I don’t know how many times I’ve picked up a top or a dress in a shop and thought it looked lovely but put it back on the rail because it was sleeveless. When you get to a certain age (or you’ve yo-yo dieted for 40 years) your upper arms can become less shapely shall we say. A lot of women will be perfectly fine showing their arms off. But I always feel slightly self-conscious with my arms on display so only really wear sleeveless things while I’m on holiday. And even then I like to cover up my bingo wings (saggy upper arms) with a shrug type cardigan. So when I discovered Wingz had brought out sleeves for sleeveless dresses and tops I was intrigued.
NOTE: I ordered mine from a company in the UK but I’ve also included a brand you can buy in the US below.
Wingz Fashion Arm Coverage
If you haven’t heard of the Wingz brand, their sleeves for sleeveless dresses and tops were designed by Michelle Ellis, owner of the plus-size fashion company Fatphrocks. They’re basically a set of simple sleeves you wear underneath your clothes. I was a little sceptical about how they would work but ordered the black 1/2 sleeve fitted stretch ones to try.
They’re an odd looking garment and I actually had to watch the video on the Wingz website to see how to put on the sleeves for sleeveless dresses, but it’s actually pretty easy once you know how.
You pull the Wingz over your head just like a jumper, then make sure the front band is underneath your bra cups and the back band is lying across the back bit of your bra. They’re an all-in-one stretchy garment. The piece where the Wingz sleeves meet your shoulders is elasticated so they’re not going to slip down.
I have to say I was VERY impressed. The wingz really transformed the sleeveless tops I have. Like I said I’ll go sleeveless on holiday but I never feel very comfortable and when I wear a shrug with a sleeveless dress or top it tends to spoil the look. But with Wingz sleeves for sleeveless dresses and tops I felt they really balanced the look of what I was wearing. I felt slimmer … and so much more confident
UPDATE Feb 2023: I got the Size 12-16 and they fitted perfectly so you could probably size down). Wingz are available in four sizes from a UK 6 to 28. Unfortunately they have a reduced range now and only come in black and white, stretch, satin and lace sleeve material, and you can get long sleeves, 3/4 sleeve, 1/2 sleeve and flutter sleeve.
Wingz Fashion are based in the UK and ships worldwide.
Sleevey Wonders
Sleevey Wonders is a US brand (also available on Amazon UK) that do similar sleeves for sleevesless dress and tops, designed by Ruthann Greenblat. This brand has a wider range of colours which as well as black and white also include burgundy and blue. Sleevey Wonders look slightly different to Wingz in that they appear to have a deeper back strap which some women may prefer. They also stock a bandeau type sleevey wonder which would be perfect underneath a spaghetti strap, shoulder dress or strapless dresses.
As well as being a great addition to your wardrobe for everyday dresses and tops, these detachable sleeves would be fab with a wedding dress. Imagine finding the perfect dress for your special day but it’s sleeveless and that’s not what you were looking for. Adding the sleeves for sleeveless dresses would be the perfect solution!
I highly recommend them to anyone who wants to cover up their upper arms or even just wants to change the look of a sleeveless top or dress. I’m definitely going to be buying some different styles and colours.
I can’t wait to go clothes shopping now. Sleeves for sleeveless dresses and tops have opened up so much more choice for me as a plus size woman.
If you liked this post you might like my review of plus size tights for women too.
Hi Karen as a mature lady like you I too have bingo wings. I’ve seen similar to this but not the same. I like the idea of this and may order a set to try.
They’re definitely worth trying Elaine – let me know what you think if you order some.