After receiving stab wounds to his left arm, Fitzroy Somerset, the 1st Baron Raglan, lost his limb to amputation. To make his clothing fit and feel better after this tragic event, tailors began to sew his coats with sleeves made entirely from one piece of cloth. This type of construction, with stitches beginning at the neckline and finishing beneath the armpit, is named after this courageous man and has since been known as the raglan sleeve.
A raglan sleeve is much easier to create than a traditional sleeve so many novice seamstresses use it in their first attempts at creating a garment. A raglan sleeve has the following benefits when compared to a standard sleeve:
Raglan sleeves are also popular because they are so much more comfortable than regular sleeves. They allow the arms to move freely in all directions and are never binding. This is the reason that manufacturers prefer to use the raglan sleeve in the following items:
Shifts and shirts with raglan sleeves work well in school uniforms because they must fit so many different shapes and sizes. The raglan sleeve is often found in stylish sporting attire suitable for any athletic activity. Because of the comfort factor, raglan sleeves are also preferred by pregnant women who love the freedom offered by their free-flowing design. When the baby is born, Old Navy and American Apparel even offer tees with raglan sleeves for the little one.
Raglan sleeves also offer a variety of ways to use colors and patterns creatively. It is possible to make the sleeves from a different color fabric than the front and back of the garment. In fact, each sleeve may be different in pattern or color, providing a distinctive article of clothing for teams or clubs. Raglan sleeves provide a great fit for weight lifters, football players, or other athletes with larger biceps.
Sweaters with raglan sleeves have been stylish for some time. These sleeves are easily incorporated into knitted and crocheted garments and allow room for a shirt or blouse to be worn underneath. Many raglan sleeves are three-quarter length, but they can also be short or full length as needed. Jackets and coats with raglan sleeves are roomy and trendy. The sleeves are spacious enough to fit over even the bulkiest undergarments.
Almost all of the top designers offer some garments with raglan sleeves. These include the following:
Modern teens often refer to cotton tees with a raglan sleeve as a baseball shirt, and these are quite popular in high schools and colleges. They are unpretentious, take up little space, are easy to pack or transport, and simple to launder.
