Wedding Dresses for Chubby Arms That You’ll Love
Embracing Body Positivity with Love and Celebration
After you get engaged, you first envision how you will look on your wedding day. This magical moment of the bride effortlessly gliding down the aisle, towards your true love glowing with pride, and looking so stunning that there isn’t a dry eye at your wedding.
Everyone dreams of the vision of you in your wedding gown, but quite a few think of it with anxiety. Achieving this vision can seem daunting because it’s placed on such a pedestal that it seems unachievable. The path seemingly laid with traps of affordability, execution, and self-deprecation.
The parts of our bodies that we are most self-conscious about, that society has told us not to love, jump to the forefront of our wedding dress shopping experience. When choosing their wedding dress, some brides claim that they need a wedding dress for “chubby arms.”
The fear of how your arms will potentially look in a gown often keeps you from even trying on a dress that could be your dream dress. With all the wedding dresses in the world, it would be a shame to miss out on any of them because you feel like they couldn’t possibly flatter your arms.
Wearing the wedding gown of your dreams starts with your body receiving your love, support, and celebration. How you verbally and emotionally treat your arms changes how you feel about them and how you dress.
While you will look good in any wedding dress your heart desires, we will lay out the most popular styles, cuts, and wedding dresses for chubby arms just in case you want to cover up those insecurities with beauty and grace.
Things to Consider When Choosing a Wedding Dress for Chubby Arms
There are no hard and fast rules about finding the perfect wedding dress for you, so do some research into all of the silhouettes and feel empowered to try on anything that catches your eye. Adding sparkle to a wedding dress can always draw eyes away from your arms and only to the parts you desire. If you’re unsure how to add sparkle to a wedding dress, look at some options. It can be as simple as a belt, crystals, or even some shoulder jewelry.
When looking through wedding dresses for chubby arms options, if you’re still hesitant to show off your arms, you should consider comfort and fabric first.
You will be wearing your dress for a very long time, so make sure that the sleeves are comfortable to have on for at least a few hours. Look at the fabric, fit, and sleeve length to wear your dress comfortably all night. The fit shouldn’t be too tight, while the material and length should complement the weather of your wedding season.
The fabric also plays a role in style. A gown with satin sleeves provides structure and body, giving it a classic elegant look, while sleeves of organza or chiffon add flowy elements to your dress. The structure of satin will help if you’re feeling self-conscious about your arms while depending on the length, flowy sleeves will help draw attention away.
Whatever style sleeve you decide, it all depends on the fit, and know that every dress fits everyone differently. Know that you are beautiful, and never compromise on comfort. You can also always choose your dream dress and then accessorize your wedding dress to whatever vision makes you most comfortable.
Top Wedding Dress Styles for Brides with Chubby Arms
Long Sleeve Gowns
Sheer Sleeves
Tulle-sleeved wedding dress Via 77kleitas on Etsy
The classic white tulle sleeve lets you show off your arms without completely covering them up. They are an excellent option for warmer-weather weddings since sheer sleeves are breathable and cooler than regular sleeves.
Flared Sleeves
Floral wedding dress with flared sleeves Via 77kleitas on Etsy
Flared sleeves usually hit about ¾ sleeve length and then have a swath of flared fabric. This gives some dramatic flare while providing coverage that isn’t a full sleeve. Usually perfected on boho wedding dresses, this is a great whimsical option. The overall flare of the sleeves will accentuate your “chubby arms” in your wedding dress in all the right ways.
Lace Sleeves
Lace wedding gown Via 77kleitas on Etsy
Lace sleeves are a great option because they can come in any length and any design. Lace has this timeless, delicate beauty and a flattering element that compliments any bride. Plus, you can get it in any shade of white or even colors that you want.
2. Draped Wedding Gowns
Chiffon Draping
Chiffon draped wedding dress Via OhMyGown on Etsy
Draped wedding dresses are about letting the fabric fall in flattering draping, and it’s the new rouching. Rouching was popular because of its camouflage effect, and draping brings those same elegant effects to mask any parts of your body deemed “unflattering.”
Organza Draping
Draping wedding gowns only works for so many fabrics because it’s all about letting the fabric work its magic, and each fabric sets its own tone. Organza creates a beautiful, thicker layer of material without looking clunky. This will help make your arms look smaller on your big day.
3. Illusion Necklines
High-Neck Illusion
High-neck illusion wedding dress Via 77kleitas on Etsy
Illusion necklines are all about blurring the lines between sexy, romantic, and classy. The illusion should continue down through the sleeves. Illusion necklines allow your sleeves to run all the way up to your collarbones and neck, giving you a long, gorgeous slimming line.
Sheer Illusions
Sheer illusion wedding gown Via GetDressUsa on Etsy
Some illusion necklines bring the design all the way up to the neck while others are created with designs meant to draw eyes to your most flattering body parts. The most popular illusions are usually sheer with designs dispersed across the arms, neck, and chest.
4. Puffy or Pleated Gowns
Pleated Wedding Gowns
Pleated sleeve wedding dress Via AandMEnterprises on Etsy
Pleated skirts are coming back into style lately and wedding dresses with pleats are starting to head down the aisle. Wedding gowns with pleats bring texture to the dress without flashy beading or applique but are more modern than lace. They are beautiful and unique options for brides looking for a more straightforward statement gown. Plus, their vertical lines help to blend your arms in with the dress.
Boho Puffy Sleeves
Boho, sleeved wedding dress Via 77kleitas on Etsy
Long, boho, puffy sleeves bring a vintage charm to your wedding day vision. Touching on romantic stories of old puffy sleeves allows for extra room around your arms while not hugging every detail.
Short Puffy Sleeves
Puffy sleeve wedding dress for chubby arms Via 77kletias on Etsy
Just because you want sleeves doesn’t mean we must hit our wrists with fabric. You can opt for a short, puffy sleeve that adds a flare of flirty fun to your gown and conceals your arms.
5. Off-the-Shoulder Wedding Dresses
Short Sleeve Off-the-Shoulder Gown
Short sleeve, off-the-shoulder wedding dress Via 77kleitas on Etsy
Off-the-shoulder doesn’t have to mean serious elegance and long draping sleeves. There are fun, flirty options that provide a little coverage while bringing out your style. Short, off-the-shoulder sleeves keep most of your arms showing while providing coverage to the chubbiest parts of our arms.
Chiffon Off-the-Shoulder Dress
Chiffon off-the-shoulder wedding dress Via AllysFashion on Etsy
Off-the-shoulder gowns thrive in structure and support. Having a classic sweetheart neckline with flowing off-the-shoulder chiffon sleeves creates a structured, stunning, timeless vision. Without structure, you could be pulling at your bodice or sleeves all evening, and that brings even more attention to your arms.
Detachable Sleeve Off-the-Shoulder Gown
Detachable sleeve fairy wedding dress Via FashionLaceDesign on Etsy
Not all off-the-shoulder dresses are created equally, and they come in many shapes and fabrics. When you’re not sure if you want to cover your arms or not, you really need a wedding dress that has some tricks up its sleeve. Some come with detachable sleeves, so as your confidence grows, you can shed some of your layers.
6. Alternative Wedding Dress Accessories for Chubby Arms
Floral Sleeved Wedding Dresses
Floral-sleeved wedding dress Via floraandlane on Etsy
Colorful florals set in gowns of white are becoming more popular with every creative boho bride. Having vines and florals climbing your dress will keep your guests’ eyes on your dress overall rather than specific parts of your body.
Celestial Sleeves
Celestial half-sleeve wedding dress Via floraandlane on Etsy
Nothing is more fun than a bride who takes risks. If that’s you and you want your dress to reflect those out-of-this-world ideas, look no further than the heavens. With such intricate designs on your dress, you will feel confident enough to wear a wedding dress with chubby arms no matter what!
Bridal Capes
Tulle bridal cape and wedding dress Via LilacMoonBridalWear on Etsy
Have you found your dream dress, but it doesn’t have the sleeves you want? Or are you asking your self-consciousness to be brave and love your arms so you can wear your dream dress? You could always wear sleeves and have them attached, or you could add a veil cape. Veil capes add a whimsical and dramatic flair to your wedding vision and give the arms coverage that you may be looking for.
Additional Tips for Brides with Chubby Arms
A dream wedding dress comes in all shapes, sizes, colors, and fabrics. They are all meant to look individually unique for every uniquely individual bride. The best thing you can do for your comfort is make your dress a custom fit to your body.
Factor in fittings and alterations into your dress budget because the more your dress is made to fit you, the more confident you will feel. Customizing your sleeves so that they are tailor-made to fit and flatter your arms is such a freeing gift for yourself on your big day.
You could even make the sleeves detachable so that they’re covered for the ceremony, and you’re free to dance the night away during the reception. If you’re still not sold on having a dress with sleeves, you could consider bringing in alternative accessories.
Boleros and jackets give you coverage and exciting layers to add to your gown. An emerging accessory is wedding capes. They are similar to veils, except they rest across your shoulders. A wedding cape gives all the romantic, ethereal vibes while still covering your shoulders and arms. But they allow them to be accessible to move, and you can take them off after the ceremony.
What Dress Style is Best for Chubby Arms?
The sleeve design you are most comfortable with will affect how the rest of your dress looks. So, focusing on your sleeve style will help you with the rest of the silhouette. Silhouette is all about balance and line. So, if you want a romantic flowing sleeve, you will want a long, trained, whimsical dress to match.
A full ball gown always compliments puffy sleeves. Whatever you decide, make sure that you start with the sleeves, achieve balance and symmetry on the bottom, and accessorize to completion.
FAQs
How Do I Make My Arms Look Thinner in a Wedding Dress?
The first step to making your arms look thinner in a wedding dress is to not focus on them, not just in the physical design of your dress but also mentally. Mentally and emotionally, don’t limit your dress designs because of any insecurity you may have.
You should feel comfortable in your dress, but you should also feel confident enough not to change your vision over it. If you’re looking at designs to help you achieve that comfort, then you want to look for gowns with sleeves that have textures, interesting draping, and fabric that looks like a statement and not about coverage.
Things that flow, drape, and puff give you an extra fabric that is about style, and when it’s a choice about style, confidence will never be in question. Accessories like bridal capes and jackets also provide coverage to your arms without interfering with your dress design.
Can I Wear a Strapless Wedding Dress with Chubby Arms?
You can wear a strapless wedding dress with chubby arms. You can wear a strapless dress any day of the week, especially on your wedding day. A strapless dress gives you freedom of movement and keeps you from getting too hot while dancing or walking along the beach.
However, if you want to wear a strapless dress but want some coverage, you can opt for an off-the-shoulder option, an added accessory like a cap or bolero, or even detachable sleeves.