April 2019
Like a frame to your body’s silhouette, sleeves are one of the key determining factor that can either make or break an outfit. With the vast and varying sleeve options out there, it’s no doubt a tough decision to make when choosing the right sleeve that flatters and frames your body shape. But don’t fret now, we are making things a little easier for you with this week’s write up featuring 5 very different sleeve types! Learn a tip or two and give your arm and shoulders some well-deserved love!
First in line, we have flutter sleeves! It is a loose-fitting sleeve that falls in soft folds over the upper arm. Length of such sleeves can vary from shorter ones that slightly glaze over the shoulder or longer, elbow-length ones that gently swing with the movements of your arms.
Absolutely romantic and beautiful to look at, flutter sleeves can add movement and softness to any outfit. Along with it’s flared quality and non-restricting silhouette, it is easily wearable and comfortable. With the best of both worlds, it’s no doubt why flutter sleeves do make many hearts flutter with excitement!
Absolutely romantic and beautiful to look at, flutter sleeves can add movement and softness to any outfit. Along with it’s flared quality and non-restricting silhouette, it is easily wearable and comfortable. With the best of both worlds, it’s no doubt why flutter sleeves do make many hearts flutter with excitement!
A little self-conscious about your arms? Longer flutter sleeve are great for covering your arms and because of it’s flare quality, it makes any arm appear slimmer than it is! On the other hand, shorter sleeves can actually do the opposite, so it’s important to choose wisely. Since flutter sleeves will sit on your shoulders and flare outwards, it is not ideal for ladies with broad shoulders but great for balancing ladies with triangle body types!
Classic and non fussy, a fitted sleeve has to be the most basic of sleeve types! Straight hemmed and curves to your shoulder cap, it’s only shining factor to it’s beauty is in it’s fit. So don’t be fooled by it’s simplicity, there are still some points to take note when choosing the right one for you!
There are two main areas to look out for when choosing fitted sleeves - the highest part of the sleeve and the hem. The best way to determine the right one is to try them on; because there are differing shoulder slopes, hence a good fit would mean one that fits to your shoulders shape specifically. If there are hovering spaces above your shoulders or puckering happening around the circumference of your armpits, it isn’t suitable for you.
Look at where the seam joins at the top of your shoulder too; a good fit would mean having that seam line align from the top of your shoulders down to your armpits. Next to look out for is the width of the sleeve hem; it should have an allowance of more than half of your arm width for it to look well tailored to your arm!
An all-time favourite no doubt! One of the most versatile sleeve detail; depending on how it’s done, can look cute, classy or even elegant. Best thing about ruffled sleeve is it flatters almost all body shapes!
For narrower shoulders, pick ruffles located nearer to top of your arm, and vis versa for broader shoulders. For wider arms, choose ruffle details that open at the thinnest part of your arm, like the top of your elbow or the wrist, so that you pull the focus towards these areas.
The intensity of the ruffles also matters. For a more elegant look, go for less flare and choose softer materials that lessen any angular folds, while bigger and sharper flares will give you statement looks great for setting a lasting impression!
It’s uncompleted look gives off a relax and casual vibe to the outfit, frayed sleeves when used with formal outfits, would make for a great formal casual piece!
Though it looks fragile and impractical for everyday wear, these frayed ends are actually pretty sturdy. These edges do not fray further into the garment as there is a stabilising stitch just before the fray starts that prevents the inner threads from running loose! Just do note that such garments if machine-washed, should always be in a laundry bag to prevent hooks or buttons from other garments damaging the stabilising thread!
Frays do soften the edges of the garment; a great detail to pair with structural silhouettes to give the outfit a contrasting balance. This feature also works great for straight, boxy body types as anything that reduces harsh, angular lines will contribute to creating balance for this body shape.
In contrast with the idea that wider shoulders should avoid sleeves that are too short or high, frayed edges can actually be an alternative choice for this body type when it comes to getting sleeveless pieces; reason being, frays soften the line between garment and body as compared to the effects of a harsh, straight hem.
Often high and cut towards the shoulder blades, halter type armholes can make any garment, even flowy dresses, look a tad sporty and fun! A great sleeve type that really flatters the shoulders and elongates the arms, it is however, compared to straight sleeveless pieces, much tricker to pull off.
Narrow shoulders are perfect candidates for halter pieces, in fact, it has to be the most flattering piece of detail, amongst the others, for such body types. However, body types with a narrow shoulder but a wider hip won’t not be as suitable; reason being, halters will make your shoulders even smaller, creating an even more unbalanced body silhouette.
Broad shouldered ladies on the other hand, look naturally sporty and halters with thicker straps can complement your physique very well; but do avoid thin strapped halters as it will exaggerate the broadness of your shoulders more.
Shoulders are like your eyebrows ladies, they act as frames; so its vital you nitpick at what sleeves types work best to flatter you. You know what they say, an artwork isn’t complete without a good frame, so give your precious art-piece of a shoulder the same framing love!
With love,
With love,
