Raglan sleeve

The raglan sleeve differs from the classic set-in sleeve in its seam path: instead of a round seam at the shoulder point, the seam runs diagonally from the neckline down to the armpit. The sleeve thus forms a single large pattern piece together with part of the shoulder.

The sleeve is named after British Field Marshal FitzRoy Somerset, 1st Baron Raglan (1788–1855), who lost his right arm at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. The sleeve design emerged during his time as commander-in-chief in the Crimean War (1854–1855) because it was easier to put on and take off one-handed. The diagonal seam allows significantly more freedom of movement at the shoulder joint and is therefore standard today on sportswear, outdoor and workwear as well as raincoats and trench coats.

Structurally the raglan is cut as a one- or two-piece sleeve. In the two-piece version an additional seam runs along the top of the sleeve and shapes the shoulder curve more precisely. The raglan creates a softer, less clearly defined shoulder line than the set-in.

Compared to the set-in the raglan looks sportier and more casual and offers more mobility but less structure. Classic business jackets usually avoid raglan, while it is omnipresent on sport sweatshirts, baseball jerseys ('baseball sleeve') and raincoats.