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Bulgy Sleeves Begone!

Let’s Do Away With Puffy Sleeves In 2021!

By Heather Mitchell ManheimPublished 3 years ago 4 min read
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Puffy sleeves need to go the way of the dodo. I am not sure why anybody feels a need to increase their bicep area with layers of billowy fabric filled with air. Perhaps, many are trying to convey a secret message. Maybe it is a subconscious attempt to show their bosses and co-workers that they have spent hours and hours on tedious computer work in their home offices. Thus, they have developed super-hero sized arm muscles.

Although making a resounding comeback in 2020, puffed sleeves have come and gone in popularity over the years. One of the most famous literary references is in Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery. In the book, Anne Shirley is desperate to own a dress with puffed sleeves. The book took place in 1876. Why anyone felt the burning desire to resurrect a fashion trend over one hundred and forty years old is beyond me. I suppose, though, that they can take comfort in the fact a fictitious prepubescent girl from the Victorian era would get a thrill over those humongous sleeves.

Increasing the oddity of these ancient fashioned sleeves making a comeback is the fact that in the 1890s, there was the introduction of the gigot sleeve. The gigot sleeve was a variation on the puffed sleeve. It was wide at the top of the arm, and it narrowed, starting at the elbow and going down to the wrist. That seems innocent enough. Until you realize that what “gigot” means in French is the back leg of an animal. I’ve never once thought to myself that I’d like my arm to look like the haunch of an animal. Still, apparently, people who created puffed sleeves feel differently and do want their arms to look like the hindquarters of an animal. The purpose of the gigot sleeve was to make an hourglass figure out of a woman’s arm, just as a corset does to the waist. Thankfully, the back-leg fascinated designers of the 2020s decided not to go as far as to try to stuff us all into corsets again, too.

Back in yesteryear, some fashion critics called these sleeves “imbecile sleeves.” Not only were they a waste of fabric, but some were made so large, women couldn’t fit through a doorway. But, yes, “By all means, let’s bring these sleeves back!” Who said that? I would think nobody ever, but yet, here we find ourselves in 2020 with puffed sleeves, a “must-have” fashion trend for some.

Some people say a puffed sleeve adds “drama” to an outfit. To me, there are different kinds of drama. Some are good, and some not so much. I personally don’t have any desire to feel like I’m walking around all day with a tourniquet around my upper arm or elbow. The only drama that will create is me fainting on the floor after my lower arm, wrist, and hand go to sleep from lack of blood supply.

When one is talking about the puffed sleeve, of course, you can’t ignore the fact that most cartoon princesses have puffs for days on their arms. I admit the whole dress ensemble can make one look like a princess from Medieval, Renaissance, or Victorian days. I am also aware that they are not real people. They are cartoons. I do not wish to dress like a cartoon, and I can’t noodle out why anybody would decide this was the look for them. Perhaps, on a wedding day. But I think the only exception that can be made is if your true love woke you from a years-long slumber with a kiss, or he rides a white stallion and rescues you from a tower/dragon/curse.

I’m sure the puffed sleeve fans will say they are updated now, not as comical or impractical as they once were. They may point out that they are now made sexier and even more feminine, sometimes with sheer fabrics. To them, I apologize. But the puffed sleeve must die and stay dead this time, regardless of the material it is made from. The time has come to say “adieu” once and for all. If you are ever feeling sad or nostalgic about this fashion trend being turned to dust, remember that sometimes, the court jester wore puffed sleeves too. I do suppose if you must wear a puffed sleeve, they can be made to reach out six feet from each side. Then, they could serve a practical use during COVID-19 times. At least then, they could help you socially distance whilst making your bizarre fashion statement!

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About the Creator

Heather Mitchell Manheim

Heather studied Creative Writing and Journalisim in school, and has been writing and reading since she was a child. When she isn't writing, she loves to travel, bake/cook, watch classic movies and photography.

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