
Fashion 101: Different Types of Sleeves
In the words of our Head Designer, Gloria Berck, “Any sleeve types could compliment a woman’s body type. What it comes down to is personal preference.”
Do you want a sleeve with a little flair? Do you want a sleeve length that will cover your arms? Or do you want a sleeve that’s both modest and shows off some skin?
“What you’ll notice about the different types of dress styles here is that the silhouettes are simple, comfortable and are an easy fit. All the interest and excitement of these dresses are in the different types of sleeves.”
- Gloria Berck, CA Head Designer

Kristen is wearing the Stevie Black Lace Sequin Dress. It's the perfect LBD to have in your closet that you can wear year-round. All it takes is a change of accessories to match the time of year.
Sleeve styles have become a fixture in fashion design and garment making. And with so many unique types of sleeves that serve both an aesthetic and practical function, it’s easy to get lost in the changing sleeve styles. Sleeve designs can be created in any fabric and any style and they are a crucial element of a garment’s look and silhouette, as it is one of the first things you see in a garment.
Beyond their practical function, different types of sleeves complete a garment’s silhouette and can create movement or structure to the piece depending on dress style.
“We don’t want our dress sleeves to look or feel heavy, so we design them to be light and airy but still cover you up,” Gloria explains. “Over the years we’ve expanded upon the traditional sleeve lengths (short, long) to include sleeves with slits, ruffles, cold shoulders and so on.”
“The big driving point with all these figure-flattering dresses or even tops is the body shape - slightly loose, a-line dresses where the sleeve is the big deal,” she continues. “We find that this works for any woman’s body type because many times, a woman simply wants to cover up her arms. Not everyone wants a sexy, form-fitting silhouette, so we found the recipe for that.”
Whether you’re looking for a statement sleeve, a modest sleeve or traditional sleeve, we’ve got the right sleeve styles that will highlight your features beautifully. Check out our favorites below.
Short Sleeves Design
Short sleeves are a traditional sleeve style that will never go out of fashion.
Cap Sleeve Styles
There are more to cap sleeves than meets the eye!


Jailyn is wearing the Grace Navy Sequin Lace Floor Length dress. The extended cap sleeves add that extra coverage you’re looking for in a formal floor length dress. Terri is wearing the Sally center panel workwear dress. Easy to layer for work during the colder months and equally as comfortable to wear in Spring and Summer with her cap sleeves.
Sleeveless
Sleeveless dresses are another traditional sleeve style that is seasonless.
Raglan Sleeve Styles
Raglan types of sleeves come in all lengths and are a popular choice for many garments.

Tejera is wearing the best selling Sasha raglan sleeve dress in a royal blue floral print that’s vibrant and timeless.
Split Sleeve Styles
Sleeves with slits are also referred to as peek-a-book sleeves or split sleeve styles.
Adding a slit to a long sleeve dress not only provides coverage, but also allows for added movement. It also allows for the sleeves to not be form fitting, but instead light and airy. Gloria says, “Adding chiffon sleeves with slits to our Stevie dress was the perfect way to create a comfortable, figure-flattering special occasion dress that adds mystery and a touch of sexiness.”
Three-Quarter Sleeve Styles
Three-quarter inch sleeve styles provide just the right amount of coverage, taking the chill off while also showing off some extra skin.


Adriana is wearing the Uptown 2.0 Jumpsuit. From her cowl neck to tie at the waist to sheer chiffon three-quarter sleeves, there’s so much to love about this women’s flattering jumpsuit. Jocelyn is wearing the Cherise little black dress, featuring a gathered waist band with rhinestone ring and three-quarter sleeves.
Elbow Sleeve Styles
Elbow types of sleeves offer comfort and coverage


Jackie is wearing the classic and timeless Lisa dress in a black and white polka dot. Great from desk to dinner, you can wear this dress year-round. Terri is wearing the tried-and-true Lisa 2.0 dress which features an elbow sleeve with a flounce detail. This extra feminine touch adds movement and elevates the look to make it great for multiple occasions.
Butterfly Styles
Butterfly sleeves are a beautiful added element to any dress.

Nancy is wearing the Gayle Dress, which has butterfly sleeves that his at the elbow and add that extra touch of femininity and flow.
Balloon Sleeve Styles
Balloon sleeves add a touch of drama and uniqueness.


Kristen is wearing the Jana 2.0 dress with chiffon balloon sleeves. A beautiful little black dress with a secret: a sexy v-back! Vanessa is wearing the Caroline style, which looks like a skirt and blouse duo, but in reality is an easy to slip on work dress.
Statement Sleeves Are Always In Style
From casual dresses to women’s jumpsuits and special occasion dresses, Connected Apparel has expanded upon their product offering by adding different types of sleeves. Regardless of size, rest assured that you’re buying a comfortable dress that will look and feel great on!
Shop our collection of statement sleeves and make an entrance! Larger than life, never underestimate how empowering a statement sleeve can be for the woman bold enough to wear it.


Available in: Regular, Plus


Available in: Regular, Petite, Plus