The hands and why sleeves should be long enough
Short answer: Sleeves that are too short ride up the forearm when you reach forward, leaving the wrist bare and cold. Measure your arm length, choose sleeves that reach the wrist, and check the fit while you move your arms.
Why sleeve length matters
The hands are often the first to get cold, and a sleeve that does not cover the wrist lets the air in. When you reach forward or lift your arms, the sleeve climbs up and the wrist is bare. That is especially annoying in a cold setting or during office work. The length should be great enough that the sleeve still covers the wrist in motion, not only when the arms hang loosely at your sides.
Measure arm length correctly
Measure from the shoulder over the elbow to the wrist bone with a slightly bent arm. Compare with the sleeve length in the size guide. See bamboo jogging suit for women, where the sleeves often have a ribbed cuff that holds the clothing in place. If you have long arms, a model with extra length can be an advantage, or you can choose a size up if the body fits. Remember that the sleeve shrinks slightly in length at the first wash.
Rib and cuffs that hold the sleeve down
Rib at the edge of the sleeve can hold it in place and stop it climbing up. It has to be soft, but not so tight that it constricts. A slightly longer sleeve with rib can be pushed down over the hand on cold days. Choose a rib that gives when you bend the wrist and does not leave a red mark. If the rib loses its shape after a few washes, replace the garment, as it no longer holds the sleeve down.
The layers that pull at the sleeve
When you wear several layers, the inner layer can pull at the outer one. If the sleeve of the undershirt is shorter than that of the jumper, the jumper climbs up. See period underwear as an example of clothing that should sit calmly on the whole body, so the rest is not pulled crooked. Choose layers with the same sleeve length, or let the innermost ones be a little longer, so they do not pull the upper ones up over the wrist.
The fit of the rest of the body
The sleeves are affected by the whole top. If the jumper is too short or too tight, it pulls the sleeves up when you reach forward. A bodysuit style layer, or a layer that sits flat on the body, can help keep everything in place. See bamboo bodysuit. When the body is covered by a calm layer, the sleeves can follow along without the rest of the clothing being pulled up.
Care so the sleeves keep their length
Tumble drying at high heat can make viscose shrink, so the sleeves become short. Wash at 30 to 40 degrees and let the garments dry flat or on a hanger. Avoid fabric softener, which can make the rib less elastic. Clothing that hangs wet and heavy can conversely stretch the sleeves, so lay heavy garments flat. If your hands are always cold and change colour or hurt, talk to your doctor.
Frequently asked questions
How long should the sleeves be
They should cover the wrist bone, even when you reach forward or lift your arms. Test the length by moving your arms.
What should I do if the sleeves are too short
Choose a model with extra length or a size up. Check that the rest of the clothing does not become too big.
Can sleeves shrink in the wash
Yes, especially at high temperature and in the tumble dryer. Wash at 30 to 40 degrees and let the garments dry flat.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
