You crack me up!!!!!!! Thanks for the rant!

Both of my "batflaps" hear you, sister! Amen!

I totally agree. Sleeves are required. Please bring back the sleeves.

If you find out a source, let us know. In the meantime, I'm coping by rolling up the sleeves on my long sleeve tee-shirts. Not optimal, but sort of working.

I totally agree! I am glad I am not the only woman with upper arm issues.

Am I first? No way!

Right?! Seriously. Who knew we were supposed to stay 12 years old forever, just to be able to wear the clothes? Seriously.

While I am sad for you, I am also unfortunately sad *with* you. Blasted summer.

And let me add that I work at Target corporate in Minneapolis, and I did a fit-test for plus-size clothes. I ranted to the designers about the short-sleeves, so if Target brings back the not-cap-short-sleeves, well, then I am totally taking full credit for it. I sat in a room of executives and ranted about this. So I got your back, Laurie. I really do!

Sleeves are a necessity! I hate hatehatehate women's fashionistas!
That's why I'm reduced to buying Hanes men's undershirts (beefy Ts and Vnecks) and cases of RIT dye .. It's the only way I can get affordable Tshirts with sleeves.
You crack me up and I can't wait for your book!

With the "new" short sleeves I look like I have a slab of beef for an upper arm, very unattractive. If that isn't enough, they can also show my "funky" fat. That evil bit near the armpit and bra. I would've tried the men's shirts, but in addition to the high neck line, the sleeves are to my elbows! Will it never end? The only thing worse is capris with narrow ankles hitting me in my ham calves! Sorry, I could moan about styles for ages! Good luck with the summer clothes hunt.

And could they please make the plus size ones a little longer? Noooooobody wants to see my rolls out in the open!!

Amen. I can't do sleeveless, either (ack!) but every cute summer dress? Sleeveless. Bah.

I've been wearing 1/2 and 3/4 sleeve Tees from Ross and Marshalls. They're in the 10.00- 15.00 range and they cover, even if they aren't quite as cool as short sleeves. I have really broad shoulders, so those nasty little cap sleeves hardly even peek over the edge of my shoulder.
(because, that's the anatomical name of that body part.)

You just have to be patient enough to comb through jillions of shirts to find them.

This is why every single piece of clothing in my wardrobe is Lands End right now. I don't have to fight crowds or traffic, and I can still get plain, simple styles in attractive colors that actually fit and don't look awful.

All the cute summer dresses are sleeveless, too, but those you can cover with a jacket thanks to sub-Zero office airconditioning. I swear, it's like I'm getting ready for menopause early. Take the jacket off to come to work, bundle up while at my desk, take the jacket off to go home.... When I get hot flashes, I will be ready for them with a wardrobe to match.

It's not your imagination, Laurie. The fashion industry truly hates women and is out to get all of us.

And can we talk about the nightmare that is the 3/4-length sleeve? Guess where it hits you? Right at your waist, making you look even fatter. 3/4 length sleeves look good on NO ONE.

Oh you funny, sweet girl!! I live for your posts, do you know that?!

I wear my husbands shirts...only he doesnt like it because my upper regions (ahem...the girls) stretch his shirt out..and then he is left with a stretched out shirt.

Oh well, too bad. I like them.

You create a shirt, and I will buy it! I already bought (pre-ordered) your book!

Spaghetti Strainer? Aunt Purl endorses?! CHARGE IT!

Cat Litter!?! Aunt Purl Says So?!

CHARGE IT!!!

Loving your posts in Texas!

Christina

Amen Sister!

Answer: Sears!

Okay, I know it's not the most fashionable place to shop, and I'm a little leary myself about buying clothes and socket wrenches in the same store, but, they've always been pretty good about not abandoning the masses for the trendy few.

Good luck! :-)

My batflaps and I are on your side, sister! Here in Ohio & Michigan, and maybe a couple of other adjacent states, we have a chain of stores called Meijer. How do I love the Meijer? Let me count the ways.

1. You can buy yarn there.
2. You can buy t-shirts with real, genuine sleeves there, and you can buy them in real, genuine human female sizes. The colors change according to season; buy one or two per season, and vwa-lar, you are all set.
3. You can do your grocery shopping there without going broke. (The things you don't buy at Trader Joe, that is. And by "you," I mean "I.")
4. You can buy yarn while you grocery shop.
5. I'll bet they have Soy Hazelnut Latte deodorant there, too, though I haven't looked yet.

If you're ever in the area, you must stop in at a Meijer! They are so full of joy.

AMEN SISTER!
Geez, I actually bought a serger (a sewing machine that sews those seams inside t-shirts) for the SAME REASON!! Dammit! I was raised NOT to show my shoulders in either church or the office, and it seems like all brands except INC at Macys have forgotten about us women (WOMEN!) who are old enough to know better (i.e. go to school or work showing waaaay to much skin for decorum and icy air-conditioning) and "totally given up frump".
And since a whooole lot of us don't make the bucks to buy a $40 t-shirt (INC) for just wearing around, hell, what DO we wear? Or are those idiots at Target just wanting to lose the sale to us who sew??
Preach on, Laurie-and Lollylou- will you PLEASE show this thread to your exec's at Target? Tell 'em to go ahead and slap on a dollar extra each for the cost of sleeve fabric and GIVE US SLEEVES!!!

I am 100% willing to try Sears. Especially if the land's End shirts I had to order online are faux-sleeved, too, at least I can return them at Sears. *sigh*

You can buy Lands End stuff at Sears with no shipping charge.

I too am possessed of the slappy hanging Grandma arm. My husband says that I swim faster than him because of them. Isn't he delightful?? My 95 lbs. daughter is one of the few people I know who can wear cap sleeves or (horror!) sleeveless tee shirts.

I hope you find some decent shirts soon! Let us know if you do, okay??

Amen and Amen!!
First~You've already sold more than 12 books and the book hasn't EVEN come out yet, so there.
Second~I will SO buy one of your t-shirts if you can get the sleeves long enough without strangulation or boob spill-overage from wonky necklines. I have faith in your ability to do this because it is so obvious you've given alot of thought to this design thingie. (As have I).
Third~Smelly deodorant I do NOT understand. Who wants competition with your perfume, who wants drink scented underarms so everytime you raise your arms people run to Starbucks, I do not understand.
Thats all. :-)

Boy, oh boy, have you hit my number one pet peeve! I've given up trying to find short sleeve t-shirts in the stores. I now spend untold amounts of money ordering and returning, ordering and returning from the internet. Before I order I scrutinize the pictures trying to determine the actual length of the sleeve. Is the sleeve really that long, or does it just appear that way because the model has twig arms and no shoulders or boobs? And, please, give us enough fabric in the sleeves so they don't fit like sausage casing. I have had good luck with Cabela's. I now own every one of their short sleeve t-shirts in every color. Except the icky pumpkin orange. Their prices are really reasonable, too.

I don't mind the CAP sleeve but I agree with no cuddly teddy bears, no appliques, no bad fake lace and rhinestones adorning the V-neck and no glitter. I especially refuse to advertise for these designers who have to plaster their names all over everything all while charging me 50 buck.

And enough with the fake scents!! They stink!!

Addition sleeve related fashion complaint:

When did sleeves become one size fits all? I don't know how many days I have suffered as my sleeves began to dig further and further into my under arm region eventually cutting off all blood flow to my hands. Ladies who wear large or x-large also need large sleeves and arm holes. Idiots.

I just bought some great T shirts by Nordstrom's store brand Caslon, comes in a huge variety of basic and also "fashion" colors and several styles with an actual short sleeve; not a cap, not to the elbow, but a classic short sleeve. They come in a V and a jewel neck style, and they're a nice sturdy good quality cotton, well made and are in the $25 range.

Here's another place you can get fairly normal t-shirts: craft stores. Michael's and AC Moore, that sort of place. Decent cotton and cotton blends, a pretty good selection of colors, not bad necklines on the women's models, and real sleeves - and you can't beat the price. And you don't have to tell them that you're not going to do anything crafty to them....

Hey auntie, try Old Navy for t-shirts. Sounds crazy but they are a) long and b) have regular sleeves and c) are 2 for $13 or something.

Try Lane Bryant, too. They have them there with actual sleeves and v-necks or boatnecks or crewnecks or whatever you want, in many colors. They also sell ones that are a little longer than what passes for a t-shirt these days. For tucking in purposes, I assume, or for covering the extra yardage that a roll or two would require. (Not that I would know that. Oh no, not me. Ahem.)

I second the suggestion of OLD NAVY!!!!

I second the Sears and Nordstrom Caslon brand recommendations. I also add in threadless.com (which has the funniest tee of a sheep covered in balls of yarn right now) for funny shirts. I still order the mens ones, though, considering the girls cut is all wrong for me.

Love the rant. I add a "Hear, hear!"

What about American Apparel? You can order online or go to one of their stores here in LA. They have shirts in every color and many different cuts and styles. Also! while they may cost a bit more than a shirt from Target, they are high quality and last a long time (and their labor practices are cool too - they pay their garment workers very well).

Ah, Walmart here in the good ole southern small town has normal shirts.

Smelly Deodorant? What's next, flavored douches?

(I did not just say that...oh my god.)

OMG!! I had this very same problem, just last night!! I love Target, however, their T-shirts are sorely lacking in the sleeve department!! I NEED sleeves!! Why, oh why have sleeves left us?! Love the rant!

I, too, abhor the cap-sleeve. Why do I want to call attention to the widest part of my arm? The t-shirt I swear by is the Perfect Fit Tee from Old Navy. It really does fit perfectly (and I'm not an itty-bitty girl either) and they cost about $12.50 each if I remember correctly. I own a LOT of them!

The sparkly labels repel me too. I can't explain why.

I did find some short sleeve t-shirts at Lane Bryant and they had some cute cut-v-necks.

Hurry and stock up as someone may realize they didn't glue something to them and get right on it.

If you find yourself in a weakened state do not purchase scented deodorant. I was in such a wine induced state and purchased vanilla deodorant. What was I thinking? Do I expect people to sniff my underarms? On the first wearing I was informed to throw it away because it smelled like a bad hangover. No more scented deodorant no matter how cute and sparkly the packaging.

AMEN!!! I love today's blog!!! It has had me rolling off my chair today!!! You are absolutely right! I hate buying t-shirts because the cap sleeves make my arms look HUGE! I"m wearing a cap sleeve one today I bought at Hell Mart last season where I was 20 pounds lighter. They don't look the same! I miss t-shirts and I'm with some of the other ladies on here. I'm making my own!!!

Until I went shopping this past weekend I did not realize this was happening. One of my coworkers has been wearing little cap sleeve shirts and she doesn't have the slimmest arms. I didn't think they were flattering but now I understand. That is what you can buy. FYI - I did see some real t-shirts at Nordstroms (Topanga) the other night. I know it isn't Target but they do exist.

if you're not opposed to shopping Wal-Mart... i buy Just My Size tees there that are shaped and with a not-too-long-not-too-short sleeve. <$7 each. i love love love love them. i wouldn't mind if they came in a few more colors than my Wal-Marts carry... but for your general supply of tees, they're good.

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=5470032

*breathes in the fresh air of the first comment she's ever made on a CAP blog post* :)

When you make the t-shirts, would you please make one on red? Plain red. Not pink, fuscia, purple. While those are all fine colors it is impossible to find a plain red, short sleeved, v-neck t-shirt.
And if your book does so well that you get rich and can afford to have someone make your shirts, let me know. I'll throw in an order for one. Red, please.

I just ran across your blog about a month ago and love it. I found a good t-shirt with sleeves and it's a longer length too at Old Navy for $6.50 on sale last week. I think that they're normally $10.50 and it's called a womens perfect fit tee.

I can't wait for your book!!

The disappearance of actual factual short sleeves is also one of my pet peeves. Thank you to all the commenters for affordable suggestions.

Here is a link to a plus size $22.00 t-shirt at Nordstrom. Sorry it isn't click and go but I am not that good.

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/2911593/0~2376776~2374327~6007059~6007083?mediumthumbnail=Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=6007083&P=3

You know they *DO* have BO juice WITH SPARKLES.

I'm just sayin'.

I millionth the Sears suggestion. Sleeves, cheap shipping and good prices for those of us with double waves.

Food smelling armpits. Attractive.

I like the Old Navy perfect plus scoop neck tee shirt. It has to be the plus size to get enough sleeve, and it looks better than a man's t.

On the other hand, you being crafty and all, you can take one of those men's tee's and refashion the neckline with some feminine ribbon, and get something you like a bit better.

(Oh, and I am not ordering your book until I am done school shopping for my two skinny mini's who can wear cap sleeves and tank tops and my beefy boy, but it will be before it is out.)

Kmart. Cheap, classic t-shirts.

"Hurry and stock up as someone may realize they didn't glue something to them and get right on it."

OMG that had me laughing!!!!

These are great ideas for places to look... I don't know where there is an Old Navy near me, maybe woodland hills? I'll try it. I'll try Lane Bryant, too, even though everything there always seems four times the price of other places. I do love my Lafayette pants, though, from LB, they are my work wardrobe staple.

Also, thank ya'll for understanding my armchub issue. THANK YOU!

MY BATFLAPS SAY %#$* YOU!

Well, really they don't, they're too polite for that :-) My batflaps actually say they don't care what they look like, they will wear (or not wear) whatever is comfy in the heat. Skinny chicks are always wearing stuff I think is infinitely ugly but they can, 'cause they be skinny. Please. (Now, don't all you skinny girls tell me that's just not true -- you can get away with wearing stuff most fat chicks would be pointed and laughed at for wearing).

So my chubby arms show, so what? (My arms, by the way, are actually down right fat). It's not like a piece of fabric over my arms (short or long sleeved, for that matter) fools everyone into thinking I'm skinny. Besides, brown fat is more attractive than white fat, so I've got to get these bodacious uppers some sunlight!

I do agree about the high-necked t-shirt -- let the cleavage out of bondage!

The vanilla chai deodorant goes with the Chamomile tea pantiliners, doncha kno? You can be a walking tea shop.

and..."batflaps" coffee spew on my monitor. thanks.

Ugh. T-shirts. Where have all the short sleeves, gone? Long time passing....

All my T-shirts from last summer have to be replaced because they are permanently grunged out in the pit-ular area. We can attribute that to their smallness, both in length and circumference, as these factors lead to total sweatitude and deodorant saturation. It's science, yo.

I found a couple T's at Anthropolgie that weren't horrible. (But they're damn expensive!)
And they carry some basics that are more fashionable at www.teezone.com. Most of them are tiny, but if you look, there are some okay ones. And some of them are on sale.

For the most part, it's back to Land's End, Eddie Bauer, and L.L. Bean.... Mmmmmm. Frumpilicious but satisfying.

I am SO with you on that sleeve thing. Just charge me an extra dollar but give me some sleeves!!!!!

I second the craft store idea--I've found some decent t-shirts there, and often they are very cheap!

I shouldn't rant too much--I can wear the cap sleeves, but I am so relieved to see that the length is getting back to decent! I may be thin, but I have a pronounced "buddha"!

I was at WalMart this past week and they had v-neck tees, with sleeves that were lacking any garish adornments AND at reasonable prices - I want to say they were around $8 or so.
Also - Old Navy usually has scoop or v-neck tees with sleeves as well and some Old Navy Stores have a plus sized section as well.

Sears carries Lands End...not the exact same merchandise as the catalog but they definitely have t-shirts with sleeves (and no S&H)!

waits in hiding

Lollylou ... next time you're in a meeting and need to recommend a book to the bigwigs at Target, um, I know this girl who has a divorce knitting cheetos and cat hair book coming out. If this book gets in Target and/or shirts begin to have sleeves, she'll get you drunk as a thank you ;) LOL

Ladies, I just realized, and I'd like to know what took me so long...we should all be knitting our own t-shirts! I gotta go buy some Cotton-Ease! :)

Amen Sistah!!!

I feel your pain. I agree with those who have suggested Old Navy. I bought a few of these in different colors recently and I love them:
http://www.oldnavy.com/browse/product.do?cid=34553&pid=459427

They show off the ladies nicely and all upper arm chub is covered!

The next horror will no doubt be bleaching and/or facials for the underarms.

I'm so with you on the sleeve issue. A few years ago Target had a line of v-neck 3/4-sleeve T's that I stocked up on, and believed would return every year. Alas, the T's never came back. So sad.......

Why is it that men can always count on finding the styles they love, year after year, but women can't? Don't even get me started on bras.

I'm thin, but over 50, so cap sleeves aren't cool. I was recently shopping for a dress or pant suit to wear to my son's wedding. Anything that didn't look matronly had skinny straps, huge polka dots or prints. I wish I had a camera phone and a blog to post the ugliness. If the retailers post bad earnings, I for one will not be surprised. If they offered that stuff at 99% off I still wouldn't want it!

You go girl!

The other thing no women's t-shirt should have a chest pocket - the last thing any woman with boobs bigger than my 12 year old needs is a
t-shirt with pocket on it! Unless it's a sleeveless t-shirt with a pocket on it.

Someone pass that on to the fashion industry!

I buy my t-shirts from the Men's department in WalMart.

I just want a basic t-shirt, and the t-shirts there are almost perfect...and I dont have to pay an extra $10. (women's t-shirts are always over $15 and have stupid pictures or rhinestones or something on them) The men's t-shirts are about $5 ($1 or $2 extra for plus sizes) and they have colors that are found in nature...not some of the scary colors that are found when you mix purple, green, pink, and fuschia together in the same dye lot.

I also have to confess that I buy my dressy shirts in the same area of WalMart. I went to WM to buy my dad some nice shirts as Christmas presents, and ended up getting myself a bunch of nice shirts (on clearance!!) and then went down to Sporting Goods and got my dad a Swiss Army knife instead.

Last month, I actually bought pants and a skirt from the women's dept, but they were apparently leftovers from last season. They were both on clearance for $3 and-ohmygosh-I loved the $3 skirt (and so did my boyfriend) I wore it with a Hanes Beefy-T and a red sweater that I crocheted and got compliments on my outfit! (people even liked my purple Crocs I was wearing with it!)

I havent worn the $3 pants yet because they were apparently made for the Tallest-Woman-In-The-World. They fit my butt and legs just perfectly other than the fact that they're 6 inches too long. I need to find a tailor to adjust the leg length. I could probably do that myself, but I want the leg lengths to be equal and straight...and hemmed up with thread that blends in with the pant color and not just whatever's in my Viking.

I like my pants to fit, and my sleeves to go down to my elbows (I hate my upper arms! cover them please!) and I dont want any faux crochet embellishments (I can do that myself, and much better than the 8yr old Bangladeshi children making the shirts do)

It is a bit scary that when I went shopping for a swim suit at WM 2 weeks ago, that I was able to find a suit that looked good on me, that had enough fabric to cover my bits and pieces that I wanted covered, and it was a solid color, and didnt look like a 4yr old poured rainbow colored fingerpaints on it.

Oh gosh! I accidentally got the vanilla sparkle deodorant which was next to my normal powder fresh last time I bought deodorant at Target. Now whenever I sweat I keep smelling Christmas cookies! Then I want cookies... not good for the diet.

I would totally buy one of your t-shirts.

Who are these fashion people to prevent me from wearing what I want!

Wal Mart or Old Navy - I have gotten 5 tshirts from Wal Mart over the past week, the Faded Glory brand, I really like them.

There was an episode of Oprah recently where they had Paula Deen on (I am a HUGE HUGE Paula Deen fan).

Anyway they showed this clip of her from QVC where she was saying, "I am sweating like a fat girl writing her first love letter!" and I keep trying to work that into conversation today at work, with no success. Still it is only 10:30 a.m.

Who says I don't have goals?

I hate to tell you this but they do use Botox injections for the underarm. It stops you from having sweaty pits. Thought you'd like to know....or maybe not.

Amen sister, amen!!!

Not to mention, when you try to wear one of those cap sleeves, what little material is in the armpit, bunches up and bugs the hell out of me!

I confess to only having time to skim the comments, but hopefully this isn't a repeat suggestion - I have been buying some great V-neck t-shirts with real short sleeves at Catherines (a plus size store). Good material, stripes and solids - I think they run about $16. Go forth and cover thy flaps!

Google "armpit botox"...

It's being done apparently.

I highly recommend Lane Bryant, too - lots of t-shirt varities with actual short sleeves, just a little stretchy (but not too stretchy), and tons of colors. Some of their other clothes can be a little ...flashy... but the t-shirts are good!

Old Navy has already been mentioned but I've also had good luck at The Gap and Talbot's (a bit more expensive, but I will shell out the extra $$ to keep the world safe from my batwings). Talbot's also excels at cutting their clothes to be a bit more figure-friendly to those of us who actually went through puberty and came out the other side with some rockin' curves ;-)

Maternity shirts are my new best friends. I'm currently pregnant but someone will have to pry these shirts out of my cold, dead hands because I'll be wearing them forever. They have sleeves. They have room for my boobies. They are *gasp* long enough.

Oh, and maternity pants (good ones though) are awesome too!

Here's a second for American Apparel. They have regular t-shirts and the cap-sleeve kind in every color of the rainbow. More pricey than a Target tee, but longer-lasting, too.

That's americanapparelstore.com, btw.

I, too, vote for American Apparel -- however, I have to wear a men's small because the women's sizes are pretend sizes. (They're made for teenage girls who haven't yet gone through puberty.)

My roommate and I were lamenting the terrible loss of sleeves, real pant waists, long jeans, non-paisley clad/seventies reject/eighties drop-out fabric, and t-shirts that don't hit at the belly button or knee.

Seriously, I am not wearing a dress with my jeans people! I am also not a popsickle stick with mosquito bite boobs. I want clothes to fit a real person, a curvy person, a very slightly overweight, but ok with it person. Please?

Awesome post today. I even laughed out loud and my co-workers think I am insane. ;)

T-shirts should be easy and yet it's really hard to find ones that flatter. What I hate is that even the expensive ones shrink with washing. I like them to hit mid hip, not just skim my waistband.

Have you tried Old Navy? The last time I went there it seemed like they had several styles with real short sleeves... plus, in my experience it seems as if they last longer (and feel better) than most cheap shirts.

Amen! Cap sleeves with my arm chub PLUS big boobs just makes a wonderful horizontal plane of roundness. Ugh. I wear men's white V-neck t-shirts cuz they have, I believe they're called, sleeves! Yeah, that's it, sleeves.

As for tutti-frutti armpits. No thanks.

When I got my marriage license, they gave me a goodie bag (can you believe it?) full of stuff that I guess they thought a blushing bride would need on her "special" day, including a trial size of Secret in some ungodly scent. Well, I ran out of my nice, unscented stuff and grabbed that trial size. All day long, I was glaring around the office, demanding to know who was wearing that stinking perfum? It was so hideous, I started literally sniffing around, determining that I smelled it the most when my head was turned to the right and my hand was on my computer mouse. Then I realized...that stank was coming from my own pitters. Oh, the shame.

My upper arms are thick so those cap sleeves are totally out for me. I have been able to get nice shirts from JCPenney from their Land's End line. They seem to wear pretty well.

Sears carries Lands' End clothing. I live in the middle of nowhere and Sears here only sells appliances, tv's and lawnmowers. We don't even have beer or wine. But I have ventured out into civilization I have seen the Sears stores that sell clothes. And they have Lands' End there.

Go to Wal-Mart, in the men's section, there's the "Hanes" aisle with all of the compartmentalized t-shirts. they're plain, good ole shirts. nothing fancy about 'em. they don't always fit right, but if you're a sewing person, just make them fitted.

what i hate, is XS and XL are all THE SAME LENGTH. they assume anyone who is, as i say, "above average," is also 4 feet tall with no torso or boobs. (Dear Fashion World: People who are not XS have wider torsos, and generally bigger breasts than XS. make 'em longer, please.) so, i've gained weight, and now i've got all of these tshirts that just barely cover my nipples.

a deodorant with that kind of smell makes me want to hurl. i can't imagine.... and then - if you put it to the test and sweat - think of how gross it will be to be hot, sweaty and smelling like starbucks. b/c the last thing i want when i am sweating - is a reminder of coffee.

gross.

powder fresh, spring rain or my favorite - unscented.

I hear you. I spent 1/2 the summer scouring the shops for a decent, simple tshirt. No luck and I ended up ordering from Eddie Bauer. This week I just ordered a bunch of tshirts from EB online. $14.50 each if you order more than one, and I know from experience that they'll still look nice after many washings. The $6 in shipping I have to pay is totally worth avoiding scouring the mall for something I'm not gonna find anyway!!!

ROTFL!!!! You're so right about the sleeves!

And cosmetics that smell like food get my senses confused... I spend the whole day wanting to eat chocolate, drink coffee or whatever the deodorant/shampoo/moisturizer is scented after. Not good AT ALL.

Hey Laurie!

I am with you 100%. I also wanted to let you know that I very recently purchased a few t-shirts at my local wal-mart with perfectly respectible short sleeves and not too "scoopy" scoop necks. I really like them, and they are nice enough to pair with a cute skirt. Now, maybe out there in California-land the retailers don't see a need for the sleeve, but here in Alabama, they know us good 'ole girls are dealing with arm-chub. Plus, I think it's a southern thing about not wearing sleeveless to work :) Good luck in your hunt!

Right there with you, Girlfriend. I have been tugging on my shirt all day...I sit at the 14-16 hump so I can swing both ways. So who thought it was a good idea to put 7% sppandex in a plus size shirt. Um...yeah...no.

Have you tried Buenos Aires Grill in that center you were perusing? Great Argentinian food...amazing steaks. And very cute waiters.

Yeah! I don't have 52EEE boobs either. Hate the giant bust darts on all shirts.

I usually buy men's t-shirts, polo neck.

Color is another one of my complaints. It seems like for the second summer in a row we are stuck with a color palette of orange, lime, lemon, turquoise, and bite-your-nose-off-pink. Nothing wrong with those colors if you are one of the people that like them and actually look good in them.

I don't. My color palette is now black and white.

Try Wal-Mart!

I was just there to pick up a tall baby gate to corral the dogs, they had some "normal" all cotton v neck tshirts. For like $10 bucks.

I got red, yellow, tan, and white!

Laurie! Thank you for telling our truths! I have several Target 'short sleeve' shirts taunting me in my closet right now.

Also, thank you for using the term 'Come to Jesus'. No one around here seems to know what I mean when I say that.

I don't know about Vanilla Chai, but I LOVE the vanilla scented deodorant.

Also, I just buy guy's shirts. I've never experienced the "boobs at bellybutton" optical illusion from them (maybe it's the "sport fit" business?), and my boobs are pretty significant (36DD).

Liz Claiborne t-shirts are pretty good in this area (check out the golf line of clothes) and the fabric isn't typically too sheer either. Of course, this is reason #42 why I am still in debt but I do love my Liz.

As the resident LL Bean troll (really, I don't work for them, I swear) I must point out that Bean has a variety of t-shirt styles with actual sleeves starting at $12. Of course this is easy for me to say as I don't pay shipping and there's an outlet right down the street from my office where I can return stuff. (Also note: Bean sells bathing suits reminiscent of my younger years, a halcyon era where letting one's butt hang out all over creation was not considered fashionably fabulous, and one was not required to buy a monstrosity with size DDDDDDD bra cups just to get butt coverage.)

In my experience Land's End quality had declined markedly even before Sears bought them, but they can probably still make a t-shirt that holds together.

I have to admit - I bought the Vanilla Chai Secret! I was shocked to see it on the shelf. Why I chose it, I really don't know. Weird stuff.

I fully support you in redefining the CAP sleeve. Nobody wants to see my upper arms. Nobody.

But what's even more mystifying is the cap-sleeved jacket. Macy's is full of them--fully lined suit jackets without sleeves. Wha?

You're right. Those sleeves are exceedingly unflattering on everyone, even skinny teenagers. They make one's shoulders look hunchy and weak, as well as making the tops of the arms look fat even on someone who weighs 90 lbs.

Ann Taylor Loft has nice t-shirts which have a good v-neck (deep but not cleavage bareing, va-va-voom deep) nice length and sleeves. I think they run about $15 on sale and are so worth the price. They are "nice" t-shirts so I can wear them when I teach.

I fourth the old navy suggestion. I get new batches of t-shirts there every season.

I haven't worn cap sleeves since I saw my school photo in 1978. Who replaced my upper arms with pasty-white sausages?? I know mail order is a pain, but I buy my t-shirts from LL Bean. So far, knock wood, they haven't scrimped on sleeves...

I have been bemoaning the death of the sleeve myself, especially when it comes to dresses. I wear dresses to church, and that is the last place I want to be showing off the tattoo on my shoulder. These days, it seems every spring/summer dress I see is sleeveless.

The sleeve issue is one of the reasons I learned to sew - so I could make stuff with sleeves. Of course, it turns out that the best looking spring/summer patterns out there are sleeveless, too....

Last year I had good luck with t-shirts (with actual, real short sleeves) at Eddie Bauer. FWIW.

I am all about the light long sleeve shirt with sleeves rolled up but I have to admit to being totally utterly peeved at the ridiculous fashion lines out there.

Re: hygiene products that smell like food products. This is not good. I do not want my underarms to smell like raspberry sorbet, my hair to smell like a cinnamon roll or my crotch to smell like green tea blends. ENOUGH ALREADY!!

at least these shirts have backs.

BACK-HATERS UNITE!!!!!!!!!!

Bring back sleeves and t-shirts that make allowance for boobs. When did boobs go out of style? Swear to god, whenever I find a top that fits my boobs, it's a mumu.

there's an eddie bauer outlet store within a half hour's drive of here. i shop there once a season, and have gotten really nice tshirts, with real sleeves, even.

A few weeks ago my friend Katy and I found anti-aging deoderant at Target, and collapsed in giggles wondering what on earth would convince women to worry about armpit aging.

Little did we suspect....

Thanks for explaining the mystery!

I was at the outlet mall this weekend at a store called VF (stands for Vanity Fair I believe) and they sell a lot of Lee brand items as well. I found not only a true short sleeve, but also long pants! Needless to say, I stocked up. Who knows how long this cap-sleeve & formal short trend is going to continue.

AMEN!
I hear you one that scented deodorant. What happened to the simple scents like powder fresh or "original"?? No one wants to go around with perfume in their pits. We just want to go around not being sweaty or stinky not like we are a walking latte.

i don't know if this was said already, as i don't have time to read all the comments. but their is deodorant with glitter in it. my thought when i saw it was, "wtf?". although i thought it the longer version.

I'm for American Apparel too. Their cuts aren't boxy and the fabrics they use are so much softer than regular tees. AA stores are all over the place in L.A. Congrats on the book by the way!

Ok, I don't know if you guys have a Down East Outfitters out there...but they have this shirt called the "Wonder-T" It is quite possibly the best thing on the planet. I have issues with my shirts all being too short. These are LONG!! I admit, they do struggle with the non existant sleeves too, but i believe they also have some styles with actual sleeves, and also long sleeves. Here is a link!

http://www.downeastbasics.com/product_info.php?cPath=1&products_id=56

I'm totally with you on the cap sleeve phenom! I preach that same story to anyone who will listen. Even my trusty collared shirts have gone all cap sleeved.... which would be fine if they'd call them that!

Oh and the grid pattern - apparently that's a female thing. All my male friends think I'm weird for using that technique at trade shows, stores, and anything at the convention center. They just wander around aimlessly.... Proving yet again, why women are superior in their finding ability!

OMG, I HATE,HATE cap sleeves!! Being a woman of some bustiness and arm girth myself, these things are worse than the dreaded sleeveless. They suck up under your arms and bunch up, next to my large boobs which are already looking huge and strained under the EXTRA thin cotton they are making all of the t-shirts out of now!! SO attractive! Geez! The t-shirt was my last comfort retreat, and now it's screwed up! WTF! Thanks for bringing this up, and I'll be first in line for your new t-shirt line--sleeves AND v-necks----perfect!! For now, Land's End is my best friend, but kinda like a friend that lives really far away, and you'd rather they lived next door and you didn't have to pay for their plane ticket every time they come over! :)

I couldn't agree with the sleeve thing more. I have bad scars on my left upper arm that I really would like to hide. (Again with the whole not living out loud thing I hate to answer strangers questions about what happened.) And so I too desire proper sleeves. Proper short sleeves would be nice!! Or sleeves that come to the elbow.

What ever happened to half length (elbow) and three quarter length (mid forearm) sleeves?! Not to mention the proper quarter length (mid arm) normal sleeves....

I'm upset. :( I've got me some bat-wings and some unpretty scars and the world wants to laugh at me with tiny tiny sleeves. :( They might as well be those ruffle things I had on my swimsuit straps when I was 4.

oh. my. god.

I totally feel you on the sleeve issue. My solution has been to buy 3/4 sleeved shirts because they are a hell of a lot more common than regular short sleeves. I tried buying men's shirts, but discovered the same high neckline problem as well.

3/4 sleeves it is.

Hey - I also wondered where the sleeves went!

ew. Vanilla Chai? Tea/Coffee Arm pit? nasty.

What panel approved it and was it right before lunch?

Right on! And, may I second the "Get thee to a Catherines" suggestion above? Finally, a store for big girls that's not all about the many ways of draping polyester. They've got sleeves, style and fit there - and cotton - for a pretty decent price. I still like getting stuff from Lands End and the like though. Just wait for the free-shipping promos.

Okay, I get all my tee shirts from Lane Bryant for a few reasons: they hang really nicely, they are not thin, they have actual, short sleeves, they come in scoop, crew, or v-neck, they have purdy colors, and sometimes patterns. And if you catch a sale or buy in mulitples, they are really reasonably priced and last an entire year. (Unless you, like me, like to wear every single thing you eat and end up staining every shirt you own).

As for the deoderant - EEWWWW! I wish deoderant just came unscented. That's the point anyway, isn't it? To not have a scent in my pits??? If I want a scent, I'll wear my Philosophy perfume, Inner Grace (which, incidentally, is the only way I can achieve this).

I just spent 2 hours walking around Chinatown and lower Manhattan and the only t-shirts with sleeves that I saw for sale had slogans I wouldn't have worn when I was 15. Slinkly little spaghetti straps and long, strapless, tunic tube-tops were everywhere. Ick.

I was remembering the time I used some cocoa butter and a guy at work told me I smelled like a 'Cookie'. I didn't quite know what to say so I replied, "Pardon Me?"

Full sleeves? One word: Sears.
Seriously.

Haven't read all the comments, so perhaps someone already noted this, but I am looking at my arms, and I have on a shirt with sleeves. Bought at Target. But not the stretch tees you pictured, as I first bought one of those and then brought it right back because it was so horrifying. Mine is called the Ultimate Tee, and it is by Cherokee, and was hidden in the back of the women's section. And as an added bonus, it is long enough to cover a belly that likes to peek out...I bought one in every color.

Two good tee sources:

American Apparel (even though normal-sized girls have to go up to xl or xxl, the shirts are reasonably priced and fit well)

Club Monaco, if there's one near you. They have the BEST t-shirts - cut slightly bigger in the bust so they have a nice curvy line. They're something like $25 each but often go on sale for 2-for-$35. I swear by them.

I am pretty sure Walmart sells some t-shirts with a full sleeve, unless of course you boycott Walmart because you think they are evil (you are from CA now and all :)

Amen sister!

Oh, and by the way, in Dallas they've started advertising BOTOX for underarms! Good grief!!

I feel you pain. I just ranted/vented/bitched about this very issue not even two weeks ago. My solution, I actually "added" sleeves to my t-shirts and polos! Yes, I have the most "interesting" wardrobe now, but my "batflaps" have coverage.

I feel your pain. Cap sleeves should be worn by small children -- not by adult women.

A suggestion -- Old Navy. They even have some 3/4 length really lightweight tops that look great on, how shall I say it, fuller figure types like myself. AND the t-shirts I bought a week or two ago were on sale, AND had real sleeves. Or at least more than 1.5 inches, enough to cover the nasty parts.

Old navy online. pretty cheap and? $5.00 shipping. I'm going to try the one out in Northridge and see if they have them instore. Because hello- in addition to not wanting to show batflaps I am also interested in shorts that cover all crack and some leg.

Real women don't want Daisy dukes to go with their cap sleeve either.

I just got quite a few regular short sleeve tees with V necks at both Fashion Bug and Lane Bryant. I definitely feel your pain, though - it took three straight days of searching to find them!

Try Old Navy. They have t-shirts that should cover your arms and are long enough to be comfy. I like them so I don't have those "Oh my god! Are my undies/gut/lovehandles showing?" moments every time I bend over. :)

Amen Sista!

I spent 1.5 hrs in Target the other night trying to find a stinking top that A) Did not have a nice little seam under the boobs that lands squarely in the middle of my boobs unless I pull it forward so the shoulder seams are in my armpits AND/OR B) Had sleeves that are sleeves. I would have taken either one.

I did settle on a sleeve cap shirt and decided to just look like Huge Arm Girl. Maybe my pinkish hair will avert their eyes.

I'm with you 100% on this one. I was just shopping and feeling sad about the death of sleeves this weekend. I think that your best bet may be the craft store. At AC Moore they have a whole wall of rainbow colored t-shirts with real sleeves for the crafty types to embellish.

Preach it sister! My arms are what I hate most on my body. No matter how much weight I loose, they still look like a couple of bratwurst. Bratwurst with a cap sleeve is to die for, don't cha know.

Have the seen the deodorant with glitter? I'm not shitting you. I don't get it. NOT A DAMN BIT. o.0

I've been using Tom's of Maine lemongrass deodorant (which actually works, unlike most of the other aluminum-free organic-type deodorants). My kids say I smell like a lemondrop.

I am tall, and I have loooong arms, and I have always hated that whenever I buy a shirt with long sleeves they look like 3/4 sleeves on me. This little fact makes me hate 3/4 sleeves, even though I have an unusual number of 3/4 sleeve shirts in my closet right now. I think they look like you can't afford enough fabric to make full sleeves. Trashy. We were all talking about it this morning WHILE 3 out of 4 of us were wearing them. Help me please! I'd happily get your real short sleeves back if you can to something about getting rid of the 3/4 sleeves forever!~

I've been wondering what the hell is wrong with all the sleeves on my t-shirts!! The showing the armpits thing is MADDENING and now I know I'm not the only one hating this...
I can't wait for the book!!!

Adding myself to the chorus of commenters who agree with you 100%. I hope Lollylou's feedback is heeded at Target. Retailers need to wake up to the fact that not-so-skinny women have a lot of spending money and outnumber the teenagers (and the adults who wish they still were teens) they keep focusing on.

Oh holy hell, I feel your pain. I hate the cap sleeve for the same reason I hated the shoulder pads of my youth. My mother still has a bag chock-full-o shoulder pads buried in a closet somewhere. What exactly she planned (plans) on doing with them, I have no idea...but they never, ever got thrown out "in case."

Nothing makes me look like a linebacker faster than cap sleeves. Fashion & I are not getting along with each other this spring.

Ooh! Nordstroms has an entire rack of 3/4-length tees, in oodles of colors. Lurve them to pieces! (I feel your pain about the sleeveless shirts, because face it, that's what those were.)

Another big girl chiming in -

Same problems, same complaints. I'm a big fan of the Cherokee V-neck T's at Target (Mervyn's, too?). Interestingly, the display ALWAYS seems to be hidden in plain view and it usually takes a couple laps around the PLUS-SIZE section to find them. Interesting, part deux - I've recently noticed the color choices are not very choicy. I don't know why. I try not to get hung up on the size label, and go with the Cherokee one size bigger than I typically wear - it fits a little roomier and the shoulder seams are just where they should be -- on my shoulder.

As I glance down at my lovely new brown V-neck Cherokee T, I have to say that I'm not at all disgruntled with the sleeve length at all. Very gruntled, in fact.

I've bought T-shirts w/ "real" sleeves at Michael's, but they tend to have high necklines. (Hate that choked feeling!) I currently get most of my T's via Lane Bryant mail order. Once you place an order, you'll start to get about two catalogs a month, each with successively better coupons - like free ship, 30% off any item, etc. They have T-shirts with REAL sleeves in just about every color you can imagine, with several options of length and collar type, and most are $7 or $10.

OMG, thanks for the laughs! I thought this was a scourge that was only in Canada. But I'm glad it's a scourge we share. Misery loves company as they say.

er, I should say that it was the Nordstrom's by me. I guess they could have different buyers in Michigan (you think?). Good luck!

While you're at it, can you find where the bottom edge of shorts went? Trust me, no one wants to see ALL of my thighs! I can't even find anything longer that short-shorts for my two-year-old, for goodness sakes!

Someone asked what was going to be next, to accomodate the batflap/ cap sleeve/ tank top scourge. Here's science's answer:

http://www.docshop.com/education/cosmetic/articles/richards/

Yes, underarm surgery!

*shudder*

This is where I add some more tricep drops to the workout routine ...

serial posting here--

Maybe, just maybe the missing sleeves and missing pant legs (hello, formal shorts!) are in deepest storage, waiting to be released as leg warmers and arm bands.

I am so with you on the nonsleevage. I'm slender, and they don't look good on me. Hate, hate, hate them!

Someone else has probably already pointed this out - but I have seen deodorant in the stores with sparkles... I guess for your evening wear? To match your sparkly eye shadow? Who knew?!?!?!

Amen.
And as someone who has been willing to shell out the big bucks for LL Bean tshirts with real sleeves, will someone please tell me What The Hell happened with LL Bean's tshirt color choices?

Where is simple blue? Green? Maybe a plum or a gray? No, only Men get those colors, because those are evidently He-Man colors. Women can have bright aqua, the baby-est of blues, eye-popping kiwi green, banana, or Pepto pink. I'm supposed to go to work looking like a sherbet buffet?

The armpits need to smell fancy because they're exposed with the cap sleeves. It's a conspiracy between the fashion industry and the deodorant industry.

And, as long as you're asking for longer sleeves, how about t's that don't come down to my knees - being a statuesque 5'2" tall - with all of the lovely, skinny tops that are all the rage.

I shouldn't need to dress like a 60 year old just to have a top that doesn't require 10 minutes of tucking to avoid a diaper-butt in my pants!

You gotta get yourself to a store that sells some juniorish stuff. I have a whole collection of recently bought shirts with sleeves that fall somewhere been mid-bicep and elbow, and bonus: they're all long in the torso (which I'm not, but I like my crack to stay under wraps). Stay away from anything that you think is being marketed to people over 18. The sleeves are too short and the length is too long. Plus, the junior stuff has better necklines and funner colors.

And don't worry about the sizing. I'm a size 14 with a couple of D-cups, and it works for me!

Laurie, if I wasn't a lowly IT geek I would totally peddle your book to the Target folks, but alas, I have absolutely no pull. I am a consultant (not even a real Target team member) and was able to do the fit test only because I applied since they let you keep the clothes, and it turns out I was the "perfect" size 22 (I should be proud). And guess what I got for free from them--FORMAL SHORTS!! I expressed my displeasure about that as well. But I did get a work shirt (button-down) that is short-sleeved and I don't mind it, as the sleeves come to just above my elbow, so only a wee bit of flesh is exposed. I am wearing it today and I almost like it.

Kisses! And inappropriate hugs!

cap sleeves are evil and should be banned. So should any sleeve that is tightly stitched. Have you ever bought one of these on accident? It's like wearing a tourniquette on your upper arm. Adds to the batwing, AND makes the arm a lovely color to boot.
I would not suggest Old Navy for tees. They are all 'slim fit', and lots have no sleeves.
Glad to know I'm not the only one with sleeve issues! I'd rather go sleeveless totally than deal with a cap sleeve.

I buy all my t-shirts at Target. I buy the Cherokee brand regular tees (they are folded on a rack like those ProSpirit ones you photographed, and I think they are called Cherokee Favorite Tees). They are less than $10 each, and they come in many colors. They are very soft, and they wear well, and they have sleeves. And I love, love, love them, so much that it makes me a little sad how pathetic I have become, waxing nostalgic over a t-shirt. I usually buy at least two every time I am at Target (they carry them in long-sleeved for fall and winter), and that is part of why I cannot get out of Target without spending $100.

Egads - you get so many comments you probably won't even read mine, but here's my secret for buying good quality T-shirts for dirt cheap. It's a place called shoppersrule.com. I buy sewing and embroidery supplies from them and they are a perfectly fine and legit online company to buy from and you don't have to buy a lot or be a retailer. You can "join the club" by providing your email address - and you only get email from them about their sales. They have a sale right now - a rainbow selection of cotton T's for $2.96.
Here's the link:
http://shoppersrule.com/c/CSSWS/index.html

Amen! I have had it as well. Remember when the 3/4 sleeve was popular? Those were good days. I should buy stock in Dove for all the firming cream my arms are going to need to survive this summer! Also, I too am upset about the deodorant thing. Last time I went I was looking for "shower fresh" Secret platinum. I finally found one in an invisible solid and not the kind I usually like. Those other scents are gross. "Shower fresh" makes sense.

Thanks for the relatable rant!

Re: lack of tees for mashing up into a rug

May I suggest the Salvation Army on half off day? I buy so many fabulous things there and really, at 50% thriftstore prices, one is able to be adventurous. Especially with the dry clean only silliness.

Try the Avenue...their tshirts have sleeves that actually hide the fatest part of the arms and they're pretty well priced.

Thank you and my batflaps thank you! No one would want to see me in a sleeveless t-shirt, I guarantee it! I laughed my a@@ off reading your post today! I'm still sitting here on a 75 degree day in a long sleeved blouse because I haven't figured out what summer shirts fit me!

Do you have an American Apparel nearby? I love their t-shirts: http://store.americanapparel.net/women-short-sleeves--t-shirts.html

I don't have a terrible upper-arm problem, but I'm sick of tiny sleeves and belly-showing shirts too! I am a mom nearing 30, not a 16 year old - and besides, I live in Alaska, sometimes I WANT TO KEEP MY SHOULDERS WARM!!! geez.
Personally, I do the L.L. Bean thing, they have loads in their sale section, and the shipping isn't so bad. I also like men's v-neck "undershirts," you know, the ones that come in a three-pack.

Old Navy, yes. Nordstrom Caslon, yes.

And Suzi in NC? They already make flavoured douches. PLEASE do not ask how I know this.

"Just a simple cotton T-shirt in a rainbow of normal colors that has a V-neck and REAL SLEEVES DAMMIT."

Couldn't have said it better myself. Amen.

first, i see your batflaps and i raise you stretch marks. it looks like me and freddy kruger did that dance from dirty dancing where he runs his fingers down her pits and she can't quit laughing. . .
second, i think they do pit botox. omarosa got it for sweating. ew.
third, why can't a size R t-shirt (as in R for Reality) flare just a bit? there is no happy place between fitted and maternity???

I KNOW it's online, but check out www.catherines.com -- the Liz and Me Basic Essentials. I just discovered this chain over the weekend when I, too, was looking for tshirts with SLEEVES! Very reasonably priced, good fabric, cheap shipping. Many are on clearance, too, and they come in both v-neck and regular neck. They ship fast, too -- my local store was out of a couple of the colors I wanted, and I was very pleased with both the website, shipping costs, and speed of shipping. Enjoy!

I hear ya on hiding the arm flab. Nothing makes one look 20 lbs heavier like having all are extra arm-goodness flappin' in the breeze.

If you do end up buying t-shirts online, may I recommend the "Life is Good" store, (or perhaps there's a brick-and-mortar version in L.A.? Their mens' t-shirts are made with the softest cotton I've ever felt, and have normal sized sleeves. For some reason the dark blue ones are softest - perhaps a different cotton in those than in other colors? I think all the ladies tees have cap sleeves this season, but I could be wrong....

I am so glad so many people hate the cap sleeves... so there's more for me! And hopefully the shirts will go on clearance so I can stock up. I *hate* the sleeves on normal t-shirts, they make my already short arms look shorter and stumpier. I already know I have t-rex arms, I don't need a shirt to make it worse!

Also, the super-extra bust darts, those are all going into my closet too, thank you.

Whoever stole all those sleeves also chewed the tops off of all the jeans. Can Bossy please buy a pair of jeans that cover her belly button? Would it be so wrong?

Ooh, Pamitha, hate to admit it, but you are so right! I actually hadn't looked closely at their t-shirt colors in a while, as I nearly always wear long-sleeved shirts to work (I live in New England, and I'm always cold), and when I don't I wear stuff from my husband's CafePress shop. We should write and complain. Write to LL Bean, I mean, not my husband. (Really. They do pay attention.)

mmmmm...limeaid and vodka. Oh right sleeves. I'm totally with you. Recent years have not been kind to my arms, do I really need to shame them by outting them on display? No they feel bad enough already.

i didn't read through all the comments to see if Old Navy was mentioned or not but they're the only tshirt brand that i wear. 1) the sleeve length is a little longer so it covers my arm flab, 2) the length is longer than most and 3) they're usually 2 for $15. i swear by oldnavy. plus if you order online you can get the $5 shipping.

One of the other 8 bazillion commenters has probably already said this, but try Old Navy. They've recently stepped it up in the t-shirt dept. Extra long, good colors, soft fabric, no tags. My other favorite t is American Apparel, but you have to deal with all the teeny-bop porn, and they're not quite "cheap" - but the fit is great.

I would like to give you an entire gospel choir to sing during this post. In fact, I think when you do book readings you should get one

Gap. Short sleeve favorite T. $14.50 each or two for $12.50 each. Gap is ubiquitous so I'll take a risk on saying there's one out there in SoCal :-)so no shipping.

We all need the "Yoga Action Squad"

http://www.yogaactionsquad.com/

This is why I learned to sew. You can knit already, so move into sewing - it's easy. If you buy an overlocker (you call them sergers in the US) it will take you about ten minutes to run up a t-shirt! Cut a pattern off your favourite t-shirt, spend one evening in front of the telly cutting out about ten in different colours, then the next evening sit down and sew them all up at once.

Your post made me curious as to what other scents Secret has come out with (why is it so hard to find really, truly unscented deodorant that doesn't leave white marks everywhere?), so I Googled Secret Scent Expressions. You must see this website that come up. It's so awful that it's entertaining. I recommend taking the quiz with the sound on. Who would be driven to buy something as a result of this test? Who!? http://208.173.184.173/ScentExpressions.do

It told me that I was Southern Peach!

FREAKIN' AMEN! I don't look good in those sleeves either. Those and the shirts that have the chest area hang down to your crotch like you've got a huge dangling booger in the middle of your body. HORRIFIC! What's worse is that when one company does it, they all follow the leader; finding a decent replacement is impossible.

Armchubs? Ah - you mean Bingo Wings?

It's not just short sleeves that are shrinking! I recently had to go up a shirt size because the Long Sleeves were too tight! The rest of the shirt fit however, causing me too feel really weird about the fatness of my arms :(

JCPenney.com has a ton, you can shop by sleeve length even.

JCPenney.com has a ton, you can shop by sleeve length even.

Old Navy is where you want to go. Seriously. I hve tattoos that I like to cover up at work & have big arms. Old navy gives you a bunch more fabric :D

You crack me up. Thanks for the laugh.
Especially because I JUST came back from Target right before reading this, and found not a single top that hung nice on my ample-in-places frame.

Oh, and did you see the other Secret deodorant? The one touted to be "Clinical Strength"?? Oy. I saw the commercial and I wondered if their marketing department really thought I'd believe that.

Amen!!

My sister calls that underarm sag, Bingo Arms.

(As in, waying your arms in the air wildly while calling "Bingo")

I think I'd have to agree with you on the armpit smelling like vanilla chai, not so much. And as for the tees, have you tried QVC? They might have some reasonable, cotton tee shirts with sleeves.

Purl, I have the same problem. However, my cousin introduced me to a brand called Downeast Basics, which is available over the internet at 10.00 for their basic shirts. They are also long enough to cover the lower back on those damn lowrise jeans and they have all cuts and colors. Watch out for the lighter ones though- they might show through!

I know you didn't want to hear it, but it sounds like everyone's telling you "internet" anyway. I've gotten to the point where 95% of my wardrobe is purchased online. I just got sick of trying to find sleeves... and pants that fit and colors I'll be caught dead in and no sparkle and ... Sorry you've been frustrated again!

I have your same problem... but Old Navy always has good t-shirts in a myriad of colors and sizes. I was just in and they had cute ones just like you ordered!! Good luck!

well, what with glitter deodorant, I just can't understand why you wouldn't want to show off those pits! What next?

Thank you! I've been crying for sleeves for years! I'm still laughing. My sisters both got married the year after I had my second child. They both selected sleeveless dresses. I was the rebel and added sleeves to the pattern when I had my dresses made!

H&M has some nice shirts with real sleeves, and you can tell that they are real becuase they actually differentiate between short sleeves and cap sleeves. i actually find their sleeves too long bu thats cause i have shrt arms.
Tommy

Try onehanesplace.com They have the Hanes basic t shirts in all the colors for about $8 each.

yes! I have a Target grid also! If I go with a friend and we don't follow my grid, it is as if I haven't been there at all!
There is just so much Target goodness!

ok so i really want your book to sell big time but i'd also like one of those shirts. it'd look great with the skirts i am designing.

But they made the label for the Vanilla Chai deodorant sparkly. How can you not want it? You know we women love our sparklies. Oooo maybe the deodorant has glitter in it. Women love vanilla and chai and sparkles....put it all together. Those marketing peeps must have really thought that they were onto something.

Yep, Lane Bryant *online*; they have different items than the stores do, and tend to have better prices. Admittedly, you will still find some stuff you wouldn't be caught dead in, but it's not like the bad old days. Also Roaman's online. They're both owned by the same corporation, so your password and billing info at one site works at the other. [g] Both have some tunic length T's as well as the usual 26"-28" lengths, and styles with umpteen different necklines. Plus good basic woven shirts, too, with short sleeves. Go over to the online ordering side, Laurie, it's much better, really! Especially the sales and clearances - there's nothing like $9.99 T-shirts! Including ones without those stupid titpockets. Lord, I do hate those. Just what I want to be doing in public - groping in a pocket placed squarely over a breast, if I were stupid enough to put anything in there. Riiiiight. (Ok, folding money, bus pass, maybe. Anything else, you've gotta be kidding.)

As an above average woman I have to say "Amen sister!" What is truely shocking is to see these cap sleeves on plus size tops! Shocking I tell you!

if you're feeling a breeze it's from my batflaps as i applaud your mission, purl --

btw - if you have a store named CATO (I think they have those in california - i used to live in Simi Valley) they have a great scoop neck tee, with the cute gathers in the front, that also has actual sleeves. AAAAAAND it's long enough to cover my muffin top when i wear those daggum almost hip-hugging jeans the jeans people think we all want to buy.
good luck sister

Let me hear AMEN!

I do not want parts of me flapping in cap sleeves....spare me the indignities please!

When I was in the "feminine hygene" aisle the other day I was wondering just why someone thought I needed my underarms to smell like chai tea...I am not comfortable with someone being close enough to ask me why my underarms smell like tea instead of being "powder fresh".

Spare me the marketing department!

I hope you all don't live too close to me, or I'll lose my secret clearance rack. Check Sears out. They usually have really good deals on the Land's End clothes. That's right...the Land's End that you could buy for $$$ online you can get for $ at Sears. Seems that no one wants to be seen shopping at Sears...so their CLEARANCE is GREAT. I got two 3/4 sleeve Land's End t-shirts a few weeks back for $8 including tax! And maybe a little more money, but I really like the Compassion T's at J.Jill. Right now they are buy 2 get one free. And some money goes to help women out. The deoderent, that's too funny. km

oh lord, do u ever read this far down your comments list?... i will comment anyway: i sent hubby to get me the new secret scents because i ran out (hugs no-no) and had a coupon for the new kind. the vanilla chai smells just fine. not like food or drink. theres another one that i hate. it smells like cheap lil girl perfume...i will go look for the name so as to spare u all the waste of time and $...ok jasmine orient....nasty! and gets very strong, giving me a headache. so that one will have to be my fall back, should i run out again. (dont we do this with hairspray, gel and stuff? yup!)
i hate the cap sleeve too...i will either wear short sleeved when i can find em, or go the 3/4 length, which surprisingly is most comfortable for me....and shorts have become capris when possible. any shorter and my thighs pull them in when i walk....there has GOT to be a name for that action. the inside leg gets worked right up into your crotch exposing fatty thigh...the worst feeling in the world is when u go out somewhere wearing new shorts that u THINK are a safe length, and they start the crotch bunching thing...and u r stuck with it until u get back home.....ugh!

Ooo. The deodorant sounds tempting. But then I like to use lotions that smell like food.

Laurie,
I love a website/catalog called Junonia for t-shirts--they cater to the plus size market, but I have noticed that they now carry sizes down to 12W, which means that their clothing is going over well.
I've purchased from them for about 7 years now.
They make their own line of t-shirts under their label (a Junonia is a type of sea shell)--many different colors, different necklines and they run really long. They also have several different sleeve lengths. They are pretty pricey, but they are made of a substantial weight of cotton fabric and wash very well.
I have learned to check their "Junonia's Closet" link on the website--that is their sale/clearance area--many times, they discontinue a color in the tees and put it at 50% off.
I hope that this helps!
Have a great day.
Kathy

Please let me know when and where the shirts go on sale. I NEED to buy one in every color. Maybe 2 even in case this cap sleeve thingy happens again in next 5 years.

Whoops--I guess the web address for Junonia might help.
www.junonia.com

Kathy

My brother calls it "bye bye arm" cuz it keeps waving after you stop. I've found good quality, good price respectable clothing at Kohl's. They have a great petite section, & many of their styles are carried in both misses & petites, incase one half of you is a different size than the other. Not that I know of anyone like that. Always a sale, they're coast to coast & online. Back to push ups & bench dips. Congrats on the book!

Try Old Navy, their T shirts seem to be okay, although most of their clothes make me roll my eyes and say "you're kidding, right?" I also think that Meijer is a good idea, but it's a midwest thing...sorry. :)

I'm going with Carol on this one. You're so creative -- make the move to sewing your own. You can whip up you own t-shirts in no time with a serger -- and make the sleeves any dadburn lenght you please!

walmart on fallbrook ave.
white stag brand.
*weeps* because there is no meijer thrifty acres here in ca :(

AND it's not just t-shirts - try buying evening wear with sleeves!!!! (or god forbid a wedding dress!)

Same thing happening here across the pond!

Ditto on the sleeves! I want them back!

Someone mentioned Lane Bryant Online...

They're changing the name to Women Within, and they were never associated with the Lane Bryant retail stores...which is probably why they're changing the name now.

I love Women Within (Lane Bryant Online) Last year they had the skorts (shorts that look like a skirt) that I LOVE, so I stocked up and bought something like 6 pairs. Good thing, because this year it looks like they're not carrying them.

I just got a coupon today for WW for $20 off if I buy $60. This is totally cool, because I can spend $60 in about 2 minutes on their site http://www.womanwithin.com or leafing thru their snail mail catalogs.

I'm going shopping on their site later tonight to stock up on new clothing since I culled the herd of old clothes that have hung in my closet for the past 6 years a few weeks ago.

I just wish they still had those skorts...

Try American Apparel. The clothes are made in good 'ol USA (LA to be exact), they treat the employees well (free ESL if needed, living wages, benefits) and they have ALL kinds of shirts, including T-shirts with real sleeves. And, the cotton is so nice and soft...just a thought.

Couldn't say it better myself. I'm also commenter Malisa's mom--and believe me the dresses without sleeves almost caused a family crisis!!!

Laurie, been there. Just swallow and go to Lands End. Short sleeves, v-neck in many colors. Much better than I've seen anywhere else.

I am SO with you on the sleeve thing. (And I can't wait for your book to come out!)

Old Navy is the place to go!! they have a whole rainbow and then some of colors, always a 2'fer sale going and good on length. They have scoop neck, vneck, crew neck and real life sleeves!!! Also, a new term I thought you would like for those pesky arm issues- I myself call them "bingo" arms.. mainly for the wobble that occurs when calling "BINGO!!!"

Wal-Mart,usually about $7 each, or Michaels (yes, the craft store, they sell "Jerzees" t-shirts, they're frequently on sale 2 for $7). Good plain solid colour t-shirts, with sleeves. The Wal-mart ones also sometimes have some stretchy (lycra/spandex) content so they're great bosom-enhancers whilst covering the armflaps. Did you know that old ladies call those flaps "knitting muscles"? There ya go.

Check out Webs' Valley Yarn: Goshen patterns. There's a nice short-sleeved, shaped shirt with a little collar and a placket neck. Can't remember the name of the pattern, since its downstairs and I'm not, but the picture is a lovely turquiose.

I feel about crop pants the way you do about sleeves: I don't want pants that look like someone forgot to keep going and finish the bottoms. I don't have to wear my young neices' pants! Give me well-fitting LONG pants that break slightly over my shoe and don't have high waists, super-low waists, pleats or poufs in the hippage area.Sheesh!

I look like a linebacker myself...... I'm packin' heat on these arms! I pity the fool who sees me in a "short" sleeve tee.

I'm pretty sure that the "book thing" will sell more than 12 copies. I mean...I ordered THREE copies, so you're just nine away from goal. Heeheehee!!!

Oh! I found short sleeved t-shirts at WalMart this summer. I love that I can buy t-shirts, eggs, and potting soil all at the same place. It's a beautiful thing.

The same thing is happening in Jersey, but the sleeve extinction has spread to dresses as well. I tried to buy a modest graduation dress this past weekend; it was really quite funny. I walked around the store talking to myself until a saleswoman stopped me to see if I needed help. HAH! I ended up with a dress that has straps that barely cover my ample bra straps. I'll probably need to find some sort of cover-up before I traumatize small children with my batflaps (*snicker* love that word).

someone mean invented that cap sleeve-someone creepy skinny and mean. i may hate them.

ok. Yummy armpits? not nearly as gross as tea-crotch.......

Goodwill. Good T's. Some funny funny T's. Yummy cheep good.

(insert other resale shop that doesn't think all its used crap is "Retro" in place of Goodwill as needed.)

Patternworks has a very good T-shirt pattern that is meant for Koigu but it works with any sock yarn if you want to knit a T that is a little more dressy or worky than the plain storebought kind.

But for instant gratification?

Two words: Hanes website. In the women's section, Hanes distinguishes between cap sleeves, short sleeves, sleeveless and long sleeve tees. With short sleeves, you also get a choice between crew neck and scoop neck.

Hanes rocks. BTW, their underwear is also much better than Rite-Aid.

I am a size 12 with broad shoulders and if I wear cap sleeves I look like a flying squirrel on steriods who's decided to try out for the varsity football team.

Dez Law: No woman over the age of twelve should have to wear cap sleeves or a big honking bow in her hair.

Just to be comfortable, I will wear a tank top at the YMCA, inside my house, in my own back yard, or while cleaning stables or kennels. Otherwise? No freakin way.

You get an "amen" from the back of the room!!!

Priceless post. I read it aloud to Jeff and we both got a laugh.

Regarding t-shirts with sleeves: Gap Favorite T has loose-ish short sleeves that fit normal women's arms. And they are LONG so as to cover any belly and/or muffin top issues from low rise jeans. The XL is pretty generous in sizing and very flattering. Even on those of us with big chests.

I thought it was just Australia.

I have a handful of t-shirts from Target that are at least 3 years old and are completely irreplacable as they no longer seem to make t-shirts that are 100% decent quality cotton, with normal sleeves, a normal v-neck (WTF is that silly scrunching around the boobs???) and with a shoulder width suited for a normal woman as opposed to a fully-kitted o