A model wearing a black plus-size arm warmer sweater and white tank top.

Do It: Buy a Sweater for Just Your Arms

Yes, plus-size arm warmer sweaters exist—but we’re still not exactly sure what they are (other than delightful). Most sweaters tend to have the practical feature of keeping your body warmer than thinner tops might. Arm warmer sweaters, on the other hand, seem more for show than for function. Essentially, this knitwear trend consists of ultra-cropped sweaters that only cover your arms (and maybe your neck, if it’s a turtleneck style). They’re shrugs 2.0 and reimagined leg warmers all in one trendy little package. It’s confusing, sure, but we’re low-key into it.

Look—Some people always have cold arms. Plenty of folks are constantly catching a chill and just need a minuscule layer to help warm them up. And plus-size arm warmer sweaters manage to do that. Think of them like little blankets for your arms. Weird? Yes. Kind of cozy? Definitely.

Once you get past the fact that these pieces are a bit strange, though, go ahead and embrace them. Trends are fun—even if they aren’t always the most practical items in your wardrobe. Throw on a cream arm warmer sweater over your favorite graphic tee for an easy weekend look. Or opt for a co-ord-inspired ensemble and match your arm warmer sweater with a tank. (This works really well for neutral hues!) You can even add this trend atop your cutest midi dress for the perfect transitional vibe.

Frankly, arm warmer sweaters might slowly replace the classic cardigan. (!!) You heard it here first—now go shop the looks while they’re seriously hot.

Here at Unruly, we’re committed to featuring plus-size pieces we genuinely love and want to share with you. We’re connected to an affiliate revenue program, which means we might make a small commission when you buy products through our shopping guides. This in no way affects pieces we choose to feature, and it never will. (Confused? We’d love to answer any questions you have about this. Email us at beunrulyinfo@gmail.com!)

1. Turtleneck Sweater Sleeve Scarf

A model wearing a plus-size arm warmer sweater.

shop the look — $69.95 from ELOQUII


2. Electric Love Sweater Set

A model wearing a plus-size arm warmer sweater.

shop the look — $49.99 from Fashion Nova


3. Crewneck Sleeve Top

A model wearing a plus-size arm warmer sweater.

shop the look — $69.95 from ELOQUII


4. Plus-Size Gray Super-Cropped Sweater

A model wearing a plus-size arm warmer sweater.

shop the look — $22 from PrettyLittleThing


5. Electric Love Sweater Set

A model wearing a plus-size arm warmer sweater.

shop the look — $49.99 from Fashion Nova


6. Plus-Size Stone Super-Cropped Sweater

A model wearing a plus-size arm warmer sweater.

shop the look — $18 from PrettyLittleThing


7. Crewneck Sleeve Top

A model wearing a plus-size arm warmer sweater.

shop the look — $69.95 from ELOQUII


8. Layer Me Up Crop Top

A model wearing a plus-size arm warmer sweater.

shop the look — $19.99 from Fashion Nova


9. Plus-Size Rib Turtleneck Warmer

A model wearing a plus-size arm warmer sweater.

shop the look — $15 from Boohoo


10. Tell Me About Knit Sweater Set

A model wearing a plus-size arm warmer sweater.

shop the look — $34.99 from Fashion Nova


11. Nights in Big Bear Sweater Set

A model wearing a plus-size arm warmer sweater.

shop the look — $44.99 from Fashion Nova


12. Turtleneck Sweater Sleeve Scarf

A model wearing a plus-size arm warmer sweater.

shop the look — $69.95 from ELOQUII


13. Tell Me About Knit Sweater Set

A model wearing a plus-size arm warmer sweater.

shop the look — $34.99 from Fashion Nova