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You are here: Home / Style / The 3 Best Ways to Roll Your Sleeves

The 3 Best Ways to Roll Your Sleeves

Updated: May 4, 2024 by David Em
Next Level Gents may earn a commission on purchases made from affiliate links on this page.

Rolling your shirt sleeves is a great way to cool off when it’s warm out and look stylish. Learn how to roll up shirt sleeves the right way.

Man looking down at his arm.
Photo by David Em/Next Level Gents.

When to roll your sleeves

The purpose of rolling your shirt sleeves can vary from staying cool in warm weather to preparing for manual labor.

Related: A man’s guide to undershirts

The way that you roll up your shirt sleeves can affect the look and formality of your outfit.

If your job requires that you wear a button-up, you can’t wear a t-shirt or short-sleeve button-up because they’re too casual.

Therefore, rolling your sleeves is your best option.

Rolling your sleeves makes you look effortlessly cool. James Dean and Steve McQueen are two icons that contributed to making rolled-up sleeves look masculine and effortless.

Related: How to cuff jeans: 4 best ways

Two separate images of a person sitting.
Left: James Dean Right: Steve McQueen

The following are common reasons where you’ll need to roll your sleeves:

  • Manual labor. If you’re doing a physical activity that may get your shirt wet, stained, dirty, or cause it to rip, roll up your shirt sleeves. This will ensure that you don’t ruin your shirt, and it’s also the classic working man look.
  • Make your outfit more casual. When you roll up your shirt sleeves, you’re dressing down the outfit. If you want to look more relaxed and casual, rolling your shirt sleeves is a great way to do it. You won’t have to swap your button-up for a t-shirt.
  • Too hot outside. Rolling up your shirt sleeves allows airflow to your arms, which can be a relief during hot weather.

How to roll up your sleeves

The following are three ways to roll your shirt sleeves. The three methods are versatile, simple, and will make you look great.

The Basic Roll

The Basic Roll is the most simple and intuitive way to roll up your shirt sleeves.

It’s one roll after another and if you’re going to be doing manual labor, this is the easiest way to roll your sleeves above your elbows.

Unbutton your cuff

Person unbuttoning the sleeve of their shirt.

Roll your sleeve once and even it out.

Person folding the bottom of their shirt sleeve.

Second roll

Person rolling their shirt sleeves.

Third roll

Person rolling their shirt sleeves.

If you’re doing physical labor, roll once more.

Close-up of a person with rolled sleeves.

Even it out

Person rolling their shirt sleeves.

The AIFA Roll

Close-up of a shirt sleeve that's rolled.

The AIFA or Forearm roll requires the least amount of folds. It’s also the most casual roll and a quick way to dress down a button-up.

The result of the AIFA roll is a relaxed look that shows a third of your arm.

Take the following steps to do the AIFA Roll:

Step 1: Unbutton your cuff.

Person unbuttoning shirt sleeve.

Step 2: Fold your cuff back so that it’s inside-out.

Person flipping cuff of shirt sleeve.

Step 3: Roll your sleeve once and don’t smoothen it out.

Person rolling shirt sleeve.

The Master Roll

Person standing with one sleeve rolled.

The Master Roll is a stylish and simple way to roll your shirt sleeves.

Out of the three, this is the least restrictive and it’s also the sturdiest which means it won’t come undone throughout the day.

Take the following steps to do the Master Roll:

Step 1: Unbutton your cuff.

Person unbutton cuff.

Step 2: Roll your shirt sleeve up the length of two cuffs and smoothen your sleeve.

Person folding cuff.

Step 3: Roll the bottom of the sleeve to cover most of the cuff. Leave a small portion of the top of the cuff exposed. Then even out your sleeve.

Person rolling shirt sleeve.

Frequently asked questions

Above or below the elbow?

If you’re rolling your sleeves to cool down, keep it below your elbow. If you’re rolling your sleeves for manual labor, roll your sleeves above your elbow.

Can you roll your sleeves for an interview?

No, you shouldn’t roll your sleeves for an interview because that results in a casual look. For most interviews, you want to look formal and present yourself professionally. Therefore, it’s best to be slightly overdressed than to look too casual. Remember, first impressions are very important for interviews.

Can you roll your sleeves for business casual attire?

Yes, you can roll your sleeves for business casual as long as your shirt sleeve is neat and wrinkle-free. In fact, this is a great look for business casual in the summer.

Conclusion

Rolling your sleeves is a great skill to have. It’ll keep you cool when it’s hot, and your shirt clean when you have to do physical labor.

There are different ways to roll up your shirt sleeves. The basic roll is the easiest and most versatile.

Featured photo by David Em/Next Level Gents.

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