A T-shirt for a woman with short arms

Short answer: If you have short arms, the sleeve length and the position of the shoulder seam decide whether a T-shirt fits well. Choose a model where the sleeve ends midway on the upper arm and the seam lies on the shoulder, so the sleeve does not hang past the elbow.

What makes a T-shirt too long in the sleeve

If the sleeve is too long, it ends near the elbow and makes the T-shirt look as if it is the wrong size. This applies to both short and long sleeves, where the cuff hangs over the hand. It is not you that is wrong, but the clothes, which are cut for a different average length.

Measure the sleeve instead of guessing

Measure from the edge of the shoulder down to where you want the sleeve to end. Then measure the sleeve on a T-shirt you already own that fits well. That way you can compare with the new ones without guessing. It is the simplest way to find the right length.

Short sleeves: midway on the upper arm

On a short-sleeved T-shirt the sleeve should end about midway on the upper arm, not at the elbow. A slightly shorter sleeve can be an advantage, because it makes the arm look longer. Browse the bamboo T-shirts for women, and compare the sleeve lengths before you choose.

The shoulder seam should sit on the shoulder

If the seam lies low on the upper arm, the whole sleeve becomes longer. Choose a model where the shoulder seam sits at the edge of the shoulder and the armhole is not too big. Lift your arm and see whether the fabric follows without pulling or bunching under the arm.

Long sleeves: when the cuff hangs

If the sleeves on a long-sleeved top are too long, you can fold them up once or twice. Choose a soft cuff that does not tighten and that can be pushed up the forearm. It is a simple solution, but a top with the right length is still the best place to start.

Fit across the rest of the body

Short arms do not mean that the rest of the T-shirt has to change. Choose the size by chest and shoulders and adjust the sleeve afterwards if necessary. If you are unsure, choose the size that suits the body and have the sleeve shortened by a tailor, or sew it yourself.

Sweats and layers over the T-shirt

When you put a sweater on top, the focus moves from the T-shirt sleeve to the sweater's. Sweatshirts and other layers often have longer sleeves that can be folded. Beside that, you can look at the bamboo sweatpants for women if you want a soft set where length also counts.

Care, so the length holds

Follow the care label, and hang the T-shirt to dry so the sleeves are not pulled out of shape. A stretched sleeve looks longer. See the rest of your clothes in the same context, because bamboo knickers also need to sit calmly under the layers of everyday life.

Frequently asked questions

How long should a short sleeve be if I have short arms?

The sleeve should end around the middle of the upper arm, not at the elbow. Measure from the shoulder edge down, and compare with a T-shirt you already feel fits well.

Can I have the sleeves of a T-shirt shortened?

Yes, a tailor can usually shorten a sleeve. It is easier, though, to choose a model whose length suits from the start and to measure the sleeve before you order.

What do I do about sleeves that are too long on a long-sleeved top?

Fold the sleeves up once or twice and choose a soft cuff that does not tighten. It is a simple solution if you otherwise like the top.

See our range of bamboo long sleeve t-shirt.