You may not put much thought into a garment’s sleeve style. However, sleeves serve both an aesthetical and functional role in fashion design and can, sometimes significantly, impact a garment’s overall appearance and silhouette. With the many different sleeve types available, you’ll undoubtedly find a style to suit any climate, occasion, and your personal preference and style. Let’s explore the twelve most common types of sleeves used in the fashion industry, including bishop, bell, raglan, poet, puffed, cowl, drop shoulder, batwing, cap, petal/tulip, juliet, and kimono sleeve styles.
Bishop Sleeve
A bishop sleeve offers a voluminous look and adds a touch of elegance and femininity to a garment. This type of sleeve is usually gathered at both the armhole and the wrist, creating volume between the two. The sleeve tapers downward from the shoulder to a gathered, fitted cuff at the wrist. Bishop sleeves can be short, long, half, or three-quarters length.
Bell Sleeve
A bell sleeve features a flared shape, resembling the silhouette of a bell, hence the name. A bell sleeve is sewn smoothly into the arm hole—no gathering or pleating required. It is fitted at the shoulder and upper arm and flares out toward the wrist. Bell sleeves can be short, long, half, or three-quarters in length. All bell sleeves have flare, but the level of flare varies. Some bell sleeves may offer a very subtle flare, while others may offer a more dramatic flare and obvious bell shape. Bell sleeves give off bohemian and retro vibes.
Raglan Sleeve
Unlike a traditional, set in sleeve, where the seam goes around the shoulder, a raglan sleeve has a seam that extends from the collar to the underarm. A traditional, set in sleeve has a vertical seam going around the top of the shoulder to the underarm, while a raglan sleeve has a diagonal seam that extends from the neckline to the underarm. These seams allow for increased mobility making raglan sleeves a common choice for activewear and casual clothes. Raglan sleeves can be short, long, half, or three-quarters length.
Puffed Sleeve
As its name suggests, puffed sleeves are characterized by their volume or “puffiness,” specifically around the shoulder area. The rounded, voluminous sleeve is achieved by gathering or pleating the fabric at the shoulder. Puff sleeved tops and dresses have been a popular style for ages, dating back to the Renaissance. Puffed sleeve styles add femininity and timelessness to any outfit.
Cowl or Draped Sleeve
Cowl sleeves, sometimes referred to as “draped sleeves,” are similar to puffed sleeves in that they are also voluminous. The cowl or draped part of the sleeve is typically most exaggerated around the shoulder area and tapers down toward the wrist. Excess fabric is used to create draped, rounded folds around the shoulder area. You are probably familiar with a cowl neckline. Well, a cowl sleeve has the same effect but, in this case, applies to the sleeve instead of the neckline. Cowl sleeves can be created with stiffer, mid-weight fabrics that provide more volume and structure allowing the sleeves to better hold their shape. They can also be created with satiny, lightweight fabrics to allow for a more fluid, draped look. Cowl or draped sleeves can transform a basic top or dress into an elevated, elegant look.
Dropped Shoulder
As its name suggests, a dropped shoulder sleeve does not have a shoulder seam that lays over the shoulder. Instead, the seam is lowered, or “dropped,” landing around the top part of the arm. This creates a more relaxed and loose fit around the shoulder area. Although dropped shoulder styles can be dressed up, they are typically worn for a more comfortable, laid-back look.
Batwing/Dolman/Magyar Sleeve
Batwing sleeves, also known as “dolman” or “magyar” sleeves, are characterized by having deep armholes and extra wide shoulders that taper and become fitted toward the wrist. These sleeves resemble a bat’s wings, especially when the arms are extended, hence the name. Because of the deep armholes and wide shoulders, garments with batwing sleeves allow for ease of movement making them a comfortable, relaxed style.
Cap Sleeve
A cap sleeve is a short sleeve that has a small, rounded cover or “cap” over the shoulder. This sleeve style minimally covers the shoulder, rarely extending beyond the shoulder joint. Cap sleeves provide no coverage under the arm as they taper down to nothing but a seam at the underarm.
Petal/Tulip Sleeve
A petal sleeve, also known as a tulip sleeve, is characterized by having partially overlapping layers of fabric, usually cut into a curved or scalloped shape, that are designed to resemble the petals of a tulip. Tulip sleeves are delicate and feminine.
Juliet Sleeve
Juliet sleeves, a variation of puffed sleeves, are voluminous in the upper part of the arm and shoulder and fitted around the lower part of the arm and wrist. Where the sleeve shifts from puffy to fitted is abrupt, unlike other sleeve styles that smoothly taper toward the wrist. Instead of a traditional sleeve that is made of one, continuous piece of fabric, Juliet sleeves are made of two pieces that have a seam between the puffy, upper arm piece and fitted, lower arm piece. Juliet sleeves are dramatic and offer a vintage look.
Kimono Sleeve
Kimono sleeves are inspired by, you guessed it, kimonos, which are traditional Japanese dresses. Kimono sleeves do not have an armhole or seam at the shoulder but rather are cut with the bodice as one piece. Kimono sleeves are known for their loose, flowy fit. Traditional kimono sleeves are long, extending to the wrist. However, modern garments featuring kimono sleeves may be shorter in length.
When it comes to fashion, a garment’s sleeve type is most likely not top of mind. However, sleeves can have a major effect on a garment’s style and fit, further impacting the overall look of an outfit. Some of the most common sleeve styles you’ll likely run into on your next shopping trip include bishop, bell, raglan, poet, puffed, cowl, drop shoulder, batwing, cap, petal/tulip, juliet, and kimono sleeves. Understanding these different sleeve styles and how they fit, feel, and look will enable you to choose garments that best suit your body type, preferences, and personal style.