Puffed sleeves on tees, blouses, shirts, knitwear, knitted tops, bodysuits, jackets and dresses are everywhere, and have been trending for a while. The look is particularly strong at the moment because it aligns with the big Boho Chic trend.
Tops, jackets and dresses with puffed sleeves come in all sorts of silhouettes, fabrics, fabrics, colours, patterns, and vibes. There are hot and cold weather versions. The collection below shows lots of examples.
It’s important to understand the details of the design because they affect the volume and look of the puff. The variations can create a very puffy sleeve, or a more subtle one. One might be more to your liking than others.
1. Location of the Gathers
Gathers and fabric folds create the puff-effect. Sleeves create a puff when there are gathers on the crown by the shoulder point, or by the hem of the sleeves at the cuffs. Sometimes there are gathers in both locations creating maximum puff.
You might prefer a puffed sleeve that is NOT gathered at the crown, but rather at the cuff. Or vice versa. Puffed sleeves that are gathered at the cuff and not at the crown are more subtle.
2. Volume of the Puff
Puffed sleeves vary in volume. Some puffs are gentle and barely there, whereas others make an enormous statement. Some puffed sleeves can ovewhelm your frame, whereas others look architectural and dramatic. Choose the volume that is to your liking.
A sleeker puff is easier to layer under toppers, is less overwhelming on a small frame, and generally looks less frilly. A larger puff is more theatrical and dramatic.
3. Length of the Sleeve
Puffed sleeves can be capped, short, elbow, three-quarter, bracelet and long length. Choose the length that you find most attractive. Short puffed sleeves can be dead right on some, and “too cutesy” on others.
4. Fabric
Stiff and crisp woven fabric tends to make a puffed sleeve look more sculptural, big and hold its shape. Puffed sleeves made of knits are softer and more collapsable. They tend to be more subtle puffs than woven puffs.
5. Vibe of the Item
Puffed sleeves can look “more frilly” or “less frilly” depending on the vibe of the top. If the top, jacket or dress is flouncy, tiered, peplumed and ruffled, its puffed sleeves accentuate frilliness, for lack of a better way of describing it. A puffed sleeved top that is void of additional ruffles, bows, and tiers might be more your cup of tea.
I’m a YAY. My narrow shoulders enjoy wearing all sorts of puffed sleeves. They’re pretty, and add outfit interest. Better than basic, for my style. Some puffs are subtle, and some more dramatic. I like gathers on the crown, on the cuff, and in both locations. As long as the volume of the puffs don’t overwhelm my frame and the shoulder seams are in the right place, puffed sleeves work well. Here’s my current collection of puffed sleeved tops, plus a jacket and a dress.
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Over to you. Are you a yes, no, or maybe for puffed sleeves?
