Would You Wear… Gorilla Arms?

“Gorilla arms” seen on the runway at Rag & Bone, Tory Burch, and The Row. All photos courtesy of Elle.
When multiple designers (namely Tory Burch, Dolce & Gabbana, Alexander Wang & Roberto Cavalli), paired tailored jackets and coats with furry arms in their F/W 11 collections, the pieces were received with raised eyebrows. One can’t be expected to immediately fall in love with the trend dubbed “Gorilla Arms,” but might it be an acquired taste?
After all, many of us wear coats with (fake) fur accents all the time. Faux fur trim around the hood or lining of a coat is popular for winter wear, so why not wear coats with furry arms? For those reasons, I can see this trend potentially gaining popularity, at least for a season.
Then again, this look also seems like a quick fad that will most likely be reserved for luxury retailers – making it a bit impractical for the average college girl. Personally, I don’t forsee Forever 21 carrying many gorilla armed coats anytime soon and I certainly don’t expect to see them around most college campuses. Sorry, designers – I’m not particularly excited about this trend!
What are your thoughts on gorilla arms?
You’ve heard my thoughts – now I want to hear from you! Are you in love with this runway look or is it too abominable even for a snowman? How would you wear a jacket with furry arms if you had one? Comment on this post below and let me know!
Posted on on September 20, 2011 / Filed Under: Would You Wear? / Tags: Alexander Wang, Coats, Fall 2011, Fur, Rag & Bone, The Row, Tory Burch












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mandie
No i definitely won’t be sporting this trend. not a fan at all! unflattering and very strange IMO
Paula*
Nope. I would not wear those.
Christine
I don’t even wear fur-trimmed coats so definitely not going to jump to this. It’s also an impractical and expensive (doesn’t matter if Forever 21 carries it) accessory. Plus I would get a lot of negative attention and feedback on campus because there are always animal rights activists/students on campus.
Jennifer
I kind of like it actually. At least the picture in the middle from Tory Burch. It looks like a big muff! I probably would not wear it, but it could look cool.
Black Dice Watch
I personally would not wear Gorilla arms, but there are lots of items that look great on the runway that you’d never see people wearing on the street. (I hope..) lol
Yevai-Marie
ewww! nope not for me!!!!
Lindsay
Um….just, no.
Sally
Noooooooooo!
Mina
No… just no.
Danielle
noooooo thank you.
those look icky
Liz
Lol, nope!
Melissa
Erm… No, sorry! I’m not sure it’s really for me :S
Liz
Nope, definitely not. If muffs (kind of similar) came in I might try one of those, though. That doesn’t really work for biking, though.
Holly
i’d wear them if they were affordable. but, they won’t be.
Natalie
Haha this is so funny, I have my graduation in November and I was thinking “I wish there were such a thing as Arm Warmers, so I can wear a nice dress but still have warm arms under my robes.” And now there is! Amazing! Although these….are a tad OTT ! Maybe a bit less furry !
Emily
Over the top…but I am a fan of obnoxious things. I am not sure if I ever would actually wear these, but in theory I find them delightful.
jennifermc
the name “gorilla arms” makes me giggle incessantly so i’d have to say no. plus, can you imagine asking someone what they are wearing, only to have those two words as a reply? it’s a real-life “W-T-F”.
Ariel Sims
Nope.
Not at all.
jc
No way. They look ridiculous!
Ella
Never.
m
i’m with jennifermc. just the name of the trend itself is a bit off-putting. i mean, i can’t imagine someone waking up in the morning & thinking “i want my arms to look like a gorilla today.” quite the opposite, really.
arm-warmers, ala britney from glee, i can totally see, but not furry ones. the name does make me laugh, though. :D
Ally
I have to admit, I was SO intrigued when I saw the words “gorilla arms.” I could never see myself wearing these, but I have a feeling it might pop up here and there in street style. if you can work it, go for it I guess? I’m just really not a fan of the third picture, it looks like a blue stuffed animal, haha :)
Alycia
In a word…. No.
Rose
Never. Absolutely never. They look ridiculous, to be honest. And I think ‘gorilla arms’ is the most terrible name for a trend in the entire history of trends… although it would make a good band name.
Marci
Absolutely not. Never.
i.rivard
I don’t know if I’d wear it in my day to day like, I’d have to find a model that doesn’t look too much, but is also cool. On the runway, yes. It is cool. Especially the third picture, just crazy style going on.
Octavia
Uhhh…noooo…..
Lauren
No. It’s rare for me to say “no” to a weird, left-of-center trend, but even for me, this is too much. I’d never be able to respect myself in those things. :/
jacquie
no way. some trends should just be left on the runway
Noémie
Not in a million years!
Caitlin
I’ll be skipping this trend! I can’t see it becoming popular either, and even if it did I think I would still opt out.
aish
are u kidding?!
nah
Holly
Hey, so I know it is a few days late but, I just watched Changeling and Angelina Jolie rocks fur sleeves on her coat. Seeing this totally showed me that this trend can be Chic and Classy and wearable. :)
Leah
I cannot believe how many no’s there are. I would absolutely wear this! i love the trend!