Plus Size Dresses with Sleeves: Where Are You? | Fashion | OOTD

Has anyone else noticed that 90% of plus size dresses are sleeveless?

I can’t help but wonder if we are always wearing cardigans because no one will put sleeves on our dresses… or if designers know plus size princesses are cardigan obsessed, so they don’t even bother to give us sleeves.

Either way, its annoying… give us sleeves, please!

Anyway, last week we spoke about how cardigans are an easy trap for PSP’s. I’ve been really been trying to avoid wearing cardigans as an outfit staple, which means the hunt for dresses with sleeves has begun.

Plus Size Fashion CeCe Olisa Dress with Sleeves 2.jpgPlus Size Fashion CeCe Olisa Blue Red Dress one

I ordered this dress from GwynnieBee (the Netflix of plus size clothing) they’re offering a 30 day free trial here.

147 thoughts on “Plus Size Dresses with Sleeves: Where Are You? | Fashion | OOTD”

  1. tikeethathomas@gmail.com

    I love that dress! You look amazing in it. Yep, I’ve noticed that most of them come without sleeves which is why I am a proud cardigan wearing PSP.

  2. tikeethathomas@gmail.com

    I love that dress! You look amazing in it. Yep, I’ve noticed that most of them come without sleeves which is why I am a proud cardigan wearing PSP.

  3. I love that dress! You look amazing in it. Yep, I’ve noticed that most of them come without sleeves which is why I am a proud cardigan wearing PSP.

  4. I love that dress! You look amazing in it. Yep, I’ve noticed that most of them come without sleeves which is why I am a proud cardigan wearing PSP.

    1. cece@thebiggirlblog.com

      I seriously have an addiction, I’m trying to kick the habit and bring it back in moderation lol

    1. cece@thebiggirlblog.com

      I seriously have an addiction, I’m trying to kick the habit and bring it back in moderation lol

  5. Thank goodness I am not the only one who stresses about this. I get so angry when they have cap sleeves or no sleeves at all! One part of my body I have never liked is my arms, skinnier or my size now, I have always had what I call “eagle wing.” I notice it on others so I know others notice mine.

    1. Totally– I’ve worked really hard to get over my fear of showing my arms, so I don’t mind sleeveless per-se, but its frustrating not to have options, ya know? I think all women have bat-wings so I just kinda push past my insecurity there. *jiggles arm fat* LOL

  6. Thank goodness I am not the only one who stresses about this. I get so angry when they have cap sleeves or no sleeves at all! One part of my body I have never liked is my arms, skinnier or my size now, I have always had what I call “eagle wing.” I notice it on others so I know others notice mine.

    1. Totally– I’ve worked really hard to get over my fear of showing my arms, so I don’t mind sleeveless per-se, but its frustrating not to have options, ya know? I think all women have bat-wings so I just kinda push past my insecurity there. *jiggles arm fat* LOL

  7. kelli.jenkins@hotmail.com

    Thank goodness I am not the only one who stresses about this. I get so angry when they have cap sleeves or no sleeves at all! One part of my body I have never liked is my arms, skinnier or my size now, I have always had what I call “eagle wing.” I notice it on others so I know others notice mine.

    1. cece@thebiggirlblog.com

      Totally– I’ve worked really hard to get over my fear of showing my arms, so I don’t mind sleeveless per-se, but its frustrating not to have options, ya know? I think all women have bat-wings so I just kinda push past my insecurity there. *jiggles arm fat* LOL

  8. kelli.jenkins@hotmail.com

    Thank goodness I am not the only one who stresses about this. I get so angry when they have cap sleeves or no sleeves at all! One part of my body I have never liked is my arms, skinnier or my size now, I have always had what I call “eagle wing.” I notice it on others so I know others notice mine.

    1. cece@thebiggirlblog.com

      Totally– I’ve worked really hard to get over my fear of showing my arms, so I don’t mind sleeveless per-se, but its frustrating not to have options, ya know? I think all women have bat-wings so I just kinda push past my insecurity there. *jiggles arm fat* LOL

  9. Interesting topic. I didn’t think it was specific to plus-size dresses. IMO Spring/Summer dresses tend to be sleeveless opposed to Fall/Winter dresses. My question is… Where are my longer dress?!?! Not maxis. Where are those dress that hit the sweet spot… below the knee and above the calf?!?! I am tall so that plays a factor but I know there are women out there like me who are looking for dresses that hit that sweet spot too. I do LOVE eShakti for being able to “put a sleeve on it” as well as get the length I want.

  10. Interesting topic. I didn’t think it was specific to plus-size dresses. IMO Spring/Summer dresses tend to be sleeveless opposed to Fall/Winter dresses. My question is… Where are my longer dress?!?! Not maxis. Where are those dress that hit the sweet spot… below the knee and above the calf?!?! I am tall so that plays a factor but I know there are women out there like me who are looking for dresses that hit that sweet spot too. I do LOVE eShakti for being able to “put a sleeve on it” as well as get the length I want.

  11. ajammyb@hotmail.com

    Interesting topic. I didn’t think it was specific to plus-size dresses. IMO Spring/Summer dresses tend to be sleeveless opposed to Fall/Winter dresses. My question is… Where are my longer dress?!?! Not maxis. Where are those dress that hit the sweet spot… below the knee and above the calf?!?! I am tall so that plays a factor but I know there are women out there like me who are looking for dresses that hit that sweet spot too. I do LOVE eShakti for being able to “put a sleeve on it” as well as get the length I want.

  12. ajammyb@hotmail.com

    Interesting topic. I didn’t think it was specific to plus-size dresses. IMO Spring/Summer dresses tend to be sleeveless opposed to Fall/Winter dresses. My question is… Where are my longer dress?!?! Not maxis. Where are those dress that hit the sweet spot… below the knee and above the calf?!?! I am tall so that plays a factor but I know there are women out there like me who are looking for dresses that hit that sweet spot too. I do LOVE eShakti for being able to “put a sleeve on it” as well as get the length I want.

  13. Such a frustrating search! I know it well! I have luck at LandsEnd and Boden. Wearing my Landsend one today!

  14. Such a frustrating search! I know it well! I have luck at LandsEnd and Boden. Wearing my Landsend one today!

  15. brimai79@yahoo.com

    Such a frustrating search! I know it well! I have luck at LandsEnd and Boden. Wearing my Landsend one today!

  16. brimai79@yahoo.com

    Such a frustrating search! I know it well! I have luck at LandsEnd and Boden. Wearing my Landsend one today!

  17. Eshakti shows almost all of their dresses as sleeveless, but most of them can be customized to add sleeves. Even when they don’t list sleeves as a customizable option, there’s a place for special instructions on the order form.

  18. Eshakti shows almost all of their dresses as sleeveless, but most of them can be customized to add sleeves. Even when they don’t list sleeves as a customizable option, there’s a place for special instructions on the order form.

  19. misakyra@yahoo.com

    Eshakti shows almost all of their dresses as sleeveless, but most of them can be customized to add sleeves. Even when they don’t list sleeves as a customizable option, there’s a place for special instructions on the order form.

  20. misakyra@yahoo.com

    Eshakti shows almost all of their dresses as sleeveless, but most of them can be customized to add sleeves. Even when they don’t list sleeves as a customizable option, there’s a place for special instructions on the order form.

  21. I think the lack of sleeves is an over-correction from previous problems. I’m in my forties now, and I remember a time in my youth when you could not find a sleeveless plus-size dress to save your life! It was as if the fashion industry was saying “No one wants to see your fat arms, fatty!” So lack of sleeves actually feels like victory to me. The problem arises because we have fewer clothes-buying options than smaller-sized customers so there’s always less variety for us. And once one thing starts to sell well (those first sleeveless dresses went like hotcakes back in the day!) everyone retail establishment acts like a lemming and just follows along mindlessly.

  22. I think the lack of sleeves is an over-correction from previous problems. I’m in my forties now, and I remember a time in my youth when you could not find a sleeveless plus-size dress to save your life! It was as if the fashion industry was saying “No one wants to see your fat arms, fatty!” So lack of sleeves actually feels like victory to me. The problem arises because we have fewer clothes-buying options than smaller-sized customers so there’s always less variety for us. And once one thing starts to sell well (those first sleeveless dresses went like hotcakes back in the day!) everyone retail establishment acts like a lemming and just follows along mindlessly.

  23. lhatfiel@gmail.com

    I think the lack of sleeves is an over-correction from previous problems. I’m in my forties now, and I remember a time in my youth when you could not find a sleeveless plus-size dress to save your life! It was as if the fashion industry was saying “No one wants to see your fat arms, fatty!” So lack of sleeves actually feels like victory to me. The problem arises because we have fewer clothes-buying options than smaller-sized customers so there’s always less variety for us. And once one thing starts to sell well (those first sleeveless dresses went like hotcakes back in the day!) everyone retail establishment acts like a lemming and just follows along mindlessly.

  24. lhatfiel@gmail.com

    I think the lack of sleeves is an over-correction from previous problems. I’m in my forties now, and I remember a time in my youth when you could not find a sleeveless plus-size dress to save your life! It was as if the fashion industry was saying “No one wants to see your fat arms, fatty!” So lack of sleeves actually feels like victory to me. The problem arises because we have fewer clothes-buying options than smaller-sized customers so there’s always less variety for us. And once one thing starts to sell well (those first sleeveless dresses went like hotcakes back in the day!) everyone retail establishment acts like a lemming and just follows along mindlessly.

  25. Try to find a wedding dress with sleeves in any size. Unless you go to shop that specializes in Orthodox Jews or Mormons, it is hopeless.

  26. Try to find a wedding dress with sleeves in any size. Unless you go to a shop that specializes in Orthodox Jews or Mormons, it is hopeless.

    1. I found my dress at David’s Bridal, the sleeves are lace so I’m getting them filled in but it’s not hopeless.

  27. amorettea@mindless.com

    Try to find a wedding dress with sleeves in any size. Unless you go to shop that specializes in Orthodox Jews or Mormons, it is hopeless.

  28. amorettea@mindless.com

    Try to find a wedding dress with sleeves in any size. Unless you go to a shop that specializes in Orthodox Jews or Mormons, it is hopeless.

    1. monicahaskins@comcast.net

      I found my dress at David’s Bridal, the sleeves are lace so I’m getting them filled in but it’s not hopeless.

  29. I think it has to do with making money. Perhaps the manufacturers figure they’ve already had to put out ___ amount of fabric (since it’s plus sized) so they cut back on the sleeves to save money. This is my educated guess based off of years of watching project runway lol.

  30. I think it has to do with making money. Perhaps the manufacturers figure they’ve already had to put out ___ amount of fabric (since it’s plus sized) so they cut back on the sleeves to save money. This is my educated guess based off of years of watching project runway lol.

  31. chryselle.simmons@gmail.com

    I think it has to do with making money. Perhaps the manufacturers figure they’ve already had to put out ___ amount of fabric (since it’s plus sized) so they cut back on the sleeves to save money. This is my educated guess based off of years of watching project runway lol.

  32. chryselle.simmons@gmail.com

    I think it has to do with making money. Perhaps the manufacturers figure they’ve already had to put out ___ amount of fabric (since it’s plus sized) so they cut back on the sleeves to save money. This is my educated guess based off of years of watching project runway lol.

  33. I have noticed and am highly annoyed by it too. Love the dress you’re wearing – who is it by? I’m no longer a GB member but would like to find that dress.

  34. I have noticed and am highly annoyed by it too. Love the dress you’re wearing – who is it by? I’m no longer a GB member but would like to find that dress.

  35. lynnwhite1974@gmail.com

    I have noticed and am highly annoyed by it too. Love the dress you’re wearing – who is it by? I’m no longer a GB member but would like to find that dress.

  36. lynnwhite1974@gmail.com

    I have noticed and am highly annoyed by it too. Love the dress you’re wearing – who is it by? I’m no longer a GB member but would like to find that dress.

  37. I like sleeves but can’t stand 3/4 sleeves on my tops/dresses. They’re like sleeves-with-commitment-issues – either be long or be short – and since I’m thickest in the middle (no hour-glass here), they’re completely unflattering. I’d like to find more dresses with a short sleeve – the elusive not-too-short-not-too-long length. EShakti is a good option because you can customize.

  38. I like sleeves but can’t stand 3/4 sleeves on my tops/dresses. They’re like sleeves-with-commitment-issues – either be long or be short – and since I’m thickest in the middle (no hour-glass here), they’re completely unflattering. I’d like to find more dresses with a short sleeve – the elusive not-too-short-not-too-long length. EShakti is a good option because you can customize.

  39. micrapol@gmail.com

    I like sleeves but can’t stand 3/4 sleeves on my tops/dresses. They’re like sleeves-with-commitment-issues – either be long or be short – and since I’m thickest in the middle (no hour-glass here), they’re completely unflattering. I’d like to find more dresses with a short sleeve – the elusive not-too-short-not-too-long length. EShakti is a good option because you can customize.

  40. micrapol@gmail.com

    I like sleeves but can’t stand 3/4 sleeves on my tops/dresses. They’re like sleeves-with-commitment-issues – either be long or be short – and since I’m thickest in the middle (no hour-glass here), they’re completely unflattering. I’d like to find more dresses with a short sleeve – the elusive not-too-short-not-too-long length. EShakti is a good option because you can customize.

  41. THANK YOU! My daughter is getting married in September and I gate to wear a jacket to an outdoor wedding, but I can’t find anything with sleeves.

  42. THANK YOU! My daughter is getting married in September and I gate to wear a jacket to an outdoor wedding, but I can’t find anything with sleeves.

  43. maggie0408@yahoo.com

    THANK YOU! My daughter is getting married in September and I gate to wear a jacket to an outdoor wedding, but I can’t find anything with sleeves.

  44. maggie0408@yahoo.com

    THANK YOU! My daughter is getting married in September and I gate to wear a jacket to an outdoor wedding, but I can’t find anything with sleeves.

  45. I have found that Ross stores have an abundance of plus-sized tunics with sleeves. Ross also has a huge variety of dresses (mid-length, full length, sleeveless, sleeved, etc) in 2x, 3x, and 4x. However, with Ross, you can’t buy anything online and the physical store is usually a mess. On the other hand, it’s also super cheap. A dress at Ross goes for $15. By the way, I love your dress.

  46. I have found that Ross stores have an abundance of plus-sized tunics with sleeves. Ross also has a huge variety of dresses (mid-length, full length, sleeveless, sleeved, etc) in 2x, 3x, and 4x. However, with Ross, you can’t buy anything online and the physical store is usually a mess. On the other hand, it’s also super cheap. A dress at Ross goes for $15. By the way, I love your dress.

  47. nlmbrown@gmail.com

    I have found that Ross stores have an abundance of plus-sized tunics with sleeves. Ross also has a huge variety of dresses (mid-length, full length, sleeveless, sleeved, etc) in 2x, 3x, and 4x. However, with Ross, you can’t buy anything online and the physical store is usually a mess. On the other hand, it’s also super cheap. A dress at Ross goes for $15. By the way, I love your dress.

  48. nlmbrown@gmail.com

    I have found that Ross stores have an abundance of plus-sized tunics with sleeves. Ross also has a huge variety of dresses (mid-length, full length, sleeveless, sleeved, etc) in 2x, 3x, and 4x. However, with Ross, you can’t buy anything online and the physical store is usually a mess. On the other hand, it’s also super cheap. A dress at Ross goes for $15. By the way, I love your dress.

  49. I thought I was the only one having issues with everything being sleeveless, especially for spring/summer dresses. glad to know I’m not alone. ha ha ha

  50. I thought I was the only one having issues with everything being sleeveless, especially for spring/summer dresses. glad to know I’m not alone. ha ha ha

  51. I thought I was the only one having issues with everything being sleeveless, especially for spring/summer dresses. glad to know I’m not alone. ha ha ha

  52. I thought I was the only one having issues with everything being sleeveless, especially for spring/summer dresses. glad to know I’m not alone. ha ha ha

  53. Ugh, yes. I’m looking at a sleeveless Old Navy dress right now – it’s so cute, but do I want a dress that I’m committed to wearing a cardigan with? I do not show off my arms.

  54. Ugh, yes. I’m looking at a sleeveless Old Navy dress right now – it’s so cute, but do I want a dress that I’m committed to wearing a cardigan with? I do not show off my arms.

  55. Ugh, yes. I’m looking at a sleeveless Old Navy dress right now – it’s so cute, but do I want a dress that I’m committed to wearing a cardigan with? I do not show off my arms.

  56. juanita.bason@gmail.com

    Ugh, yes. I’m looking at a sleeveless Old Navy dress right now – it’s so cute, but do I want a dress that I’m committed to wearing a cardigan with? I do not show off my arms.

  57. juanita.bason@gmail.com

    Ugh, yes. I’m looking at a sleeveless Old Navy dress right now – it’s so cute, but do I want a dress that I’m committed to wearing a cardigan with? I do not show off my arms.

  58. juanita.bason@gmail.com

    Ugh, yes. I’m looking at a sleeveless Old Navy dress right now – it’s so cute, but do I want a dress that I’m committed to wearing a cardigan with? I do not show off my arms.

  59. I couldn’t agree more! I want to wear sleeveless dresses so bad because they are pretty and when it’s hot as crap in Washington, DC, you need a little air flow. HOWEVER, my arms look like I co-starred in Django Unchained because of the stretch marks that look like I’ve been whipped. I’m trying to just get over it (as I quickly apply Strivectin and vow to go to the gym and lift) but I’m not there yet. PLEASE ADD SOME FREAKING SLEEVES TO OUR DRESSES!!

  60. I couldn’t agree more! I want to wear sleeveless dresses so bad because they are pretty and when it’s hot as crap in Washington, DC, you need a little air flow. HOWEVER, my arms look like I co-starred in Django Unchained because of the stretch marks that look like I’ve been whipped. I’m trying to just get over it (as I quickly apply Strivectin and vow to go to the gym and lift) but I’m not there yet. PLEASE ADD SOME FREAKING SLEEVES TO OUR DRESSES!!

  61. I couldn’t agree more! I want to wear sleeveless dresses so bad because they are pretty and when it’s hot as crap in Washington, DC, you need a little air flow. HOWEVER, my arms look like I co-starred in Django Unchained because of the stretch marks that look like I’ve been whipped. I’m trying to just get over it (as I quickly apply Strivectin and vow to go to the gym and lift) but I’m not there yet. PLEASE ADD SOME FREAKING SLEEVES TO OUR DRESSES!!

  62. I couldn’t agree more! I want to wear sleeveless dresses so bad because they are pretty and when it’s hot as crap in Washington, DC, you need a little air flow. HOWEVER, my arms look like I co-starred in Django Unchained because of the stretch marks that look like I’ve been whipped. I’m trying to just get over it (as I quickly apply Strivectin and vow to go to the gym and lift) but I’m not there yet. PLEASE ADD SOME FREAKING SLEEVES TO OUR DRESSES!!

  63. I have always felt this frustration, but even more right now. Next month is my anniversary, & I am in search for a nice SLEEVED dress to paint the town red with my sweetheart! This is soooo frustrating! Oh, and off topic, I am in search of a swimsuit that covers a lot more than what I am finding. Being plus sized is not easy, especially when you are bigger than you have ever been, I truly hate this! ;{

  64. doreenkozelka@yahoo.com

    I have always felt this frustration, but even more right now. Next month is my anniversary, & I am in search for a nice SLEEVED dress to paint the town red with my sweetheart! This is soooo frustrating! Oh, and off topic, I am in search of a swimsuit that covers a lot more than what I am finding. Being plus sized is not easy, especially when you are bigger than you have ever been, I truly hate this! ;{

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