When dressing a formal event or occasion, there’s no substitution for a button-up dress shirt. Even if you choose to leave your suit jacket or coat at home, you should still wear a button-up, long-sleeve shirt. In doing so, however, you may get hot throughout the day, which is why many men choose to roll up their sleeves. But there’s a right way and a wrong way to roll up your sleeves.
Casual Forearm Roll
There are several different ways to roll up your sleeves, one of the easiest being the casual forearm roll. This involves unbuttoning your shirt cuffs, flipping the cuff inside out, and folding it over about the length of the cuff. When performed correctly, your cuffs will remain hidden behind the shirt fabric.
While optional, you may want to tuck any exposed edges or corners into the sleeve. The casual forearm roll is simple and easy to perform, but it doesn’t provide the same high-end style as some of the other methods.
The Basic Roll
Another easy way to roll up your shirt sleeves is the basic roll. This is done by folding the cuffs three times, or until your sleeves go past your elbows. Because of the additional fabric placed above your elbows, your sleeves should remain securely in place. Many blue-collared working men prefer the basic roll over other techniques, as it’s cool, comfortable and easy to perform.
The Master Roll
Perhaps the most formal way to roll up your shirt sleeves is the master roll. It allows for a clean, stylish appearance while also revealing underlying colors or geometric designs of the shirt. To perform the master roll, roll up your shirt sleeves to about your elbows. Next, press down against the fabric to smooth out any wrinkles. You can then roll the bottom half of the folded fabric up to cover the exposed top half.
Other Tips for Rolling Up Your Shirt Sleeves
Regardless of which method you choose, make sure it doesn’t restrict your movement. If you fold your sleeves up to high or too tight, it may prevent your from moving your arms in a full range of motion. You should still be able to move your arms with your sleeves rolled up.
Also, some shirts have buttons and fastening swatches designed specifically for rolling up sleeves. If your shirt has these, you can use them to secure your sleeves in place after rolling them up.
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