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Ridiculously long sleeves on knitwear

(36 Posts)
ClicketyClick Tue 07-Oct-25 19:16:27

Why? They even look long for the average sized body. I've usually found that the Roman range of knitwear have just about manageable sleeve lengths in their petite range but they have nothing I like this season. After searching all the shops at a retail park I ended up in Primark's children's section and managed to find a plain jumper in size 12 /13 yrs that fit but the sleeves are still about 5 inches too long. My arms are in proportion to my 5ft frame - wish it were true of the rest of my body 😁. Where do other petite ladies buy knitwear that doesn't have this sleeve problem please?

cc Thu 09-Oct-25 14:42:58

I'm above average height but must have relatively short arms as I often find clothes, particularly T-shirts, are too long in the arm. It does seem to vary from year to year though, this year both JL and M&S garments have long arms.

Primrose53 Thu 09-Oct-25 14:45:40

I bought a beautiful coral coloured jumper in cotton in the summer. I have not worn it yet as the sleeves are about 5” too long!

4allweknow Thu 09-Oct-25 14:57:01

It seems to be rampant whether in petite or standard sizing. Returned a jumper in a style and material content same as two I have from previous years. Body okay but sleeves were long enough to use as mittens. Looked at advert again and then noticed one of the pics showed the model with sleeves halfway down her hand. Sent item back as I'd need to have a big cuff or soaking wet sleeves when working with water. I'm 5'6" so not in the petite range. Model on pic was 5'9".

Milliedog Thu 09-Oct-25 16:06:41

Try arm bands? When I was a girl, my Dad used to wear them. They were silver coloured. I bought gold coloured ones from amazon. They're super!

ClicketyClick Thu 09-Oct-25 17:24:37

Thank you RosieandherMaw for steering me in the right direction and I know where to check next time.. I've never been into the style & beauty section. Probably cos I'm seriously lacking in both those departments 😁

Alison333 Thu 09-Oct-25 17:33:56

I think the trend for ridiculously long sleeves is an add on trend following the enormous puffed sleeves on dresses and blouses in the summer!

I often wonder whether some of these designers actually wear their clothes and can succeed in fitting the sleeves under a coat!

Fairlandia Thu 09-Oct-25 18:45:44

You have my sympathies OP. I’ve been to a local flagship M&S store today and most of their jumpers adhere to the current ‘short body & baggy long sleeve’ trend. This is no good for me at all as a ‘vertically challenged’ person. However I do like jumpers from Crew Clothing which are colourful (in contrast to all the neutrals in M&S) and have a proper cuffs to fold back if necessary.

AuntieE Thu 09-Oct-25 19:39:52

Sadly, the answer is we don't! All my life sleeves have been too long for me, as are trouser legs. My husband had the opposite problem, even although men's trousers and jeans usually come in different leg lengths.

I turn cardigan and jumper sleeves up, as I am not a knitter. My sister was, and kindly knitted me some things with sleeves the right length.

I am afraid that failing a sister who loves knitting, we either go on turning up our sleeves or conquer or aversion to knitting.

FranP Thu 09-Oct-25 23:33:28

I am 5'6" and quite broad shouldered, so in theory, should not have the same problem, but I tend to go for 3/4 sleeves because I hate having them baggy around my wrists and up to my thumbs.
My pet peeve is the length of sleeves on dresses that are supposed to be designed for the larger lady - they can give you tummy control, or shaping, but then give you these silly little cap sleeves or none at all!

lainieb56 Sat 11-Oct-25 20:09:05

CanadianGran

Yes, there is now the trend to wear your sleeves long; you will often see young women with sleeves covering their hands. Silly, in my mind. How do you get anything done?

I'm a sleeve pusher-upper (made up that term), so I need cuffs to be snug enough to be pushed up and stay! As I type I have a fine knit jumper with sleeves pushed up to below elbow.

I also like to roll up my long sleeves and roll them down when I need to. And in the winter, it's nice to have an overhang on your arm to tuck in and keep your hands warm.

One of the things I hate in a jumper are those three quarters lengths that don't even reach the elbow and are annoyingly awkward when you're trying to put a coat on!