A long sleeve wedding dress is a gorgeous option for brides who want a more modest or unique look on their big day. While long sleeves were once seen as old fashioned, they’ve made a major comeback in recent years. From lacy to illusion designs, there are so many stylish ways to wear long sleeve wedding dresses.
If you love the look of long sleeves but don’t want to be burdened with a heavy or hot dress, the key is choosing fabrics and silhouettes that are lightweight and breathable. Certain touches like sheer sleeves and low open backs can also help keep you comfortable. With the right dress, you can stay cool while still looking utterly romantic.
Here are some of the quickest and easiest ways to wear long sleeve wedding dresses:
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ToggleOne of the keys to staying comfortable in a long sleeve wedding dress is choosing a lightweight, breathable fabric. Fabrics like chiffon, crepe, and lace are ideal for long sleeves since they are sheer and airy. Avoid heavy fabrics like brocade, satin, or velvet, which can quickly lead to overheating.
Look for dresses made of:
Stick with these breezy fabrics and avoid anything too heavy or structured. Your long sleeves will feel light and romantic.
Sheer and illusion long sleeves are a gorgeous option for staying cool. Illusion sleeves have a nude underlay with transparent lace or mesh on top. This provides coverage while still allowing air circulation.
Sheer sleeves in fabrics like lace and chiffon have an open weave that lets air pass through. Pair them with a sleeveless underlay for optimal comfort.
Illusion and sheer sleeves prevent the hot, stuffy feeling some brides get with solid long sleeves. And they provide the same beautiful, romantic vibe.
For warmer weather weddings, go for sleeves made primarily of airy tulle or mesh. They’ll keep your arms breezy and covered.
Another way to beat the heat in a long sleeve dress is choosing a low back style. An open, low cut back allows for airflow and provides a peek of skin.
Look for deep V-backs, scoop backs, keyhole backs, or cut-outs. This bit of exposed skin helps compensate for having your arms covered.
If you’ll be wearing your hair up, a low back is a must. It will keep you ventilated and show off that elegant up-do.
Just be sure to wear the right undergarments. A low-backed bra or stick-on cups will prevent any peek-a-boo moments.
If you fell in love with a long sleeve gown but know it might be too hot, try a detachable sleeve option.
Many designers offer dresses with removable sleeves. This lets you go sleeveless for the actual ceremony when temperatures are warmest. Then pop the sleeves back on for the reception when the sun goes down.
Detachable sleeves are often held on with discreet zippers or buttons along the shoulder seams. Going sleeveless for the outdoor portion helps prevent sweating.
Other options include sheer organza sleeves that can be worn over strapless dresses. These provide a sheer sleeved look for the ceremony for more comfort.
The right accessories can help downplay heavy long sleeves. Opt for a simple, lightweight veil rather than a furled or jeweled style.
Fingertip and waist-length veils add drama without weighing you down. Sheer tulle or netting veils provide elegance with breathability.
Avoid heavy fabrics like satin when choosing a veil. And skip the added trim or embellishments which can make you overheated.
Keep the focus on your gown rather than the veil. A lightweight accessory won’t add insulation and complements sheer or lace sleeves beautifully.
Resist the temptation to layer on extra accessories and undergarments that could cause heat buildup.
A simple slip is all you need under your dress. Multiple slips or a full petticoat can lead to sweating. The same goes for shapewear like Spanx – skip it!
In terms of accessories, less is more. Go minimal with just your veil and simple jewelry. Say no to jackets, coverups, gloves, or bags carried during the ceremony. The more layers, the hotter you’ll get.
Pare things down to let your gown and sleeves stand out. You always have time to add accessories later for wedding photos and the reception.
When choosing a long sleeve dress, consider the sleeve length and width for optimal comfort.
Slim, tapered sleeves hug the arm closely. For airflow, have sleeves cut a little looser from shoulder to wrist. Lantern, bell and Juliet sleeves provide that roomy shape while still covering your arms.
For sleeve length, elbow or 3/4 sleeves are ideal for allowing movement. They end halfway down your arm, before the thicker forearm area. Full length sleeves can constrict movement which leads to discomfort.
If you want an extended sleeve, look for those with very sheer fabric around the forearm and wrist. Soft fabrics prevent tightness but still give you the long sleeve look.
Any bride in a long sleeve gown needs to carefully consider timing. Weather is always a factor no matter the sleeve length.
Schedule an early morning or late afternoon wedding when temps are cooler. A midday or evening summer wedding means peak heat, so opt for lighter sleeves or fabrics.
Look at the average temperatures and humidity for your wedding date and location. If an outdoor wedding means sweltering heat, go sleeveless with a sheer overlay or consider an indoor venue.
Having your ceremony in a church or barn means you can wear any sleeve length no matter how hot it gets outside. Just account for temps at the reception if it’s outdoors.
At the end of the day, remember that sleeveless styles are just as gorgeous and bridal. Don’t feel beholden to long sleeves if they’ll make you miserable on your wedding day.
Sleeveless dresses are now available with every neckline and silhouette imaginable. Look for ways to infuse your personal style like off-the-shoulder necks, back cutouts, or illusion accents.
Switch your thinking from covering up arms to showing off your shoulders and decolletage. Sleeveless dresses are just as elegant while being comfortable.
Focus on the overall vibe of romance and whimsy. Sheer fabrics, veil layers and soft curls can provide a similar sense of modesty and grace.
If your heart is set on long sleeves, go for it! Just incorporate these tips and tricks to stay breezy, beautiful and at a comfortable temperature all day long.
Not necessarily! While long sleeves can have a formal vibe, they come in such a range of styles. Lace and illusion sleeves have a romantic, whimsical feel that works for rustic or backyard weddings. Avoid heavy satins or gloves for a more casual affair.
Sheer, lightweight fabrics, arm cut-outs and low backs help sleeves feel breezy. Have the cuffs tapered instead of tight and wrist-length. And consider detachable sleeves to go sleeveless during hot parts of the day.
With the right cut and fit, sleeves can slenderize arms beautifully. Look for tapered sleeves in soft fabrics that drape instead of cling. Illusion sleeves provide coverage while still showing off your shape.
Absolutely! Removable bolero jackets give you the long sleeve look without the heat. Go sleeveless for the ceremony, then add a lacy bolero later for a more modest reception style.
Not anymore! The vintage inspired sleeves we’re seeing now have a very modern, relevant vibe. Between lace, illusion fabrics and slim shapes, today’s long sleeves are far from frumpy. The key is keeping the overall look light and contemporary.
Long sleeve wedding dresses don’t have to mean a hot, uncomfortable wedding day. With the right fabrics and silhouettes, you can stay cool and breezy even with covered arms. Strategies like detachable sleeves, sheer fabrics and open backs create air flow while letting the beauty of long sleeves shine through. Just as the right bridal shoes reflect the fashions and trends of the year, focusing on lightness and movement when choosing your dream gown – be it with sleeves or sleeveless – is essential. Embrace the romance and whimsy of your wedding style, and remember, your comfort and confidence as a bride outshines any other detail!