Raglan Sleeve

A Raglan sleeve is a set-in sleeve that extends to neckline by seams slanting from underarm front and back. This sleeve extends in one continuous piece up to the collar, creating a diagonal seam running from the underarm to the neckline. raglan sleeves do not have shoulder seams unlike a common set-in sleeve, and this design gives better room for movement of arms. This sleeve is named after Field Marshel FitzRoy James Henry Somerset, 1st Baron Raglan, a British General in Crimean war, who after losing an arm in the charge of the Light Brigade in 1854, had a coat designed with a special sleeve. Used since the mid 1850's this type of sleeves are generally found on sweatshirts and sportswear.

Saddle Raglan

A saddle raglan sleeve is a variation of raglan sleeve that has a shoulder with small yoke made by not bringing the raglan sleeve to the neck in a point, but by widening it about three to four inches at the neck forming a 'saddle' over the shoulder. It combines the diagonal flow of a raglan sleeve with a flat-top strip of saddle shoulder. Commonly used in cardigans, sweaters or high-end knits where saddle strip allows for decorative patterns or contrasting colors.

Wing Ruffle Sleeve

Wing ruffle sleeve also called a wing sleeve has a decorative projection at shoulder attached at armhole seam like a wing. They are typically short sleeves or cap sleeves with fabric gathered or pleated at the shoulder and flares outwards and downwards. The outer edge is left loose and unhemmed to arm so that the fabric ruffles gently as one move. Worn from 1545 to 1640 by both women and men nowadays this style can be seen on tops, dresses and children's clothing.

Juliet Sleeve

A Juliet sleeve is a long sleeve with short puff at the shoulder. The rounded puff highlights the shoulder contrasting the slim silhouette down the arm. The sleeve is named after heroine of William Shakesphere's tragedy Romeo and Juliet. These sleeves are frequently seen on bridal gowns and vintage tops.

Leg-Of-Mutton Sleeve

A leg-of-mutton sleeve also called a French gigot sleeve, which derives from French, for "leg of lamb". This sleeve is characterized by fullness at the shoulder and upper arm created using gathers or pleats or internal stuffing to hold its voluminous rounded form and tapered to wrist where it looks like a regular sleeve. Popular in eighteenth century and continues to appear in modern dresses, blouses and vintage revivals.

Dalmatian Angel Sleeve

A Dalmatian Angel sleeve is a type of sleeve that hangs loose from the arm and features ends that extend into long distinct points down the sides. This style of sleeves is primarily found in historical gowns, robes etc.

Batwing Sleeve

Batwing sleeves are long sleeves that are cut with deep armhole almost to waist and are made tight at the wrist giving a batwing like appearance when the arm is extended. It is a variation of dolman sleeve and the loose fit offers relaxed feel and does not restrict arm movement. Looks best worn with skinny jeans, tight pants or tucked into high skirt to balance the upper loose top.

Petal Sleeve

A Petal sleeve is a short sleeve curved at the hem and overlapping to give petal-shaped effect in the front. Also called a tulip sleeve is made with two curved pieces that overlap on the upper arm like petals of a flower creating a decorative look. The open overlap allows comfortable arm movement and are frequently used in women's dresses, blouses, tops and ethnic kurtas.

Cartwheel Sleeve

Cartwheel Sleeve also called as a circle sleeve is a short sleeve composed of two circles combined together. One circle fit into armhole and the other fits around the arm. These fashion sleeves resemble a wide wheel shape when spread out.

Strapped Sleeves

Strapped sleeves refer to sleeves that feature decorative straps across the arm.

Drawstring Puff Sleeve

In drawstring puffed sleeve an adjustable cord or ribbon will run through the hem of the sleeve. Pulling and loosening it allows the wearer to control the fullness of the fabric, alter the shape of the sleeve and adjust the tightness around the arm. Instead of a fixed sleeve with rigid elastic or stiff cuff the drawstring allows one to tighten the sleeve for a dramatic puff or loosen it for a more relaxed look.

Puffed Sleeve

A puffed sleeve is a short, gathered sleeve either at the armhole or at the cuff band or both forming a rounded shape. The sleeve was popular in 1920s and 1930s and still used for kids and baby wear. Since the puff sleeve add volume at top it looks best paired with fitted bottoms like pencil skirt, slim-leg trousers or straight-cut jeans to balance the proportions.

Long Bell Sleeve

Long bell sleeves are garment sleeves which are narrow at the top, set into a normal armhole and flare at the lower edge like a bell. Unlike other sleeves bell sleeves remain open with no cuffs at the hem. Introduced in the second half of 19th centaury they are commonly found in evening gowns, blouses and knitwear tops. Variations include subtle flare or a more dramatic width that creates a retro vibe.

Dolman Sleeve With Gusset

 A Gusset is a triangular or a diamond piece of fabric often added under the arm to allow freedom of movement, improve the fit or reinforce the structural strength. As a dolman sleeve is a design where sleeve is cut as one continuous piece with the bodice of the garment, a gusset is often added under the arm to prevent the apparel from tearing, bunching or restricting movement when the arms are raised.

Dolman Sleeves

Instead of a traditional sewn-in armhole, a dolman sleeve is cut as a single continuous piece with the bodice. It consists of a deep, wide armhole that tapers towards the wrist, creating a roomy and relaxed fit. It forms elegant wings when the arms are raised and hence also called as 'Batwing Sleeve'. The underarm seam extends much lower sometimes reaching all the way to the wrist. This sleeve was popular during mid 19th century and today commonly used in sweaters, blouses, dresses and light jackets.

Square Armhole Sleeve

A square armhole sleeve consists of straight and angular armhole opening rather than rounded like a standard set-in-sleeve. The sleeve is attached using straight seams rather than the typical curved armscye (typical opening for a sleeve). The construction requires sewing the sleeve into the angular corner of the armhole which usually involves clipping the corners (a technique used to create clean edges by removing excess fabric from the seam allowance) so that the fabric stays neat and flat. The angular cut offers, looser and broader underarm area emphasizing freedom of movement and comfort.

Bag Sleeves

Bag sleeves are loose fitting sleeves that are purposely designed with extra fabric that drapes around the arm for comfort and ease of movement. They are different from structured form-fitting look allowing air flow and unrestricted mobility. It adds a bold and dramatic effect to an otherwise plain outfit and are widely used in street wear and athleisure.

Pagoda Sleeve

Pagoda sleeve is characterized by a fitted upper arm, that flares into a wide, tiered funnel shape at the elbow, often worn with separate, delicate under-sleeve (engageantes) to cover the lower arm. They were common in mid 19th centaury in Victorian-era dresses, gothic, colonial or Renaissance costumes. They are also called as funnel sleeves.

Short Lantern Sleeve

A short lantern sleeve is characterized by voluminous ballon-like shape which is gathered at both the shoulder and the cuff ending above the elbow. It is more cylindrical and structured than a normal puff sleeve. The sleeve is fabulous for adding volume to upper arms and pair well with fitted outfits to create a dramatic look. These sleeves are generally used in blouses and dresses.

Draped Sleeves

Drape refers to how the fabric falls on the body, hanging loosely and decoratively. Unlike the tailored sleeves draped sleeves are not fitted to the arm they are designed to hang loosely, freely from the shoulder often creating soft folds, ripples or a cascading effect. It is generally made of light, soft or sheer flowing fabric and is found in dresses and tops.

Lantern Sleeve

A lantern sleeve is plain at top and wrist balloons out halfway between the wrist and the elbow. cut into two pieces with a seam going around the sleeve at the fullest part. This sleeve offers an artistic look and is primarily used in blouses, tops, elegant dresses and occasionally jackets.