Types of sleeves: puff, bishop, raglan and more
Sleeves differ in length (from cap to long), shape (straight, puffed, flared) and how they are set in (a seam on the shoulder or a raglan seam from the neck).
Below are the types of sleeves on a simple top so the length and shape show. Each page covers how to recognise it, where it comes from, who and when it suits.
SleevelessA sleeveless garment ends where the arm meets the shoulder, so the arms are fully bare while the shoulders are covered.Cap sleeveA cap sleeve is a very short sleeve that covers only the top of the shoulder and does not reach under the arm.Short sleeveA short sleeve covers the shoulder and ends around the middle of the upper arm, between shoulder and elbow.Puff sleeveA puff sleeve is gathered at the shoulder and the hem, so it balloons out in the middle.Elbow-length sleeveAn elbow-length sleeve covers the upper arm and ends at or just above the elbow.Three-quarter sleeveA three-quarter sleeve ends between the elbow and the wrist, leaving the lower forearm and wrist bare.Long sleeveA long sleeve covers the whole arm to the wrist, often finished with a cuff or ribbed edge.Bishop sleeveA bishop sleeve is a long sleeve that widens towards the wrist and is gathered into a cuff, so it billows at the bottom.Bell sleeveA bell sleeve is narrow at the top and flares widely at the bottom, where it stays open, like a bell.Raglan sleeveA raglan sleeve is sewn in with a diagonal seam from the neck to the underarm, so the sleeve and shoulder are one piece.
How to choose
- Narrow shoulders: puff, cap or raglan sleeves.
- Broad shoulders: a straight set-in sleeve with no volume at the top.
- To cover the upper arm: an elbow or three-quarter sleeve.
- Under a blazer: a slim long sleeve, not puff or bell.
Related guides
- Types of dresses
- Types of skirts
- Types of pants and jeans
- Types of tops, shirts and sweaters
- Types of coats and jackets
- Types of shoes
- Types of sneakers
- Types of heels
- Types of bags
- Types of necklines
- Types of collars
- Fabric guide: 40 fabrics, properties and care
- Dress codes: what to wear to an event
- Clothing sizes and measurements
Questions and answers
Frequently asked
01What are the types of sleeves?
Sleeveless, cap, short, puff, elbow, three-quarter, long, bishop, bell and raglan.
02How does a raglan sleeve differ from a set-in sleeve?
A raglan seam runs diagonally from neck to underarm; a set-in seam sits on the shoulder.
03Which sleeve suits fuller arms?
An elbow or three-quarter sleeve, straight, in a fluid fabric.
04What is the difference between bishop and bell sleeves?
A bishop is gathered into a cuff; a bell stays open.