Bishop Sleeve

Bishop sleeves are long full sleeves set into normal armhole and are gathered into band at the wrist. In classic or full bishop sleeve the fullness gradually increased from the upper arm to the wrist where it was gathered into a cuff and the fullness created a puffed area that hang down from the wrist. This style was popular in 1850's and later in 1890's similar sleeve design that had fewer fabric became popular known as elbow-length or small bishop. These sleeves are best made with lightweight or drapey fabrics like chiffon, organza, silk, moss, crepe etc. Today they are commonly used in evening gowns, blouses, bridal wears, daily wears etc.

Virago Sleeve

A virago sleeve is a puffed sleeve worn by women in the early half of seventeenth centaury. It was created with many panes (long strips of fabric often decorated or embroidered) that allowed the underlying contrasting fabric to peek through. A fabric band or ribbon tied tightly around the elbow and wrist created two large distinct puffs or tied at regular intervals to the wrist to create many puffs. Today the style mainly appears in historical recreation in fashion shows.