Your choice of sleeves can make or break an outfit. The right sleeves on a cute top can add style and flair, while the wrong ones can make you look frumpy and out of fashion. There are many different styles of sleeves to choose from, and the right one depends on the look you’re going for. Here are 13 different types of sleeves to help you make sense of your options.
Table of Contents
1. Cap Sleeves
Cap sleeves extend just over the shoulder, ending at the point where the arm begins to curve. This seam will usually sit at the edge of the shoulder, creating a slight cap-like effect. Whatever your style, cap sleeves are a great way to add a touch of charm and refinement to any outfit. Cap sleeves are a flattering style for many women as they help to accentuate the neck and shoulders while still providing coverage.
2. Dolman Sleeves
Dolman sleeves are a wildly trendy sleeve style that is wide at the shoulder and narrow at the wrist. They are found on a variety of tops and are a great way to add a little bit of edge to your look. In particular, dolman sleeves are often used in designs that feature an asymmetrical neckline. This is because the widened shoulder silhouette helps to balance out the look.
3. Butterfly Sleeves
Typically styled to expose the arm, butterfly sleeves flare out from the shoulder. This style of sleeve creates a bold and unique silhouette, making it a great choice for those who want to stand out from the crowd. It’s also a distinctly feminine style that is sure to flatter any woman’s figure.
4. Bishop Sleeves
Bishop sleeves are a type of long sleeve that is full and flared at the shoulder and arm, with the volume ending at a tightly gathered cuff. The result is a refined and elegant silhouette that is often associated with formality and opulence, making it popular for special occasion attire, but these sleeves can also be found on more casual pieces.
5. Kimono Sleeves
Kimono sleeves are a type of sleeve that hangs down from the shoulder and is open at the wrist. Because the sleeves are already loose-fitting, choosing a garment that is too large can result in an unflattering look. Conversely, a garment that is too small can cause the fabric to pull and bunch up around the arms. By keeping an eye on the fit, you can ensure that your kimono sleeve clothing looks chic and elegant.
6. Off-Shoulder Sleeves
Off-shoulder sleeves are a popular fashion trend that is designed to sit off the shoulder, providing a feminine and flattering look. While off-shoulder sleeves are often associated with summertime style, they can also be worn in colder months by layering a sweater or jacket over the top.
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7. Peasant Sleeves
Peasant sleeves are billowy and loose-fitting, often with loosely gathered fabric at the cuff. This style of sleeve is often seen on bohemian-inspired blouses. Whether you’re looking for a unique fashion statement or a way to stay cool on a hot day, peasant sleeves are worth considering.
8. Puff Sleeves
Puff sleeves are a style of sleeve that is gathered at the shoulder seam, creating a puffed effect. While puff sleeves can vary in size, they typically create a dramatic silhouette that is both feminine and chic. In general, puff sleeves are considered to be complimentary to most body types as they help to emphasize the shoulders and make the waist look smaller.
9. Set-in Sleeves
Set-in sleeves are a type of sleeve that is sewn into an armhole in a garment. They are often used in tailored clothing and boutique graphic tees, as they provide a clean, finished look. Set-in sleeves are also more fitted than other styles, as they follow the contours of the arm. Set-in sleeves are a classic choice for many garments and with good reason; they provide a clean look that is both stylish and timeless.
10. Raglan Sleeves
Raglan sleeves extend in one piece from the shoulder to the cuff, without a seam at the armhole. This style of sleeve is often seen on sporty pieces like sweatshirts and baseball tees. Raglan sleeves are an ideal choice for those who want a relaxed and comfortable fit.
11. Slit Sleeves
Slit sleeves come in a variety of shapes, with one commonality: a slit or cut-out running up the length of the arm. They add a touch of glamour to any look and can help to show off the arms or shoulders. Slit sleeves are available in a range of styles, from simple cuts to more elaborate designs. Some tops even have multiple slits up the arms, creating a strikingly elegant look.
12. Cuff Sleeves
Often used in dress shirts and other formal wear, cuff sleeves are characterized by a wide band of fabric that is sewn to the bottom of the sleeve. This band can be made from the same fabric as the shirt, or it can be from a contrast fabric. Cuff sleeves are typically fastened with buttons or cuff links. Some cuff sleeves also have a pleat, which adds an extra layer of fabric to the bottom of the sleeve.
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13. Bell Sleeves
Bell sleeves are a type of sleeve that is flared at the bottom, giving them a bell-like shape. This dramatic silhouette is often seen on bohemian-inspired pieces. Bell sleeves are a great way to add some flair to your outfit, but they can also be difficult to style. If you choose a bell sleeve, make sure the rest of your outfit is fairly simple so that you don’t look too over the top.
Final Thoughts
There you have it – 13 different types of sleeves that you’ll see on shirts. While some sleeves are more popular than others, all of them can be stylish and flattering if you choose the right garment. The next time you’re shopping for a shirt, keep these sleeve styles in mind to help you find the perfect piece.