The right way to roll up your sleeves

As a kid, I would roll up my sleeves sometimes to signify that “I was getting down to business.” As I grew older, the simple act of rolling my shirt sleeves up became more functional and even stylish. And of course, there are many times throughout the day when you get too warm, need to get your hands dirty, or you simply want to roll up your sleeves.

Today, I consider myself a bit of a shirt roll aficionado. While there is no one right way to roll up your sleeves, I do believe there are methods that not only look better, but work best in specific situations. So, with this article, I have outlined three simple methods which will help you to roll up your sleeves properly and with some style!

Let’s get started.

Method #1: Casual Roll

This is the most common roll and most likely what you have been doing already. This type of roll is best for casual dress, when you get warm and need to quickly and simply roll up your sleeves. This roll also involves very few folds which will cut down on wrinkles.

1. Unbutton both the cuff button and the gauntlet button (the button midway up the forearm) and flip the cuff back evenly so that it is inside out.
2. Using the cuff as a measuring point, fold the cuff back so that it is neatly tucked behind a band of shirt fabric.
3. That’s it! Now neatly tuck the corners of the cuff and make sure that each roll is even for a uniform look and feel.

Method #2: Basic Roll

This is your standard military roll. It is clean, simple and great for physical labor.

1. Unbutton both the cuff button and the gauntlet button and flip the cuff back evenly so that it is inside out.
2. Using the cuff as a measuring point, fold the cuff back so that it is neatly tucked behind the a band of shirt fabric just like in the Casual Roll.
3. Repeat this until you roll it past your elbow. (If you have a narrow fitting sleeve, performing this roll before you put the shirt on will help). Be sure that the roll is even and uniform.

Method #3: Master Roll

This roll takes a little more work to figure out, but it is great for showing off the inner contrast of your cuff and for those looking for added style.

1. Unbutton both the cuff button and the gauntlet button and flip the cuff back evenly so that it is inside out.
2. Pull the flipped cuff (don’t roll) up your arm until the sleeve is about an inch beyond your elbow.
3. Now, roll the sleeve upward to cover the cuff. (Double check that this step is done evenly to avoid pinching).
4. Cover or reveal as much of the cuff as you like. To undo the fold, simply pull the cuff down.

Wrap up

While there is certainly no right or wrong way to roll up your sleeves, it is fun to play around with different styles and do something different. Give each of these methods a try sometime and let us know how it goes when you see us next!

By Brett Wagner