What To Wear With A 3/4 Sleeve Jacket

A 3/4-length sleeve jacket is a fabulous look because it creates a sporty, youthful vibe. But you may wonder, if you are layering a top, sweater or shirt underneath, what do you do with the sleeves? Do you push them up so high that they don’t show at all, push them up a little, or show off the whole sleeve even if that seems a bit odd at first?

Truth be told, there is no right or wrong way, but think about this. The reason a 3/4-length sleeve is so flattering on a mature woman is that it allows the skin on your forearms to show, creating a more energetic, modern, and youthful look. It also allows you to accessorize nicely with a bit of arm candy (pretty bracelets, etc). So why would you want to cover up?

Here are a few trending types of 3/4-length sleeve jackets. Take a look at what I’ve paired them with and let me know if you agree.

3/4 Length Sleeve Denim Jacket

This is the most common type of 3/4 length sleeve jacket. The denim jacket is typically cropped, with matching cropped 3/4-length sleeves. I turn up the cuffs for an even more sporty look. This is great with any casual summer dress, a tee and jeans or shorts, or even a sleeveless summer jumpsuit.

3/4 Length Sleeve Casual Peplum Jacket

I loved this jacket the moment I saw it, not just because of the pinstripes and peplum hem, but also the cute, perky 3/4 length sleeves. This twill cotton jacket is a variation on the denim jacket I just shared and is youthful and fresh. One other idea, if you do want to wear a long shirt, is to roll up the shirt sleeve and tuck it up off the jacket cuff just a touch. I think that would be great. Here, I’m simply wearing it with a short-sleeved tee.

3/4 Length Sleeve Tweed Blazer

It’s not often that you see a Fall/winter blazer with 3/4-length sleeves. The jacket actually has long sleeves, but the designer has sewn them up to create a permanent3/4-lengthh sleeve look. It looks surprisingly suitable for such a heavy, textured jacket, but I wouldn’t wear it with an all-sleeved sweater underneath. It would wreck the look, especially since the cuffs have fringe.

Does this mean you can never show your sleeves under a 3/4 length sleeve jacket?

Most 3/4-length sleeve jackets are designed for summer wear and feature a long regular fitted sleeve.

I once owned this 3/4-length sleeve jacket that I wore in the Fall and winter that I paired it with a black long-sleeved sweater dress (sleeves showing), and it looked just fine. My other option could have been to wear long black gloves for a dressier look. In this case, I think it might have looked odd with no sleeves. The bell sleeves allowed for this stylish look.

What do you wear with 3/4 length sleeve jackets?

Meet the author

Deborah Boland

Deborah, a former Fashion & Lifestyle TV host and Image Consultant, understands the style challenges women face in their 40s, 50s, and 60s. As the founder of Fabulous After 40, she helps women tweak their chic and embrace fashion with confidence—so they always look and feel amazing.

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