Cuffing Your Sleeves: A Guide To T-Shirt Styling

There are many ways to cuff sleeves on a T-shirt, from the classic cuff roll to the stylish “master roll”. The method you choose depends on your personal style and the occasion. For a formal look, cuffing at the seam between the cuff and sleeve is recommended, whereas a casual look can be achieved by cuffing above the elbow. The master roll is versatile as the height can be adjusted to suit your preference. For a more rugged look, a rubber band can be used in place of a safety pin to secure the cuff.

Using a safety pin to secure the cuff

Using a safety pin to secure a cuffed sleeve is a great way to keep your style crisp and clean. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Prepare Your T-Shirt

Firstly, you will need to put on your t-shirt and roll up the sleeves to your desired length. It is important to ensure that the folds are even and not too bulky. A good tip is to use the stitched hemline as a guide for your first fold, and then continue rolling until you are happy with the length.

Step 2: Pin the Cuff

Now it is time to get your safety pin. Choose a small pin that will be comfortable and not protrude from the folds. You will want to pin the inside of your last fold, so bend a small part of this back out and carefully slide the sharp end of the pin through the innermost layer. Then, close the safety pin. It is best to do this near the underarm of the sleeve, as it is the hardest area to keep flat and the pin will be less visible if the sleeve unrolls.

Step 3: Adjust and Repeat

Check that you are happy with the placement of the safety pin and that the sleeve looks neat and secure. If you are satisfied, repeat the process on the other sleeve, ensuring that both sleeves are symmetrical.

And there you have it! A quick and easy way to secure your cuffed sleeves using a safety pin. This method will ensure your sleeves stay in place throughout the day without losing their style.

Using a needle and thread to stitch the cuff in place

• Prepare the T-shirt: Before you begin stitching, put on the t-shirt and decide how high you want the cuff to be. You can roll the sleeves up once or twice, depending on the length and your preference. Make sure to use the hem as a guide to ensure the cuff is straight and even.
• Remove the T-shirt: Once you're happy with the cuff height, take off the t-shirt. It's important to work on the sleeves while the shirt is off to avoid accidentally poking yourself with the needle.
• Start Stitching: Using a needle and thread, start stitching the fold in place. You only need to make a few stitches to secure the roll. Place single stitches along the top edge of the fold. Three to four stitches on each sleeve should be enough to hold it securely.
• Repeat on the Other Sleeve: Take the same measurements and fold the other sleeve to match the first one. Use the same number of stitches to secure the cuff, ensuring both sleeves are symmetrical.
• Finishing Touches: After stitching both sleeves, you can now try on the t-shirt again to check the fit and look. Adjust the cuffs as needed, making sure they are even and lie flat.

Remember, it's best to use a needle and thread for a more permanent solution. If you want a temporary option, you can use safety pins or rubber bands to secure the cuffs. Additionally, always remove your t-shirt before attempting any stitching to avoid any accidental pricks.

The classic cuff roll

Firstly, unbutton the cuff of your shirt. If your shirt has a smaller gauntlet button (the button on the split of the sleeve near the cuff), you can keep this buttoned for a sleeker look. For those with larger forearms, undoing this button can provide more freedom of movement.

Next, fold the cuff at the seam between the cuff and the sleeve. Ensure the fold is clean and uniform by running your fingers along the seam. The width of the cuff will determine the width of your next roll. It is important to note that stiff dress shirt cuffs should not be folded in half, as this will result in permanent creasing. Softer cuffs can be folded in half if a thinner roll is desired, but it is generally cleaner to fold along the cuff seam.

Now, fold the cuff over once more to complete the roll. Again, use your fingers to smooth out the fold and adjust the corners for a crisp, professional finish. This short roll will show about a third of your arm, maintaining a classy, buttoned-up look.

For a more casual look, you can push the cuff up towards the elbow without making additional folds. This will give you a more relaxed style while still appearing intentional.

Finally, repeat the process on your other sleeve, ensuring both rolls are symmetrical and sit at the same height on your arms.

The basic roll

Step 1: Unbutton the Cuff

Start by unbuttoning the cuff of your shirt. If your shirt has a gauntlet button (a smaller button on the split of the sleeve near the cuff), you can keep it buttoned to maintain a sleek look, especially if you have larger forearms. Alternatively, you can unbutton it for a more relaxed fit.

Step 2: Fold the Cuff

Now, you'll make the first fold of your roll. Fold the cuff at or just above the seam between the cuff and the sleeve. This fold determines the width of your subsequent rolls, so ensure it's neat and straight. Run your finger along the fold to smooth out any creases.

Step 3: Roll Up the Sleeve

For a semi-formal look, you'll want to roll your sleeve up to your elbow. Fold the sleeve over the cuff so that it's inside out, and straighten it out to ensure the fabric isn't baggy. You can adjust the tightness of the roll by undoing the gauntlet button if needed.

Step 4: Continue Rolling

For a more casual look, continue rolling your sleeve past the elbow. Make additional folds, using the cuff as a guide for width, until you reach your desired length. Remember, the more arm you show, the more casual the look.

Step 5: Finalize and Repeat

Once you're happy with the length, flatten out the folds and adjust the corners for a crisp, tidy appearance. Repeat the same steps on the other sleeve, ensuring both rolls are symmetrical and end at the same point.

The master roll

Mastering the Master Roll

Step 1: Undo All Buttons

First, unfasten all the buttons on your cuff and sleeve, including the gauntlet button (the smaller button on the split of the sleeve near the cuff). This initial step ensures that the end result will not feel tight and restrictive against your elbow.

Step 2: Flip the Cuff Inside Out

Now, it's time to start rolling. Pull the cuff up your arm, turning your sleeve inside out as you go, until the bottom of the cuff sits just above your elbow. You should still have the upper part of your forearm covered by the inside-out shirt sleeve. Adjust the height of the cuff to your preference, remembering that a higher roll is typically more casual.

Step 3: Fold the Sleeve

Next, flip the inside-out sleeve upward so that the edge almost covers the cuff. Aim to keep a thin sliver (up to about a third) of the cuff visible over the fold. Smooth out the edges of the fold to ensure the roll lays flat and clean. If the inside of your cuff contrasts with the print or colour of your shirt, feel free to let a full third of it show—it's a very stylish, attention-grabbing look.

Step 4: Repeat on the Other Sleeve

Take a look at your first sleeve and decide if you're happy with the height of the roll. If you need to, unfold and redo it to adjust the height. Once you've decided on the perfect height, repeat the process on your other sleeve, ensuring that the roll is the same height and that the same amount of cuff is exposed on both arms.

Tips and Tricks

Frequently asked questions