What’s a wedge sleeve?

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The wedge sleeve has a wedge-shaped armhole and is commonly used in tailored and fitted garments. It is a universal sleeve for all body types and is often used in business suits, dress shirts, and fitted T-shirts.

The armhole line of a wedge sleeve is designed in the shape of a wedge, the reason for its name. The position of the armhole in a pattern is critical to how a garment will fit when finished. The armhole of the wedge sleeve is situated at the chest line and not at the bust line, as some less fitted sleeves tend to be.

Sleeve types vary greatly and are designed with style and functionality in mind. Sleeves have two basic ways of being attached to a garment. The first form is the insert cuff where the cuff is attached over or around the armhole. The second way is the raglan sleeve that extends to the neckline. The wedge sleeve is considered a fixed sleeve, which is the most common way to attach a sleeve. The size of the wedge sleeve opening varies greatly from garment to garment.

Sleeves are made in numerous styles and can be fitted or inflated, gathered or tapered, along with a host of other styles. The cut of the sleeve and how it will fit around the wearer’s arm is a primary factor in choosing the type of sleeve to wear on a specific garment. The other factor is the length of the sleeve. The wedge sleeve is a tighter sleeve and is therefore more often worn when a more refined look is desired, and the sleeve length can range from short to long, depending on the garment.

Within the fashion world, sleeves are often designed to accentuate positive features or minimize the wearer’s perceived flaws. While the wedge sleeve is a more fitted design, it is considered a universal garment sleeve for all body types. Its fitted design gives a slimming effect to the shoulder and upper arm of the wearer.

Considering the design of this type of sleeve, it is often used on garments that are more tailored and fitted. A wedge sleeve is often the type of sleeve used for a business suit or dress shirt, it is also used on fitted T-shirts and shirts made from knit material, as well as linen and cotton blends. This type of sleeve is seen in both men’s and women’s clothing.




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