Guide to Rolling Up Shirt Sleeves
In summer, the thermometer rapidly rises, and the sleeves of our shirts also follow this trend. The dress code and rules of good manners are unforgiving. No matter how hot it is, you shouldn't show up at your workplace or attend a special event in less than formal attire. A T-shirt or polo with short sleeves is not acceptable by employers. How to find a way out of the situation? Put on a classic shirt and roll up the sleeves, and then in the hottest season you can feel at least a little cool.
You shouldn’t think that rolling up your sleeves is an elementary trifle. You don't want to let the sleeves get wrinkled - it will look very sloppy when you want to pull them down later.
Artofmanliness.com presents a complete guide to properly rolling up the sleeves of men's shirts. In what cases is this appropriate and in what cases is it unacceptable? How to roll up sleeves so that they remain uncrumpled? How do clothing styles and methods of rolling up sleeves go together?
When there is a need for it
If we wash our hands, unclog a clogged bathroom, dig into a car engine, load things, or any of our other activities are accompanied by the appearance of dust and dirt, these can be considered completely normal reasons to pull up our sleeves. If they interfere with your work, or there is a risk of them getting dirty or catching something moving, immediately roll up your long sleeves. No one will argue that rolled up sleeves have become a recognizable style and the calling card of a busy man.
Another case is a slightly inappropriate clothing size.
You'll have to roll up the sleeves of a shirt that generally fits you well, but whose sleeves are a little too long for the size you need. If the purchased item generally fits well, except for the sleeves, and you need to go out in it, confidently bend it to the required length. Just remember that shortening the sleeves in this way is not a solution to the problem! If the shirt you bought is worth it, take it to a tailor, where they will make an adjustment to your arm length. The same service is available in good stores. see also
How to choose and adjust a shirt so that it fits like a glove
What styles are appropriate?
It is important to choose all the details of your look correctly; if you want to complement it with a classic shirt with rolled up sleeves, then you need to complement your look exclusively with trousers. They can be not only a classic cut with arrows, but also a more free style without arrows, which is quite acceptable if you dress in a casual style.
Advice! Never combine dress shirts with rolled up sleeves with shorts of any length. Such a decision will make the male image at least stupid. Jeans are also not the most suitable option, although they are a comfortable thing, they do not fit with the classic style in any way.
You can complement shirts with rolled up sleeves with stylish jackets. This option is appreciated by fashionistas and is often used when going to formal receptions. An open wrist will help demonstrate to everyone around you expensive accessories that will tell without words about a man’s wealth.
Do you roll up your shirt sleeves?
Not really
When it's really hot
If the weather outside is very hot and stuffy, then every small part of the body that is not covered with fabric matters. Rolling up your sleeves allows air to move over a larger area of your skin. The appropriateness of rolled up sleeves depends on the specifics of the workplace. But this technique can always be used when you go outside into the scorching sun, wanting to suffer less from the heat. Tucking is appropriate where there may be significant temperature changes - this applies to the work area and the place of leisure. Take advantage of the pleasant opportunity to regulate the process: roll out the folded sleeves when you are under the breeze of the air conditioner, and roll them up if the room becomes too hot.
General rules for rolling up sleeves to help you look stylish
There are strict rules that will help you beautifully improve your outfit and not ruin your clothes:
- You only need to roll up the sleeves on ironed items, otherwise the look will not be fashionably careless, but sloppy.
- The distance from the hand to the place of the tuck should be at least 10–12 cm (depending on the man’s body composition).
- You need to roll it up evenly and carefully so that the fabric gathers in equal folds.
Important! Only shirt sleeves can be rolled up; jackets and blazers are not suitable for this solution. This is due to the density of the fabric and the way the wardrobe pieces are sewn (jackets and blazers have a lining and are made from denser fabric than shirts).
When you are in a relaxed atmosphere
As a stylistic device, rolling up your sleeves is mainly a way to “look simpler.” Applicable in clothes that are too formal or elegant, which is chosen for some occasion. The long sleeve of a dress shirt is strongly associated with formal or formal style. Moreover, if the sleeves are rolled up, then a visual signal of “relaxation” is sent to others, a transition from the business part of the event to the informal one.
Leaving the office after work, you want to do some leisure activities, go on a date or meet with friends. There is no need to change your office suit - usually men take off their jackets and roll up their sleeves. The look has already become a classic for happy hour regulars. This is when office people rush to drinking establishments - during happy hours they sell alcohol at a big discount, and snacks are free. If you have been entrusted with organizing an informal meeting or are planning a party, then a good option to convince others that they do not have to worry about formal behavior is to roll up the sleeves of your shirt.
In the end, deciding how appropriate it is to wear rolled up sleeves at work can only be determined based on the specific situation. Here everything is decided by corporate culture. Is the place where you work an informal office where almost anything is possible? This means that rolled up shirt sleeves will not be met with criticism and rejection from management. If the environment is conservatistic, then you will not be allowed to open your arms at the workplace; you will have to dress in a traditional suit.
Look around the people you work with to determine what style prevails in your work and is considered the norm. Let's say you are convinced that almost all employees do not bother with a strict corporate appearance and walk around the office with their sleeves rolled up. Follow their example, but don't forget to roll up your sleeves when you have a meeting with important clients or higher-ups visiting you. There are cases when, for your own career development, it would be useful to pay close attention to your appearance so that you are perceived as a true professional.
see also
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Summarize. If you wear long sleeve shirts to work and at some point want to raise your sleeves higher, then make sure that the situation corresponds to one of the three circumstances listed above. If there is no such correspondence, then the effect of rolled up sleeves will not be the most favorable. You may end up looking frivolous or sloppy at work, which is unlikely to help you thrive in the corporate environment.
Why roll up sleeves?
So, once again about the reasons. Why do you need or want to roll up your shirt sleeves?
For comfort. Men are active in life, the idea of doing repairs in the garage or something else that can leave marks on the sleeves often comes unexpectedly, so being on the safe side is the only way to keep things clean.
Heat. A light-colored long-sleeved shirt is a classic. There is no shame in wearing this to work, on a date, or just for a walk. In the heat, long sleeves are not entirely appropriate, so as soon as the sun becomes completely merciless, the idea of rolling up will save the situation and bring it back to life.
A casual look. The shirt looks strict and businesslike and obliges you to behave accordingly. The easiest way to shake up the look is with rolled up sleeves. In a minute, from a tough man who is focused solely on work, he will turn into a fatal romantic and seducer, confident in his own irresistibility.
So how to roll up your sleeves correctly? By analogy with the title of the movie “Gone in 60 Seconds,” let’s call this guide “Gone in 60 Seconds”!
Detailed instructions for rolling up sleeves
Now you know when it is appropriate to roll up your sleeves and when it is better to refrain from doing so. It's time to get specific and define styles and methods for this process. But first, let's formulate some general recommendations regarding rolled up sleeves:
- If you decide to raise your sleeves higher, then leave a visible strip of the wrist of about a few centimeters. Part of the arm should be visible in any case, so as not to create the illusion of a “turned-up shirt sleeve for growth.” When the sleeves are too long for you, it is better not to roll them up to your wrists. Otherwise, looking at you, people will get the impression that the shirt is too big and you had to roll up the sleeves so as not to sink in up to your toes. Even if this is the case, roll it up higher and you will have an attractive image.
- Don't roll up above your elbow. It is better to expose these parts of the body only when you plan to do some physical work. In everyday life, in any other option, it is better to hide your elbows with sleeves. Now is not the time for youth construction projects, and your sleeves rolled up above the elbows will create an image with a touch of vulgarity. They are inappropriate in almost all cases of life, except for physical work.
- The sleeves of a tracksuit or sports jacket, as a rule, are not rolled up (and if such a need arises, they are pulled up rather than rolled up). Do not tuck without an urgent and vital reason - for example, lowered sleeves may prevent you from doing something. This may be justified if you want to create a special stylish look. Just keep in mind that rolled up sleeves of sportswear are already among the trendy looks that are not always needed in everyday life.
Regardless of the style of shirt you are wearing - dressy, office, casual or work - the recommendations given will always work and give good results. If you want to do your own thing and break these commandments, you have the right to do so. Just don’t forget that the details of our image must fit into a clear stylistic goal. It is better to look like an elegant and appropriately dressed gentleman than a clumsy simpleton. So take one more look at yourself in the mirror before you step out the door.
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Where you can and cannot roll up your shirt sleeves
Sleeves on workwear
Rolling up your sleeves is synonymous with hard work and responsible performance. So this look works especially well for flannel and cotton shirts—even if you're on a light job and not in a sawmill.
Keep your tie on
You can also roll up your sleeves in the office, but that doesn't mean you have to take off your tie. Just keep your sunset spots neat, symmetrical and no higher than your elbows.
Keep rolled up sleeves symmetrical
Always use the same size roll on both arms to avoid creases in your shirt and look unkempt.
Don't roll just one time
Unless it's a French cuff that always tries to roll back and fastens with buttons, then rolling up a shirt cuff just once looks inappropriate, incomplete and unattractive.
Be aware of the dress code
Remember the dress code. At official meetings and meetings, it is not permissible to roll up the sleeves of your shirt. Even a wedding is also an official event, only after all the speeches have been said, congratulations have been made, photographs have been taken, and the guests have begun to slowly leave, you can relax and allow yourself to roll up the sleeves on your shirt.
Only if black tie isn't your style. Never allow yourself to roll up your sleeves when you have one, that’s just the way it is.
Tuck Method #1: Casual
This method is a casual style and is the most common due to its simplicity. It can be considered basic and classic. Its advantages include the fact that in this way the sleeves are rolled up without unnecessary additional folds. This is because the fabric receives the least amount of rotation:
1. Unfasten the buttons on the cuff, as well as all the other buttons located on the sleeve vent - the cut above the cuff.
2. Fold back the cuff, turning it wrong side up.
3. Fold the cuff only once, which will hide it under the sleeve fabric.
4. That's all, don't tuck it anymore, all that's left is to carefully tuck in the loose corners of the cuff.
As a result, you will end up with a modest roll the width of a cuff that reaches approximately halfway up your forearm. It doesn't have to be tight as it's already positioned at the right distance on the arm so it won't need to be pulled higher. A twist in this style works best if you are dressed in layers. For example, you put on a light jumper over a classic shirt, and rolled the shirt sleeves over the slightly pulled up sleeves of the jumper. In addition, this tucking technique is beneficial for men with thin arms, visually giving additional volume.
Why and how to do this correctly?
There is a practical benefit to rolling up the sleeves of shirts: the cuffs are safe from splashes of soup during lunch or dinner, or drops of wine at a friendly party.
Why has it become fashionable to roll up sleeves?
- Filmmakers also noticed that a man in a shirt with open arms looks attractive: just remember the image of young Leonardo DiCaprio in the film “Titanic.” A white shirt with rolled up sleeves will highlight your arms and make you look slimmer.
- Following men, women began to wear shirts. And of course, we adopted the habit of rolling up our sleeves.
- Teenagers also appreciated this way of wearing shirts. An attentive viewer will see that the heroes of famous TV series for teenagers wear shirts with rolled up sleeves.
Reference! In hot weather or in a work environment, rolling up your sleeves is not only convenient, but also simply necessary.
To keep the cuffs from puffing up and the sleeves to look neat, you can use three stylish ways to roll up the sleeves of a shirt: to the shoulder, to the elbow, and the sophisticated Italian style of rolling up the sleeves.
Now more about each of them.
Shoulder to shoulder
The easiest and most informal way to wear a shirt. Can become part of everyday style. It’s easy to roll up your sleeve this way in any setting, without looking in the mirror.
How to roll up a sleeve to the shoulder:
- All buttons on the cuffs and sleeves are undone, and the cuffs themselves are turned wrong side up.
- After this, all that remains is to roll up the sleeve to the forearm. Adjust the width of the sections into which the sleeve is rolled up along the cuff.
It is comfortable to do anything in shoulder-length sleeves, the main thing is not to use the described method at a business meeting.
Important! You should also avoid shirts with very thick fabric. If the sleeve on such clothes is turned up halfway, it will be massive and hinder movement.
Watch the video in which the Italian shows how to roll up the sleeves of a shirt correctly to make it look beautiful:
Up to the elbow
Elbow length sleeves look equally good on plain clothes and on patterned shirts. Possibly the most popular way to wear a shirt, it strikes a happy medium: simple, comfortable, and not too flashy.
Reference! Can be combined with a vest or short-sleeved cardigan.
Sleeve rolling process:
- To roll up the sleeve to the elbow, you need to unfasten the buttons on the cuff and on the sleeve, and turn the cuff inside out.
- Then it all depends on what length is comfortable. You can make one or two turns, adjusting the length along the cuff.
- Afterwards, all that remains is to straighten the sleeve and make sure there are no folds. Almost all shirt owners use this method. It is most comfortable and suitable for any type of fabric.
This method has a slight advantage. If the sleeve is returned from being rolled up to its previous state, it will not be wrinkled after it is folded back to the front side.
In Italian
This way of rolling up sleeves stands apart from others. This is because the color of the sleeve on the back side should be different from the color of the shirt on the front. This creates a contrast between the color of the shirt and the color of the cuff.
Important! Unlike the methods above, in the “Italian” version the sleeve roll cannot be improvised, like rolled up sleeves to the shoulder or to the elbow.
It is possible to tuck a sleeve correctly and truly beautifully in this way only in front of a mirror: then the contrasting cuffs of red, blue and other colors will look at the permissible length.
Roll up your sleeves in Italian style in three steps:
- Similar to the methods above, first you need to unfasten all the buttons on the sleeve and cuff.
- Turn the sleeve inside out to the elbow.
- Fold the inverted sleeve again, closing part of the cuff. All that remains is to check that the open part of the contrasting sleeve or cuff looks neat.
Reference! It is important to adjust both sleeves; the contrasting color of the rolled up sleeve attracts attention and flaws will be especially noticeable.
Rolling up your sleeves in Italian is a very effective way. Do not forget that it is typical for the classic style of clothing.
How to roll up sleeves in Italian is explained in the video:
Tuck Method #2: Stylish
This method fits well into creating a stylish appearance. By tucking the sleeve in this way, you get a sort of accidentally created fold. It is a little uneven and does not differ in perfect harmony, which just gives the image a touch of casual elegance. The roll-up can be easily adjusted in width according to your wishes:
1. First of all, as before, you need to unfasten the cuff and the vent on the sleeve.
2. Fold back the cuff, turning it wrong side out.
3. Pull the top edge of the folded cuff to a height slightly below the elbow, but the cuff will not fold up. Under the cuff is the wrong side of the sleeve fabric, which is folded in two layers.
4. Take the bottom of the sleeve, which is now inside out, and fold it over two, three or four times. The width of the fold should be narrower than the cuff itself. Fold until the fold rests on the bottom of the cuff.
5. The cuff remains over the roller at the width you need. You can adjust more or less.
It looks especially chic when the inside of the shirt cuff is made of contrasting fabric. It looks good when the underside of the cuff protrudes from the seam enough so that the lining is clearly visible. This will make it clear that you have taste and intentionally emphasized this accent in the image. In addition, you are not alien to the principle of comfort and roll up your sleeves for this purpose. Rolling out the roller is very simple - you just need to pull the cuff down and you're done.
How to roll up shirt sleeves in style
You can simply roll the sleeve into a tube or raise it like an accordion, but this not only does not look very aesthetically pleasing, but also crumples the shirt unsightly, which is not in our interests. You can roll up the sleeve so that returning it to its original position is as simple as possible. Now this is interesting, isn’t it? There are several ways to roll up your sleeves in a way that is stylish, beautiful and practical:
Option 1: classic of the genre
The simplest and most logical option for how to make a lapel correctly: unbutton the cuff, turn it outward, and then fold the sleeve to the width of the lapel 3-4 times. At the end, smooth it a little along the seam, straightening the fabric. As a result, we get a neat and even lapel and a completely uncrumpled cuff.
Option 2: ¾
This is exactly the length of the sleeve that is obtained if you slightly change the previous method. The first steps are similar, but we turn the cuff only 2 times.
Men's and women's ¾ turn ups
Option 3: Italian
A looser and more informal option that looks very stylish on a men's shirt. Unfasten all the buttons (both on the cuff and on the cuff) so that the sleeve is as loose as possible. Raise the cuff to the desired height, then fold the remaining fabric so that the edge of the cuff remains visible. This looks especially stylish on models where the inside of the cuff is different in color. This method is also convenient because you can return to the original version with just one movement. Pull the edge of the cuff and that’s it.
Option 4: Elegant
An excellent option for women's shirts, where the options described above look a little rough. It’s not suitable for blouses (and who would even think of tucking a light blouse), but it looks really cool on thicker fabrics. The first step is no different from the previous methods: we unfasten the cuff and fold it outward. Then we raise it just above the elbow (or to any desired height). We raise the remaining part of the sleeve so that the hem reaches the lower edge of the cuff, while the cuff itself remains open.
Option 5: for a button-down shirt
Here the answer lies on the surface: collect the sleeve and secure it with a button. Any of the methods suggested above will do. The main thing is not to roll up the sleeve; this option is acceptable if you are repairing a car in the garage, but for everyday wear it is too old-fashioned.
How to properly make folds on a shirt
Poll: Do you roll up your sleeves?
Total votes: 540. Total participants: 540.
Tuck Method #3: Basic
This method of rolling up your sleeves is even easier - it's intuitive and widely available. They are advised to roll up their sleeves when you intend to do physical work. You can roll up your sleeves either above the elbow so as not to interfere with your actions, or below the elbow for any suitable occasion.
1. Unfasten the cuff and all the buttons on the vents.
2. Turn the cuff outward.
3. Fold the sleeve further over the entire width of the cuff. In this case, the cuff itself serves as a template for establishing the width of the roller.
4. Continue folding the sleeve further until the roller reaches a height slightly below the elbow.
5. Next, layer the roll up, moving above the elbow if you roll up your sleeves with the intention of working physically.
