I have developed a mistrust of cardigans. Sounds a bit weird, I know, but bear with me. I’ve been cleaning out my closet recently, and one of the things I seem to have an abundance of is black cardigans. It got me thinking about how I ended up with so many items of clothing that pretty much look the same, and I realised that they were a carry over from the days when I thought that my arms had to be covered at all times because holy shit, what if someone saw my jiggly arms and realised I was fat?
I hear women saying all the time that they love a certain dress or a top but they wish it had sleeves to cover up their arms, and I totally understand because I’ve been there! I have had big arms since I was a teenager, and no matter what size my body was they have always been something I’ve been a little bit self conscious about.
I’ve noticed that many plus size clothes come without sleeves (and some brands are more known for this than others), but then alongside those sleeveless clothes are the cardigans. An abundance of them. Every season, cardigans. I haven’t noticed this abundance of cardigans in straight size stores – sure there are a couple of options out there but there are also a much bigger variety of choice when it comes to sleeve lengths and styles on tops and dresses. All I really want is options! A bit of variety!
It’s been suggested to me that certain retailers make sleeveless tops and dresses because then if you want to cover your arms you are forced to purchase a second item of clothing in order to do that. Enter cardigans, shrugs and boleros – a staple in every plus size section and store. I don’t want to be a conspiracy theorist, but from a profit standpoint that is a very clever idea – especially if you’re charging $70 (or more) for said cardigans.
This has made me a bit suspicious of cardigans in general. Will they add to my outfit and make it look more awesome or are they an extra expense solely there to play on my insecurities? It’s made me a lot more picky when it comes to cardis, that’s for sure, so now I only go for the ones that will add to my outfit. Enter this big snugly orange jumper. It’s a great colour to break up my mostly black wardrobe and the toggle details are a cool point of interest (even if they’re never gonna do up over my boobs). The last thing I thought about when I picked out this cardi was whether or not it hid my fat arms!
Of course, I could just be reading way too much into this and the cardigans could be nothing more than a way to keep warm. What do you reckon? Do you hate having to pay extra to cover up your arms or does it not bother you? I think personally I’d just like to have more sleeve options available – I’ve noticed especially in winter that there are a lot of sleeveless options, just when it’s really bloody cold!
What do you think about the cardigan conspiracy?
Is it just a ploy to get us to spend more money?
Meagan wears:
Kate Madison 3/4 Sleeve Scoop Neck Top from The Warehouse (24)
Warpaint Boyfriend Joggers from 17 Sundays (26)
Roller Ladder Knit Boyfriend Cardi from 17 Sundays (26)
Basics Brand Sports Shoes from The Warehouse (8)
I never thought about this before but reading this I was reflecting on the number of cardigans I own and thinking OH.MY.GOD you’re on to something! I have to learn to love my arms more but I’m sure this must be a marketing strat! Love the colour of that cardi though, really suits ya xx
It’s a pretty clever marketing strategy, right? Especially when you’re in store and trying something on, put on a cardi to finish the look and before you know it, you’ve bought a cardi that is almost identical to five you already have at home. Yes, I’ve been there haha.
This cardigan is so pretty Meagan! I love the spotted details and the bright colour. Perfect for chilly evenings to wrap around yourself and snuggle into.
Thanks Sam! I’m loving the colour too 😀
Never thought of it from that perspective but it certainly makes sense.
I love cardigans! While I have jiggly arms I don’t think anything about walking around in a singlet. But I love the layered look plus warmth and comfort cardigans offer.
However, that being said, I’d never buy a CC cardigan as they are a rip off. Better sticking with a good old Warehouse or Kmart cardigan, that way (if you’re like me) getting one in every colour isn’t expensive
I prefer bare arms most of the time now, unless it’s chilly. Speaking of The Warehouse though, they’ve got some cute cardis coming in for spring/summer – I got a sneak peek and there are a couple that maaaaaay have made their way into my wardrobe
Interesting… I’ve never thought of it like that before. I’ve never felt a need to cover up my arms before and therefore never really thought about the lack ofoptions for plus size clothing that cover yours arms (excluding cardis, boleros etc).
I’d like to be naive and think that plus size retailers aren’t there to take advantage of us though I guess there is always someone…. It’s given me something to think about tho
I didn’t notice it until someone mentioned it to me and now I see it everywhere – especially at CC!