My Kit Xmas dress is tight, especially in the sleeves, as well... I've always thought AG did this so that the dress looked fitted. It can be a bit of a struggle at first, but I don't really mind it- the dress is just adorable and well worth any effort, imo. I love the Scotty pin too, though I lost the back magnet part last winter. I plan on replacing it with a back of one of those cheap magnetic earring things. Great outfit overall though.