How to Roll Up Shirt Sleeves - 5 Sleeve Folding Methods

Knowing how to roll up the sleeves of your shirt can really transform your look!

Whether you want to maintain a formal style on hot days or adopt a more casual look, rolling up your sleeves can make all the difference. This simple and quick gesture can not only enhance your appearance but also showcase your arms.

In this article, discover five effective methods for rolling up the sleeves of your shirts, suitable for all styles and occasions.

 

 

Roll up your shirt sleeves like a pro:

Before putting these methods into practice, the first step is to undo the buttons on the cuff and gauntlet of your shirt. You will find a cufflink halfway up the opening of the sleeve on most quality long-sleeve shirts.


"The spaces are there to allow for good rolling of the sleeves and ironing of the cuffs - if they are long enough to serve their purpose, they will be too long to stay closed without a button."



Rolling Method of Sleeves #1 The Master's Roller

How to roll a Master sleeve?

Roll the sleeve up about two widths of the cuff, then smooth out the folds or creases of the fabric.
Roll from the bottom end of the sleeve once more to cover the armband, leaving only the top end of the armband exposed.
If the inside of the armband has a contrasting color or pattern, show only a hint of it and cover the rest.
Hold the top edge of the sleeve and pull down to undo the fold.
Modern sartorialists accept the master roll as the preferred way to roll up sleeves. But I find that many men have never heard of it.

Pro tip: here's how to roll up your sleeves when your shirt has a lining or a contrasting pattern inside the cuff. The striking contrast is visible ONLY when you use the master roll. Show off the chambray inner cuffs of your flannel shirt.

This method is my favorite for the following reasons:

"It's the least restrictive. It completely opens the sleeve, allowing for a natural movement of the arm."
The sleeves are locked in place and will not come off throughout the day.
The course of the round is simple and quick.
He keeps everything looking clean and in place.

 

Rolling Method for Sleeves #2 AIFA Roller

How to roll the AIFA roll?

Fold the bottom of the sleeve once, along the width of the cuff.
Using a similar width, repeat a second time with the folded armband.
Avoid smoothing the fabric. The AIFA roll is meant to look relaxed and effortless.
The AIFA Roll creates a relaxed look. This is the simplest technique to roll up the sleeve of your shirt.

He adheres to the rule of thirds - a design principle that also has implications in masculine style. In the AIFA Roll, the sleeves expose only a third of your arm. This ratio is visually appealing according to the rule of thirds.

The AIFA Roll is suitable for men with short and narrow arms. Rolling your sleeves using this technique will make your arms proportional to the rest of your body.

This roll ends under the elbow and is perfect for a family day. The only downside is that it comes undone quite easily.

 

Rolling Method of Sleeves #3 The Basic Roller

How to make the basic roll?

Using the cuff as a measuring point, fold the cuff once.
Repeat the first step several times, pulling on the fabric to ensure it is straight and smooth.
Drive until you pass the elbow.
Also called "beginner's roll", this method is the intuitive way to roll up sleeves. If you have ever observed someone who has not been around people who know how to roll up sleeves, you will see them use the Basic Roll.

"Depending on the shirt and the fit, the Basic Roll can take time. It restricts the movement of your hands and is difficult to undo."

The Basic roll-up sleeve is suitable when the sleeves of your shirt are considerably wider than your arms. The extra fabric allows for the third fold.

Some casual shirts have a button or a thin strip of fabric inside the sleeve to secure a rolled-up cuff.

 

Rolling Sleeve Method #4 The High Roller

How to ride the High Roller?

Place your shirt on a flat surface.
Fold your sleeve to a cuff width.
Follow the same step a second time, covering the folded part of the cuff.
Roll the cuff a third and a fourth time to cover the entire cuff.
The High Roller works best with semi-casual or informal shirts.
Do you have forearms worth showing off? Then consider yourself a high roller when it comes to rolling up your sleeves.

This method is suitable for men with big biceps and tattoos on their arms. The sleeves are rolled up well above the elbows.

It is also ideal for manual work and gives you a casual look.

"On more fitted shirts, this technique gives the impression of having a bagel stuck on your biceps. The Master Roll is better suited for fitted formal shirts."

 

Rolling Method for Sleeves #5 The Garter Roller

How to use a garter to roll up sleeves?

Fix the upper part of your shirt sleeve using a sleeve band.
Pull the shirt down a few centimeters to hide the cuff band under the folds of the shirt.
A bonus option involves securing a Master Roll with a sleek and smart metal sleeve.
You can also use a sturdy elastic. Make sure the band is hidden in the folds of the shirt sleeve.
Shirt sleeve clips are an elegant alternative to cufflinks. This variant of the cufflink resembles a tie clip and is a nice piece of jewelry that rests vertically on your arm. Roll your sleeves using the Master Roll method, then insert the sleeve clip outward.
"Garters and arm clips are excellent accessories to start a conversation at parties."

 

How to make rolled-up sleeves look nice?


Make sure that the rolled length on each arm is the same.
The sleeves should stop above the elbow if you are about to work.
Roll up your sleeves to your elbows if you are cooling off.
Iron or press your shirt before rolling up the sleeves to eliminate wrinkles.
If you find yourself rolling up the sleeves of your shirt because they are too short or too long, my advice would be to find a good tailor.

When can you wear rolled-up sleeves with a tie?

In general, avoid wearing rolled-up sleeves with a tie. These are two contradictory style elements. Rolled-up sleeves indicate a casual style, while a tie leans more towards a formal style. But I can think of two occasions where it is appropriate to roll up your sleeves when wearing a tie.

"When you want to prevent them from getting damaged or dirty, so if you're going to work with your hands - moving office supplies or anything that could tear your sleeves or dirty them - roll up your sleeves and get to work. And you don't even need to take off your tie."
When you want to signal that you are not at work or that it is time to relax, especially if you are the boss and others are following your lead; in this case, you are not just going to roll up your sleeves, but you are also going to loosen your tie. Take off your jacket.
Shortening the sleeves of your shirt can be fun, no matter the season. Experiment with the different methods listed above and mix them up so you don't end up with the same styles.
The length of your shirt sleeves can impact the overall outfit, so you need to do it right.

Over time, the shirt sleeve tends to lose its elasticity; they tend to roll up and create frustration, especially if you are doing something important, like helping your wife with the dishes.

The waiters of New York restaurants in the 1960s found a clever solution. They discovered how to roll up their sleeves and secure them with a sleeve band or a sleeve garter, keeping the rolled-up sleeve firmly in place.

The cuff band disappeared for a few decades and regained its popularity after football player David Beckham used it to give his sleeves a neat and polished look.
"Suspenders are generally elastic, but you can also find them in metal and silk in various colors and patterns.

Suspenders will greatly facilitate rolling up your sleeves and give you a retro and unique look."

Integrate these sleeve rolling methods into your style routine.

Knowing how to roll up your sleeves is mastering a key detail of style. These simple and effective techniques will instantly transform your look. Try them out and adopt the one that suits your style.

Source: https://www.realmenrealstyle.com/how-to-roll-up-sleeves/ 

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