30 cool sleeve types you should know about with names & pictures

30 cool sleeve types you should know about with names & pictures

The fashion industry constantly evolves, bringing new styles and innovations each decade. While several have emerged and disappeared, others have remained until the present day. Sleeves are not left behind in this trend, whereby different sleeves have trended and disappeared after a while. Know different sleeve types that can add flair to your outfits.

A woman in an off-shoulder sleeved dress (L) and in a sheer sleeve (M). A man in a Reglan-sleeved top (R)
Sleeves are the parts of a shirt or dress that cover your arms. Photo: @masculine.bd, @zolafashionhouse, @roziecorsets on Instagram (modified by author)
Source: UGC

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Sleeves are the parts of a shirt or dress that cover your arms. They can come in different styles, like short sleeves that end above the elbow or long sleeves that go down to your wrists. Sleeves can be tight, loose, or somewhere in between. They help keep you warm, protect your arms, and add style to your clothing.

Cool sleeve types

For sleeves to be cool, they must serve their purpose well. Here are some of the best sleeves in the market worth trying.

1. Off-shoulder sleeves

Ladies wearing white off-shoulder sleeved tops
Off-shoulder sleeves sit across the chest, often elasticised for comfort. Photo: @lavenderbridalboutique, @lulus on Instagram (modified by author)
Source: UGC

Off-shoulder sleeves sit across the chest, often elasticised for comfort. They are blouse and dress sleeve types worn mostly on casual occasions like dinner dates, Saturday nights, or weddings.

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2. Cold shoulder sleeves

Two ladies wearing cold shoulder sleeves.
Wear your cold shoulder sleeve to a party or brunch with friends. Photo: @mimah_fashion, @cro.j.mnl on Instagram (modified by author)
Source: UGC

Cold shoulder means an unfriendly attitude given to someone or ignoring someone intentionally. This sleeve slips to show off your shoulder while the rest of the body is covered. The sleeves have cut-out details or sit off the shoulder, perfect for casual wear in warmer weather.

3. Sheer sleeves

These are see-through sleeves that are best fitted for a more casual look. They come in various styles, but they all use sheer fabric that gives a see-through effect. Sheer sleeves are commonly used for wedding dresses, formal evening gowns, or parties.

4. Marie sleeves

Example of dresses with Marie sleeves
Marie's sleeves are made of elastic to give it a puffed effect along the sleeve. Photo: @Dalood, @Lessie Loft on Facebook (modified by author)
Source: UGC

These are types of puff sleeves created using tied ribbons in the Early 19th Century. However, these particular sleeves are currently made of elastic with touches of a few laces here and there. Marie's sleeves are unique, featuring gathered segments along the length for a puffed effect.

5. Flutter Sleeves

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Flutter sleeves are wider but shorter, delicately sitting atop the arm. They're elegant and perfect for lightweight materials in warmer seasons. Whether going for a casual or an official event, flutter sleeves are dress sleeve types that will make you stand out on any occasion.

6. Juliet sleeves

Ladies adorning Juliet's sleeves
Juliet sleeves are mostly found on casual clothes. Photo: @beufashions, @latest_dress_ideas on Instagram (modified by author)
Source: UGC

Juliet's sleeves are puffy at the shoulder and taper down to a slim fit, inspired by the Romeo and Juliet film. They add a romantic touch to dresses and tops. These sleeves are even more fun when on a sweater, allowing you to rock them with jeans for a casual occasion.

7. Batwing sleeves (dolman)

Tops with Batwing sleeves
You can blend batwings in the bodice rather than having separate armholes. Photo: @Fun Essentials Boutique, @Hamstech College of Creative Education on Facebook (modified by author)
Source: UGC

Batwing sleeves blend with the bodice instead of having a separate armhole. This creates a loose, batwing appearance without a seam at the arms. They are dress sleeve types often seen on comfy tops and dresses, with the length usually reaching the elbow or wrist.

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8. Bell sleeves

Ladies wearing tops with bell wings.
Most of the sleeves in the market are trendy and stylish. Photo: @thedreamcrochet, @punchy_blonde on Instagram (modified by author)
Source: UGC

Bell sleeves, trumpet sleeves, are feminine and stylish, fitting snugly at the shoulder and flaring out gracefully towards the hem. They add elegance to dresses and tops, with the length ranging from the elbow to the wrist.

9. Petal sleeves

Petal or lapped sleeves are delicate and pretty, overlapping like petals. They're crafted from two separate pieces, creating a unique look. You will find these sleeves mostly on Indian dresses and blouses with an outstanding finish.

10. Cuff sleeves

Cuff sleeves with buttons
Sleeves come in many styles. Photo: @latest_dress_ideas on Instagram (modified by author)
Source: UGC

Cuff sleeves feature additional fabric sewn onto the sleeve ends, offering various styles and closures like buttons or snap locks. They're commonly found on shirts and jackets worn by men and women and clipped by either cuff links, nylon or buttons.

11. Leg of mutton sleeves (gigot sleeves)

Ladies wearing beautiful tops with gigot sleeves
Different types of sleeves suit different occasions. Photo: @Trendy Threads, @iwantthemissingpiece on Instagram (modified by author)
Source: UGC

Leg of mutton sleeves are full around the shoulder and taper down to the wrist, adding detail to designer dresses and tops. This sleeve aims to give the illusion of a slimmer or smaller waist. The sleeve was introduced in the 1820s, trending to the 1830s.

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12. Raglan sleeves

Raglan sleeves are unique for their lack of shoulder seams, blending part of the bodice neckline into the sleeve. Their design offers a broader underarm section, particularly beneficial for outerwear like sweatshirts or jackets, providing extra room for layering underneath.

13. Cape sleeves

A great example of cape sleeves on long dresses
Raglan sleeves have diagonal seams. Photo: @modestique, @voguexchic on Instagram (modified by author)
Source: UGC

What are cape sleeves? Cape sleeves are full and flared outfits resembling a cape. They're often layered or split, creating a dramatic look for dresses or formal wear, and can be cinched at the waist for added style. These long-sleeved outfits are often found on women's jumpsuits and can be customised to meet individual needs.

14. Open sleeves

Open sleeves on long and short sleeves.
Sleeves can be tight or loose. Photo: @uyabizshp @luwiboutique_254 on Instagram (modified by author)
Source: UGC

Open or slit sleeves feature a dramatic slit down to the wrist, exposing the entire arm. They're perfect for going-out wear in lightweight fabrics. With these sleeves, the shoulders and the entire arms will be exposed.

15. 3/4 Length sleeves

Two women displaying tops with 3/4 sleeves
There are different lengths for different sleeves: long, short, 3/4 and sleeveless. Photo: @rubyidol.stylish.apparel, @shoefisticated on Instagram (modified by author)
Source: UGC

¾ length sleeves come in various styles, such as fitted or gathered and stop between the elbow and wrist. They're perfect for transitional seasons and can balance a dress with a loose bodice. They are mostly found in women's outfits and can be worn in casual and official outfits.

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16. Ruffled sleeves

Ruffled or frill sleeves feature layers of fabric sewn together for a tiered effect, adding flair to tops and dresses. Various puffed sleeves are positioned near the elbow, adding a fluffy appearance to your arm.

17. Circular sleeves

Circular sleeves are cut from circular patterns, giving a full, draped look. The sleeves will look fuller and longer when you make the circle bigger while taking measurements. They're best for delicate fabrics like chiffon, adding elegance to tops and dresses.

18. Lantern sleeves

Images of ladies wearing tops with beautiful lantern sleeves.
Lantern sleeves taper at the wrist. Photo: @thinkpinkboutique1, @my_favourite_closet_fashion on Instagram (modified by author)
Source: UGC

Lantern sleeves balloon out between the wrist and elbow, gathered at the wrist for a balloon effect. They're stylish and add volume to tops and dresses. Many long-sleeved shirts with this sleeve can be worn for official and casual events.

19. Butterfly sleeves

Butterfly sleeves on a top and an Indian dress
Butterfly sleeves are wide and fluttery. Photo: @easy_jahit, @drape_divaa on Instagram (modified by author)
Source: UGC

Butterfly sleeves are delicate and fluttery, resembling butterfly wings when arms are lifted. They begin to narrow at the shoulder and widen as they reach the bottom, creating a breezy, comfortable, flattering appearance. They're ideal for lightweight fabrics like chiffon and silk, adding a graceful touch to dresses and tops.

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20. T-shirt sleeve

A great example of t-shirt sleeves.
T-shirt sleeves are always short. Photo: @hiptrackofficial, @sanmarcanada on Instagram (modified by author)
Source: UGC

T-shirts are casual tops that look like a T when spread out. They often have different sleeve types according to the make and design. However, the most common sleeves are the basic T-shirt sleeves, ending around the bicep with a simple shape that can be adjusted for various styles.

21. Peasant sleeves

Peasant sleeves are casual and loose, usually paired with a raglan cut for a relaxed blouse style. You can also find them on the off-shoulder outfits, giving you a stylish outfit. These sleeves can be short or long and are a very casual style.

22. Cap sleeves

Women wearing dresses with cap sleeves.
Cap sleeves cover the top part of the shoulder with a minimal width under the arm. Photo: @abeena.meera, @1nightrent on Instagram (modified by author)
Source: UGC

Cap sleeves cover the shoulder's top part, tapering to a minimal width under the arm. They can be distinct shaped parts connected to the bodice and formed as part of the dress. They're feminine and versatile, in various outfits like ball gowns and dresses.

23. Angel sleeves

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Image of tops with angel sleeves.
Angel sleeves are pretty and flowy. Photo: @lseclecticvintage, @czarinakaftans on Instagram (modified by author)
Source: UGC

Angel sleeves are pretty and flowy, wider at the shoulder and flaring to the hem. They give a relaxed, floaty look to dresses and tops, sometimes reaching the elbow or full length for an 'angel wing' effect. They are mostly found on traditional wedding dresses like gowns and robes.

24. Bishop sleeves

Bishop sleeves on a dress and a blouse.
Bishop sleeves are flattering, fitted to the shoulder and flattering out to a gathered cuff at the wrist. Photo: @in_vogueboutique, @madeformermaids on Instagram (modified by author)
Source: UGC

Bishop sleeves are flattering, fitted at the shoulder and flaring out to a gathered cuff at the wrist. It fits snugly around the elbow area and then becomes looser as it goes down towards the wrist. They give a chic look to tops and dresses, sometimes featuring elastic cuffs for a gathered effect.

25. Kimono sleeves

Beautiful kimono sleeves on dresses
Kimono sleeves are wide and attached to the bodice, inspired by traditional Japanese wear. Photo: @camixa, @borrowedbyyououtfitrental on Instagram (modified by author)
Source: UGC

Kimono sleeves are wide and attached to the bodice, inspired by traditional Japanese wear. It's broad, lengthy, and spacious, making it a cosy option for blouses, dresses, and robes. Because of its width, clothing with kimono sleeves will have a larger armhole to accommodate them.

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26. Puff sleeves

Puff sleeves are trendy and fun, adding fullness that gathers into a cuff or elastic band. They come in various lengths and fabrics for a versatile style. Different types of puff sleeves are usually ideal for individuals with slender or narrow shoulders, as they add volume and balance to the upper body.

27. Voluminous billowy sleeves

Photos of two women wearing blouses with billowy sleeves
Set-in sleeves are common in shirts. Photo: @Julian Gold on Facebook (modified by author)
Source: UGC

This fashionable outfit creates a dramatic appearance with plenty of fabric for the flowing sleeves, ideal for soft organza and satin fabrics. These sleeves are more for special occasions rather than everyday wear.

28. Flounce sleeves

Flounce sleeves are trendy in fashion, and if you like stylish clothes, you should have a top with flounce sleeves. They blend the elegance of 3/4 sleeves with circular fabric, making your arms look beautiful and elevating your outfit.

29. Long sleeves

types of long sleeves; A woman in a long-sleeved dress (L). A display of long sleeve shirts (R)
Sleeves can be short or long. Photo: @touchfashionil, @snazzy on Instagram (modified by author)
Source: UGC

A long sleeve is a type of sleeve that goes all the way to your wrist. It can be tight, loose, or any other style of sleeve. It's great for keeping warm in winter if you want more coverage. The types of long-sleeved shirts include the bishop, balloon, and split sleeves.

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30. Slashed sleeves

Dresses with slashed sleeves
A cool style detail on a sleeve is when you cut in a trendy way with horizontal slashes. Photo: Fashion Styles on Facebook (modified by author)
Source: UGC

It is achieved by making tiny cuts in the outer fabric of clothes to show the inside lining. Like dagging, slashing was done on different types of clothing, like men's doublets, padded shirts, and breeches.

What are the 3 basic types of sleeves?

There are three fundamental sleeve styles: the set-in, kimono, and raglan. Set-in sleeves are attached to the armholes of the bodice. Kimono sleeves draw inspiration from the traditional Japanese kimono garment,, while the Reglan sleeves are found to be part of the bodice pattern and not cut separately.

How many types of sleeves are there in fashion?

There are numerous sleeves in fashion. Each day comes with a different type of sleeve, making it quantify. However, they are all categorised according to shape, length, and volume.

What is the best style of sleeve?

There are many different styles, like set-in sleeves, which are stitched into the armholes of the clothing, kimono sleeves and raglan sleeves.

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There are many different types of sleeves that you can find on shirts, dresses, and other clothes. Some are short, above the elbow, while others are long. Some people prefer voluminous sleeves like the kimono or going sleeveless. Either way, each sleeve type gives your outfit a different look and feel.

Yen.com.gh recently published an informative piece about the latest Aso Ebi styles. Aso Ebi is a traditional style from Nigeria worn by the Yoruba. The dressing has been used in ceremonies and festivities to show cooperation and solidarity.

Aso Ebi styles have grown in popularity throughout time. The outfit has evolved from traditional to fashion, ideal for various occasions and festivities. But which are the latest Aso Ebi styles?

Source: YEN.com.gh

Authors:
Peris Wamangu avatar

Peris Wamangu (Lifestyle writer) Peris Wamangu is a reporter with more than four years of experience as a content writer. Peris joined Yen in 2024. Before that, she worked with Legit's team from 2021 to 2024. Peris graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Nairobi in 2019. She enjoys writing about various topics such as fashion, currency, biographies, entertainment and business. In 2023, Peris finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques. Email: wamanguperis@gmail.com