One of this year’s most bizarre trends is taking root this season: long sleeves for summer. Personally, I didn’t understand this trend and sort of balked at it at first, but now I’m beginning to see its brilliance. With so much concern about sun damage these days, and as someone with tattoos, I do cover up more than I realize in the summer heat. If you’re someone with UV rays on the mind every time you leave the house, this is certainly a trend you can be taking advantage of; that is, if you have the right fabrics. Let’s take a dive into the best fabrics to use to survive the long sleeve trend this summer!
For this dress above, I used Mood’s Ginger Dress free sewing pattern minus the collar. The sleeves are a soft, breathable voile!
Purchase Ginger Dress Materials Used Below:
Let’s take a look at some fabrics and free sewing patterns that’ll have you looking fabulous this summer!
Used to make the Ginger Dress above, voile should be a summer staple in everyone’s wardrobe! Similar to a batiste, voile is lightweight and a bit more translucent. Since it’s often made from cotton, it’s also very breathable and soft. Pair a cute bralette with a voile version of the Melia Blouse or Clover Crop Top for looks like are equal parts cute and stylish.
The Melia Blouse
The Melia Blouse
For those days when you want to look chic and sophisticated, but still stand out with your own style, go with a statement sleeve. Download it here!
The Clover Crop Top
The Clover Crop Top
Our Clover Crop Top free sewing pattern is an excellent combination of cute and flirty, and with full circle sleeves and a tie-back belt, you’ll be best equipped for the warmer weather ahead! Download it here!
Double cotton gauze is a soft, airy fabric made from two layers of cotton gauze fused together. Similar in texture to cheesecloth (a smooth, buttery, gauze-like cloth with a fine weave) and bandage fabrics (a flat, uniform, tightly woven mesh), they are lightweight and slightly crinkled for a cozy look. We’ve used this ultra breathable fabric for a version of our Ursi Ensemble, and we think it would look just as lovely as our Foxglove Bodysuit!
The Ursi Ensemble
The Ursi Ensemble
The Ursi Ensemble features comfy chic, wide-legged pants, as well as a button up crop top with detachable sleeves. Download it here!
The Foxglove Bodysuit
The Foxglove Bodysuit
With 3/4 sleeves and a plunging neckline, the Foxglove Bodysuit would be great with jeans or even a full skirt for a more formal look. Download it here!
Chiffon conveys innocence and delicate beauty, making it an an excellent fabric to use as a top layer or overlay, as sheer insets, as ruffles, flowing scarves, or draped extensions. Since it is generally translucent, a lining, decorative bralette, or tank is recommended under any garments made with chiffon. We’ve made our Onella Blouse with this fabric, and we’d love to see our Rosa Blouse in such a deliciously summer fabric!
The Onella Blouse
The Onella Blouse
Necktie, or pussy bow, blouses have been quite literally everywhere this fall, and ever since we made the Onella Blouse last month, I’ve been wanting to sew this top over and over again. Download it here!
The Rosa Blouse
The Rosa Blouse
Whether you’re organizing Sunday brunch or just want to look utterly chic while also staying cool this summer, the Rosa Blouse is a garment that needs to be added to your wardrobe. Download it here!
Similar in weight and translucence to chiffon, organza brings much more volume to the table. Create larger than life sleeves with our Davallia Bodysuit, or create an on trend transparent bomber jacket to throw on over your next summer look!
The Davallia Bodysuit
The Davallia Bodysuit
Our Davallia Bodysuit free sewing pattern allows you to step out in a striking mutton sleeve to stay on trend, with a large back cut-out to help you stay cool and comfortable from summer into fall. Download it here!
The Avelia Bomber Jacket
The Avelia Bomber Jacket
Whether you’re out sporting this beauty during day or night, just make sure you stop and take a few selfies; some cool street art would make an awesome backdrop! Download it here!
Linen fabric is a gorgeous material that is as durable as it is luxurious. Linen Fabric has withstood the test of time, as one of the oldest textiles in human history that dates back to at least 3,000 BC. Add it to your summer wardrobe with a redux version of our Lantana Maxi Shirt for a look that’s both breathable and classic! You can also try the super easy Wilder Top, which can easily be thrown on over a pair of jeans.
The Lantana Maxi Shirt
The Lantana Maxi Shirt
Building off of the crisp and classic button-up shirt that everyone should have in their wardrobe, the Lantana hem slips past your waist and billows around your ankles for a gorgeous silhouette that’s perfect for showing off your favorite print! Download it here!
The Wilder Top
The Wilder Top
We’ve created the Wilder Top, with a slightly batwing silhouette and no pesky closures. Download it here!
Lace needs no explanation. With its open weave and delicate hand, lace is a summer must-have every year. Jump on this sleeve trend with a lace version of our Lyonia Shirt or an all lace button-up like our Elaeis Shirt!
The Lyonia Shirt
The Lyonia Shirt
This sexy Victorian-style blouse has features like long sleeves with a flounce overlay and delicate buttons lined all the way down the back! Download it here!
The Elaeis Shirt
The Elaeis Shirt
Whether you love clean lines and tailored looks, or you typically go for the more bohemian summer look, bishop sleeves need to be in your wardrobe. Download it here!
Will you be taking part in this summer trend? Let me know in the comments below!
4 comments
thank you very much . I am excited to get started
So many long sleeve shirts! Thank you! I really love picking patterns by starting with fabric type. Thank you!!!
I’m very happy about long sleeves in the summer! I’ve had skin cancer and been advised to cover up.
vraiment merci beaucoup de