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Types of Sleeves – Ultimate Guide to Sleeve Styles for Your Personality

The type of sleeve chosen for a top or dress is not just a fashion choice but can make a statement about your lifestyle, and character, even your dreams and aspirations. Are you a poet, a Boho artist, festival lover, beach babe, or powerful corporate dresser? Read all about our styles and find out who you really are, according to your sleeve choice.  There are only a few main sleeve types, but many sleeve styles. The four main types are the set-in sleeve, the casual shirt sleeve, the raglan, and the kimono type sleeve. From these designers create countless sleeve styles by using cut outs, flaring here or catching in there, adding ruffles, splitting the sleeve then joining with chains, braid, ribbons or buttons, piecing the sleeve for a tailored fit, or cutting the cap height – that’s the bit at the top where it fits into the shoulder, longer so that there are gathers, or lower the cap height for a smooth fit.

Main styles of sleeve

There are 4 main styles of sleeve – set in sleeve, casual shirt sleeve, raglan sleeve and kimono sleeve.

1. Set in sleeve

You’ll find this on tailored jackets, shirts and many blouses. It fits neatly into the armhole, but needs to be well cut to allow for ease of movement.

2. Casual shirt sleeve

The casual shirt sleeve is common on T-shirts and casual shirts- the seam where the sleeve joins the body of the shirt is set just off the shoulder and is cut wider and deeper than a traditional set in sleeve to allow for ease of movement.

The same technique is used for denim jackets to create a casual, comfy fit.

3. Raglan sleeve

The raglan sleeve is most often found on sports-wear for men and women, like track suit tops, as it allows for the use of contrasting fabrics and stripes running all the way from the neck to the wrist, to give the athletic look, combined with comfort and ease of movement.

4. Kimono sleeve

The kimono type sleeve is cut all in one with the fabric of the body of the garment. It has plenty of room under the arm for movement and, because it is cut in one, does not allow for shaping, so there will be folds when the arm rests against the body, unlike with a tailored set-in sleeve, where the tailoring allows for no folds – if folds occur it means it has been badly tailored! Kimono sleeves can be deep – almost reaching to the waist, or more contoured to the body. It all depends on the type of fabric used. If it is a stretch fabric you can get a closer fit but with the traditional type kimono fabric – an embroidered satin or cotton, there is no room for stretch. To prevent the garment being shapeless and bulky it is caught in with an obi, a broad sash that is folded and tied in a particular way to finish off the traditional Japanese kimono.

Different types of sleeves

Now, for the myriad of sleeve style that designers over the centuries have created, read on.

Angel sleeve

The sleeve is so named because it looks a bit like an angel wing – the ruffled frilly sleeve extends beyond the armhole, often being stitched into the side of the bodice, going from wider to smaller at the point where it ends. It gives a soft romantic look and appeals to dreamers and idealists.

Batwing/Dolman sleeve

This style of sleeve gives the appearance of a bat wing as it is cut in one piece with the bodice, extending from the shoulder to the wrist, where it becomes narrow. There is no armhole – the sleeve being cut all in one and often extending almost to the waist. When the arms are lifted it gives the appearance of batwings. Cut in a soft draped fabric it is flattering and comfortable. This style is suited to artists and creative types, as well as fashionistas, when it comes into fashion periodically.

Bell sleeve

As its name implies the bell sleeve is cut to fit at the shoulder and upper arm, but then bells out to become wider at the lower arm or at the wrist. It was favoured in the 1970’s with the advent of the hippie movement, along with bell-bottom pants. It’s a style suited to the artistic and romantic types.

Bishop sleeve

The bishop sleeve fits at the shoulder, then bells out along the length of the arm and is caught up into a cuff at the wrist. Sometimes the sleeve is simply elasticised at the cuff, rather than having buttons and the slit of a proper cuff. This style appeals to those who want a romantic look, yet is it practical – especially for office work and when dealing with customers. It looks good on leisure wear too.

Butterfly sleeve

Cut along the same line as the flutter sleeve, the butterfly sleeve is a bit fuller, being cut from a circle of fabric, which then has a hole cut in it, (not in the middle though), because like the flutter sleeve, it should have no bulk under the arm, but provide a flattering fluttery effect over the top of the shoulders. This is a sleeve for the romance seekers, and creative aspects of your personality.

Cap sleeve

The cap sleeve provides a nice balance at the shoulders, extending a little beyond the normal shoulder line, but under the arm the fabric dwindles to virtually nothing, providing a little ‘cap’ over the top of the shoulders. Sometimes the cap sleeve is set in, and sometimes the cap is formed by simply extending the shoulder line and then shaping. Cap sleeves can be very short – just a small extension over the shoulder, or then can be cut from a softer fabric and extended a little further to give a longer cap over shoulder. This style can be used on casual wear and more formal wear. It is an easy to wear flattering style that appeals to just about everyone.

Cold shoulder sleeve

Around 2015 or so these sleeves with the cut out on the shoulder area became very popular. They could be in the dolman style, be short or long, but the emphasis was on shoulders peeking out while the rest of the arm was covered. They were very trendy for a couple of seasons, but then the fad died out quite quickly. They appeal to those who want to stand out from the crowd.

Draped sleeve

Some clever cutting is required to achieve the effect of draped layers of fabric before easing into the end of the sleeve. Draped sleeves don’t usually extend past just above the elbow. Sometimes the draped effect is invisibly stitched into place, or elastic is used to catch up the material for the draped effect. This is a romantic style suited to evening and cocktail wear. It is flattering and feminine and worn by those who appreciate the skill that goes into creating garments that make a person look and feel good.

Drawstring puff sleeve

A style often seen on little girls’ dresses, the sleeve is gathered at the top and is usually fairly short, then a piece of elastic is inserted to draw it close to the arm, with a small frill extending beyond the elasticizing. Sometimes, for long sleeves, elastic is used or the sleeve can be cuffed with an extra frill added at the lower edge of the cuff. This type of sleeve is associated with creative types.

Drop shoulder sleeve

The drop shoulder sleeve is the casual shirt sleeve style, most often seen on T-shirts where the bodice fabric extends beyond the shoulder and then the sleeve is stitched on without the rounded cap of a normal set in sleeve. It is a style suited to soft fabrics. This is a go to casual sleeve for everyone – whether you are an artist, an outdoorsy type, or work in a casual office.

Fitted Sleeve

Eternally popular for a chic look, this sleeve, particularly in stretch or knit fabrics, hugs the arm from shoulder to wrist. It is loved by those who enjoy a sophisticated look, are powerful, and who lead active lives.

Flutter sleeves

Flutter sleeves are usually cut on the cross grain of the fabric so that they form a soft flutter when eased into the armhole. They are romantic and are often seen on evening and cocktail wear as well as on summer outfits. They indicate a love of life and a carefree attitude.

Gathered sleeve

Gathered into the shoulder, the sleeve falls softly and can be either short or long. It is left loose flowing with no elastic or cuff. It is a look suited both to the work and leisure environment and appeals to both practical and artistic types.

Juliette sleeve/ Leg of Mutton sleeve

We’ve all seen the Juliette sleeve in those Renaissance movies, where it is gathered and full at the shoulder, then halfway down the upper arm it is caught in, creating a puffy sleeve, and the rest of the sleeve is an arm hugging sleeve extending to the wrist. Sometimes the Juliette sleeve s longer extending almost to the elbow. Often made using two different fabrics, it gives the impression of a short puffy sleeve, worn over a smooth body fitting sleeve underneath it, but it is actually made in one piece. This complicated sleeve is not one that does the rounds of fashion regularly, being more suited to period costumes. Those with a love of history, period romance, and drama might choose this type of sleeve.

Kimono sleeve

The traditional kimono has a deep cut sleeve similar to the dolman or batwing sleeve but not quite as deep. It was very popular a few years ago for the kimono wraps that everyone was wearing. Unless held by a belt in the traditional Japanese style it can be a bulky style that doesn’t lend itself to easy movement, so is more suited for lounging rather than an active everyday life.

Lantern sleeve

Fitted at the shoulder, coming down to the elbow in a fitted shape then billowing out across the forearm to be caught again at the wrist into a cuff, this is a style one does not see often. It is a style that needs to be worn with a slim fitted skirt or jeans so as not to create extra bulk around the hip area when the hands are by a person’s side. It’s a style chosen by dreamy romantics and creatives.

Marmaduke sleeve

These look like they are from Renaissance times. The sleeve is quite a full one that is caught in equidistant places along the length creating puff balls of fabric, before being caught in at the wrist. They are a bohemian type of sleeve, but are currently not in fashion. When they are in fashion they will be embraced by those who like their clothing to make a statement.

Off shoulder sleeves

This type of sleeve on a top or dress is very flattering to the face and jawline, drawing attention to bare tanned shoulders. The sleeve can be long or short, flowing or fitted, and will usually come I a raglan form and be elasticised so it can be pulled down off shoulder, or worn pulled up in a normal puff sleeve style. Sometimes the off the shoulder sleeve is smaller underneath with loose ruffled layers of fabric over laid to give a romantic gypsy look. The other off the shoulder style for sleeves is designed with a wide neckline so a person can wear it off one shoulder or off both shoulders. The actual sleeve can be a cold shoulder, bell sleeve, short puffy sleeve as seen in peasant type blouses, or even a dolman type sleeve. Just about everyone loves these, they spell carefree days, sun-kissed shoulders, and leisure activities.

Petal Sleeve

This type of sleeve overlaps like the petals of a tulip. The overlap is positioned towards the front of the shoulder, giving a soft and flattering effect to a dress or top, and is usually combined with a soft fabric that drapes well. This is a perfect little sleeve for both office wear and smart casual events. It is practical with a nod to romance and suits almost everyone.

Poet sleeve

This full sleeve is gather into a narrow cuff then has an added ruffle extending from the cuff.  It was popular in Edwardian times for ladies.

The name says it all – it’s a sleeve for creatives, but can also be worn at the office.

Pointed or gauntlet sleeve

This is a Renaissance type style that comes in and out of fashion. The sleeve extends on the upper part beyond the wrist and over the top of the hand into a point. It is often secured into place with a narrow ring of fabric around the second finger to keep the point in place. Only worn for special events, the sleeve is particularly romantic and appeals to those with a love of the visual and dramatic arts.

Puff sleeve

The puff sleeve is gathered on the shoulder when the sleeve is set into the armhole, and if full so that it gathers into a cuff. If the sleeve is short the cuff may be high on the upper arm, or lower towards the elbow, and may even extend to a ¾ length or a full sleeve. It is a style that is associated with summer and youth, and is a popular one for resort wear. Worn by those who are a little gypsy at heart.

Raglan sleeve

Instead on a set-in sleeve the raglan comes at an angle from the torso right up to the neckline creating diagonal lines. It is very popular in sportswear, particularly tracksuits, as the long line of the sleeve going curving into the neckline allows for the addition of contrasting colors, and stripes, which are so popular in athletic wear. This is a style for the active and body conscious. It is also comfy and suits all types.

Shaped sleeve

Usually found on jackets the sleeve is made in two pieces to give added form to a tailored jacket. The shaped sleeve, also usually used on men’s and ladies’ corporate style wear is cut to fit exactly into the armhole, and yet allow for ease of movement. The aim of good tailoring with this type of sleeve is no wrinkles, perfect fit and cut to give an impeccably turned out look. The shaped sleeve is worn by those who appreciate quality, have high aspirations, are stylish and expect perfection.

Sheer sleeves

The sleeves may be any style but the intention is to create a contrast between the fabric of the dress or top with a see-through fabric for the sleeve giving a now-you- see-it-now-you-don’t effect – showing off shapely arms but covering them at the same time. The style is popular for evening wear, wedding dresses and resort wear. This is a style that appeals to almost everyone – it is romantic without being over-the-top.

Split sleeve

The sleeve may be inset or an all in one cut with the body of the garment, but instead of being closed it is slit right down the middle of the arm and may be worn open, or can be caught with a small button near the wrist. It is one of those peek a boo sleeves that shows of arms but hides them to – it just depends on the wearer’s arm position. Sometimes the split sleeve is joined at intervals on the length of the slit with small chain, diamante, buttons on small leather ties. This style is associated with resort wear and worn by anyone who like to be a little different. How different depends on the embellishments that are used to fasten the sleeve. It’s the type of sleeve also seen on festival outfits that stand out.

Slashed sleeve

Although the fabric is not actually slashed it gives the appearance of being so because the sleeve is made to look like there are long slashed in it with a different fabric underneath to create interest as the wearer moves. This is not a style that is currently popular, but would appeal to those who dare to be different.