Finding a cute summer top isn’t hard—until you decide you’d like one with sleeves! Like a lot of women my age, I don’t always feel like showing my upper arms, but I also don’t want to swelter or look frumpy in a heavy, long-sleeved shirt.

The sweet spot is a top that gives you a little arm coverage but is still light, breezy, and comfortable. Here are some of the best summer tops with sleeves I’ve found for staying cool and looking stylish. From casual tees, feminine blouses, breezy linen styles, and dressier tops, these tops work with everything from shorts and jeans to skirts and summer pants.

Popover Top with Elbow Length Sleeves

One of my favorite finds this summer is this cute elbow sleeve popover top with the flattering split V-neck. It’s light, loose, and comfy, but dressier than a T-shirt. The shorter length works well with high-waisted jeans and shorts without showing your midriff. And the cheery color and print is adorable.

Lightweight Summer T-Shirts With Loose Sleeves

A simple T-shirt is one of the easiest tops to wear in summer, but sleeve length and fit make a big difference. Look for a tee with a loose short sleeve that falls below the widest part of your upper arm. A V-neck or open neckline also helps create a longer, leaner line than a high, boxy crewneck.

Soft cotton, modal, and lightweight jersey are comfortable choices for everyday wear. Just be careful with very thin fabric that clings or tight sleeves that dig into your arms.

Elbow-Sleeve Summer Tops

Elbow sleeves are one of my favorite choices when you want a little more coverage without wearing a long sleeve. They cover most of the upper arm and end near a narrower part of the body, which can make your arms appear slimmer.

This sleeve length also looks modern and intentional. Pair an elbow-sleeve top with white jeans, linen pants, or a casual summer skirt for an easy everyday outfit.

Three-Quarter-Sleeve Tops

A three-quarter sleeve draws attention toward your wrists, which are usually one of the slimmest parts of your arms. It provides plenty of coverage but still shows some skin, so it doesn’t feel as heavy as a full-length sleeve.

For summer, choose a loose three-quarter sleeve in a breathable fabric rather than anything fitted or stiff. A sleeve that can be pushed or rolled up is also useful when the temperature changes throughout the day.

Breezy Linen and Cotton Tops

Natural fabrics such as linen and cotton allow air to circulate, making them some of the best choices when you want sleeves in hot weather. A relaxed linen shirt, cotton gauze blouse, or linen-blend top can give you arm coverage while still feeling light and airy.

Look for softly structured styles rather than very oversized shirts. Too much fabric can make you look larger, especially when the sleeves and body are both extremely loose.

Flutter-Sleeve Tops

Flutter sleeves are soft, feminine, and especially nice in summer. They float over the upper arm instead of hugging it, providing coverage while allowing plenty of movement and airflow.

The most flattering flutter sleeves fall softly and don’t stick straight out from the shoulder. A V-neck flutter-sleeve top is particularly pretty because it balances the extra volume at the sleeve and draws the eye upward toward your face.

Dolman and Batwing-Sleeve Tops

I’ve always liked a batwing or dolman-sleeve blouse for women who are self-conscious about their arms. The wide, draped sleeve doesn’t cling, and the diagonal line created by the sleeve can be very slimming.

Since these tops have more volume through the upper body, they look best with a slimmer or more streamlined bottom. Try one with straight-leg jeans, cropped pants, or a sleek summer skirt to keep the proportions balanced.

Blouson and Puff-Sleeve Tops

A softly gathered blouson or puff sleeve can camouflage the upper arm while adding a feminine touch to a simple summer outfit. The key is choosing a sleeve with gentle volume rather than a very large, stiff puff that makes your shoulders look wider.

I especially like blouson sleeves that taper into a light cuff near the elbow or forearm. They create shape without clinging to the part of the arm you may prefer to cover.

Eyelet, Lace, and Crochet-Sleeve Tops

Eyelet, lace, and open-stitch sleeves are a pretty way to get coverage without looking or feeling covered up. The small openings allow air to pass through while the texture helps disguise the skin underneath.

These details also make a basic summer top feel more special. A white eyelet blouse looks fresh with denim, while a lace or crochet-sleeve top can easily be dressed up with tailored pants or a skirt.

Sheer-Sleeve Summer Blouses

A blouse with sheer or semi-sheer sleeves gives you the illusion of coverage while still feeling light. Chiffon, mesh, and fine organza sleeves can soften the look of the upper arms without adding weight to your outfit.

Sheer sleeves are particularly useful for dinners, celebrations, and other occasions when you want something dressier than an everyday cotton top.

Roll-Tab and Button-Sleeve Shirts

A roll-tab shirt lets you adjust your sleeve length depending on the weather and how much coverage you want. Rolling the sleeve to just below the elbow often looks more flattering and relaxed than leaving a lightweight shirt fully buttoned at the wrist.

Choose a soft shirt that drapes instead of a stiff, boxy button-down. Wearing the neckline slightly open also keeps the shirt from looking too severe or covered up.

Dressy Summer Tops With Sleeves

When you’re going out for dinner or attending a summer event, look for a blouse with a beautiful neckline, fluid fabric, or interesting sleeve detail. A flutter sleeve, sheer sleeve, or softly draped elbow sleeve can give you coverage without making the top look matronly.

These tops are easy to pair with white pants, wide-leg trousers, or a flowing midi skirt. Add a pretty earring or necklace to bring the focus toward your face.

Casual Printed Summer Tops

Prints are helpful when you don’t want attention focused on one particular area. Florals, soft geometrics, and watercolor prints keep the eye moving and can make the outline of your arms less noticeable.

Choose a print in colors that brighten your face and keep the rest of your outfit fairly simple. A printed top with solid pants or shorts is an easy way to look lively and summery.

Travel-Friendly Tops With Sleeves

The best travel tops are lightweight, comfortable, and easy to wear more than once. Look for wrinkle-resistant fabric, a sleeve that doesn’t restrict your movement, and a neckline that works with several different bottoms.

A printed blouse, elbow-sleeve tee, or lightweight roll-tab shirt can take you from sightseeing during the day to dinner at night. It’s even better if the top can be hand-washed and dries quickly.

My Favorite Summer Tops for Upper-Arm Coverage

You don’t have to choose between covering your arms and staying cool. The right summer top can do both—and still look fresh and modern.

Try a few different sleeve lengths and see what makes you feel fabulous. You may be surprised how much difference the right sleeve can make!