This is somewhat of a new purchase for me, in that I actually bought the item, brand new. I don’t always shop second hand but I realised lately that I don’t mention the new clothes that I buy as often as I do my op-shop or vintage finds. I don’t normally wear a kimono sleeve but I was attracted by the dramatic print of the dress and of course it is now the most comfortable dress I own.Sleeves are so key to the fit of a garment and are often overlooked when we are out buying clothes. You’ve no doubt stood in front of the mirror thinking ‘This just doesn’t look right!’ but not perhaps knowing exactly why.
Sleeves have indicated changing fashion trends for hundreds of years. Before hemline’s rose in the 1920’s, it had long been scandalous to show a ladies ankle in public, so necklines and sleeves were what was changed to suit fashion trends.
Victorian sleeves courtesy Ageless Patterns
There are plenty of sleeve options, some of the most popular used in every day fashion are:
- Capped sleeves
- Short sleeve
- 3/4 sleeve
- Long sleeve
- Puffy sleeve
- Raglan sleeve
Knowing what suits you and what doesn’t can make a huge difference so it’s worth identifying different types of sleeves, how they sit on your body and then trying them on. I guarantee when you see the difference between the styles hanging on your frame it will make all the difference to the type of clothes you buy.
Sleeve illustration from Patterns that Fit You