Using Sleeve Design to Complement Your Style

Your sleeve design is an important component of any style you create.

It can be the focal point of your garment, or just a nice little detail that sets your style apart; the "icing on the cake", so to speak.

Think of the most basic top or blouse you have - I'll bet it would have a totally different look and vibe with a different sleeve. 

I'm not suggesting you remove and replace your sleeves!  Just imagine what a basic top would look like with a longer, shorter, more shaped or more tapered sleeve.

The results could be dramatic! 

Keep that in mind when drafting a top or blouse - the BODY of the garment can remain quite simple, but the sleeve alone can add style and flair!

The Cap Sleeve

cap sleeve top

The cap sleeve is an example of that little detail that sets your garment apart from the others.

The top at left is not a true "tee", nor is it a tank or sleeveless top.  It's a great summer top, but just a little bit different.

There's just a tiny bit of arm coverage, but it's still cool enough to wear on a hot summer day.

The Bell Sleeve

wrap jacket with bell sleeve

The bell sleeve is another slight variation on a basic sleeve (in this case, the basic, straight blouse sleeve).

With its gentle flare, it's just different enough to add some interest to a simple jacket, blouse, or top.

It's a really nice touch on a tunic top (I almost always use a bell sleeve on tunics!), adding a bit of femininity without being too "girly".

The Flutter Sleeve

flared top with flutter sleeve

But if it's "girly" you want, "girly" we got!

The flutter sleeve is super-feminine and looks fantastic on a floral print, garden-party dress - or adds a feminine touch to a simple flared top.

It's another detail that makes this top "not your basic tee".

The flutter sleeve is also bold enough that it can take the stage as a focal point.

The Bishop's Sleeve

blouse with bishop's sleeve

For a classic look, nothing beats the Bishop's sleeve.

It's a full sleeve, yes, but it's a little more than that.  It's a little longer at the back of the sleeve, which makes this sleeve drape beautifully in a soft crepe or other dressy fabric. The additional length at the back also allows for the elbow to move freely without "pulling" the sleeve when the elbow is bent.

Of course, you can make a bishop's sleeve in a variety of fabrics, but in a nice blouse fabric, a blouse with this sleeve will take you from the office to dinner with just a little change of jewelry.

The bishop's sleeve should be the focal point of your garment!

Learn to design dozens of new sleeve styles in the in-depth tutorial, A Beginner's Guide to Sleeves and Cuffs.  Kimono sleeves and Dolmans, raglan sleeves, leg 'o mutton and cowl sleeves, a pretty little petal sleeve - and variations of all of these! - are demonstrated in the tutorial. 

Check out the Beginner's Guide to Sleeves and Cuffs now!



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