Vintage sleeves to adorn your dresses

Every now and then, fashion makes a comeback. Sleeves found on vintage clothes are very popular these days. Women are experimenting with sleeve designs on shirts, tops, kameezes, even on blouse pieces. 

Depending on the design, extra lace or ruffles can be added or the sleeves can be shortened or lengthened. Elaborate sleeves are more suitable for parties and other informal events. Three-quarter or full sleeves are perhaps better to create a formal look.

Some sleeves look good with synthetic materials while some look better with cotton or softer fabrics. We have prepared a vintage sleeves guide, in case you are looking to design some sleeves. 

1.Bell sleeve

A long sleeve type, loose bell sleeves would be comfortable for the summer on cotton clothes.

2. Split flutter sleeve

A split flutter looks adorable on any clothing, especially with a bow at the top from where the splits begin. These sleeves would look best on floral printed clothes.

3. Notched cap sleeve

This type of shirt sleeve is comfortable in the summer. A bit of piping or lace at the hem would add a cute touch, especially on blouses. 

4. Leg-of-mutton sleeve

Leg-of-mutton sleeve is a long sleeve design which is fitted with a slight pleated puff on the top. It is ideal for kameezes or long dresses. 

5. Flounce short sleeve

This one is similar to a short flutter sleeve, but is a bit longer with a straight end before the flutters begin.  

6. Quarter-length Raglan sleeve

This three quarter sleeve would look great with boat neck designs made from cotton or linen. 

7. Puffed balloon sleeve

Puffed balloon sleeves look good on any kind of tops and they are suitable for both children and young adults. 

8. Short leg-of-mutton sleeve

A bit tapered in the end, this sleeve is gradually becoming popular on deshi clothes. You could give it a try with your kurti, tops or muslin blouses. 

Other than the ones mentioned, there is Elbow bishop sleeve, a three quarter sleeve design which would look good with translucent materials such as georgette, chiffon or muslin. It starts off a bit tapered and goes on to flow in the end. 

There is the Lap-over short sleeve which has a visible fold on the top and would look good on shirts or regular wear.

Short-puffed peasant sleeve is a regular short puffed sleeve with small bows at the hem. This would look adorable on frocks or blouses for both children and adults. If you want, you can do without the bows.

If you are not comfortable with wearing sleeveless clothes, you could start slow with the Extended-shoulder Raglan sleeve which, although short, shows off quite a bit of the arm.

Quarter-length Dolman sleeves would look good on jackets or long coats. It is quite loose at the armpit.

Short flutter looks like a fluttering butterfly and if you make them with a polka dotted material, this would create the ideal vintage look.