Sleeves are the primary components of the bodice that covers all or part of the arm. Sleeves have been used as a means for changing the silhouette of the garment throughout the history of fashion. In early times sleeves were cut as a part of the main garment, as the clothing construction techniques became sophisticated in the late Middle Ages, the sleeves were cut separately and set into the armhole of the garment. Today's garments are designed with a wide variety of sleeves which differ in the way they are made and in looks. A garment may have armholes that are merely finished to produce a sleeveless look.
Basic Types of Sleeves:
Set-in sleeve - Are the most widely used type of sleeves. As the name suggests, the sleeve is a separate piece of fabric that joins the bodice at the armhole. A properly made set-in sleeve allows enough ease for free arm movements.
Raglan sleeve - It is another type of sleeve that is attached to the garment. Unlike the set-in sleeve, which is inserted to the armhole, a raglan sleeve is joined to the garment in one continuous seam, which runs diagonally from the front neckline to the underarm and up to the back neckline. Raglan sleeves are comfortable to wear and ideal for hard-to-fit shoulders, making it popular in sportswear like hoodies, t-shirts and also in casual jackets like trench coats.
Kimono Sleeve - It is one of the easiest types of sleeves to construct as it is merely an extension of the main bodice. The sleeve is cut as one piece with the bodice with a deep 'armhole' opening for a relaxed and comfort fit.
