Sleeves that sit properly around the upper arm

Short answer: A sleeve should rest calmly around the upper arm without cutting in or hanging loose. Measure around your upper arm, check the sleeve length and notice whether the fabric follows when you bend and lift your arm.

Why the upper arm is hard to dress

The upper arm is a place where many body shapes differ from standard measurements. Some people have strong upper arms and narrow shoulders, others the reverse. When the sleeve does not fit, it shows up as a tight edge that cuts into the skin, or as a loose sleeve that folds and makes it hard to put on a jacket. So it is not you that is wrong but a pattern cut for an average shape. Once you know your own measurements, choosing becomes much easier.

Measuring around the upper arm

Take a tape measure and measure around the widest part of the upper arm while the arm hangs relaxed. Then measure again with the arm bent, because the sleeve has to cope with both. Compare with the size guide if it lists a sleeve width. See bamboo sweatshirt for women. If the figure is missing, lay a favourite garment flat, measure the sleeve straight across just under the armpit and double it.

The armhole and the shoulder seam

Where the sleeve starts decides a great deal. If the shoulder seam sits on the shoulder bone, the upper arm has room. If it sits too far in, the fabric pulls, and if it sits too far out, the sleeve hangs and folds. With a relaxed fit the seam often sits a little way down the upper arm, which is perfectly fine. Check that you can cross your arms over your chest without hearing seams creak. See women's long-sleeved bamboo T-shirt.

Sleeve length and width at the wrist

The length should end at the wrist bone or a little longer, and the sleeve should stay in place when you reach forward. A sleeve that creeps up the forearm points to a cut that is too short or too narrow above the elbow. Stretch in the fabric helps, but it cannot make a far too narrow sleeve roomy. Viscose from bamboo has a soft, smooth surface that lets the arm glide as you move. See bamboo T-shirt for women for shorter sleeves.

When the upper arm is strong or slim

If you have strong upper arms, choose a model with a little extra room in the sleeve and a soft edge that does not squeeze. A sleeve with a ribbed cuff must not sit so tight that it leaves a red line. If your upper arms are slim, a loose sleeve can be a different kind of annoyance, because it gathers at the elbow. Fold the sleeve back once if the length is too much. A small turned back cuff can look neat and hold everything in place.

Care so the sleeves keep their shape

Sleeves that get stretched lose their shape quickly. Wash at 30 to 40 degrees and hang the garment so the sleeves do not droop over a narrow hanger. Let heavy pieces dry flat so the weight of the water does not pull the sleeves out. Do not stuff the drum too full, because friction can create small pills in the armpit. With simple care the sleeves keep sitting the way they did on the first day.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know a sleeve fits

You should be able to lift and bend your arm without the seam tugging or the edge cutting in. The sleeve should not gather in folds at the elbow either.

Should I go up a size because of the sleeves

If the body fits but the sleeves are tight, one size up can be a solution. Choose a model with a relaxed fit so it does not become too big across the shoulders.

Can I alter a sleeve that is too long

Yes, you can turn it back once or have it shortened by a tailor. It is simple as long as the edge is finished with an ordinary seam.

You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.