dolman sleeve: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical/Fashion
Quick answer
What does “dolman sleeve” mean?
A sleeve style that is very wide at the armhole and tapers to a narrow wrist, creating a deep, batwing-like shape when the arm is raised.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A sleeve style that is very wide at the armhole and tapers to a narrow wrist, creating a deep, batwing-like shape when the arm is raised.
A characteristic design element in historical military uniforms (specifically Turkish and Hungarian jackets called 'dolmans'), Bohemian fashion, and modern oversized knitwear, emphasizing volume and relaxed fit.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is identical in form and meaning. Differences arise only in the regional spelling of related words (e.g., 'armour' vs. 'armor' in historical descriptions).
Connotations
In both varieties, it carries connotations of specific fashion eras (1980s, bohemian 1970s) and of relaxed, voluminous silhouettes.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency and specialized in both regions. More likely encountered in sewing patterns, fashion magazines, or vintage clothing descriptions.
Grammar
How to Use “dolman sleeve” in a Sentence
[garment] with dolman sleevesa dolman-sleeved [top/jumper/blouse]the dolman sleeve on this [item]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “dolman sleeve” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- She prefers dolman-sleeved jumpers for their comfort.
- The dolman-sleeve design is making a comeback.
American English
- This dolman-sleeved sweatshirt is my favorite.
- Look for a dolman-sleeve silhouette in the fall collection.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in the fashion industry for design specifications, product descriptions, and trend analysis.
Academic
Used in historical costume studies, fashion history, and textile design courses.
Everyday
Rare. Might be used when discussing specific clothing items, sewing, or vintage fashion.
Technical
Precise term in pattern-making, garment construction, and fashion journalism.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “dolman sleeve”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “dolman sleeve”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “dolman sleeve”
- Pronouncing 'dolman' with a hard 'o' as in 'doll'. Correct first syllable is like 'doll' in BE (/dɒl/) and 'dole' in AE (/doʊl/).
- Confusing it with a 'raglan sleeve', which also has a deep armhole but is constructed with a diagonal seam from underarm to neckline.
- Using it as a general term for any loose sleeve.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It derives from the 'dolman', a long Turkish robe with full sleeves, worn by cavalrymen. The sleeve style was adapted into Western fashion.
They are very similar and often used interchangeably in modern fashion. Technically, a batwing sleeve (or 'magyar' sleeve) is cut as one piece with the bodice, while a dolman sleeve may be set-in but with an enormous armhole. The visual effect is nearly identical.
They are found in oversized sweaters, knitwear, bohemian-style blouses, tops from the 1980s, and some athletic or loungewear for ease of movement.
They create a relaxed, voluminous silhouette that can be very comfortable. They can visually widen the shoulders and upper body, which some may wish to avoid, but are often chosen for their artistic drape and comfort.
A sleeve style that is very wide at the armhole and tapers to a narrow wrist, creating a deep, batwing-like shape when the arm is raised.
Dolman sleeve is usually technical/fashion in register.
Dolman sleeve: in British English it is pronounced /ˈdɒlmən sliːv/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈdoʊlmən sliːv/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a DOLphin with MAN-like arms wearing a top with sleeves so wide they could be fins—a DOL-MAN sleeve.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE GARMENT IS A WING (e.g., batwing sleeve).
Practice
Quiz
What is the key structural feature of a dolman sleeve?