What To Wear When You Have a Broken Arm : 5 Tops to Wear With Arm Casts
Hi Deborah,
Can you give me some ideas for tops to wear with arm casts? My dominant arm is broken, and it’s really hard to put together a look, let alone apply makeup. I just had surgery on Wednesday, so I have been wearing short-sleeve stretchy tees and yoga pants. My mother always believed that if you “dressed up,” you would feel better, so suggestions and links would be appreciated.
Thanks, Gail
So sorry to hear about your broken arm, Gail. You’ll probably be in that cast for a good six weeks or more, so good for you for wanting to heal in style! I do agree that looking good makes you feel better! That’s the power of clothes.
Whether you have a forearm cast or are wearing one that extends above your elbow, you will ideally want to seek out tops that are sleeveless or have short, loose, flowy, and stretchy sleeves.
Buttons and hooks are out unless you have someone to assist you with dressing. And the key is that you need to make sure the armhole on your top is big enough to get over your shoulder and allow your cast to fit through. I have a few ideas.
Style Snapshot
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Sleeveless or loose, stretchy tops with wide armholes are easiest to wear with a cast.
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Dolman sleeves, ponchos, and capes have wide arm openings, which make dressing easier.
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Pair these tops with stretchy leggings or elastic-waist pants for a practical, chic outfit while recovering in style.
Dolman sleeve
Have you thought about Dolman sleeves?
Dolman sleeves, also known as batwing sleeves, are sleeves that are cut deep and wide at the shoulder, with armholes that extend almost to the waist. When the arms are held outward, the fabric hangs in a long, wing-like shape. This type of sleeve makes it easy to slip on when you are wearing a cast.
The blue sweater in this photo above has Dolman sleeves that taper down to the wrist. This is a good option if you want a long-sleeve dolman sweater, as you can undo the buttons to get the cast off and then push the sleeves up to the elbow. Additionally, the leopard top features a short Dolman sleeve. See how roomy it looks? Good when you have a cast!
You can go sleeveless, of course, and this green top I’m showing is nicer than a t-shirt or tank. It is also super stretchy, so you should have no trouble slipping this on.
Ponchos and capes are also ideal. I like this camel poncho top below. It’s so Chic that your cast will fall into the background (LOL!)
Another idea – tops with bell sleeves, as long as the top is stretchy enough to allow you to get your cast through the armhole. This purple one might work.
Oversized shirts or slouchy sweatshirts are as good as jackets.
What about other types of clothing for a broken arm?
Well, as far as pants go, you are probably stuck with stretchy leggings and pants with elasticized waistbands. That’s why it’s good to have cute tops to wear with arm casts.
Be well, Gail, and I wish you all the best. I hope you heal in style!
QUICK Q&A
Sleeveless, short-sleeve, or stretchy tops with wide armholes are best. They make it easier to slip the cast through without struggling. Avoid buttons and hooks unless someone can help you dress.
Yes. Dolman sleeves are cut wide at the shoulders with deep armholes, making them roomy and easy to slide on over a cast. They’re both practical and stylish.
Long sleeves can work if they’re stretchy or designed with wide openings, such as dolman or bell sleeves. Choose styles you can push up or adjust comfortably.
Ponchos, capes, oversized shirts, slouchy sweaters, and soft jackets are great options. They provide comfort and hide the cast while still looking chic.
Stretchy leggings or elastic-waist pants are the easiest to manage one-handed. Pairing them with stylish tops ensures you stay comfortable while still feeling put-together.
I like the cape, but it’s getting a little too warm for that any other styles
When did you break your arm? I broke my humor. Also, it’s a spiral break. I’m still in so much pain, and it’s been five weeks. I was in the hospital for two weeks and have been in a skilled nursing facility for three weeks. I have one more week left.
Deb, can you share a link or any info on the short-sleeved leopard print top pictured above? Thanks.
Hi Dalene, The link for the cute leopard shirt is here: https://rstyle.me/+-sg4akQCR2dH6D0E2lPYtw
Hi Deborah.
I am struggling with what to wear with skinny legs and a big upper body (apple-shaped)
Help, please.
Hi Sandra, This article should help!https://www.fabulousafter40.com/5-tips-for-dressing-your-apple-shaped-body/
This was undoubtedly timely! I had a hard fall yesterday and broke my humerus. I’ll see the surgeon next week, and in the meantime, I’m in a sling to keep the arm immobilized. These tops should work well for me too. They should be easy to slip on without moving my arm too much. Thanks for knowing just what I needed – as always.
Hi Annemarie, So sorry to hear about your arm. This post was so timely, and I’m glad it helped. Be well!