Dolman

Dolman is a type of sleeve that is very wide and deep at the armhole (almost merging with the body of the piece) and gradually narrows toward the wrist, creating the characteristic 'bat-wing' shape (hence its other name, the batwing sleeve). Such a sleeve is cut in one with the body, without a separate armhole, so it gives freedom of movement and a soft, draped silhouette. The name comes from the dolman, a Hungarian hussar garment; in the 19th century the name was also given to a women's mantle cut in one piece with its sleeves. The word itself is of Turkish origin. The dolman sleeve gives clothing — sweaters, blouses, dresses, coats — a voluminous, relaxed yet elegant look. It was especially popular in the 1980s and returns to fashion regularly. Dolman works well in contrast with a narrower bottom. Dolman is a silhouette of soft, draped elegance, in which a voluminous 'wing' sleeve creates a smooth, loose line and adds effortless, retrospective refinement to a look.