Dropped shoulder lines create sleeves that hang off the shoulders, with the length of the sleeve depending on how the fabric is cut. This style is popular in casual tops and can flatter most body types. Two-piece sleeves, such as the lantern sleeve, are also possible.
In fashion, a dropped shoulder is a line of seam that hangs off the shoulders to form a sleeve. Fitted shirts and blouses have sleeves that begin with shoulder seams, but in the short-sleeved look this is never the case. Dropped shoulder lines on garments can result in short or long sleeves depending on how the fabric is cut. Drop-shoulder sleeves can be left in one piece or fabric can be added to create a two-piece sleeve.
For example, the lantern sleeve has a very short drop shoulder top and a wider bottom section of added fabric. The resulting look is a two-piece square sleeve that is still usually quite short. The sleeves typically found on medieval-style costumes are an example of a two-piece, off-the-shoulder look that is very long. The shoulder seam generally falls slightly from the natural shoulder line, while the sleeve width is narrow and elegant. A horizontal seam near the elbow begins a narrowly tapered second sleeve section that gently gathers so the fabric flows into the hands.
A basic one-piece off-the-shoulder look is considered the easiest when sewing or knitting. Only a simple square of fabric or knit fabric needs to be sewn to the shoulders and upper sides to create a top with a naturally dropped sleeve. Since the look is simple, it works best with textured knits and patterned fabrics. The natural look of the dropped shoulder is known as a dolman or batwing sleeve when it tapers to the wrist.
The dropped shoulder sleeve is especially popular in casual tops for men, women, and children. Sweatshirts, sweaters, and T-shirts often have dropped shoulders to complement their loose, comfortable fit. The off-the-shoulder style can be part of a summer or evening look for women in which the shoulders of a sleeveless or spaghetti-strap top are dropped to leave the shoulder bare.
Drop shoulder kimono sleeves are extremely wide. This type of dropped sleeve can be found on bathrobes as well as women’s silk tops. An off-the-shoulder kimono-sleeve silk top with a self-tie belt can look elegant with pants and high-heeled sandals.
Off-the-shoulder styles are flattering on most figure types. They can balance a pear-shaped body that is narrower at the top and wider at the hips. Longer shoulder sleeves can also hide thick or flabby arms. Full, proportionate, and slim body types may be flattered by dropped shoulder seams, but care should be taken to choose the most flattering sleeve width depending on each individual’s height and personal sense of style.
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