Like Darlene, I mostly avoid dolman sleeves. Sure, they mean there’s more room for boobs, but they usually have a weird boxy shape that completely swallows your figure. Even on rail-thin ladies, I am not a fan. Even with the gorgeous red cocktail dress from Saint Bustier that Darlene shared in her post, I just don’t understand the point. What’s the appeal of webbed armpits??
I tried the same three dolman-sleeve tops that Darlene included in her post, and my opinion remains unchanged. Of course, Darlene and I have different proportions and heights, so what looks good on her naturally may not work on me, but I still had to laugh at how terrible I think these garments look on me compared to her.
First, the snuggly sweater:
Look, Ma, no waist! This sweater is super soft, but I was super not-a-fan of the tighter hem hitting me at just the right spot so the folded over bits on the side blossomed out right at my waist—and turned it from my smallest part to my biggest. It was even worse if my arms weren’t glued to my sides:
What is happening at my biceps??
It’s not as bad if I strike a sassier pose, but I certainly wouldn’t be standing around like this all day—and I still don’t like that webbed armpit!
Next up is the Rock Cotton tunic, but again I wasn’t happy:
This tunic was shockingly long. I thought maybe it just looked long on Darlene because she’s more petite, and that it might be true tunic-length on me, but it’s definitely long enough to be a dress. In fact, it would probably look cute with black tights and a pair of moto boots…that is, if it didn’t swallow my waist again.
Like the sweater, the fabric here is a dream. It’s really soft and stretchy, and I like the goth tie-dye look of the print. But it was very tight on my hips, which made te top half billow out even more, a look I did not appreciate. If the whole thing were loose, I could probably wear it with a wide belt, but as it is, the proportions just don’t work for me.
Once again, though, a crooked elbow and a cocked hip make all the difference:
Finally, we have the cropped blazer, which I actually quite like!
This one highlights my waist instead of hiding it: The bottom button hits right at my waist’s smallest point, the flared opening creates an arrow pointing right at my waist, and the sleeves stop at my waist. The jacket is conspiring to make me look thinner instead of boxier!
Something about the way the stiffer, tailored fabric lays in the armpit region also keeps it from bunching up on the front side of my armpit.
Still, I think a normal-sleeved cropped jacket with a peplum would be similar but slightly cuter.
So, conclusion: Big boobs don’t really affect how flattering a dolman top is…because they’re not very flattering on any shape, in my opinion! (Sorry, Darlene.)
The expression on your face says it all…
I had no idea dolman sleeves are so polarizing.
I do find certain dolman cuts flattering; however, I’m working with the wide shoulder challenge…so straight seamed shoulder cuts can look comical on me as 90% are too narrow.
I agree the narrower cuts, waist definition, as well as a length that works for the individual are key to making dolmans work for hourglass type figures. I can’t wear the batwing styles or lengths that pool at my hips/waist, either.
I honestly hadn’t ever thought of what end of the dolman debate I lean toward, and now I honestly can’t say! I don’t think I actually own many tops with dolman sleeves, but I like the drape-y style and don’t mind the webbed pits. In reality I feel like I am continually trying them on only to be disappointed by them…but I haven’t been shopping in a very long time and my memory is failing me! I’ll have to experiment soon. I love the cropped jacket on you. And I love your faces in the other photos.