puffedsleeve

The puffed sleeve, also written puff sleeve or puffed-sleeve, is a sleeve design in which the upper arm is gathered or pleated to create volume. The fullness is usually centered at the sleeve cap, producing a rounded silhouette that can be modest or dramatic.

Construction methods include gathering at the armhole, pleats, tucks, or elastic at the sleeve head to hold the puff. Variants vary by length and degree of fullness, from short cap puffs to longer sleeves; the leg-of-mutton (gigot) sleeve is a dramatic form with a wide upper portion tapering toward the wrist.

Historically, puffed sleeves appeared in Western fashion in the 19th century and were especially prominent in the 1890s. They reappeared in various revivals during the 20th century and remain common in contemporary fashion, used in blouses, dresses, and bridalwear.

Fabrics with body, such as cotton poplin or sateen, hold puff shape well, while light chiffons produce softer volume. The style affects garment structure and ironing, and is often paired with high necklines or yokes to emphasize the shoulder line.