Lesson Four. Parts of Clothes

Text A. Sleeve Styles for Women’s Clothes

Text B. Garments and their Parts

Reading for general understanding

Text a. Sleeve Styles for Women’s Clothes

Throughout the centuries different sleeve styles complemented women’s dresses either for fashion or function. The main factors that determine types of sleeves on women’s clothes are the length, the way the sleeve is cut and how it fits around the arm. The type of sleeves cut into women’s tops or dresses gives each garment a distinct styling.

Cap Sleeve

The cap sleeve sits directly on the shoulder. Cap sleeves are not tight-fitting at all, which allows for a comfortably loose fit above the arms. This is the shortest type of sleeve cut on women's tops and dresses.

Short Sleeve

The fabric on short sleeves is cut between the shoulder and elbow unlike the capped sleeve, short sleeves on shirts and dresses are a more form-fitting sleeve. Short sleeves are mostly found on casual and active wear.

Three-Quarter Sleeve

This type of sleeve covers three quarters of the arm's length. Three-quarter sleeves leave the area between each elbow and wrist uncovered and are ideal for wearing during cool autumn weather.

Long Sleeve

Long sleeves run from the shoulder all the way down to the wrist. Depending on the length of the arms, long sleeves may lay longer or shorter on the wrists. Long sleeves can be found on t-shirts, blouses, sweatshirts and sweaters.

Puffy Sleeve

Puffy sleeves are most commonly seen on ball gown style wedding dresses, pageant gowns and princess or queen costumes. Puffy sleeves are named for the way this type of sleeve extends out in round puffs around the upper arms or at the shoulder.

Balloon

This sleeve is wide at the shoulder, narrows from shoulder to elbow, then gets wider from elbow to wrist. It is called a balloon sleeve because it is so full at the wrist that it appears as if it is filled with air. Alternatively, the balloon sleeve may be very tight at the wrist and gradually puff up at the shoulder.

Bell

This sleeve has no cuff but is narrow at the shoulder and flares out to the wrist. The end of the sleeve is very wide and hangs loosely off the wrist. The long fabric on the end is called a tail. This is commonly seen in choir and ministerial gowns. The bell sleeve can be as long or as short as you want.

Bishop Sleeve

A long sleeve, fuller at the bottom than at the top and gathered into a cuff or a wristband. The bishop sleeve may be three-quarter or full length.

Dolman

The dolman-type of sleeve became popular in the 1800s; it extends from the bodice of the dress instead of the top sides of the dress. The sleeve does not actually have an armhole, but connects to the waistline. It is very wide at the top and narrow at the wrist. It is also known as a batwing sleeve.

Fitted Point

This long sleeve narrows to angled point that lie on the back of the hand. The fitted point is also often commonly seen in other types of sleeves, particularly gauntlet, Juliet, leg of mutton and other more ornate styles. Fitted point sleeves are very elegant and will commonly be seen on fancy, formal gowns and period costumes.