Exploring the Pros and Cons of Long Sleeve Wedding Dresses 

Planning a wedding is an exciting time, from touring venues to sorting out all the details, from the décor to the dances. Of course, there’s also the hunt for THE dress! If you’re considering going for a long sleeve look but are weighing your options, keep reading for the pros and cons and to see some of our favorite long sleeve wedding dresses available at True Society! 

Pros of Wearing a Long Sleeve Wedding Dress 

There are so many amazing reasons to say “I do” to a long sleeve wedding dress! Not only does a long sleeve wedding dress exude a sense of sophistication and grace, but it also offers practical benefits. Here are just a few to help inform your decision: 

Many Different Types of Sleeves and Necklines 

Long sleeve wedding dresses are a top choice for today’s brides, and it is easy to see why! With so many styles available, there is truly a long sleeve bridal gown for every bride.  

The options are endless, from off-the-shoulder necklines paired with billowing boho sleeves to high necklines with traditional long lace sleeves. There are even detachable sleeves for the bride who wants the best of both worlds! 

Great for Fall and Winter Weddings  

For brides getting married in cooler months, especially outdoors, long sleeve dresses provide additional coverage and warmth without sacrificing style! With a variety of fabrics available, brides can choose how heavy or light their sleeves are. 

Modest 

Whether it is a personal style choice or a requirement for cultural or religious ceremonies, long sleeve wedding dresses offer a level of modesty, especially when paired with more modest cuts of necklines and backs. 

Unique Design Options 

Today’s brides are embracing their personal styles when choosing their wedding dresses, and long sleeve wedding gowns are available for every style of bride! There are so many fabrics and silhouettes to choose from, from floaty tulle sleeves to barely- there illusion styles. 

Cons of Wearing a Long Sleeve Wedding Dress 

Although we love a long sleeve look, long sleeve wedding dresses may only be ideal for some brides. Below are a few reasons not to say “I do” to a long sleeve bridal gown: 

Less Range of Motion 

For the bride who wants to break it down on the dance floor, a long sleeve wedding dress may not be the best choice. Off-the-shoulder sleeves or those made with stiffer fabrics may restrict arm movement. If you still want to wear long sleeves, look for light or stretchy fabrics, which will be easier to move in. 

Alterations 

More components in a wedding dress means more alterations. If you want a gown with minimal alterations, a long-sleeved wedding dress may not be the best option for you, as you may need to have the sleeves shortened or taken in.  

You May Feel Warm 

If you plan on getting married in the warmer months or get hot easily, you may want to forgo a long sleeve wedding dress and instead opt for a gown with short sleeves or no sleeves. You could also choose a gown with detachable sleeves that you can remove for dancing. 

Popular Long Sleeve Wedding Gowns 

Black Long Sleeve Wedding Dresses 

bride wearing off the shoulder lace black wedding gown
Back of bride wearing off the shoulder lace black wedding gown

Marina Liana Style 1633BLK 

For two big bridal trends in one, opt for a black wedding dress with long sleeves! Marina Liana Style 1633BLK features detachable long sleeves in a sheer blouson style that gather at the wrist before attaching to the strapless sweetheart bodice. Highlighting the organic edges of this leafy allover lace look, the sheer back detail reveals the couture seam work and designer construction before concluding in a discrete row of fabric-covered buttons. 

At the waist, a soft A-line skirt sweeps away from the hips into a flattering silhouette before concluding in a dreamy lace train. This romantic wedding gown is also available in plus sizes and in ivory. 

Modest Long Sleeve Wedding Dress 

bride standing in front of a church wearing long sleeve high neck lace wedding dress
back of bride bride standing in front of a church wearing long sleeve high neck lace wedding dress

Stella York Style 7670 

Long sleeve wedding dresses are ideal for brides who wish for a modest look that is still stunning and fashion-forward. Stella York Style 7670 is a long sleeve wedding dress that blends timeless romance with modern design. Delicate three-dimensional floral lace covers the bodice in graceful elegance, blending the high neckline of sheer lace with the form-fitting sweetheart organza inner bodice underlay. 

In the back, a tight row of fabric-covered buttons traces the length of the gown to the edge of its sweeping cathedral train for a modern take on traditional bridal style. For the grand finale, the Matte Mikado A-line skirt unfolds into a regal train. This wedding gown is also available in plus sizes. 

Simple Long Sleeve Bridal Gown 

bride wearing an open back long sleeve wedding dress in a forest
Back of bride wearing an open back long sleeve wedding dress in a forest

All Who Wander kait gown 

Simple bridal gowns are a top bridal trend that will continue in 2024! Enter the All Who Wander kait gown, a boho chic simple bridal gown with long sleeves. 

Made of chic crepe chiffon, this soft A-line bridal gown effortlessly drapes around the figure to create a stunning and flattering silhouette. Long blouson sleeves connect to a deep V-neckline and open into sleek side cutouts before revealing an eye-catching open back with a whimsical tie-back feature. 

Modern and free, the A-line skirt lightly drifts away from the hips to reveal a sexy thigh-high leg slit before resolving into a delicate sweeping train. This gorgeous wedding dress brings that elevated boho flair for the aisle, the beach or wherever that epic romance is calling. 

Lace Long Sleeve Wedding Dress 

Bride wearing a high neck long sleeve lace wedding dress
Bride wearing a high neck long sleeve lace wedding dress

All Who Wander layne gown 

A long-sleeved lace wedding dress will always be a classic choice that will stand the test of time. The All Who Wander layne gown creates a flawless balance of modern, sexy bridal design and timeless vintage elements for the bride who wants it all. 

The sheer all-lace bodice begins with a high mock neckline before wrapping the torso and arms in a dainty vintage-inspired floral lace. Elegant fabric-covered buttons trace the spine and conclude at the fitted hip of the column sheath silhouette with the option to add a fun detachable belt. In a garden of botanical lace, this form-fitting boho wedding gown concludes with a sheer sweeping train for the final finishing touch. 

Plus Size Long Sleeve Wedding Dress 

Plus Size Bride wearing a long sleeve wedding gown
Back of Plus Size Bride wearing a long sleeve wedding gown

Essense of Australia Style D3636+ 

Long sleeve wedding dresses are stunning on every shape and size! Essense of Australia Style D3636 is one of our favorite plus size long sleeve wedding dresses for the ethereal bride. 

This romantic A-line plus size wedding dress is draped in soft layers of delicate chiffon. The notched plunging neckline delicately accentuates the soft pleating of the beautifully romantic wrapped bodice.  

To add an extra touch of luxury and versatility to this wedding look, the detachable off-the-shoulder blouson sleeves can be effortlessly added or removed, allowing for multiple style options. This stunning gown can be worn with or without the sleeves, giving the bride the freedom to create her own unique and personalized look on her special day. 

The clean and simple aesthetic is made complete with a soft A-line skirt that floats and sways with every movement, with a side slit and head-turning train. With its effortless charm and captivating details, this ensemble is sure to make a lasting impression. 

Can You Only Wear Long Sleeve Wedding Dresses in the Winter? 

If you’ve fallen in love with the idea of a long sleeve wedding dress, we have good news! You can wear long-sleeved wedding dresses any time of the year. While long sleeves are often associated with winter weddings for their warmth, they can be a stylish choice for any season. 

Lighter fabrics like lace or sheer materials can make long sleeve dresses comfortable in warmer weather, adding an elegant touch to a spring or summer ceremony. Ultimately, the choice depends on your personal style, the formality of the event and your comfort preferences, regardless of the season. 

As you navigate the exciting wedding planning journey, choosing your dream dress plays a significant role. If you’re considering the elegance of long sleeve wedding dresses, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons. True Society offers a diverse selection, so, whether you’re drawn to a classic lace design, a boho-chic look or a bold black long sleeve gown, the versatility of long sleeve wedding dresses means you can confidently embrace this style no matter your vision of your special day. 

Are you ready to find your dream dress? Book an appointment to see our collection of long-sleeved wedding dresses at True Society. Gown availability varies per store. 

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