BASICS

11 Spring Tops That Cover Your Arms But Won’t Make You HOT

Tops That Hide Flabby Arms

Are your upper arms a problem area for you? Many women reach out and tell me how they want to cover their arms during the spring and summer months but worry about getting too hot. I love a sleeveless top, but lately, I tend to feel more comfortable and confident covering my arms too. So, for those that want some arm coverage without adding heat or compromising style… this is the post for you! Keep scrolling for all my favorite long sleeve tops perfect for spring but also light enough for summer too!

If you missed it, you should check out this video on how to hide flabby arms.

Aje Frill Cuff Blouse | Tops That Cover Arms

Aje Frill Cuff Blouse | Tops That Cover Arms

what to wear if you don’t love your arms, aje auguste frill cuff blouseAje pink cuff blouse

TOP | FOR LESS | JEANS | SANDALS | SUNGLASSES

#1) Aje Frill Cuff Blouse

I wanted to kick things off with this gorgeous top by Aje. If you’ve been following me for a while, you know how much I love pink! The color is what initially drew me in, but the details on this top are next level. The long puff sleeves with the loop peek-a-boo design and bell cuff are lovely, feminine touches. The band collar and large gold statement button at the top also make this blouse a little more special. I’m wearing it here pretty casually, unbuttoned at the top with some straight-leg white jeans by Mother and See By Chloe wedges.

It would also look great with regular denim or even denim shorts. But if you wanted to dress this up for the office you could pair it with black trousers or a pencil skirt too. The fabric is really lightweight so even in warmer months, you’ll stay nice and cool.

tops that cover arms, tops to hide flabby arms, tops that hide arms

spring summer tops for womenFarm Rio Lace Blouse

TOP | FOR LESS | SHORTS | SANDALS | SUNGLASSES

#2) Farm Rio Lace Blouse

The next few tops I want to share with you are all fresh, crisp white or ivory tops. Let’s start with this square neck top by Farm Rio. It has the most gorgeous lace applique sleeve pattern and elastic at the cuff. There’s a side zipper so it’s easy to get on and off. There is smocking at the back which gives you a really flattering fit. This top is on the shorter side, but not incredibly cropped. It’s the perfect companion for your high-waisted shorts and jeans. Where some of the white tops I’ll feature next have more of a relaxed fit, this one skims the body but doesn’t cling to it. I love how the billowy sleeves next to the slim bodice create the illusion of a thinner waist.

R13 Gathered Hem Shirt

R13 Gathered Hem Shirt | Tops That Cover Armswhite shirt and denim shorts

R13 Gathered Hem Shirt spring summer outfit

TOP | FOR LESS | SHORTS | FOR LESS | SANDALS | SUNGLASSES | CUFF

#3) R13 Gathered Hem Shirt

A white button-down shirt is on my wardrobe basics checklists you get when you subscribe to our email list. You should definitely have a versatile, basic white button-down in your closet. The R13 shirt I’m wearing above is an example of an elevated white button-down…and I love it! There is elastic in the hem, so you get a bubble effect similar to the look you’d achieve if you tucked in your billowy white blouse.

But, you don’t have to hassle with all that extra fabric! I’ll be wearing it mostly with jeans and shorts this spring and summer, but it would also look great with joggers or cargo pants. It has a drop shoulder and a more relaxed fit, but I ordered my regular size. You could also unbutton it and wear a tank or cami underneath which would be another fun look.

Harper Ruffle Shirt | Tops That Cover Arms

baggy pants outfit idea

wide leg pants spring outfit

TOP | PANTS | BELT | BOOTIES | FOR LESS

#4) Harper Ruffle Shirt

Along the same lines as the elevated white button-down in the previous look, this is another option that is also a twist on a basic silhouette. I love the neckline of this shirt…it adds some drama, it’s so feminine, and it has a sort of Victorian and western spin to it. It has puffed shoulders and ruffles at the cuffs. It’s a really beautiful shirt you’ll wear over and over again. This button-down would be great for the office too! I’m wearing it with some denim trouser pants that are super on-trend right now (they come in multiple lengths!) and some white booties that give this look a spring-like feel.

In case you are interested, I style this ruffled top a couple of different ways and share a few other closet essentials. in this post.

 

Velvet Jordyn Blouse with Denim Shorts

Velvet Jordyn Blouse with Denim Shorts | Tops That Cover ArmsTops That Cover Arms

TOP | SHORTS | FOR LESS | SANDALS | NECKLACE | SIMILAR | SUNGLASSES

#5) Velvet Jordyn Blouse with Denim Shorts

This pretty off-white blouse by Velvet has beautiful eyelet stripes that give it a really romantic vibe. It’s also 100% cotton so it will keep you cool even though it has long sleeves. There’s elastic at the cuffs, and a small ruffle at the v-neck which is perfect for showing off a pretty necklace. By the way, the Ulla Johnson necklace I’m wearing is quickly becoming my wear-with-everything spring piece!

I loved styling this top during a recent trip to Utah and wanted to show you another way to wear it…

Velvet Jordyn Blouse with Cargo Pants

cargo pants spring summertops that cover arms, summer tops, spring tops

Velvet Jordyn White Blouse | Tops That Cover Arms

TOP | PANTS | SANDALS | CUFF 1 | CUFF 2 | RING | NECKLACE | SIMILAR HAT | SUNGLASSES

Velvet Jordyn Blouse with Cargo Pants

This time I’m wearing the same blouse with some cargo pants from Banana Republic. These are a great alternative to wearing joggers or jeans. They feel really fresh and modern but are super versatile and wearable. They come in Tall, Regular, Short, and Petite sizing options which is SO great! On my feet, I’m wearing some super comfortable sandals by Madewell that are not only stylish but also very affordable. This would be a great warm-weather vacation outfit for sightseeing, going out to lunch, or even a travel day.

Zadig & Voltaire Tessi Shirt

workwear outfit | Tops That Cover Arms

TOP | COAT | PANTS | SHOES | LIPSTICK (Always Red)

#6)  Zadig & Voltaire Tessi Shirt

I wanted to throw a wild card into this roundup! This top by Zadig & Voltaire makes me SO happy. It’s a serious mood booster. I love the colorful lip pattern and this is definitely not the shirt everyone and their sister will be wearing. You can kind of see it in the photos, but it has these cool flared cuffs and a tie-neck that you can loosely tie or leave open. If you need something a little different in your closet, this would be a fun piece to wear to your next girl’s night out with your favorite jeans. Depending on your work environment, it could also work for the office. I paired it with a statement-making Red Valentino coat and super slimming Spanx split-hem pants. These pants are amazing! You can read more about them and see more ways to style them here.

By the way, you can use code ERINXSPANX to get 10% off your Spanx purchase…including these ultra-flattering pants!

Simkhai Puff Sleeve Cropped Shirt | Tops That Cover Armscropped puff sleeve shirt outfit

cropped puff sleeve shirt with jeans

TOP | JEANS | BAG | SANDALS | NECKLACE | CUFF 1 | CUFF 2 | SUNGLASSES

#7) Simkhai Puff Sleeve Cropped Shirt

Next up is this puffed sleeve top by Jonathan Simkhai. This one definitely has more of a true cropped fit so if you have a longer torso or prefer not to show any skin around the midsection, this might not be the best option for you. If you’re wearing it with high-waisted jeans, you might see a tiny sliver of skin, especially when you raise your arms. I’ve worn it with and without a tank under it and felt really comfortable both ways!

The puffed shoulder and sleeve really bring some drama and give the illusion of a smaller waist. The fabric is a lightweight stretch cotton poplin so it doesn’t wrinkle super easily. Anyone else not a fan of ironing? I’ve also worn this over a maxi dress unbuttoned kind of like a cropped jacket and loved it styled that way too!

L'Agence Ava Cuff Blouse with jeans

Tops That Cover Arms but won't make you hotL'Agence Ava Cuff Blouse

breathable blouse for spring summer

TOP | JEANS | MORE SIZES | MORE SIZES | SIMILAR BOOTIES | SCARFEARRINGS | SUNGLASSES

#8) L’Agence Ava Cuff Blouse

There are certain brands that create special, quality pieces all.the.time and for me, L’Agence is consistently one of those brands! This blouse is stunning. I mean, how gorgeous is this rich praline color?  The covered buttons all the way down the front and the lace cuffs are so elegant! This is another blouse that looks amazing with boyfriend jeans but could also be dressed up for the office or a nice dinner out. The colors in the scarf I’m wearing from Banana Republic perfectly complement the blouse too. This is a blouse that is so timeless and you’ll wear it now right through fall!

Never a Wallflower Cotton Poplin Top

Cotton Poplin Top | Tops That Cover ArmsTops That Cover Arms for spring

TOP | JEANS | MORE SIZES | MORE SIZES | SIMILAR BOOTIES | CUFF 1 | CUFF 2 | SUNGLASSES

#9) Never a Wallflower Cotton Poplin Top

If you’re a fan of the black cotton top in look #7 but you want something less cropped, this top is for you! Sometimes you just want to put something on that is loose-fitting, comfortable, and cool…especially in warmer weather. I love the 3/4 sleeves and ruffle standup collar on this light and flowy blouse. I’m wearing it untucked with the same slouchy R13 boyfriend jeans I’m wearing in several of these looks…I love the baggier silhouette, distressing, and cool wash.

Rails Ellis Button-down

how to dress for spring and summer

Rails Ellis Button-down spring outfit

TOP | SIMILAR PANTS | SANDALS | SIMILAR NECKLACE | SUNGLASSES

#10) Rails Ellis Button-down

If you follow me on Instagram or here on the blog, you’ve seen this Rails button-down shirt A LOT! When it comes to amazing tops that cover your arms, I could not, NOT talk about one of my all-time favorites. This gauzy Rails button-down has been in my closet for years and it’s a solid go-to. It’s super lightweight, breathable, and easy to tuck in, leave out, or tie in the front. I’ve styled it with jeans and shorts and it really is the perfect spring and summer top! Plus, your arms are completely covered but you don’t get hot. It’s body-skimming and quite flattering.

When I’m traveling, I always seem to reach for this one. I have one in my regular size and another one size up that I use as a swimsuit cover-up. When I talk about buying quality pieces that last (a LONG time!) this is a perfect example! If you are looking for a color other than white, this top comes in SEVEN different colors here.

ATM V-Neck Tee

ATM V-Neck Tee with joggers

TOPFOR LESS | SIMILAR JOGGERSSWEATER | SNEAKERS | EARRINGS

#11) ATM V-Neck Tee

The perfect white tee is a spring and summer essential! No matter how well we take care of our white t-shirts, at some point they just need a refresh. Whether it’s yellowing in the armpit area or overall wear and tear they just don’t last forever. The tee I’m wearing by ATM is my go-to. It’s great quality, a lovely fabrication, and is relaxed without being oversized. I gravitate toward v-neck t-shirts because they help elongate the torso by drawing the eye downward. They’re also great for showing off a pretty necklace! I also own this whisper cotton tee by Madewell which is similar and a bit more affordable…just under $20!

Different Sleeve Styles

10 Different Sleeve Styles

You’ve probably noticed from the past 11 tops, tees, and blouses, that there are tons of different sleeve styles for summer! So I wanted to include a big list of the types of sleeves to look or search for that will keep you cool in the summer and still cover your upper arms. Depending on your style, you’ll want to take sleeve design, sleeve length, and your own climate into account.

Batwing sleeves
Kimono sleeves
Raglan sleeves
Bell sleeves
Lantern sleeves
Balloon sleeves
Billowy sleeves
Petal sleeves
Cap sleeves
Short sleeves
Ruffled sleeves
Bishop sleeves
Peasant sleeves
Cuff sleeves
Flutter sleeves
Dolman sleeves
Butterfly sleeves
Puffed sleeves
Slit sleeves
Sheer sleeves

So, are you a fan of covering your arms, even in the dog days of summer?  If so, which of these tops is your favorite? Let me know in the comments below!

If you liked this post, please share it using the buttons below! You can share it on Facebook, add it to your Pinterest style board for inspiration, or email it to your friends. We SO appreciate your support. Don’t forget that you can get posts delivered directly to your inbox by subscribing to the newsletter. Thanks for stopping by!

Erin Busbee signature

Join the Conversation
Leave a Reply to Erin Busbee Cancel reply

18 thoughts on “11 Spring Tops That Cover Your Arms But Won’t Make You HOT

  1. I am intrigued with the ATM shirt. I love a good white tee! How do they run? What size are you wearing? Cheers ☺️

    1. You’d LOVE this white tee, Katie! It fits true to size, so I went with my normal size of a small for the perfect fit. Enjoy the rest of your week! ~Erin xo

  2. I finally scored the MISA top – they keep selling out. I have to wait a month but it will still give me planting of wearing time. I also have two of the RAILS button shirts and love them (white and a gradient stripe in blue and beige). I’m a huge fan of longer sleeves – lighter weight shirts for summer. Keeps the sun burn away and looks so chic. Thanks for sharing these!

  3. I just turned sixty five. There is a lot of body parts I complain about , but I push mow….no self propelled mower for me. I am always raking, digging in dirt, planting stuff so my arms are decent looking. I don’t always wear sleeveless, but if It do, I am not ashamed of my arms and I do have muscle in my arms.

  4. Always love your suggestions and sefin shop them. Quick question on a purse (everyday crossbody). What color hardware??sIlver, gold or gunmetal? CaSual tumi

Explore More

Posts You'll Love
Seasons

10 Stylish Spring Outfit Ideas for Every Occasion You Have Coming Up!

I’m sharing 10 stylish outfits for 10 different occasions you might have come up this…
Read Post
For Less Friday

For Less Friday – The Stunning White Dress You’ll Wear On Repeat This Spring

Every woman needs a little white dress and this one is the perfect white midi…
Read Post
BASICS

10 Closet Essentials That You Can Wear Now Into Spring – You’ll LOVE These Finds!

Sharing 10 elevated spring closet essentials that you can wear into spring and summer!
Read Post
LIFESTYLE

We Need To Talk About A Horrific Attempted Abduction – It Happened To One Of Us

This scary story about human trafficking hit too close to home. What we learned...
Read Post