How to Perfectly Roll Up Your Shirt Sleeves

The technique you use when rolling up your sleeves could make or break your look. Rolled-up sleeves usually give off a relaxed and casual vibe. 

Besides adding a twist to your casual look, folding your shirt's sleeves also comes in handy during impromptu scenarios that may need you to get your hands dirty and, conversely, when you need to clean them. 

Another instance is when the sun comes out to play. Folding up your sleeves brings a cooling effect while in the scorching heat. There are many techniques with numerous modifications on how to fold the sleeves of a shirt.

If you are wondering how to roll your shirt's sleeves, you are lucky, as we break it down in this article.

The Dos and Donts of Folding Your Shirt Sleeves

First, ensure that your workplace has a flexible dress code to pull this off. It is advisable to avoid doing this during formal occasions. Anyway, dress code rules are not rigid across the board; these little things add to your overall look. 

So, how do you fold a long sleeve shirt? Your shirt's design will primarily dictate the method you follow to achieve a perfectly rolled-up sleeve. You are probably wondering how to roll up your flannel sleeves. 

Design, in this case, does not include your shirt's fabric. The same folding technique applies whether your shirt is of silk, flannel, or cotton fabric. 

What about the shirt's sleeve type? Is how to fold a long-sleeve shirt different from how to fold a short-sleeve one?

What of a dress shirt? Does the technique differ when learning how to fold dress shirt sleeves? The method you use to roll up your dress shirt's sleeves will vary from the one you will use to fold the sleeves of your t-shirt

Source: The Modest Man

A summary of what is acceptable and what is not is as follows:

  • First, unbutton your cuffs to prevent them from loosening. 
  • Avoid a sloppy look by neatly folding your sleeves.
  • Ensure that your sleeves are asymmetrically even on both arms.
  • Avoid folding your dress shirt's cuffs over your blazer.
  • Unfold your sleeves before wearing a coat.
  • Ensure that you roll up your shirt at the appropriate events.
  • Dress shirts should particularly be folded upto the elbow or slightly below it.

We have probably just scratched the surface, but the subsequent sections go into further detail to help you figure out how to fold shirt sleeves. First, let us establish the basics of how to roll your shirt's sleeves.

Basics: How to Fold Shirt Sleeves

Knowing how to fold the sleeves of a shirt is easy, but every skill requires practice to master. The tips and tricks are all the same when you look at how to roll up flannel sleeves or how to roll up a dress shirt's sleeves.

Does the same apply when learning how to fold a long-sleeved shirt? Knowing how to fold a full sleeve shirt is also not exempt from the same criterion. 

One of the simplest ways to subtly achieve a business casual look is knowing how to roll your dress shirt sleeves or fold your other full-sleeved formal shirts.

Besides rolling your dress shirt's sleeves to dumb down a formal look, the same effect applies to smart casuals, as knowing how to fold a dress shirt's sleeves or any other smart casual shirt equally dumbs down a smart casual attire, thus giving it a more relaxed vibe.

However, nailing a shirt roll is dependent on a few other contributory factors. Here are some of the contributory factors you should pay attention to help you know how to roll up a shirt sleeve:

  • Remember to straighten your sleeve before folding it for a neater look.
  • Avoid a sloppy look by neatly folding your sleeves- slowly but surely, why the hurry?
  • Ensure your shirt is a good fit- you can go further by investing in customised shirts.

So, how can you fold a full-sleeved shirt to perfection?

How to Fold Shirt Sleeves Without The Cuff Showing

There are several techniques on how to roll up a shirt sleeve. The three most common rolling types include:

  • The casual forearm roll.
  • The basic roll.

Here is more on each of these different rolling types to help you know how to fold a long-sleeved shirt.

1. The Casual Forearm Roll

Source: The Modest Man

It is a quick go-to shirt roll technique that forms minimal wrinkles, noticeable once you unfold your shirt's sleeve to its regular length. Alternatively, you can get one of Bombay Shirt Company’s wrinkle-resistant shirts.

First, unbutton your cuff and remove any cufflinks, then proceed to turn your cuff inside out. Afterwards, neatly tuck your cuff in the sleeve fabric by folding it over once, and there you have it!

The method is just straightforward, as discussed. Are you beginning to grasp some tips on how to roll up a shirt sleeve? If not, we still have more information on the way. 

2. The Basic Roll

Source: The Modest Man

The steps here are similar to the casual forearm roll, but the basic roll is simplistic. It could also go above your elbow, which is the most suitable position when engaging in physical labour.

Since the steps are similar, the only difference is that you will need to fold your shirt's sleeve severally (more than once). It could sit above or below your elbow. Rolling up your flannel sleeves when engaging in physical labour prevents you from messing up your shirt.

Hopefully, we have comprehensively answered your questions on how to roll shirt sleeves at this juncture. 

Are there other ways to fold shirt sleeves? Yes certainly! There is another way to help you figure out how to roll your sleeves with your cuff showing—more on that in the next section.

How to Fold Shirt Sleeves With The Cuff Showing

The casual forearm roll and basic roll are techniques for folding dress shirt sleeves, and they both tuck in the cuffs. How can you fold the sleeves of a shirt differently?

Dress shirts with contrasting cuffs look better when folded using the master sleeve roll technique. At Bombay Shirt Company, we allow you to customise your cuffs and other shirt sections to your liking. Here is how to fold your shirt sleeves using this method.

1. The Master Sleeve Roll

- Art of Manliness
Source: Art of Manliness

First, unbutton your cuffs, flip them inside out, pull your cuff without folding and let it sit below your elbow. Then, fold the bottom of your sleeve fabric until it aligns and tucks into the bottom seam line of your cuff. Fold it slightly above the bottom seam line of your cuff for a neater look.

Besides allowing you to showcase your cuff's pattern, folding the sleeves of your shirt using this method makes it easy to undo and leaves minimal creases. 

Generally, the majority of what we have covered is all the essential information you need to know about how to fold the sleeves of a shirt.

Best Customisable Shirts For Your Different Occasions

So have you seen how easy it is to know how to fold the sleeves of a shirt? 

Hopefully, you have now figured out how to fold up your shirt sleeves. If not, our committed stylists at Bombay Shirt Company are available round the clock to provide you with lasting and personalised solutions. Alongside further guidance on how to roll your shirt's sleeves.

Bombay Shirt Company offers a sustainable fashion through its made-to-order pieces. Besides knowing how to roll dress shirt sleeves, customising your shirts is among the best ways to provide you with a fit guarantee.

If you are all set in that department and want the same for your friend or significant other, our gift cards may come in handy.

Connect with one of our stylists today to get your free quote.