You may need to roll up the shirts on your sleeve because you are changing a tire on your car, or you may want to roll them up to show off your biceps. No matter what your intention is, we have methods that you can use to in every situation!
I started rolling up shirt sleeves while I was in elementary school, when my mom would make me wear cotton dress shirts to school all the time. It didn’t like the way it felt so I started rolling up my sleeves. Fast forward to adulthood, and I was still wondering how to roll my shirt sleeves properly.
Thankfully, I can now successfully roll the sleeves on my dress shirts, and I have learned about a few different techniques along the way.
Below, I’ve listed step-by-step instructions for 4 different rolling methods that you can use to roll your sleeves. These methods are: the basic method, the master roll, the higher roller, and the forearm roll.
I’ve included written steps, as well as photos of how to complete each method.
How To Roll Up Dress Shirt Sleeves
Total Time: 5 min
Cost: $0
Follow the instructions below and learn how to complete the 4 most popular methods to use when rolling up the sleeves on your dress shirt.
Dress shirt sleeves are much easier to roll when they are not wrinkled, so iron your dress shirt before you start to roll the cuffs up. To avoid creating wrinkles in the first place, make sure you learn how to fold a dress shirt as well as how to hang your dress shirt properly.
If you find any dirt or stains on the shirt, please read our full guide on how to wash dress shirts before you administer any type of care.
The basic method is named as such because it is straightforward and intuitive. This type of roll is best used with long sleeve dress shirts that have wider arms and extra space. This method requires a generous amount of extra fabric, so if your shirt is super tight, this will not be the right method for you. If you find your dress shirts are too tight or too loose fitting, be sure to read how should a dress shirt fit.
1. Unbutton cuff and gauntlet
Completely unbutton the cuff gauntlet of your shirt.
2. Flip the cuff inside out
Flip the cuff inside out, upwards, creating the first roll.
3. Fold the cuff back
Using the cuff to set the width, fold the cuff back once again.
4. Smooth out excess fabric
Use your fingers to smooth out the fabric and wrinkles.
5. Roll to just below the elbow
Roll once more, or as many times as necessary, until the roll sits comfortably just below your elbow.
How to roll up dress shirt sleeves: quick tip
- If your cuff has a contrasting color, adjust the roll to leave some of the contrast showing.
The Master Roll
Total Time: 5 min
Cost: $0
The Master Roll is particularly useful for shirts that have a contrasting color lining on the inside of the cuff. Using this roll method will help to show off that part of the shirt’s design, and it can work well with color coordinated outfits.
This method is nice because it looks the cuff in place, and it won’t easily come undone as you move about and go through your day. This is a very neat roll that is underutilized by the majority of men and women when wearing long sleeve cuffed shirts.
1. Unbutton the cuff and guantlet
Completely unbutton the buttons on your shirt’s cuff and gauntlet
2. Flip cuff inside out
Flip the cuff upwards/inside out.
3. Pull cuff into position
Pull the flipped cuff to where you want the roll to eventually end. This is usually equal to two cuff widths, or to an area just below your elbow. This will result in your forearm sleeve being turned inside out.
4. Fold the bottom upwards
Take the bottom off the inside out forearm sleeve, as if it was a cuff, and fold it upwards until it overlaps or covers the bottom of your actual cuff.
5. Smooth out fabric with fingers
Use your fingers to even out the fabric and smooth out wrinkles.
The High Roller
Total Time: 5 min
Cost: $0
This method is best for guys who are looking to show off their bicep muscles or upper arm tattoos. This roll finishes high on the arm, which leaves the lower part of the bicep exposed.
1. Lay shirt flat
Lay your shirt flat and evenly on a flat surface.
2. Unbutton cuffs and gauntlets
Completely unbutton the cuff and gauntlet on the shirt.
3. Roll cuff inside out
Fold your cuff upwards/inside out approximately one cuff width.
4. Roll again
Fold the cuff up once more, using the same width.
5. Continue rolling
Roll the sleeve one or two more times.
6. Smooth out wrinkles
Use your fingers to smooth out the fabric and edges of the roll and get ready to wear!
The Forearm Roll
Total Time: 5 min
Cost: $0
This is a casual roll that is best done with sleeves that are a little looser and have more fabric to play with. This method is quick, easy, casual, and can be done on the go.
1. Unbutton the cuff and gauntlet
Completely unbutton the cuff and gauntlet of your shirt.
2. Flip cuff inside out
Fold the cuff upwards/inside out/inside out one time, the width of the cuff.
3. Fold upwards Again
Fold upwards once again, with the same width.
4. Smooth out wrinkles and fabric
Smooth out the fabric and wrinkles. The bottom of the roll should be sitting somewhere in the middle of your forearm area.
For your best care tactics, follow our detailed guides:
In all honesty, if your unsure you can take your dress shirt from dirty to perfectly lean with no wrinkles, then you should take it to your local dry cleaner.
FAQ
The 4 best methods to use when rolling up sleeves on dress shirts are: the basic method, the master roll, the high roller, and the forearm roll.
Depending on the setting, it is usually ok to roll up sleeves on a dress shirt. Some types of rolls, such as forearm rolls, are more casual than others, so if you are in a formal setting you may choose to use the master roll or forearm roll.
