Every bride looks forward to the day she begins shopping for her wedding gown. It’s a fun and exciting time! But 2010 wedding gown trends are not exactly covered in this article, as it is the rare wedding gown today that has sleeves.
However, for the bride searching for an antique wedding gown or a retro style wedding dress, these descriptions will be an invaluable asset. By learning a few of the terms and expressions used by those trained in the bridal industry in the last few decades, you will be better able to explain exactly what you visualize as the gown of your dreams.
Descriptions of Wedding Gown Sleeves
Bishop Sleeves are fuller in the lower forearm, and gathered with a wide cuff at the wrist. This is a style not found on current styles, but popular when looking for retro-styles.
Capped Fitted Sleeves are very short sleeves just cupping the shoulder with a rounded contour. These sleeves look best with slender, well-toned arms.
Dolman Sleeves produce a cape-like effect, extending from large armholes and often fitted at the wrist.
Gigot (Leg-of-Mutton) Sleeves appear as loose, full sleeves, rounded from the shoulder to just below the elbow, then shaped to the arm, often ending in a point at your wrist.
Illusion Fitted Sleeves appear as long, slender sleeves following the shape of the arm, made from illusion net and often encrusted with heavily beaded and sequined appliqués.
Melon Sleeves appear as a highly exaggerated puff, rounded from the shoulder to the elbow.
Off the Shoulder Sleeves features an exposed décolletage, leaving the top of the collarbone and cleavage exposed, while hiding the upper arm. This is a great sleeve for small and large brides alike and is very comfortable to wear.
Renaissance Sleeves appear with a slightly gathered puff at the shoulder, tapering down the arm to a point ending just below the wrist on the hand. Usually in satin, encrusted with appliqués of beads and sequins.
Short Sleeves are generally fitted sleeves, falling just short of midway between the shoulder and elbow. Short sleeves are slightly longer than cap sleeves.
Spaghetti Straps are not technically sleeves, but they do hold the gown up by thin, inconspicuous straps.
Tapered Sleeves appear as a slightly gathered shoulder with little fullness, tapering down the arm to the wrist.
T-Shirt Sleeves resemble the sleeves found on t-shirts, just as the name implies. For the bride not wanting long sleeves, but feeling self-conscious about her arms, the t-shirt sleeve is definitely a great option.
Three-Quarter Sleeves appear most often as fitted sleeves ending slightly below the elbow, midway between the elbow and wrist. This style has recently made a great comeback and is a classic feminine look.
Be sure to read accompanying articles “Know Your Wedding Gown Styles,” “Description of Wedding Gown Necklines,” “Description of Wedding Gown Train Lengths” and “Description of Bridal Headpieces and Tulle” for additional bridal lingo and Bridalese!
May
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