The Puff Sleeve Debate

To puff or not to puff? That is the question.

Always up for debate in fashion, the puff comes in then it comes out. So should you wear a puff sleeve blouse or dress? The answer might have more to do with the size more so than the style.

Puff sleeves certainly aren’t new. In fact, they’ve been in (and out) of fashion for the past century, becoming popularized in the Renaissance. The 1990’s reboot of puff sleeves that we are seeing in fashion today are inspired by looks from the 1930’s, which were of course inspired by puff sleeves of the Victorian and Edwardian eras and styles from eras long before.

They always remind me of Anne of Green Gables, who wanted the look of puff sleeves for her own dresses:

“Puffed sleeves are so fashionable now. It would give me such a thrill, Marilla, just to wear a dress with puffed sleeves.” “Well, you’ll have to do without your thrill. I hadn’t any material to waste on puffed sleeves.” -Anne of Green Gables

I must agree with Anne, a unique detail such as a puff sleeve can be fun.

In the 1830’s giant puff sleeves came into fashion because it gave the appearance of a smaller waist, but they were often criticized for being over the top and ridiculous, which if you remember the giant sleeves of the 1980’s, you will understand completely. The style usually reemerges after time periods of minimal or masculine trends. The result is an increased emergence of ultra-feminine styles.

So to puff or not to puff?

I love a good puff sleeve. I have to say that a small puff, such as a bubble puff sleeve, or a 3/4 delicate puff or even just a little rouching at the top of sleeves looks beautiful, feminine, and stylish, even after it leaves the fashion scene. It is when you get into extra large puffs and balloon sleeves that you have a style that you will look back and cringe. But still, fashion is meant to be expressive and fun. So go for it!

What are your thoughts on puff sleeves? Tell us in the comments below.