Updates from Prima's Call to Arms campaign

When editor Maire Fahey asked you back in July for your feelings about the lack of stylish, long-sleeved tops and dresses on the high street, the letters and emails flooded in, backing Prima's call for the problem to be addressed in shops. You told us, in no uncertain terms, that while spaghetti straps are fine for 20-somethings, you want more coverage - without sacrificing glamour.

Prima's fashion editor Amanda LeGonidec says: ‘I'm very aware of the nightmare involved in finding eveningwear with an all-important sleeve. It's a problem I regularly face when I'm putting the fashion pages together, and a constant source of annoyance for many on the Prima team when we have a big event coming up. Most of the glamorous outfits from the main high street shops are sleeveless, but I know our readers want a sleeve, so it's a constant battle.'

Just in - survey results!

We all have our reasons for wanting to cover up our arms: perhaps we're simply less content with the look and tone of our upper arms as we get older, or weight gain or post-surgery scars mean we don't feel comfortable baring all. Whatever our reasons, we want the High Street to sit up and take notice - and your letters and emails have shouted this sentiment loud and clear.

Make your voice heard - join in the debate by leaving your comments below. And read the results of our survey here.

Your stories

Reader Jill Beasant is faced with the sleeve dilemma several times a year. ‘I have to attend formal events for work and find it so difficult to get anything suitable,' Jill explains. ‘I need clothes that look stylish and comfortable - shrugs and stoles don't work. I would love to be able to find stylish, fashionable but grown-up styles that suit me - not little girl dresses.'

Reader Carol Zattini, 71, from Enfield, Middlesex agrees. Her son is getting married this year, and after months looking for an outfit for the big day, without success, a disillusioned Carol says: ‘I really don't want to have to wear a cardigan or a shrug but I'm getting desperate. All I want is a short, smart dress with sleeves which won't totally break my budget.'

Many of you highlighted your increasing annoyance at being fobbed off with cardigans, shrugs or pashminas - which seem to be a lazy way for stores and designers to plug the gap. ‘Sometimes a shrug gets too hot,' says Sheila Gwilliam, from Maidenhead, Berkshire. ‘And I've never got to grips with a wrap or pashmina as they either fall into my drink or food, or they drop off and I lose them.'

Patricia Vollum, from Eckington, Sheffield, along with three friends conducted their own survey regarding sleeveless tops. Each visited different stores which included BHS, Debenhams, John Lewis and M&S. ‘Out of 100 women, aged between 17 to 88, 84 said that while the fabrics were pretty with plenty of shapes and styles to choose from, they wouldn't buy a sleeveless one for everyday-wear. I think what became most apparent was that armpits are not the most attractive part of the torso! I sincerely hope you can encourage the fashion guides and retailers to consider all of us with floppy bits.'

In the meantime, the search for the perfect dress or top goes on. Jackie Worrall, 68, from Widnes, Cheshire, tells us she has been dreaming of finding a stylish dress - with sleeves - for years. She says: ‘If you can get manufacturers to help me spend my money - and I'm not talking pennies here; I've been saving for some time because there has been nothing to buy - I will be very happy indeed!'

Another reader looking for a chance to hit the shops is Doreen Robinson from Manchester, who says: ‘Please, please, please ... sleeves, sleeves, sleeves! My purse is bursting with cash to spend!' while Joyce Anderson, from Inverness, who hasn't bought a dress for years ‘because dresses with proper sleeves are practically impossible to find,' makes a valid point: ‘Some manufacturer is going to make a fortune when the penny drops.'

It's true that with our population continuing to age at a rapid pace, the demand for clothes with sleeves can only increase.  And while most industries are clamouring for the business of the over 50s, who have more disposable income and spend more than any other age group*, the fashion industry seems to be missing a very lucrative trick. (*Mintel report - Over 50s: The Changing Lifestyles)

What's the solution?

So what can be done about this sleeve shortage? In typical Prima style, you've offered some excellent solutions. We particularly liked an idea put forward by Yvonne Harman, from Watford: ‘Shops offer length options in skirts and trousers - what about making sleeve lengths too?'

We welcome all your ideas, and over the coming months we'll be taking the best of these to the high street shops to show them what a great opportunity they're missing. We want to spend money on gorgeous clothes - so why not give us the chance? The Prima Call to Arms team has already made contact with your favourite stores, and many of them are backing our campaign, but we still need your help. You can do this by telling your friends about the campaign, and leaving your comments and suggestions in the comment box below.

We're determined to get the big clothing retailers to hear our call. In the meantime, our message to the high street is this: We'll be watching you very closely...

We asked the high street stores what they intend to do. Find out here