Bold shoulders have a long history in fashion, from the voluminous puff sleeves of the Victorian era to the sharp shoulder pads of the eighties. But while shoulder pads can be a tricky look to pull off without looking dated, puff sleeves have withstood the test of time. They add a touch of whimsy to any outfit but still look sophisticated. They can be romantic with ruffles, dramatic and voluminous, or casually draped.
We sifted through the many puff sleeve tops available online and put together a list of the top 10. For a basic, versatile option, we like H&M's Puff-Sleeved Boat-Neck Top. It's made from a comfy jersey knit with flowy sleeves and a unique neckline that takes it to the next level. Keep reading to see the rest of our picks, and don't forget to check out our buying guide for tips on how to pick the right puff sleeve top for your wardrobe.
Our list includes tops for any occasion, whether you're looking for something for a casual weekend, a day at the office, or a special event.
$11.04
Style | Short sleeve, boatneck |
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Material | 95% polyester, 5% elastane |
Available sizes | XS-XXL |
Available colors | 6 |
$128.00
Style | Long sleeve, crew neck |
---|---|
Material | 100% polyester; trim: 69% polyester, 31% rubber |
Available sizes | XXS-XL |
Available colors | 8 |
$84.95
Style | Short sleeve, collared |
---|---|
Material | 100% polyeurethane |
Available sizes | 14-28 |
Available colors | 3 |
$82.00
Style | Short sleeve, V-neck |
---|---|
Material | Cotton |
Available sizes | XXS-XL |
Available colors | 1 |
$49.99
Style | Short sleeve, sweetheart neckline |
---|---|
Material | 99% polyester,1% elastane |
Available sizes | 2-8 |
Available colors | 1 |
$50.00
Style | Short sleeve, mock neck |
---|---|
Material | Polyester |
Available sizes | XXS-XL |
Available colors | 2 |
$20.99
Style | Long sleeve, crew neck |
---|---|
Material | 50% polyester, 45% cotton, 5% spandex |
Available sizes | XS-XL |
Available colors | 11 |
$29.00
Style | Long sleeve, V-neck |
---|---|
Material | 100% polyester |
Available sizes | XXS-XXL, S-XL tall |
Available colors | 1 |
$228.00
Style | 3/4-sleeve, crew neck |
---|---|
Material | 100% baby alpaca |
Available sizes | XS-XL |
Available colors | 2 |
$295.00
Style | Long sleeve, boatneck |
---|---|
Material | Viscose, nylon, elastane, polyester |
Available sizes | XS-XL |
Available colors | 1 |
Image | 1 ![]() H&M | 2 ![]() Wilfred | 3 ![]() Eloquii | 4 ![]() Madewell | 5 ![]() Mango | 6 ![]() Express | 7 ![]() Floerns | 8 ![]() Banana Republic | 9 ![]() Reformation | 10 ![]() Alice + Olivia |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Name | Puff-Sleeved Boat-Neck Top | Lilith Blouse | Faux Leather Puff Sleeve Top | Corduroy Puff-Sleeve Button-Front Top | Puff Sleeves Blouse | Ruffle Mock Neck Puff Sleeve Top | Puff Sleeve Crew Neck | Satin Puff-Sleeve Blouse | Moneta Puff Sleeve Sweater | Abella Tulle Puff-Sleeve Blouse |
Features | A Classic Top That's Easy to Dress Up or Down | Romantic Ruffles and Sheer Sleeves | A Plus-Sized Top in Faux Leather | A Retro Design Meets Modern Corduroy | A Sweet Silhouette in a Bold Color | A Flowy Statement Blouse in Blue | A Basic Long Sleeve Top That's Super Versatile | Silky Satin for an Elegant Look | A Soft Sweater That's Better for the Environment | Dramatic and Sophisticated in Tulle |
Price | $11.04 | $128.00 | $84.95 | $82.00 | $49.99 | $50.00 | $20.99 | $29.00 | $228.00 | $295.00 |
Style | Short sleeve, boatneck | Long sleeve, crew neck | Short sleeve, collared | Short sleeve, V-neck | Short sleeve, sweetheart neckline | Short sleeve, mock neck | Long sleeve, crew neck | Long sleeve, V-neck | 3/4-sleeve, crew neck | Long sleeve, boatneck |
Material | 95% polyester, 5% elastane | 100% polyester; trim: 69% polyester, 31% rubber | 100% polyeurethane | Cotton | 99% polyester,1% elastane | Polyester | 50% polyester, 45% cotton, 5% spandex | 100% polyester | 100% baby alpaca | Viscose, nylon, elastane, polyester |
Available sizes | XS-XXL | XXS-XL | 14-28 | XXS-XL | 2-8 | XXS-XL | XS-XL | XXS-XXL, S-XL tall | XS-XL | XS-XL |
Available colors | 6 | 8 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 11 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
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With puff sleeve tops, there's a lot of variety in style and materials. Here are some things to consider while you shop.
The sleeves are the star of the show, so the first thing to consider is what type of sleeve you want.
Having to cover up your top with a jacket can ruin the puff sleeve look. Think about where you’ll be wearing the top and pick a sleeve length that will keep you warm enough.
Short sleeves generally hit at mid-bicep or longer and can come all the way to the elbow. This gives them room to create that voluminous look. Wear them in warmer weather or to indoor events so that you can show them off without getting cold.
Long puff sleeves provide more coverage and are better suited to colder weather, although this will also depend on what material they’re made of.
The size of the puff matters! In general, the more volume the sleeve has, the more dramatic and noticeable it will be. Bigger puff sleeves will also be more difficult to layer underneath coats or jackets.
If you’re looking for a top for everyday wear, look for a puff sleeve with a low profile. For example, one with a little bit of volume at the shoulder with a slim fit down the rest of the arm looks trendy and is still easy to layer.
Try a bigger puff for special occasions or fun events. You can find sleeves that puff only at the shoulders, as well as sleeves that balloon out all the way down to your wrists.
The neckline has a large impact on the overall look of a puff sleeve top. High necklines will give you more of a Rennaisance vibe, making you look sophisticated and elegant. Crew necklines look more casual and less dramatic. V-necks add a feminine touch; depending on how deep they are, they can range from work-friendly to bar-friendly.
While not super common on regular tops, square necklines pair well with puff sleeves and are reminiscent of 18th-century Victorian fashion (think Marie Antoinette). Sweetheart necklines are also common on puff sleeve tops. They look flirty, delicate, and romantic.
You can also find button-up puff sleeve tops with collars. This is a more modern, gender-neutral look that’s easy to wear to the office.
Puff sleeve tops exist in pretty much any material you can think of, from jersey to mesh. The material will affect how formal the top looks and how easy it is to dress up or down.
Jersey knit is a soft, stretchy fabric made from cotton, synthetics, or a blend of the two. It’s lightweight and comfortable, making it a popular option for tops. Most t-shirts are made from jersey knit.
Jersey knit puff sleeve tops tend to look more casual. Because the fabric is so soft, the sleeves won’t have a lot of structure and will look more drapey and balloon-like. However, this material can also function in the workplace when paired with business attire, like a blazer and pumps.
Puff sleeve tops made from fabric that’s smooth, shiny, and fluttery will look more formal. Think blouse material rather than t-shirt material. Usually, this type of fabric is made from synthetics like polyester or rayon. You can dress these tops up or down depending on the occasion.
If you want to keep warm while showing off your sleeves, opt for a puff sleeve sweater. You can find them in a variety of textures. Chunky knit sweaters look more casual and trendy, while finely knit sweaters can be dressed up more easily. Consider a puff sleeve cardigan for easy layering.
Puff sleeve shirts come in some fun materials that you don’t often find in other styles of shirts. Mesh is a popular choice and can be used just for the sleeves or for the entire top. It’s a great way to add drama without bulk since it’s super thin and see-through.
Velvet puff sleeve tops are an elegant style that hearkens back to the Renaissance. Because the material is on the heavier side, they work well for dressier events and colder seasons.
Faux leather is a more modern choice that adds some edge to round out the puff sleeve's femininity. It’s a unique twist on the look that’s great for casual wear or a night out.
Whether you're going to the office or going out, you'll always need an appropriate outfit. Prep your closet for any occasion with more of our favorite pieces of clothing.
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