The Ultimate Guide to Wedding Dresses With Sleeves

By Sarah Wasilak

Updated on 5/21/2016 at 4:30 PM

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While some brides couldn't imagine their big day without a classic strapless gown, you're on the hunt for sleeves. Why? If you've found a dress with gorgeous, intricate detail, maybe you figure "the more material, the merrier." Or perhaps you're in need of a modest silhouette for your ceremony. Maybe you love the bohemian effect of flared lace or have always admired the dainty appeal of a cap sleeve.

Whatever the case, when it comes to sleeves for your wedding gown, the style you choose says a lot. We broke down the basics and formed eight distinctive categories, so you can narrow your search and decide just what statement you want to make.

Scroll through to take in all the different looks, or jump right to your preferred sleeve!

01
Short Sleeves

Short Sleeves

Whether you prefer them in the same fabric as the rest of your dress or with sheer detail, short sleeves hit you below the shoulder, either cinching your bicep with a scalloped edge or draping loosely, lending your look an elegant touch.

BHLDN Beilin Gown ($3,320)

02

Elie Saab Tiered Lace Gown ($6,750)

03

Roland Mouret Jansen Stretch-Crepe Gown ($3,838)

04

Houghton Selena Jumpsuit ($2,900)

05

Marchesa Lace Bodice Ball Gown ($8,950)

06
Long Sleeves

Long Sleeves

Long sleeves are straight sheaths of fabric that extend to your wrists, often embellished or complete with peekaboo lace detail on an intricately designed wedding dress.

Vera Wang Alba Gown (available at Vera Wang boutiques, $7,900)

07

Rosie Assoulin Matisse Cutout Stretch-Crepe Gown, White ($3,995)

08

Calvin Klein Collection Goselin Chain-Embellished Gown ($3,375)

09

Self-Portrait Pleated Crochet Maxi Dress ($640)

10

Monique Lhuillier Halle Long Sleeve Gown ($3,990)

11

Samantha Sleeper Novelty Lace Bridal Gown ($4,200)

12
Cap Sleeves

Cap Sleeves

Cap sleeves extend just beyond the tip of your shoulders, pairing nicely with delicate floral details or illusion necklines. While these sleeves have minimal fabric, they actually accentuate your arms by subtly drawing attention to the area, baring the majority of your upper bicep.

Marchesa Re-Embroidered Lace Gown ($11,950)

13

Melissa Sweet for David's Bridal Cap Sleeve Illusion Wedding Dress ($1,350)

14

J.Crew Juliette Gown ($1,800)

15

Burberry Prorsum Silk & Lace Gown ($4,895)

16

Reformation Sera Dress ($598)

17

BHLDN Dylan Gown ($2,650)

18

Vera Wang Lucia Gown (available at Vera Wang boutiques, $12,900)

19
Three-Quarter Sleeves

Three-Quarter Sleeves

Three-quarter sleeves offer a touch of flair for brides looking for a movable dress. This option's less constricting than a bishop sleeve but more exciting than a strapless gown. If you love the fabric your gown's made of, a three-quarter sleeve offers you the chance to show it off just a little bit more.

Carolina Herrera Carmen Wedding Dress (available in Carolina Herrera boutiques)

20

Dolce & Gabbana Lace Guipure Gown ($13,000)

21

Monique Lhuillier Mignon A-Line Dress ($2,900)

22

BHLDN Bridgette Gown ($1,600)

23

Amsale Harper French Lace Dress (available at Amsale boutiques)

24

Oscar de la Renta Floral Embroidered Caftan Gown ($4,690)

25
Off-the-Shoulder Sleeves

Off-the-Shoulder Sleeves

Off-the-shoulder sleeves are the perfect feminine touch to any wedding gown. If you've got strong, sturdy shoulders and a nice collarbone, this sleeve type is for you. Cap sleeves, whether slouchy and draped or tight and structured, draw attention to your upper body and neck area — even more than a sleeveless dress would!

Reformation Constance Dress ($588)

26

Calvin Klein Column Gown ($208)

27

Oscar de la Renta Embellished Off-the-Shoulder Dress ($12,004)

28

Oleg Cassini Off-the-Shoulder Dress ($1,050)

29

Badgley Mischka Off-the-Shoulder Gown ($1,190)

30
Bell Sleeves

Bell Sleeves

Boho bride, bell sleeves were made for you. The dainty, flowing dresses here are equipped with '70s-inspired sleeves that flare out, offering movability and giving off relaxed, breezy vibes.

Badgley Mischka Lace Cape Gown ($1,090)

31

Galina for David's Bridal All Over Lace Sheath Wedding Dress ($599)

32

BHLDN Beatrice Gown ($240)

33

Badgley Mischka Collection Bell Sleeve Gown ($1,090)

34

Odylyne the Ceremony Lillian Gown ($4,000)

35
Bishop Sleeves

Bishop Sleeves

Bishop sleeves are loose and lightweight, but they cinch you at the wrists in an elegant fashion. Whether your dress is equipped with a plunging neckline or a turtleneck, you can be sure you'll look totally romantic on your big day.

Vera Wang Freda Gown (available at Vera Wang boutiques, price upon request)

36

Temperley London Silk-Satin Gown ($1,695)

37

True Decadance Long Sleeve Maxi Dress ($119)

38

Berta Long Sleeve Mermaid Wedding Dress ($146)

39

Houghton Angie Dress ($2,475)

40
One-Shoulder Sleeve

One-Shoulder Sleeve

If you opt for this gorgeous, look-at-me style, the focal point of your look is your sleeve, whether it is made of the same fabric as the rest of your gown, is topped off with a bow or an extra ruffle, or even contrasts your look entirely.

Rachel Zoe Ruffle Maxi Gown ($595)

41

Carolina Herrera One-Shoulder Carnation Gown ($5,990)

42

J.Crew Cara Gown ($595)

43

Monique Lhuillier One-Shoulder Metallic Ball Gown ($798)

44

Roland Mouret One-Shoulder Godfrey Gown ($3,535)

45

Amsale Newport Shoulder Gown (available in Amsale boutiques)