When the sun starts shining in spring, a young or older, man’s fancy turns to roll up his sleeves. Fashion etiquette makes it acceptable to roll up your sleeves. It is recommendable to roll them up just below the elbow for added ventilation or above the elbow when faced with manual labor. The rolled-up sleeves are an antidote to the dreaded short-sleeved business button-down. However, pulling off a rolled-up sleeves outfit can be a little tricky thing to do even for the most professional stylists.
The dos and don’ts of rolling up your sleeves
Is it okay to roll up your sleeves in a business-casual setting? There are many things to consider in mind before you decide to roll up your sleeves. Here they are:
Take a look at who is around
The most important thing to consider in mind is who you will be connecting with while wearing the business-casual outfit with rolled-up sleeves. If you are having a formal meeting where no one has their sleeves rolled up, then the best is to leave your sleeves unrolled. On the other hand, if the occasion is less formal, and the dress code is more casual, then you can roll up the sleeves.
Consider the timing
Timing is also an indicator of whether to roll up your sleeves or not. For example, if you are about to head into a meeting with your supervisors to discuss a raise, then the best is to avoid being too casual. In these cases, wear your sleeves unrolled. Also, remember to avoid wearing rolled-up sleeves at weddings and funerals. On the other hand, it is the end of the workday and you are about to leave for home, then you are allowed to roll your sleeves. At any other meetings with friends and coworkers outside the work environment, you are absolutely allowed to roll up your sleeves.
Can you roll up your sleeves for an interview?
There is an unwritten “what to wear to an interview” fashion guide that most people attending an interview must follow. If you are asking yourself if you can appear in an interview for the job of your dreams wearing a shirt with rolled-up sleeves, then we answer the question for you: to play safe, NO! Regardless of the job for which you are interviewing, you need to keep the best and most professional look ever possible. Try to appear wearing a formal outfit reflecting your hard-working attitude. No matter the weather conditions, try to avoid rolling up your sleeves at all costs. Even more, if possible, invest in a nice-fitting, long-sleeved button-down that is well pressed to make an impression on your appearance.
How to cuff your shirtsleeves in a casual way
This is a super easy way to roll up your sleeves. All you need to do is to follow a few easy steps. Here we go:
- First, unbutton both buttons.
- Then, flip the cover over.
- Tuck the cuff and roll it under. This way the cuff will create a new, precise end of the sleeve.
- Repeat the same procedure until you get the desired length. Voila, you are done!
How to roll up your sleeves in an Italian way
Another super easy technique to roll up your sleeves is the Italian one. The steps are super easy to follow:
- First, you need to start with both cuff buttons unbuttoned.
- Then, fold the sleeves up, starting from an inch or so beyond your elbow.
- Start flipping the sleeve upward, to just below the end of the cuff. Keep about a third of the cuff visible.
- Repeat the same procedure with the other sleeve. Voila, you are done!
How to cuff your shirtsleeves in a marine way
Searching for a super stylish way to roll up your sleeves? Here is the easiest one that will make your sleeves look super fashionable. These are the steps to follow:
- Flatten out the sleeve on a steady surface. We recommend you first iron them.
- Then, bend the sleeve upward at the cuff.
- Start curling until it is inside out.
- Straighten both the bottom and the top of the cuff. Keep them neat and without wrinkles.
- Then fold the full cuff up again just the same way you did the first time.
- Continue curling. Neath again.
- Repeat to your preferred height on the arm.
How to roll up sleeves in the J. Crew look
Here is another super easy way to roll up your sleeves. This is the so-called J. Crew look and you will definitely adore it. Here are the steps:
- As in the techniques above, you need to start with unrolled and unbuttoned sleeves.
- Then, roll up the sleeves about two widths of the cuff.
- Again, roll again to the bottom of the cuff.
- Finally, roll up again once more, leaving the top of the cuff exposed. Voila, you are done!
