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What's That Sleeve Called?

By Cynthia Nellis, About.com

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Kimono Sleeve

Michael Kors collection

Mark Mainz/Getty Images
Loose, wide sleeves hit anywhere from short to wrist length are called kimono sleeves. This voluminous look borrows its style from traditional Japanese wardrobe where the wearer's age and marital status was indicated through sleeve length (young unmarried women wore the longest sleeves).

The best way to pull off this much volume is by wearing the top or dress belted, like this Michael Kors top.

Fit Tip: The kimono sleeve adds loads of volume on top, so it's best for smaller busted women. Kimono sleeves, when worn with a belted top are great for adding balance to a bottom-heavy figure.

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