Maternity Style Guide - Sleeve Type

This is part FOUR in a six part series. Check out the series introduction here for links to each post.

Sleeve Type:
Choosing an appropriate sleeve style can really complete your gown. You can direct attention to or away from different parts of your body with different sleeves. ​​Refer back to the post on Body Shape for help on choosing sleeves that will most flatter your body.

Sleeveless:
No sleeves on the gown.

• great for triangle or hourglass body types
• tends to be universally flattering
• naturally enhances curves for medium to large busts

Off the shoulder:
​Sleeves are detached from gown or are connected to the dress below the shoulder or at the armpit area. The shoulder area is bare.

• great for triangle or hourglass body types
• can make a smaller bust seem smaller
• can make a petite frame seem taller

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Cap or short:
Sleeves come just past the shoulder (cap) or extend further down the arm but still above the elbow.

• great for inverted triangle or hourglass body types
• emphasizes collar bone
• good for medium to smaller busts

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3/4 or Long:
Sleeves extend past the shoulder and down past the elbow, either to the mid fore-arm (3/4) or to the wrist (long).

• great for inverted triangle or athletic body types
• makes the shoulders appear more narrow
• adds a sense of drama

Bell or Flared:
The longer sleeve will start fitting closely to the body but at about the elbow the sleeve flares out dramatically to form a bell shape.

• great for inverted triangle, round, or rectangle body types
• adds a sense of sophistication and elegance

Asymmetrical:
Instead of two sleeves there is only one sleeve on the gown.

• ​great for inverted triangle, hourglass, or rectangle body types
• broad shoulder or fuller arms should avoid this style
• a more contemporary look

​For more examples of maternity styling check out my "What to Wear" board on Pinterest @jesplinphoto

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