Raglan shirts are classic, on trend and minimalist styles that look great on everyone. This shirt style has lasted the test of time, so its nostalgic history and updated flair make it a go-to for all ages. You’ll see raglan sleeves on t-shirts, sweatshirts, pullovers and more, so this is a year-round style. Raglan shirts are great for baseball fans and for brands that want a unique color-blocked look on the sleeves. Get ready to learn everything you need to know about using raglan shirts in your new t-shirt business.  

The raglan shirt style dates back to 1815 during the famous Battle of Waterloo. British Army Officer Lord Raglan wore a coat with a raglan sleeve style. Raglan had this “continuous” sleeve style created after his arm was injured and amputated. He needed more room to swing his sword during this important battle, and clearly the style lived on.

In its next most famous incarnation, the raglan tee became part of the Major League Baseball uniform. The continuous or seamless sleeve style made it easier for players to bat, lift and pivot. The raglan shirt, worn under the team jersey, offers free range of motion. Plus, since the top of the shoulders and the sleeves catch fans’ eyes in the team color, the rest of the shirt can stay white.

A raglan shirt is named for the sleeve style. The sleeves extend to the shirt’s collar and neckline, rather than ending at the shoulder. The sleeve seam runs diagonal from the neck to the wearer’s armpit. As we mentioned, the sporty raglan sleeves are usually a contrasting color to the body of the shirt. Previously, raglan t-shirts had three-quarter sleeves in red, blue or black, and a white body. Now, you’ve got a multitude of options, with short and long sleeve styles, with lots more color and pattern options for adults and children. There are even some raglan shirt tees for your favorite four-legged buddy! 

Raglan sleeves don’t just provide ease and range of motion for baseball players. Since the sleeve design creates a wider underarm area, it’s perfect for sweatshirts or jackets so there’s more room for layers underneath. If you’re active, raglan t-shirts and pullovers offer lots of freedom of movement and comfort for whatever you’re doing.

Raglan shirts come in different fabrics and blends, usually a mix of polyester, cotton or other fabrics. You can also find raglan shirt styles in 100% cotton, 100% polyester and fleece blends.

Threadsy offers a broad range of raglan shirt styles from high-quality brands at wholesale prices.

What’s Unique About the Raglan Sleeve Cut?

A raglan sleeve definitely stands out in a sleeve lineup, next to drop sleeves or cap sleeves. A raglan sleeve is a continuous part of the garment, extending from the collar to the underarm. This sleeve offers a sporty, unique look that’s also more comfortable.

The biggest difference between a raglan sleeve t-shirt and other styles is how and where the sleeve attaches to the body of the shirt. A raglan sleeve connects to a shirt via a diagonal seam that extends from the neckline to the underarm. A traditional set-in sleeve attaches to the shirt body within an armscye or armhole, where the shoulder point ends at the shoulder tip.

Raglan t-shirts or pullovers give a more relaxed fit, so you’ll see them in athleisure and athletic wear. However, the raglan style works well with collared shirts or henleys for a more upstyled look.

When you wear a raglan shirt, you enjoy lots of benefits:

• Perfect for all activities: More space in the underarm area, so you enjoy more range and freedom of motion.
• Designed with comfort in mind: Wider sleeve space makes raglan shirts and pullovers very comfortable to wear.
• Great casual look: Tap into a nostalgic, sporty style with a modern twist.
• Ideal for all occasions: Dress the style up or down, depending on the sleeve variation and body colors.

Available in many shirt categories: Choose raglan sleeves in t-shirts, long-sleeve shirts, pullovers, athletic uniforms or sports jackets.

Types of Raglan Shirts

There are lots of variations on the raglan sleeve, even within this one sporty style. With its staying power, it only makes sense that apparel designers tweaked and evolved the raglan sleeve into more modern takes. Here are some raglan sleeves you should consider.

Straight Seam

This is the original raglan sleeve style, with the seam running a straight diagonal from the underarm to the curved or rounded neckline.

Semi-Raglan

Perfect for men who want to show off some shoulder and delt definition, the semi-raglan sleeve starts at the underarm (like the straight seam raglan), but isn’t as curved. Instead of rising diagonally from the underarm to the neckline, the semi-raglan seam hits on the shoulder. You’ll also see the semi-raglan sleeve in women’s tunic tops.

Raglan Yoke

A fashion-forward option for women, raglan yoke shirts let you create the look of a two-piece or layered shirt. The yoke sleeve seam travels from the underarm, under the chest, over the bust area and to the other end. That means the entire collar and sleeve area are a single piece of fabric.

Zero Raglan

If you’re a minimalist at heart, you’ll love the zero raglan style, whether you pick up a t-shirt or hoodie. Once again, the seam begins at the underarm, but extends to hit where the neckline and shoulder meet. 

Raglan Gathered

For the true individualists out there, a raglan gathered sleeve creates some drama and gets some second glances. The sleeve seam gets sewn so that you get some textured, three-dimensional gatherings between the seam and the shoulder. The seam itself follows the same path as the straight seam raglan.

Saddle

For women, the saddle raglan is an ideal sleeve, since it flatters the female form. Unlike the straight seam that rises in, well, a straight line, a saddle raglan curves to fit a woman’s body. While the seam begins at the underarm, it curves to run parallel to the shoulder, and ends at the corner of the neckline’s curve. 

Shop Threadsy for Wholesale Raglan Shirts

Threadsy is a great online destination for buying bulk t-shirts at wholesale prices whether you have a wholesale license or not. If you’ve been shopping for blank t-shirts from a big box retailer, it’s time to stop. Threadsy offers generous discounts for customers who purchase t-shirts in larger quantities. Our bulk discount program starts at $110, and the savings up to 15% automatically appear in your cart when you bundle your items. You’ll also enjoy free shipping on orders $50 or higher, with always-fast delivery. 

Plus, unlike other retailers that tack on fees for everything from orders that don’t meet a certain purchase threshold, to packing your order to processing returns, Threadsy doesn’t do that. There’s no minimum order, returns are free for 30 days, and we’ll never charge you extra money to pack your order. So what are you waiting for? Start shopping and saving today, whether you’re a hobbyist or a business owner.