It’s no secret that wedding dresses with sleeves have been trending and are here to stay! From whimsical flutter sleeves to regal long lace sleeves, this bridal detail offers SO much variety and works for almost any wedding day look.
Whether your bridal style is boho, minimalistic, glamorous or regal, there is a wedding dress with sleeves for you at True Society. Keep reading to learn more about these types of bridal gowns, how to incorporate sleeves into your wedding day look and see some of our True Crew’s favorite wedding dresses with sleeves for 2023!
What Types of Sleeves are Typical for a Wedding Dress with Sleeves?
When it comes to bridal gowns with sleeves, there are so many sleeve options brides can choose! Below are a few of the most popular wedding dress sleeve options.
Detachable Sleeves
Detachable sleeves are ideal for the bride who wants two looks in one! You can wear them for the ceremony and easily remove them so you can raise the roof with your friends and family. Often these sleeves slide onto the arm and have an elastic band at the top or attach to the dress’s bodice with hidden snaps or buttons. You can also opt for a cape or jacket with sleeves for a fashion-forward look.
Long Sleeve Wedding Dresses
Currently, long sleeve wedding dresses are all the rage, with fitted illusion lace sleeves and dreamy voluminous bishop sleeves remaining popular. Tulle, lace and stretch netting are typical fabrics for long sleeves, but you can also find long sleeves in crepe or stretch satin.
Flutter Sleeves
Flutter sleeves can be ethereal, whimsical and romantic! This lightweight short style of sleeve is ideal for the boho bride as well and is typically made of tulle, chiffon or lace and can be embellished with beading or lace appliqués. The looser design also makes them comfortable for warmer weather.
Cap Sleeves
Cap sleeves are short sleeves that cover the shoulder but do not extend to the underside of the arm. This style is often seen on simple gowns, although gowns with embellished cap sleeves and a simple bodice and skirt are absolutely stunning!
Off The Shoulder Sleeves
Off the shoulder sleeves are also super popular in bridal fashion because of their romantic yet sexy appeal. This silhouette of sleeves comes in various lengths and styles, from fitted lace sleeves to short puffy ones.
No matter which style of sleeves your wedding dress may have, make sure to accessorize wisely! For example, a statement sleeve like a bishop sleeve adorned in dimensional flowers is best accessorized with a minimal veil, while a sleek crepe sleeve may pair well with a more intricate veil for a beautiful contrast. Likewise, a sleeve with a puffy shoulder may work better with daintier earrings so that the two elements don’t compete.
Wedding Dresses with Sleeves
Lace Wedding Dress with Sleeves
A-line wedding dresses and long lace sleeves are a match made in heaven that gives a regal and traditional vibe to your wedding day look. Stella York Style 7670 is a long sleeve dress that blends timeless romance with modern design. Delicate 3D floral lace covers the bodice, blending the high illusion lace neckline with the form-fitting sweetheart organza inner bodice underlay.
In the back, a tight row of fabric-covered buttons adorns the length of the gown to the edge of its sweeping cathedral train. For the grand finale, the Matte Mikado A-line skirt unfolds into a regal wedding silhouette fit for a fall or winter wedding. This wedding gown is also available in plus sizes.
Simple Wedding Dress with Sleeves
Simple wedding dresses with sleeves have an air of sophistication, class and timeless elegance, and Essense of Australia Style D3752 is proof of that. From its chic sleeves to the plunging deep V-neckline and impeccably crafted design in luxurious cotton crepe, this gown is a showstopper.
The sleek column silhouette hugs the body and is accentuated by the classic fabric-covered buttons that adorn the skirt to the end of the sweeping train. We recommend keeping accessories minimal to let the chic nature of this gown and its statement sleeves shine!
Boho Wedding Dress with Sleeves
Balloon or bell sleeves are the ideal addition to a boho wedding dress. The All Who Wander west gown is a stunning two-piece modern boho look for the fashion-forward bride. The large-print leafy lace embroidered silk chiffon starts at the sheer balloon sleeves before folding at the wrist into a chic Victorian-style buttoned crepe cuff.
The flattering square neckline is complemented by the stretch crepe cropped bodice and opens into a dramatic open scoop back. A long A-line skirt softly drapes from a detachable belt and unfolds into a soft sweeping train of lace-embroidered silk chiffon for the final finishing touch.
Sparkling Wedding Dress with Sleeves
Walk into your big day with confidence and style in this breathtaking sparkly wedding dress with sleeves. Crafted from soft, luxurious fabric detailed in intricate beading and lace, Essense of Australia Style D3700, will make you feel both beautiful and comfortable.
Its simple A-line silhouette is transformed into a romantic vision with sheer lace long sleeves as the round back detail infuses an elegant flair. Through the pleated skirt, layers of tulle add dimension and drama, while a high side slit hints at a seductive touch. Walk down the aisle feeling radiantly graceful in this jaw-dropping bridal gown!
What Season/Venue is the Best for a Wedding Dress with Sleeves?
While we always recommend that brides wear whatever makes them feel their most beautiful, there are a few ideal seasons and venues that are best for wedding dresses with sleeves. Cooler months in the fall, winter or early spring are best for long sleeve wedding dresses, while shorter cap and flutter sleeves work better in the warmer months.
If you want to wear long sleeves in warm weather, opt for sheer tulle or stretch net sleeves, which are lighter. As for venues, there’s a sleeve for any and every place you can say “I do.” Castles and ballrooms are ideal for long regal lace sleeves, while venues in nature work well with dreamy bishop sleeves or styles with a boho flair.
What are the Benefits of Wearing a Wedding Dress with Sleeves?
Wedding dresses with sleeves are a great choice for brides who value both vintage-inspired style and modern-day comfort. Not only do they look stunning and timeless in photos, but they also provide extra coverage, making it easy to move freely during the ceremony.
Wedding dresses with sleeves are especially great for colder climates or weddings during winter or fall months, offering you that extra layer of protection from harsh winds and chill. Additionally, if you are aiming for a modest bridal look, a wedding dress with sleeves can help create that graceful and tasteful look, enhancing both your beauty and confidence on your special day.
We can’t wait to help you find the wedding dress with the sleeves of your dreams! Don’t hesitate to book an appointment and find the nearest True Society location near you. Availability varies by store.
