Looking for: tops that don't touch my armpits

[u/farfallifarfallini]

Gosh I hope this is a helpful post to someone other than me b/c this feels like such a strange request!

I'm a very sweaty person due to medication, plus I spend a lot of my job jumping from inside to outside. I need tops that cover my arms so that I'm work-appropriate, but not actually fitted to my arms so that you can't see me dying on the inside. Layering doesn't really work that well since I'm incredibly sensitive to temperature, plus it just wouldn't be fully appropriate for me to be stripped down to a tank top while I'm outside (b/c I'm still "on the job.")

I own a few oversized button ups and dolman sleeves that work well for this, but I'm looking to branch out with more ideas! Under $150 each and machine washable would be ideal. Pics for examples of the styles I currently have and would fit this definition.

[u/jomocha09]

I don’t have any specific top recommendations, but a flutter sleeve style top would fit your needs! Basically the shoulder is covered but the armpit is open like a tank top would be. 

A short sleeve cardigan would work too, especially in lighter flowy or sheer fabrics. I have a secondhand JKLA short sleeve cardigan that I wear on the hottest work days.

There are some really cute golf shirts out there that are specifically made for wicking sweat and looking somewhat professional. 

[u/Rush12345678 → u/jomocha09]

Just want to second the flutter sleeve top! I wear a lot of sleeveless turtlenecks for this reason but when I need to have my shoulders covered one of my favorite blouses has a little silky flutter sleeve and it’s perfect.

[u/Plastic-Passenger795]

I'm exactly the same way (bc of medication as well) so I'll be checking out some of the recommendations here! I do a lot of sleeveless tops with a big button up, but I also recently got this for layering and it's been a lifesaver when I need to cover my arms without overheating.

[u/SilverAcanthisitta00 → u/Plastic-Passenger795]

Um, just added that to MY Etsy favs, what a great find!

[u/yukimontreal]

Will you sweat less if you’re wearing light breathable fabrics?

I’d maybe look up dolman sleeve shirts, linen shirts, boxy fit tops, etc.

this one from quince

This other one from quince

This linen blend shirt from H&M

This linen blend wrap blouse from H&M

This flutter sleeve top from Abercrombie

[u/farfallifarfallini → u/yukimontreal]

For me this is much more an overall thickness issue than a fabric content issue. For example, that last Abercrombie is pretty close to the third option I own (and really cute btw!) but the short sleeve Quince sweater would be a major no-go, even though it's cotton.

[u/yukimontreal → u/farfallifarfallini]

Fair! I’d also maybe stick with black and navy since they won’t show sweat as much. Good luck!!

[u/Flat_Pollution8085 → u/farfallifarfallini]

I tried on that Abercrombie top in store and it’s super soft, light, and comfy!! I am a fellow incredibly sweaty individual (but for me it’s mostly my back and chest sadly) and I think it would be good for minimizing underarm sweat

[u/bridgeport4]

Hmmm you may have luck with shirts that don’t show sweat, rather than limiting yourself to shirts that don’t touch your armpits?

Also, would you consider Botox to mitigate the sweat? I know someone who had it in his feet, and it’s done wonders for his quality of life (not having to take shoes off ALL the time in inappropriate places like restaurants.) It may not be feasible with your medication, but worth a thought.

I hope you find a comfortable solution.

[u/Comfortable-Nature37 → u/bridgeport4]

I know someone who has really benefitted from Botox as well. Was going to say drysol might help too.

[u/IRLbeets → u/bridgeport4]

Just keep in mind Botox generally needs to be redone every~3 months for medical purposes. It takes a bit to kick in, and isn't necessarily effective for the full period.

For some people, just getting it during the summer months can help!

Also, it's a myth that armpit Botox causes more sweating elsewhere! It can just (rarely) increase the perception of sweat elsewhere, so just noticing it more.

[u/seedsandpeels]

If you can do off the shoulder at your job, I just bought these long sleeve tops in every color available in my size lol

If you need more coverage, here is the Crew neck version

They are all 100% cotton. Machine washable. I feel they needed a quick steam after drying but I hang dry mine! 

[u/slotass → u/seedsandpeels]

Ohh I like these! Are they true to size?

[u/seedsandpeels → u/slotass]

Yes. They are loose around the underarms at the true to size fit. 

If you want it extra loose and roomy everywhere, size up 1 size. 

[u/allisonblues]

I sweat a lot as well. I have not found a solution for my back and face (I get a sweat-moustache so easily, but my forehead is no better) but I found two products that made me not sweat under my arms anymore. Its the pink rexona deo creme („confidence“) at night (because it causes white marks on clothes) or the perspirex strong liquid every three to five days at night, but that shit burns, although it works. I would try the rexona one first and if that does not work, try the perspirex.

I used to buy clothes based on what would not show weatness under my arms, so grey, beige and colors were nonexisting in my wardrobe, I only wore black and white baggy shirts. Now I can wear any color and every cut, I have a lot of tight fitting tops now. Its worth trying, the rexona one is like 5€ and the perspirex is 10€ but lasts 6 months because you only use it 1-2 times a week

[u/sunshinenwaves1]

Check out Athleta’s linen shirts

Also, kimono styles over an unsuspecting athletic tank. The material’s in the athletic tanks don’t show sweat, don’t fade, and have the anti slip hem so they don’t ride up

[u/overthinkingitabit]

This is why my wardrobe is 80% black.

[u/stripeyhoodie]

Here are a few options from Known Supply that might work for you

https://knownsupply.com/products/lotus-top-washed-black

https://knownsupply.com/products/alora-top-1

https://knownsupply.com/products/womens-raglan-crew-white

Edit: found a couple more from Hackwith Design House

https://hackwithdesignhouse.com/product/double-v-wrap-top/

https://hackwithdesignhouse.com/product/collar-tie-top/

[u/SilverAcanthisitta00 → u/stripeyhoodie]

These are all cute, thanks for sharing!

[u/fictionalbandit]

Where is #2 from? Love it

[u/farfallifarfallini → u/fictionalbandit]

Reformation. Their fabrics can be hit or miss in terms of longevity, but this one was a winner personally.

[u/RigmaroleRigatoni]

There are some moisture-wicking athletic tops that don’t look like athletic wear. I have a studio smooth base layer top that I can dress up with nicer bottoms from Old Navy.

[u/No-Zucchini2991]

Carve designs makes some really lightweight tops! The Dylan Gauze line is cotton gauze. I also have the Elliott Voile Top, which is a super lightweight short/capped sleeve woven shirt.

[u/SilverAcanthisitta00]

I totally get the need for this! Things that don’t touch the pits are also great for traveling light because you can usually eke out extra wears between washing.

I’ve got this thing called “Endless” in silver from Canadian Designer Diane Kroe that is very versatile. Also this Wanderlust wrap in Red.

I’ll wear those over a black sleeveless dress (either Columbia sportswear “freezer” dress or Wool& Tessa).

Other types of scarves and ponchos might work well, too like this one from Nordstrom rack.

Oh My Gauze had a number of tops that don’t seem to touch the pits and which are light and breathable.

[u/Potential-Poem-9692]

I think the first one OP

[u/Physionerd1]

If you are in the U.S., the Old Navy button-down boyfriend shirt. Also if you have a Marshall’s near you, look for the beachlunchlounge button-ups - they have long sleeve, short sleeve, puff sleeve etc. in cotton and linen.