pasform

Sleeves that are too long

Short answer: Sleeves that are too long fold at the wrist and get wet when you wash your hands. The solution is usually a different size or a model with a shorter sleeve length, and it pays to measure before you choose.

The sleeve should end at the wrist

A sleeve has the right length when the edge ends at the wrist with your arm hanging down. If it is longer, it folds and bunches at the wrist. If it is shorter, it rides up when you bend your arm or reach for something. The right length sits right between the two.

Why it bothers you

A sleeve that is too long gets wet when you wash your hands or cook, and it gets in the way when you type. The edge wears faster, because it keeps rubbing against the table and the wrist. Many people push the sleeves up, and then the fabric stretches at the elbow.

The size

One size down gives shorter sleeves, but also a narrower body and a shorter length. That is the trade off, and it does not suit everyone. If your arms are long compared to your body, the sleeve often decides the size instead. Read more in the size guide.

Measure a top you know

Find a top where the sleeve fits and measure the sleeve length from shoulder seam to edge. Compare with the measurements of the model you are considering. Then you know before you order whether the sleeve will be too long. See the measuring guide.

The shoulder seam counts

If the shoulder seam sits far out on the upper arm, the sleeve becomes longer, even if the sleeve itself has the same measurement. This applies especially to loose models and sweatshirts with dropped shoulders. So look at where the seam sits in the photos, not only at the sleeve length.

Rolled sleeves

On shirts, rolled sleeves are a good solution, because the fabric is firm and stays in place. On knitwear and sweats they rarely hold, because the fabric is soft and slides down again. A couple of folds can still help for a while if you otherwise like the top.

After washing

If the sleeves have become longer after washing, the top may have been stretched by hanging wet on a hanger. The water makes the fabric heavy, and the weight pulls sleeves and body downward. Lay it flat to dry instead, and shape it with your hands while it is damp.

See the range

Long sleeved T-shirts fit closer than sweatshirts, and the sleeve often ends right at the wrist. That makes them a good choice if you have had trouble with sleeves that are too long. Check the measurements of each model before choosing a size. See the models in bamboo long sleeved T-shirt for men.

Washing

Wash at 40 degrees or lower, use a mild detergent and let the top air dry lying flat. This keeps both length and shape best, because the fabric is not pulled down. Avoid the tumble dryer if the sleeves are already borderline. See the washing guide.

Under a jacket

If the sleeve is too long on a top worn under a jacket, the fabric gathers at the wrist and adds bulk. There the sleeve length matters more than on a top worn on its own. A model with a ribbed cuff keeps the sleeve in place under the jacket. See sweatwear.