Arm Warmers Prolong That Summer Feel

There was a time when the cooler weather was nature’s indicator that it was time for women to say goodbye to shoulder-flaunting tank tops and sexy, sleeveless blouses until next spring. Well, not anymore.

This fall, a hot new accessory is hitting stores that will allow women to defy those dastardly wintry chills: arm warmers.

Whether they’re woolen, crocheted or spandex versions, these tubular creations have been spotted on such celebrities as Pink, Jessica Alba and Britney Spears.

“Most women are working out more now, and they don’t want to cover up that toned shoulder or bicep,” said Tom Julian, a New York-based fashion trend analyst with Fallon Worldwide.

Sasha Charnin Morrison, fashion market director at Allure magazine, said the first signs of this trend were seen a few years ago when designer Helmut Lang showed a series of long-sleeved tops that were cut to leave sections of the arms exposed.

Then, NBA bad-boy Allen Iverson began wearing long arm bands during games early this year, and posters for Fox series “Dark Angel” appeared recently featuring Jessica Alba prominently donning them.

But the accessory isn’t for all women. “You do have to have a shapely arm,” Julian said. “It doesn’t need to be slender, but if you are short forearmed and lacking in shape in the biceps area, this wouldn’t be complimentary.”