Sleeve

A sleeve is a garment component that covers part of the arm, typically attached to the bodice at or near the armhole. It may extend from the shoulder to the wrist or end at a shorter length and is designed to fit or drape for movement and style.

Sleeves are constructed in various ways. A set-in sleeve is formed separately at the armhole and sewn into the bodice, producing a defined seam around the shoulder. A raglan sleeve extends from the neckline to the underarm with a diagonal seam running to the collarbone, often resulting in a more relaxed fit. A kimono sleeve is cut as a single piece from the bodice to the wrist, with little or no shoulder seam and generous ease.

Common sleeve lengths include cap, short, three-quarter, and full/long sleeves. Styles that alter the sleeve’s shape or fullness include puff, bishop, lantern, leg-of-mutton, and bell sleeves, as well as the widely used kimono and dolman variants. The sleeve cap, the curved top edge, is designed to ease into the armhole for comfortable movement.

Fabrics used for sleeves range from lightweight cotton and silk to wool and synthetic blends. Finishing details such as cuffs or bands, hems, and linings affect appearance and function. Sleeves contribute to warmth, protection, or ventilation and influence the overall silhouette of a garment.

Throughout history, sleeve designs have reflected fashion and technology, evolving from simple tubular forms in antiquity to highly structured or voluminous shapes in later periods. In modern clothing, sleeves continue to balance utility with aesthetic expression.