Set-In Sleeve
Set-in sleeves are the most common type of sleeve in fashion. These sleeves are sewn separately from the bodice. The sleeve is attached to the bodice through an armhole, creating a seam line that starts from the shoulder and goes around the armhole. This type of sleeve is known for being durable, as it’s less likely to become detached from the garment. Use this sleeve for clean lines and structure. Best for: tailored blazers and coats, blouses and dresses, and formalwear. History: The exact history of set-in sleeves is unknown, but it’s believed that sleeves have been sewn in this fashion since medieval times. Any style of sleeve that’s attached at the armhole of a bodice is considered a set-in sleeve. For instance, you can have a set-in cap sleeve or a set-in puff sleeve.
One-Piece Sleeve
One-piece sleeves are exactly what they sound like: a sleeve that’s one piece! Also referred to as an extending sleeve, this style of sleeve is a continuation of the bodice. With a one-piece sleeve, there’s no seamline between the bodice and the sleeve, which creates an elegant or impressive look. One-piece sleeves are most commonly seen in formal or evening attire. Use this sleeve for seamless styles. Best for: formal wear, color-blocking designs, or billowing fabric. History: The exact history of one-piece sleeves is unknown, but it’s believed that this category of sleeve dates back to ancient Greece. There are many styles of one-piece sleeves; one of the most popular being a raglan sleeve.
Raglan Sleeve
Raglan sleeves extend from the garment’s collar to the underarm. This sleeve style is a continuous piece of fabric. While the sleeve attaches to the garment separately, it differs from a set-in sleeve as the seamline starts at a diagonal somewhere on the bodice, not around the armhole or shoulder. Your favorite baseball tee? That has a raglan sleeve! Raglan sleeves are most commonly used in sports wear or sports uniforms because the seams are flexible and offer a more comfortable, casual wear. Use this sleeve for a casual, relaxed fit. Best for: casual, sporty, or streetwear garments. Raglan sleeves aren’t just limited to sports wear. Dresses and tops with this sleeve style have a more geometric, relaxed shape. History: Raglan sleeves are named after FitzRoy James Henry Somerset, 1st Baron Raglan, a British commander-in-chief whose tailor redesigned his uniform with a diagonal sleeve seam after the officer lost his arm in battle.
Short Sleeve
Short sleeves are a common type of sleeve you likely wear a lot of. This type of sleeve is versatile and practical, making it ideal for the average consumer. Short sleeves typically cover the upper arm and are set into a garment at the armhole. Depending on the tightness of the garment, short sleeves can be boxy, form-fitting, or relaxed in shape. Use this sleeve for everyday wear. Best for: T-shirts, polos, and casual dresses. History: Short sleeves have been around since the beginning of time! And with each new era and century, the sleeve style evolves with the fashion.
Elbow Sleeve
Elbow sleeves are just what they sound like: sleeves that go to the elbow! This style of sleeve is a set-in that’s like an elongated short sleeve. The finished look gives a polished, structured vibe that’s ideal for business casual and formal wear. Use this sleeve for mature styles and garments. Best for: dresses, blouses, cardigans, and fitted tops. History: Elbow sleeves emerged in the 1800s as the fullness and length of sleeves began to shift with the Romantic movement.
Three-Quarter Sleeve
Three-quarter sleeves are a popular choice between seasons. This type of sleeve goes past the elbow but stops right above the wrist (three-quarters down the arm). The sleeve is believed to help slim the arms and elongate your frame. Use this sleeve for loose or tight-fitting clothing. Best for: dresses, blouses, and fitted tops. History: This sleeve style became popular during the 16th century as women’s fashion took a softer approach.
Long Sleeve
Long sleeves are a common and popular choice in cooler weather. This set-in style sleeve is perfect for all body types and garment styles. Typically, long sleeves are used for casual or semi-formal garments to provide warmth and structure to a design. The style is incredibly versatile, and depending on the fabric, can be worn all year round. Use this sleeve for full arm coverage or modest designs. Best for: dresses, blouses, and casual or fitted tops. History: Long sleeves have been a staple in fashion across the centuries. The style, however, was most popular during eras of modesty, such as the 18th century.Looking for tips on how to sew sleeves? Check out our Sewing Sleeves Guide to learn how to set sleeves into a garment.
Puff Sleeve
Also known as balloon sleeves, mutton sleeves, and bishop sleeves, puff sleeves add a whimsical flair to delicate garments. This set-in style sleeve is rounded and gathered, adding height and volume to an otherwise flat silhouette. The sleeves can be any length! As long as they’re “puffed” at the top, they’re a puff sleeve. Puff sleeves add drama and balance to a garment by drawing the eye to the upper body and shoulders. There are many different styles of puff sleeves, including the following: Balloon sleeves have volume throughout the arm and are gathered at the cuff. Bishop sleeves have volume throughout the arm and are gathered at a fitted wrist cuff. Leg-of-mutton sleeves have volume in the upper arm and a tapered, narrow lower sleeve. Juliet sleeves have a puffy shoulder and a fitted lower sleeve. Smocked sleeves have volume in the upper arm and a tapered lower sleeve that’s embroidered or cinched. Use this sleeve for a dramatic flair or a romantic, historical aesthetic. Best for: casual or formal designs. History: Puff sleeves are believed to have been created in the 16th century during the Renaissance period. EXPERT TIP Elle Monus Elle Monus Image Consultant Elle Monus is an Image Consultant and the Co-Founder of True Image Group. With over 11 years of fashion industry experience, she specializes in holistic approaches to branding, size-inclusive image consulting, and personal styling. Additionally, Elle has had the opportunity to work on several New York Fashion Week shows and has been featured in multiple media outlets, such as Racked. Elle Monus Elle Monus Image Consultant Opt for a balloon sleeve if you have broad shoulders. Puff sleeves are a trendy style these days, and you may have trouble getting comfortable with the trend if you’re worried it’ll make your arms look broad. If that’s the case, go with a balloon puff sleeve to stay on trend while also slimming your shoulders.
Peasant Sleeve
Peasant sleeves have a romantic, vintage feel to them. This style of sleeve is typically gathered at the shoulder and lower edge, creating a puffy look that screams medieval. Peasant sleeves come in various sizes and styles—they’re extremely versatile. Some peasant sleeves are more billowy, while others are tapered at the ends. What makes it a peasant sleeve, then? If it’s gathered at the seam. Use this sleeve for romantic or fantastical vibes. Best for: blouses and dresses. History: The exact creation of the peasant sleeve is unknown, but records of a similar style date back to the 12th century.
Dolman Sleeve
Also known as batwing sleeves, dolman sleeves are the more casual sister of the kimono sleeve. This one-piece sleeve style is flowy and oversized with a broader top and tapered ends, giving it a wide underarm and narrow wrist. Dolman sleeves typically have a dropped-shoulder seam, meaning the seam starts below the shoulder. The tapered cuff of this sleeve offers more construction without sacrificing comfort. Use this sleeve for a casual yet structured fit. Best for: sweaters, tops, and blouses. History: “Dolman” is a Turkish term for military coats with loose sleeves. The term was adopted into modern fashion in the late 1800s to refer to evening wear with dramatic batwing-style sleeves.
Cap Sleeve
Cap sleeves are very short sleeves that cover only the top of the shoulder. This style of sleeve creates a structured yet curved shape that can elongate the bust and arms. Garments with cap sleeves are often described as delicate and feminine, thanks to their minimal coverage and emphasis on the shoulder line. Use this sleeve for a feminine, romantic, or lightweight look. Best for: dresses, blouses, and formal wear. History: Cap sleeves became prominent amongst women’s wear in the Victorian era with their delicate yet sophisticated design.
Lantern Sleeve
Lantern sleeves create volume without sacrificing structure. This type of sleeve has a strict silhouette that creates volume from the elbow to the wrist. A lantern sleeve flares out from the shoulder seam and tapers to the cuff or band at the wrist. This creates a billowy shape within the center of the arm—volume that can be controlled. Use this sleeve for an elegant yet structural look. Best for: blouses and evening wear. History: Lantern sleeves were common in the Edwardian era, specifically between 1830 and 1890.
Bell Sleeve
Bell sleeves add flair and whimsy to casual garments. This sleeve style is all about the drama! Bell sleeves were most popular in the 1970s, but they’ve recently made a comeback in modern fashion. This set-in style sleeve is tapered at the top and flares out at the wrist, creating a billowing, bell or trumpet-like shape. Use this sleeve for bohemian or hippie styles. Best for: peasant tops, maxi dresses, and fitted tops. History: Bell sleeves first appeared in the Renaissance and were often worn by nobility and clergy. The look became more mainstream in the 1960s and 1970s, with fashion focusing on psychedelic and boho looks with dramatic flair and elegance.
Flutter Sleeve
Flutter sleeves are a type of cap sleeve with a romantic edge. This sleeve type barely covers the shoulder with a ribbon of ruffle. Flutter sleeves are lightweight, short, and curved close to the shoulder. The sleeve’s appearance resembles the delicate touch of a butterfly’s wings (hence the name). The sister of the flutter sleeve is the butterfly sleeve, which is longer and provides more coverage without sacrificing the delicate ruffle effect. Use this sleeve for a feminine and delicate look. Best for: summer tops and bridal dresses. History: Flutter sleeves first became popular in the Edwardian era of the 1900s. The sleeve was most commonly found on wedding dresses or as a decorative element of evening wear.
Frill Sleeve
Also known as a ruffle sleeve, a frill sleeve covers the shoulder or arm with a series of ruffles. This set-in style sleeve is created using a collection of ruffles that drape over the shoulder or arm like a flutter or butterfly sleeve. The ruffle extends from the armhole, wrapping your arm in a gathered fabric. This style of sleeve is typically used for short-sleeved or cap-sleeved designs. Use this sleeve for a romantic or innocent vibe. Best for: casual dresses, blouses, or statement tops. History: Frill sleeves are a more modern sleeve style; however, frills were heavily documented in the fashion of the 15th century as a decoration for sleeves and collars.
Petal Sleeve
Petal sleeves are a one-piece style sleeve that’s elegant and bold. This sleeve type is commonly used in business casual attire because of its sophisticated yet delicate and feminine silhouette. The sleeve creates a petal shape along the shoulder, with two oval shapes that curve and overlap. Use this sleeve for semi-formal garments that need a feminine touch. Best for: blouses and dresses. History: It’s believed that petal sleeves first became known in fashion during the 18th century; however, petal-style techniques and fabric folding had been used since the 15th century.
Slit Sleeve
Slit sleeves add a dramatic elegance to formal wear. This type of sleeve is all about the drama. Slit sleeves have a slit or gape that typically runs from the armpit to the wrist. Often made of a billowy material, this sleeve creates a bold silhouette that’s sure to make a statement. The sleeve can be tapered at the wrist or free-flowing. Either way, the arm is exposed. A popular style of slit sleeve is the cape sleeve, which flows freely down the arm in the style of a cape or cloak. Use this sleeve for dramatic flair. Best for: ballgowns, formal dresses, and blouses. History: Slit sleeves have been around since the 14th century. In the beginning, this sleeve style was known as “slashed sleeves” and was used to fashionably show a peak of men’s and women’s undergarments.
Off-Shoulder Sleeve
Off-shoulder sleeves leave the shoulders bare for an elegant or sexy look. This type of sleeve is not really a sleeve at all! Off-shoulder sleeves are more of a decoration or focal piece; they’re not meant for comfort or practicality. The sleeve extends from the bodice to drape over the arm, leaving the shoulders and collarbones bare. Depending on the garment, the sleeve can be tight or billowy. A variation of this sleeve is the cold shoulder sleeve, which covers the chest and reveals the tips of the shoulders. Use this sleeve for formal or casual looks for a sexy edge. Best for: wedding dresses, form-fitting tops, and blouses. History: Off-the-shoulder necklines became increasingly popular in the late 1850s.
Kimono Sleeve
Kimono sleeves have an oversized, flowy silhouette. This type of sleeve is cut as one piece with the bodice and extends straight from the shoulder, creating a structured yet billowy look. The fit of a kimono sleeve is loose from the shoulder down, which makes it ideal for robes, kimonos, and dresses. Use this sleeve for minimalistic, structured designs. Best for: garments that need an effortlessly elegant flair. History: The kimono sleeve is adapted from the traditional Japanese dress kimono, which originated in the Heian period (794-1192).
Pagoda Sleeve
Pagoda sleeves are a tiered bell sleeve. Made popular in Victorian fashion, this style of sleeve was dramatic and over the top. Narrow at the shoulder and very wide at the cuff, pagoda sleeves were often created with three or more tiers for volume and flair. Use this sleeve for Victorian looks. Best for: historical pieces or statement tops. History: The pagoda sleeve was popular between the 1840s and 1860s as Western fashion took inspiration from Asian clothing and culture.
Mameluke Sleeve
Mameluke sleeves are a Regency-era style of sleeve that’s bunched and gathered along the arm. This style of sleeve was inspired by 1800s Spain, reflecting the ornamental designs and patterns of the time period. A mameluke sleeve is a long, full sleeve with gatherings down the arm separated by ribbons or bands, creating a bubble-like or tiered silhouette. Use this sleeve for Regency looks. Best for: under dresses. History: The mameluke sleek is inspired by Spanish artistry from the 1800s.
Origami Sleeve
Origami sleeves are set-in style sleeves with elaborate folds. This type of sleeve is typically reserved for formal or business attire and will make people turn their heads. The sleeve has a strong structure and can have multiple silhouettes, depending on how the fabric is folded and pleated. Use this sleeve for added elegance and sophistication. Best for: formal or evening wear. History: This style of sleeve is heavily influenced and inspired by origami, a Japanese paper-folding art.
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