Bell sleeve
A sleeve that flares outward toward the cuff like a trumpet bell—distinct from a gathered puff at the cap and from a bishop sleeve gathered at the wrist.
How to recognize it
Origin and history
Where it is used
What is worn now
Editorial styling suggestions from MsDressly—not strict rules.
How it differs
Expression and impression
Common questions
Sources
- Sleeve . Wikipedia Historical sleeve types including bell, bishop, butterfly, cap, puff, and raglan constructions.
- File:Short puffed sleeve.jpg . Wikimedia Commons MoMu drawing of sleeve shapes on Wikipedia sleeve article; CC0.
- Sleeve supports, ca. 1828 . The Metropolitan Museum of Art Museum object documenting understructures for puffed and gigot sleeves.
- Blouse . Wikipedia Women's blouse sleeves including poet, lantern, and flutter forms.
September 19, 2026

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