Magyar sleeve

A sleeve cut with a diagonal seam from underarm to neckline—the Magyar or raglan construction named for Lord Raglan, distinct from dolman deep armhole and kimono body-continuous cut.

How to recognize it

Magyar sleeve shows diagonal seam from underarm toward the neck without a shoulder-point seam.

Raglan sleeve is the common English name. Dolman sleeve uses deep armhole width instead of diagonal panel.

Origin and history

Raglan sleeve articles use Magyar as the diagonal seam-to-neckline construction.[1] Sleeve contrasts Magyar/raglan from set-in and kimono cuts.[2] Raglan-shirt photography shows the diagonal seam on casual knits.[3] Child raglan-shirt photography documents the one-piece panel to collar.[4]

Magyar entered sportswear and children's knits for easier arm movement.[1] Magyar differs from dolman deep armhole.[2] Contrast with fitted set-in shoulder seam.[3]

Today magyar sleeve appears on baseball tees, sweatshirts, coats, and childrenswear in jersey and wool.[1][3] Contrast raglan panels read sporty.[4] When a diagonal seam runs underarm to neck—magyar sleeve applies.[1]

Where it is used

Baseball tees, sweatshirts, rainwear, children's knits, and casual outerwear.[1]

What is worn now

Editorial styling suggestions from MsDressly—not strict rules.

Magyar sleeve with contrast panels reads baseball casual.[3] Matching-color magyar sweatshirt reads quiet weekend.[4]

How it differs

Raglan is the English name. Dolman is deep armhole. Kimono is body-continuous.[1]

Expression and impression

Magyar sleeve reads sporty, practical, and diagonal-seamed. Contrast raglan tee reads baseball classic.

Common questions

Magyar sleeve vs raglan? Same construction; Magyar is historical tailoring name.[1]

Magyar sleeve vs dolman? Dolman is wide deep armhole; Magyar is diagonal seam.[2]

Magyar sleeve only T-shirts? No—coats and sweaters use it too.[1]

Sources

  1. Raglan sleeve . Wikipedia Diagonal sleeve-to-neckline construction named for Lord Raglan.
  2. Sleeve . Wikipedia Historical sleeve types including bell, bishop, butterfly, cap, puff, and raglan constructions.
  3. File:Raglan-sleeve shirt.jpg . Wikimedia Commons Raglan-sleeve shirt showing diagonal seam; CC0.
  4. File:Raglan sleeve.jpg . Wikimedia Commons Child's raglan-sleeve shirt; CC BY-SA 2.0.

September 20, 2026