What is That Sleeve Called - Types of Sleeves for Saree Blouses

All About Different Types of Sleeves for Saree Blouses

What is That Sleeve Called - Types of Sleeves for Saree Blouses

Hi everyone, today is the 2nd of March and it is a very special month for me as it’s my birthday month and I am the happiest during this month of the year. Today’s post is not a regular blog post girls! Today I will impart a bit of knowledge and guidance on one vital element of the saree blouse which is the sleeves. We know that there are many types of sleeves but most don’t even know what each sleeve design is referred to as. Nothing to worry here, I will give you the basic idea of some of the most used or suitable sleeves for saree blouse design. There are two elements of a blouse which are visually visible and makes or breaks the entire look of the blouse, i.e. 1) the neck design of the blouse and 2) sleeves. Today we will discuss the latter. Depending on the look desired and the body type of the lady intending to wear the saree, the sleeve type must be chosen. Let’s learn all about sleeves for saree blouses without further ado. We will begin with the minimal and go to the maximum (reference to coverage) 

Blog post on various types of sleeve designs to choose from for saree blouse designs

Types of Sleeves for Saree Blouses:

No # 1 Tube Saree Blouse

The funny thing about tube style saree blouses is that they don’t have any sleeves either in strap form or regular sleeves. Yet I find it imperative to learn about this “no sleeve” sleeve as the tube top is very popular nowadays with sarees. The tube blouses are strapless and have no sleeves. There are various types of tube saree blouses. There is the regular tube blouse (see exhibit 1a) then there are tube tops which fall in the category of corsets or what is also called bustier, these usually have boning underneath to give support.

Can I wear the tube top saree blouse? – Of course you can wear it if you have killer shoulders and collar bones. To be fair this style of blouse is most suitable for women with shapely shoulders and lean arms. So if you are a bit on the heavier side it is best to avoid tube tops as it will only unnecessarily accentuate the unappealing part of your body when you can easily use the blouse to accentuate your assets instead of focusing on the parts which are unflattering.

Image of 3 different types of tube top saree blouse or strapless blouse or corset blouse

No # 2 Off-the-shoulder Sleeves for Saree Blouses:

Off-the-shoulder sleeves are one of my favourites, not only for saree blouses but also in other tops and shirts that I wear with skirts or jeans. There is a certain feminine charm about off the shoulder sleeves that is quite sweet. Usually this style is just an extension of the tube saree blouse style.

Who is most suitable for wearing the off the shoulder sleeves saree blouse: Unlike the tube top style blouse, the off the shoulder sleeves look best on women with slightly rounded shoulders which add to the charm. Avoid this if your arms are bulky or has cellulite. 

Pictures of off the shoulder style saree blouse design which looks very girly and pretty

No # 3 Strappy Saree Blouse

I suppose the strappy shoulders can be put in the category of sleeves too. Under this category of sleeves various types of strappy shoulders fall such as, amongst others 1) the spaghetti strap where the strap is literally like spaghettis, narrow, 2) then there is the flat wide shoulder straps, these can be anywhere from a quarter of an inch in width to two inches 3) the halter neckline where the two shoulder straps are secured at the nape of the neck giving lift to the bosoms and creating a very nice silhouette.

Who can wear the strappy blouse: If you have really narrow shoulders then straps will make them appear even narrower. These are best suited for slim women with slightly broad shoulder. However, broad does not mean chubby. Again, as these traps completely leave the arms exposed, it is best to be avoided by women with fat upper arms.

Quickie Tip: The flat half inch to 1 inch width straps on blouses give a very sophisticated look. 

Different styles of strappy shoulder blouse designs for saree

Sexy flat strap sequin embellished blouse on fashion runway

Flat strap sleeveless blouse with red saree

No # 4 Sleeveless Saree Blouse

Sleeveless blouses are amazing and can be worn to achieve different looks from sophisticated to studious to artistic to downright sexy. It all depends on how the sleeveless is designed and paired with the saree and accessorized.

To achieve the artsy and bookish look, you should just wear a basic black or white sleeveless which ends right where the shoulder ends and the arms begin. Not revealing shoulders. Pair this blouse with a cotton classic saree, walaa you get the artsy and bookish look. 

Kareena Kapoor looking very traditional wearing a red velvet sleeveless blouse with white saree

Classy lady in grey saree and sleeveless blouse holding a cup of tea

Picture of Deepika looking classy in black saree and sleeveless black sari blouse and her makeup is on the point

No # 5 Cap Sleeve Blouse

Cap sleeves are also referred to as the magi sleeves. These sleeves are usually an extension of the shoulders, that is, instead of attaching the sleeves from the shoulder, the shoulders elongate to create short sleeves. However, there are cap sleeves which are sewn on the shoulders as well.

Capped sleeved blouses were very popular during the 1970’s and 80’s in South East Asian Saree fashion.

Most suitable for: cap sleeve blouses are most suitable for women with rounded arms and shoulders and looks best when worn with cotton sarees. 

On the left Jacqueline in Maggie Sleeve bronze saree blouse and to the right Madhuri in Capped sleeve saree blouse

No # 6 Short Sleeve Blouse

Short sleeves comprise of anything between 3 inches of length to 7 inches. This sleeve type is the most worn length of sari blouse sleeves out there. Most working women, house wives, aunties, grandmothers and mothers tend to wear this length of sleeve on a regular basis. Most ready-made blouses also come in this length. When in doubt, women tend to opt for short sleeve blouses.

Short sleeve blouses are suitable for anyone who wears saree. 

Picture of women in short sleeve sharee blouse - Short sleeve or also called half sleeve sari blouses are the most worn sleeve length

The Diva Sridevi looking sophisticated in orange saree paired with a very pretty gold blouse with short half sleeves

No # 7 Three Quarter Sleeve Saree Blouse

Sleeves which reach the elbow to midway down the forearm comprise of three quarter sleeves. There are many benefits of wearing sari blouses with 1/3 length sleeves. Surprisingly, this length of sleeves come in handy for both bulky women and very skinny women. Women on the heavier side of the weighing scale tend to have thick upper arms and wearing three quarter sleeves aptly covers the flab on the upper arms. On the other hand ladies who are too skinny and yes there is such a thing called too skinny, both extremes need to be addressed, can also wear this sleeve to cover their bony arms.

Trick:

The trick here is that in the case of overweight ladies, I always suggest having the sleeves stitched tight so that it hugs the arms and gives a nice, smooth and shapely finish and if the fabric is transparent, thin or see-through, not to give lining on the sleeves. Yes even lining can add weight to the overall look.

On the other hand, for women who are very skeletal they should wear three quarter sleeves with cotton lining to give a wholesome look to the arms. 

Image of three quarter length sleeves for sarees to look slim and smart

No # 8 Full Sleeve Saree Blouse

These saree blouses have sleeves that end at the wrist where the hands begin. They are worn by working ladies to give a professional appearance. Women wear them to maintain modesty when wearing the saree and many wear it for religious purpose. Full sleeve blouses are also worn to create a balance when the neckline is very deep or the blouse is backless.

Tips:

• Overweight women can wear this type of blouse to look slimmer. Skinny women can wear them to appear fuller.
• Full sleeves made of fabric which are transparent or see-through look very beautiful without lining on the sleeves. 

These 4 women are rocking in full sleeve saree blouse and looking hot

No # 9 Ruffle Sleeves or Circular Flounce Sleeves on Saree Blouse

The ruffle or circular flounce sleeves are the rare breed and are generally only worn when the retro Bengali look is sought. These ruffles or flounces are usually made with three quarter sleeve blouses and worn with traditional sarees such as katan or Bangladeshi Jamdani saree or cotton saree. 

No # 10 Butterfly Sleeves

Butterfly sleeves are very feminine and gives the saree a very fresh look. Although butterfly sleeves are generally associated with western tops and dresses, they look fantastic on saree blouses too. These sarie blouses look best paired with trendy chiffon sarees.

Suits women with thin arms best. 

Bipasha Basu in butterfly sleeves which are flowy and a blend of east with west

No #  11 Puff Sleeve or Goti Sleeve

The puff sleeves which is also called the goti sleeves are very popular in the Bengali communities as well as South Indian communities. Puff sleeve blouses look best with traditional sarees like katan, benarasi saree, silks and cottons.

Puff sleeves visually adds weight to the look so best to be avoided by overweight women unless she absolutely has to wear it for any particular reason. Suits medium weight women best with the right amount of roundness to the arms. 

Various style of Puff sleeve blouse for saree 

Message from WriterKat:

I hope I was able to help my girls out and if I have missed any particular sleeve that you want my thoughts on please leave a message.

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XOXO

WriterKat