stulpe

Stulpe is a German noun with several related meanings. In clothing, a Stulpe refers to a sleeve extension or cuff that protrudes beyond the edge of a garment and may serve a decorative or protective purpose. The related plural Stulpen denotes leg warmers or arm warmers, which are knitted or fabric tubes worn to keep the lower legs or forearms warm, or to provide protection against cold, friction, or irritation in certain activities.

In historical and costume contexts, Stulpen were common across various European fashions, sometimes worn over stockings or as part of military, riding, or ceremonial outfits. In modern use, the term also appears in contexts of protective gear, where a sleeve or tube-like covering is worn to shield skin from cold, abrasion, or performance-related stress during sport or work. The exact meaning of Stulpe can depend on regional usage and the specific garment or purpose involved.

As a proper noun, Stulpe appears as a surname and as a place name in German-speaking regions. Variants include Stülpe with an umlaut. Etymologically, the term is connected to the concept of a tubular, sleeve-like form, reflecting its function as a covering or extension of clothing. Overall, Stulpe encompasses both a common clothing component and longer-standing historical and regional uses, with variations in meaning tied to context.