Sleevetype

Sleevetype refers to the design of the arm covering portion of a garment, including length, fullness, and how the sleeve is attached to the bodice. Sleeve design affects mobility, warmth, and the silhouette, and is a fundamental element in tailoring and fashion.

Length-based classifications include cap sleeves (the shortest, covering the shoulder without extending under the arm), short sleeves, elbow-length sleeves, three-quarter sleeves, and full-length sleeves that reach the wrist. Some garments combine lengths, such as three-quarter sleeves with cuffs or cap sleeves on jackets.

Fullness and shaping describe how the fabric is distributed around the arm. Examples include fitted sleeves, puff sleeves (gathered at the armhole for volume), leg-of-mutton or gigot sleeves (very full at the upper arm tapering to the wrist), bishop sleeves (full at the upper arm eased into a fitted cuff), lantern sleeves (a wide body gathered into a narrow cuff), and bell or trumpet sleeves (flare starting at or below the elbow or wrist).

Construction styles define how the sleeve is attached and cut. Set-in sleeves are attached to a separate armhole; raglan sleeves extend from neckline to underarm with a diagonal seam; dolman sleeves are wide and roomy with a dropped armhole; kimono sleeves are typically wide and straight, often integrated with the bodice edge; batwing sleeves are very wide at the body and taper toward the wrist.

Historical notes and practical use: sleeve types have evolved with fashion, from leg-of-mutton and puff silhouettes in the 19th and early 20th centuries to contemporary emphasis on comfort and movement. In pattern drafting, sleeve choice influences ease, fabric, and the garment’s overall aesthetic.