Types of Sleeves

A set-in sleeve is one type of sleeve construction used in garment making. It is a separate piece of fabric that is sewn into the body of a garment starting at the shoulder and continuing all the way around the armhole. This type of sleeve is considered one of the most traditional and common, and is known to have a more structured and tailored look compared to other types of sleeves, such as a raglan or a kimono sleeve. Set-in sleeves can come in different lengths and styles as described below. They are suitable for a variety of fabrics and can be used in different types of garments.

Balloon sleeve is gathered at the shoulder, puffs out, and then gathered again at the cuff, creating a rounded or puffed appearance resembling a balloon.

Bell sleeve is a kind of a set-in sleeve that is fitted around the shoulder and upper arm and then flares out to the wrist in the shape of a bell, giving it its name. Bell sleeves are often used to add volume and movement to a garment, and can add a touch of bohemian or vintage style. They are also known as Peasant sleeves.

Bishop sleeve flares out from the shoulder, giving volume to the sleeve all the way to the cuff, where the fabric is tightly gathered into a band or cuff at the wrist.

Cap sleeve is a very short sleeve that covers only the shoulder cap. Cap sleeves are often used in summer clothing, dresses, and casual to semi-casual garments, giving them a relaxed and informal look. They are a great option for those who want to show off their arms but still want to have some coverage on the shoulders. They are also ideal for those who want to balance out their proportions, as they can add volume to the shoulders and balance out a larger bottom half.

A cape sleeve is attached to the garment at the neckline or shoulder and drapes over the arm, resembling a cape. The cape sleeve may be made of a single piece of fabric that is attached to the garment at the neck or shoulder and falls over the arm, or it may be made of multiple pieces of fabric that overlap to create a fuller and more dramatic look. The cape sleeve adds a unique and elegant touch to clothing, and is often used to create a regal or sophisticated appearance.

A cowl sleeve features a draped or folded fabric at the shoulder or upper arm, creating a cowl-like shape. This type of sleeve is often used in dresses and tops, and can add a touch of elegance or a relaxed, bohemian look to the garment. The cowl can be a separate piece of fabric that is attached to the sleeve or can be created by draping or gathering the fabric of the sleeve itself. Some designs may feature a cowl that covers the entire shoulder or extend it to the elbow and creates a dramatic asymmetrical look.

Dolman sleeve is characterized by its wide cut and lack of defined seams. The sleeve has a very deep armhole, and gets progressively narrower to the wrist. The dolman sleeve provides a comfortable and relaxed fit, and its wide cut allows for a greater range of movement. The style is often used in casual and comfortable clothing, and is favored for its ease of wear and versatility.

Frill sleeve is characterized by its ruffled or pleated trim. The frill may be made of a single layer of fabric that is gathered or pleated, or it may be made of multiple layers of fabric that create a fuller, more dramatic look. The frill may be located at the wrist, near the elbow or, near the shoulder, and its size and placement can vary to create a variety of different looks. The frill sleeve is a popular design element in romantic and feminine fashion, and adds a touch of whimsy to clothing.

A Juliet sleeve has two parts to it. The top part at the shoulder is very full. It is gathered and joined to a fitted sleeve part in the lower arm.The style was named after the famous Shakespearean heroine, Juliet, who was known for her beauty and elegance.

A kimono sleeve is a wide, draping sleeve that is typically cut in one piece with the bodice of a garment. The sleeve is often full-length and has a relaxed, loose fit. In modern fashion, kimono sleeves are often used in blouses, dresses, and other tops to add a flowy, bohemian-inspired look.

A lantern sleeve is constructed from two sections. The top portion of this sleeve flares from the sleeve head towards the wrist. The bottom part flares from a fitting wrist to meet the flare from the top. The two parts are joined by a seam which maintains its flared lantern shape. A long lantern sleeve and short lantern sleeve can be made.

Leg-of-mutton sleeve is characterized by its fullness at the top of the sleeve near the shoulder, which gradually tapers down towards the wrist. It was a popular style in Victorian fashion and was often seen in women's blouses and dresses of the era. Today, the leg-of-mutton sleeve be seen in vintage or retro-inspired clothing. This sleeve is also known as Gigot sleeve.

Marmaluke or Virago sleeve is long and full and divided into several (usually 5) full sections. The parts are gathered at intersections fitting the arm. A vintage sleeve, the style became popular in Europe during the Renaissance and was often seen in garments worn by wealthy and noble individuals. Today, the Marmaluke sleeve is sometimes used in costume design and historical reenactments, but is not common in modern fashion.

A puff sleeve is characterized by its full and puffed shape, often created through gathers or pleats of fabric at the shoulder and/or wrist. The size and fullness of the puff can vary, and the style is often used to create a variety of different looks, ranging from understated to dramatic.

A raglan sleeve extends in one piece to the garment neckline rather than shoulder, leaving a diagonal seam from underarm to collarbone. This design creates a more relaxed and comfortable fit, and is often used in athletic or casual wear.

Slit sleeve has a slit down the center usually exposing part of the arm. This sleeve is also known as a cold shoulder sleeve.

A Tiered sleeve is characterized by its multiple layers of fabric, which create a stacked or tiered appearance. The tiered layers may be gathered, pleated, or ruffled, and may be of different sizes or shapes. The style is often used to create a playful and feminine look, and the number and size of the tiers can vary to create a variety of different looks, ranging from understated to dramatic.

Tulip or Petal sleeve is characterized by its flared shape and overlapping layers that resemble petals.