dolman

Dolman is a fashion term that can refer to a garment or to a sleeve style. A dolman sleeve is a wide, unstructured sleeve cut in one piece with the bodice, creating a loose, draped silhouette with little or no shoulder seam. The sleeve may be very full at the upper arm and taper toward the wrist, or it may remain generously proportioned throughout. The term also describes the garment—the dolman coat or tunic—which features a similar construction, with sleeves that appear to emerge from the bodice without conventional shoulder seams and a loose, often boxy fit.

Historically, dolman garments appeared in Western fashion in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, including coats, jackets, and other outerwear designed for ease of movement. The style has recurred in various forms through the 20th century and into contemporary fashion, where dolman sleeves or dolman-cut garments appear in sweaters, dresses, tops, and coats. They are valued for their draped line and comfort, though they are not always suited to tailored or highly structured designs.

Fabrics range from wool and wool crepe to jersey and knit blends, chosen for their drape. The terms can overlap, with some usage referring to the overall garment as a dolman and others to the sleeve design specifically. See also: dolman sleeve, cloak, cocoon coat.