manschette

Manschette is a German term that broadly refers to a cuff or sleeve-like band. In everyday language it is most commonly used for the cuff at the end of a shirt sleeve, but the word also appears in technical contexts to denote a flexible band that encircles a part of a device or body.

In clothing, a Manschette forms the lower edge of a sleeve and can be fastened with buttons, studs, or cufflinks. Common types include button cuffs, French cuffs (double cuffs) designed for cufflinks, and convertible cuffs that can be worn with buttons or links. Some shirts feature removable or reinforced cuffs for durability or style.

In medicine, the term is used for the inflatable cuff that encircles a limb in sphygmomanometers (blood pressure cuffs). The cuff expands to compress the artery for measurement and is connected to a pump and meter. Proper sizing and placement are essential for accurate readings.

In engineering and industry, Manschette can denote a flexible sleeve or seal around a shaft, pipe, or cable. Such sleeves protect against dust and moisture, or serve as a sliding or wear-resistant interface. In some contexts it refers to a gasket or a hydraulic/pneumatic sleeve.