Something that has been smoldering with me is the complete absence of short sleeves in stores. By that I mean - Why on earth is there a prohibition on short sleeves? I have heard customers complain, ask and downright demand an explanation on the absence of short sleeves in the Canadian market place. Certainly it's not the grade 8 or grade 12 grad students that are complaining, but their mothers seem to find me and complain. Mothers who want their daughters to wear more than a strapless or spaghetti strap dress in the name of modesty. Mothers who consider me to be an expert on fashion and somehow expect me to alter this course or give them a tip on where the fashion industry is hiding
all the short sleeves! Conversely, I've been one of those women who have hunted for a casual dress with short sleeves - not a cap sleeve, spaghetti strap or sleeveless dress. Even up-casual or dressy short sleeve tops to be worn with a pant or skirt eludes all but the most diligent shopper.

This problem has been going on for two summers now. I can't figure it out. With the boomers aging, does it not make sense that the fashion industry would cater to or at least fill the needs of this market? Women of a certain age want to cover their upper arm. Some women want to cover flab, others shiver with each cool breeze and want the added material for warmth and finally the third group just want a more modest look. On any given day choice is in abundance - fabric, colour, style, hem length, but individual style choice comes to a screeching halt when short sleeves comes into question.

Have you tried to buy pants that aren't low rise? Ugh!

I have an editor who says, "I have a problem with lack of collars on tops for size 16 and up. It's women with those sizes that want to hide their necks and they just don't make shirts and tops with collars. It disgusts me! I have to buy men's shirts and alter them.
Thank God I can sew!"

Is the market leaving anything lacking in your area? What is it? Finally, why isn't the industry filling these needs?