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Writer's pictureAbbi McMurdy

Why are we 'wearing our emotions? and why are we 'wearing' them on our sleeves?


Let’s travel back in time to build some context around this well-known saying.

It’s most likely that the phrase ‘wear your heart on your sleeve’ originated from Medieval Jousters. The knights would often wear a lady’s token around their armour which protected and covered their arm (the sleeve).


Another theory may have been directed to the Middle Ages when young men and women drew names out of a bowl to see who their Valentine would be. The name drawn out would be worn on their sleeve to match them to a partner.

Whilst Shakespear’s take of ‘heart on my sleeve’ was meant with a different meaning. In Othello, Largo confesses to treacherous acts and said that by wearing his heart upon his sleeve, or by truly exposing himself and opening himself up, he would be inviting crows to peck away at him.

‘But I will wear my heart on my sleeve For daws to peck at: I am not what I am.’


Largo assumed that his openness and vulnerability would appear trustworthy and faithful to Othello and therefore, he would keep his true emotions and intentions hidden.


Fast forward to today and we interpret this saying in the sense of openness to express our emotions freely.

The heart is a known symbol of love, romance, and courage.

empower real conversations.

I’ve based the heart on the sleeve at the centre of my brand to enable others to feel a little more empowered when they need it most. To raise awareness about the importance of speaking up when you’re not ok.

The heart represents what you want it to be. It’s your opportunity to take control to reinforce empowerment when wearing your heart on your sleeve.


Ways to wear your ❤️ on your sleeve

To empower real conversations,

To encourage strength,

A touching point when your emotions are raw,

Embrace your inner warrior and roar.

A confidence armour or as simple as

Bringing a pop of colour to the sleeve.


What the heart means to me

Every time I see the heart it makes me smile. It gives me that touching point of feeling loved and also a reminder to feel fabulous. I’m also a massive fan of pops of colour so to add this feel good vibe into the design is the icing on the cake wouldn’t you agree?


Here’s why I feel that wearing your heart on your sleeve will enable you to find your inner warrior:

  1. Letting people see the real you, after all people connect with people and genuine connections are made for the right reasons.

  2. Your friendships will always be based on authenticity.

  3. You will embrace friendship and love at every opportunity.

  4. You will understand what compassion really means.

  5. You’ll know exactly what you want and how to get it by learning how to navigate your emotions. You won’t stop yourself from getting what you want.

  6. You will show courage by not being afraid to show signs of vulnerability.

  7. Honesty is one of the best traits to own. A genuine connection that enables others to trust you implicitly.

  8. Being an optimist, you will never give up! Your persistent drive will help you to overcome any obstacles you may face.

  9. When you feel comfortable voicing your feelings you may start to take more chances.

Make the following traits work in your favour, instead of against you:

Self-awareness. Learn and understand what can trigger your emotions.

Learn how to keep your own counsel until you get to know others well enough.

Learn the art of how to listen and listen well.

Work on accepting yourself.

Believe in your passions, after all they are infectious!


The world can often feel quite overwhelming, so let your emotions and good times roll!


It all starts with a conversation.

Do you wear your heart on your sleeve?


If you want to wear your heart on your sleeve too, check out my range of fabulous designs www.fabbi.co.uk











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