Polo Sleeves & Cuffs
The sleeve and cuff finish a polo and affect both its look and how it sits on the arm. This hub explains the main sleeve and cuff styles, so you know what a description means before you buy. Browse men's polo shirts (/collections/mens-polo-shirts).
Sleeve lengths
Short Sleeve
The classic sleeve ending on the upper arm.
What defines it
A short sleeve finishes around mid-bicep, the standard polo length for warm and everyday wear.
Who it suits
It suits spring, summer and smart-casual days. Browse men's polo shirts (/collections/mens-polo-shirts).
Long Sleeve
A full-length sleeve to the wrist.
What defines it
A long sleeve extends to the wrist, keeping the polo collar and placket while adding warmth.
Who it suits
It suits cooler days and layering.
Three-Quarter Sleeve
A sleeve ending on the forearm.
What defines it
A three-quarter sleeve finishes between the elbow and wrist, an occasional style for transitional weather.
Who it suits
It suits mild days and a relaxed look.
Cuff styles
Ribbed Cuff
A stretchy ribbed band at the sleeve end.
What defines it
A ribbed cuff uses an elastic rib knit that hugs the arm and keeps the sleeve neat, matching a ribbed collar.
Who it suits
It suits classic and sporty polos. Browse men's polo shirts (/collections/mens-polo-shirts).
Banded Cuff
A flat, self-fabric band at the sleeve edge.
What defines it
A banded cuff finishes the sleeve with a smooth, flat band rather than a rib, for a cleaner, dressier line.
Who it suits
It suits smarter, minimal polos.
Open-Hem Sleeve
A plain hemmed sleeve with no band.
What defines it
An open-hem sleeve simply turns and stitches the edge, giving a relaxed, casual finish with no gripping cuff.
Who it suits
It suits casual and oversized polos.
Sleeve details
Tipped Sleeve
A cuff edge with contrast tipping.
What defines it
A tipped sleeve adds fine contrast lines at the cuff to match a tipped collar for a sporty, retro touch.
Who it suits
It suits heritage and smart-sporty looks. Browse men's polo shirts (/collections/mens-polo-shirts).
Raglan Sleeve
A sleeve seamed diagonally to the neck.
What defines it
A raglan sleeve runs in one piece from underarm to collar with no shoulder seam, for an easy, athletic range of movement.
Who it suits
It suits sporty and performance polos.
Frequently asked questions
How long should a polo sleeve be?
A short polo sleeve should finish around the middle of the upper arm, hugging it lightly without gripping. Too long and it reads baggy; too short and it looks tight. On a long-sleeve polo, the cuff should sit at the wrist bone.
What is a ribbed polo cuff?
A ribbed cuff is a stretchy band of rib knit at the end of the sleeve. It hugs the arm to keep the sleeve neat and usually matches a ribbed collar, giving the classic, sporty polo finish.
What is a tipped sleeve?
A tipped sleeve has fine contrast stripes along the edge of the cuff, matching the tipping on the collar. It is a subtle detail that adds a sporty, heritage character without a bold overall pattern.