Puff Sleeves

Introduction

Most fashion trends begin as just that: Trends. By definition, a trend is a development or change, and as such, we expect trends to do the same: evolve into something else, or in some instances, veer off entirely.

However, some trends have staying power, proving to be more than fleeting, and the puff-sleeve style the perfect example. The larger-than-life sleeve has been showcased in many variations: the balloon, the Juliet, the leg-of-mutton, and so on.

However, the puff sleeve trend cracked the fashion veneer in 2018, when ’80s references raved the runway. Fast-forward to 2021, the supersize sleeve is more popular than ever.

With balloon sleeves on sweaters at Fendi, billowing sleeves attached to pleated shirtdresses at McQueen, perfectly puffed gowns at Rodarte, and double-breasted winter coats at JW Anderson.