Armhole

A garment part as the curved opening where sleeve joins bodice—the armhole zone on dress assembly, distinct from [[shoulder-line|Shoulder line]] as related cousin and from [[gusset|Gusset]] without armhole naming.

How to recognize it

Armhole shows armscye curve seam attaching set-in sleeve to bodice at shoulder and underarm.

Shoulder line is the related cousin part. Gusset names a different garment zone.

Origin and history

Dress articles name armhole on garment assembly.[1] Armhole documents armhole on cotton.[2] Garment-parts references contrast armhole and related zones.[3] Construction photography documents armhole reference.[4]

Armhole reads on tailored and ready-to-wear dress.[2] Armhole differs from related part cousins.[1] Contrast with batch-33 garment parts bodice collar lapel on upper-zone assembly.[3]

Today armhole appears on armhole sleeveless dress, tank top opening, set-in sleeve join, and sleeve-join assembly in silk and wool.[1][2] Clean joinery needs even seam line.[4] When curved opening where sleeve joins bodice at underarm—armhole applies.[2]

Where it is used

Armhole sleeveless dress, tank top opening, set-in sleeve join, and sleeve-join assembly.[2]

What is worn now

Editorial styling suggestions from MsDressly—not strict rules.

Armhole pairs with matched seam allowance on structured bodice.[2]

How it differs

Shoulder line is related cousin. Gusset names different zone. Compare gold anchors bodice and skirt.[1]

Expression and impression

Armhole reads structural, zone-specific, and assembly-defining.

Common questions

Armhole vs shoulder-line? Shoulder line is related cousin; armhole names specific part.[1]

Armhole vs gusset? Gusset lacks armhole naming.[2]

Armhole modern? Yes on armhole sleeveless dress.[2]

Often confused with

Sources

  1. Dress . Wikipedia One-piece garment silhouettes from shift to ballgown and maxi forms.
  2. Armhole . Wikipedia Sleeveless armhole shaping on dresses and tank tops.
  3. Seam . Wikipedia Joinery methods that connect fabric panels in garment assembly.
  4. File:The New Dressmaker, 1921, Ill. No. 0143.png . Wikimedia Commons Armhole seam diagram on bodice and sleeve joinery; public domain.

Written by MsDressly Editorial

September 28, 2026