tan & moisturiser* getting my arms out, also you look so beautiful, thank you
Maxine says
October 17, 2018 at 4:30 pmYou Rock🧡🧡🧡
Ali Maleckas says
October 18, 2018 at 10:42 amYep! I too have hidden those flabby arms & sleeveless was a definite no no Yhen I noticed how many plus size women wjose outfits I admired – yet theirs were sleeveless! I didnt even notice their arms!! So sleeveless it is No qualms or self-doubt they’re out & I’m cool, comfortable & gorgeous 😎