5 Sleeve Rolling Methods For Men

Rolling your shirt sleeves.

It’s a small detail. 

But it makes a huge difference in the silhouette of your outfit. 

The way you roll them can keep a formal outfit formal in hotter weather.

Or take it to business casual.

It is a fundamentally simple art that takes a few minutes to master.

But makes a world of difference to your appearance and the social signals you send through this simple act.

The way you roll your sleeves indicates:

• Cooling off in hot weather. Rolling up sleeves allows air to directly flow over more of your skin.
• A relaxed attitude at the end of a hard day’s work. Rolled up sleeves can dress down a formal outfit.
• Preparation for physical labor. Rolled up shirt sleeves are the universal symbol to indicate men at work.

Finally, the act of rolling sleeves has evolved into a style statement. 

While some may argue that there is one particular right way to roll up your shirt sleeves, I would suggest that there are several methods and depending on the situation you find yourself in – one of them will be better than the rest.

I’m going to give you five methods to roll sleeves below. You can decide for yourself after reading through them which method suits you best.

For all the methods listed below, the first step is to undo the buttons on the cuff and gauntlet of your shirt. Follow the infographic and text to complete the remainder of the steps for each cuff-rolling technique.

#1 Method To Roll Shirt Sleeves – The Master Roll 

Modern sartorialists accept the master roll as the preferred way to roll up sleeves. It is the least restrictive method of folding shirt sleeves.

1. Roll up the sleeve to about two widths of the cuff.
2. Smooth any creases or folds in the fabric.
3. Roll from the bottom end of the sleeve once more to cover the cuff, leaving only the top end of the cuff exposed.
4. If the inside of the cuff has a contrasting color or design, show just a hint of it and cover the rest.
5. Hold the top edge of the cuff and pull down to undo the fold.

Pro Tip: The Master Roll is your default choice of folding your sleeve when your shirt has a contrasting lining or design pattern on the inside of the cuff. The striking contrast is visible only when you use the master roll. Show off the chambray inner cuffs on your flannel shirt.

This is my favorite method to roll shirt sleeves for the following reasons:

• It gets the sleeve completely out of the way – allowing for natural arm movement.
• The sleeves are locked in place and won’t come undone as the day progresses.
• Unrolling the sleeve is simple and quick.
• It keeps the whole appearance neat and in place.

Click here to view the full infographic – 5 Ways To Fold Your Shirt Sleeves

#2 Method To Roll Shirt Sleeves – AIFA Roll

The AIFA roll screams casual. This is the easiest technique to fold your shirt sleeve.

It adheres to the rule of thirds – a design principle that has implications in men’s style too. In the AIFA roll, the sleeves expose only a third of your arm. This ratio is visually appealing according to the rule of thirds.

#1 Fold the bottom of the sleeve once, about the width of the cuff.

#2 Using a similar width, repeat a second time with the folded cuff.

#3 Avoid smoothing the fabric. The AIFA roll is supposed to look casual and effortless.

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

This roll ends below the elbow and is perfect for a day out with the family – with a dress shirt and your favorite denim.

Click here to view the full infographic – 5 Ways To Fold Your Shirt Sleeves

#3 Method To Roll Shirt Sleeves – The Basic Roll

Also called the ‘Beginner Roll,’ this method is the intuitive way to roll sleeves.

Depending on the shirt and fit, the basic roll can be time-consuming.

It restricts your hand movements and is difficult to undo.

1. Using the cuff as a measuring point, fold the cuff once.
2. Repeat the first step several times, tugging at the fabric to make sure it is straight and smooth.
3. Roll up until you go past the elbow.

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

Some casual shirts feature a button or thin strip of fabric on the inside of the sleeve to secure a basic-roll.

Click here to view the full infographic – 5 Ways To Fold Your Shirt Sleeves

#4 Method To Roll Shirt Sleeves – The High Roller

Do you have upper arms worth displaying? Then consider yourself a high roller kind of man in regards to folding shirt sleeves.

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

It’s also great for manual work and gives you a laidback look.

To achieve the high roller look, fold your sleeves before slipping into your shirt.

#1 Lay your shirt down on a flat surface.

#2 Fold your sleeve about a cuff width.

#3 Follow the same step a second time, covering the folded portion of the cuff.

#4 Roll the sleeve a third and fourth time to cover the entire cuff.

The High Roller can also be achieved while wearing a shirt and works best with semi-casual or informal shirts.

On more fitted shirts, this technique looks like you have a bagel stuck on your biceps. The Master Roll is better suited for fitted formal shirts.

Click here to view the full infographic – 5 Ways To Fold Your Shirt Sleeves

#5 Method To Roll Shirt Sleeves – The Band Roll 

A sleeve band or sleeve garter is an accessory that keeps the folded sleeve firmly in place.

Sleeve garters are generally elastic, but you can also find metal and silk ones in a range of colors and patterns.

Garters will make your sleeve-rolling a whole lot easier and give you a retro and unique look.

Here’s how you use one:

1. Secure the upper part of your shirt sleeve using a sleeve band.
2. Pull the shirt up few inches to hide the sleeve band under the shirt folds.
3. A bonus option is to secure a master roll using a sleek and smart metal sleeve band.

A strong rubber band can also be used. Ensure the band is hidden in the shirt sleeve folds.

Shirt arm clips are an elegant alternative to sleeve garters. This variation of the garter looks like a tie clip and is an acceptable piece of jewelry that sits vertically on your arm. Roll your sleeves up following the Master Roll method, then insert the arm clip facing out.

Garters and arm clips are great props for conversation starters at parties.

Click here to view the full infographic – 5 Ways To Fold Your Shirt Sleeves

BONUS – Tips To Improve Your Sleeve-Rolling Technique

• Ensure that the rolled length on each arm are the same.
• The sleeves should stop above the elbow if you’re about to do work. 
• Roll your sleeves below the elbow if you’re just cooling off and want to let in some air or to signal that it’s the end of the day.
• Iron or press your shirt before rolling the sleeves to remove any creases.
• Avoid wearing rolled sleeves with a tie. These are two contradictory style elements. Rolled sleeves indicate casual style while a tie leans more towards a formal style.
• If you find yourself rolling your shirt sleeves either because they are too short or long, my advice would be to find a good tailor. 

Shortening your shirt sleeves can be fun, irrespective of the season. Experiment the various methods listed above and to mix it up so you are not stuck to the same styles.

The length of your shirt sleeves can really have an impact on the whole outfit, so it is important that you get it right.