Long Sleeve Tops

Women's long sleeve tops

Long sleeves answer the two constants of a working week: a cold walk to the train and an office with the air conditioning set to someone else's preference. This collection gathers Forcast's long sleeve tops in sizes 4 to 18, from fine knits and turtlenecks to satin blouses, wrap shirts and cardigans. They are cut for autumn and winter and come out again on the first cool day of spring.

Which long sleeve to choose

A fine knit such as the Tania Crew Neck Knit sits close to the body, layers under a blazer and does not crease through the day. A collared satin shirt is the dressier option and still looks sharp at five o'clock. A turtleneck like the Clarisse Turtleneck Sweater can carry a whole outfit when a coat is going over it, and a buttoned or zipped cardigan does a similar job with more give.

What to wear them with

A long sleeve in a lightweight woven fabric makes an outfit look more finished than a short sleeve does, which is why it works so well with tailoring. A sheer or full sleeve adds movement to a plain trouser or a straight skirt, while a fitted knit sleeve keeps a clean line under a jacket. A black or white long sleeve with a fitted style from midi skirts and a block heel is a reliable formula that never reads as a uniform.

Fabric and fit

Expect cotton, wool blends and jersey in the knits, and satin and poplin in the shirts and blouses. Fitted knits are best bought in your usual size so the sleeve stays where it should. If you want a looser line over the hip, size up or choose a cardigan or wrap shirt, which carry more ease by design.

How to shop it

Check the size guide before you order, particularly for close-fitting knits. More weight and texture sits in knitwear and cardigans, and the collared styles continue in shirts and blouses. If you are building outfits for the office rather than shopping by sleeve, start with work tops and layer a blazer over whichever long sleeve you land on.