09 Oct Custom Sports T-Shirts: Sleeve Options Explained (Set-In, Raglan & More)
Custom Sports T-Shirts: Set-In vs Raglan Sleeves Explained
When designing custom sports T-shirts, one choice that often gets overlooked is the sleeve style. Sleeves not only change how the shirt looks — they also affect comfort, movement, and performance. In this guide, we’ll explain the main sleeve options (set-in, raglan, and others) and help you decide which works best for your sportswear.
What Are Sleeve Styles in Sportswear?
“Sleeve style” refers to how the sleeve is attached to the garment body. Different styles create different seam lines, movement, and visual effects.
Two of the most common sleeve types in sportswear are set-in sleeves and raglan sleeves.
Set-In Sleeves
Definition & Construction
A set-in sleeve is sewn into a horizontal seam around the shoulder. The seam runs directly across the top of the shoulder.
- Pros
- Clean, structured look
- Great for designs where shoulder seams need to align with graphics or logos
- More traditional, tailored fit
- Cons
- Offers less freedom of movement than Raglan
- Seams can be a stress point in high-intensity sports
- May cause slight bunching under the arms if cut too tightly
Raglan Sleeves
Definition & Construction
Raglan sleeves extend diagonally from the neckline to the underarm, creating a single continuous panel from collar to cuff.
Pros
- Excellent freedom of movement (no seam across the shoulder)
- Reduced chafing during sports
- Perfect for dynamic designs or contrasting colour panels
- Classic “sporty” look
- Cons
- Slightly more complex to manufacture
- Print alignment can be trickier around the neckline
- Less of a formal look than set-in sleeves
Other Sleeve Options (Less Common in Sportswear)
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Dolman / Batwing Sleeves – cut as part of the body with no shoulder seam, giving a looser fit.
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Kimono Sleeves – similar to dolman but with a more angled cut.
These are rarely used in performance kit but can add a fashion-forward edge to leisurewear.
Which Sleeve Style Should You Choose?
| Factor | Best Sleeve Style |
|---|---|
| Maximum range of motion (running, cycling, gym) | Raglan |
| Clean shoulder print alignment | Set-In |
| Casual, sporty look | Raglan |
| Structured, traditional look | Set-In |
| Contrast panels or dynamic designs | Raglan |
| Simpler manufacturing | Set-In |
In practice, many custom running shirts and sublimation sportswear use raglan sleeves for their performance benefits. Set-in sleeves are still a strong choice for polos, leisurewear, or kit where a structured fit is preferred.
Tips for Designing Sublimation Sportswear
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Ensure artwork flows cleanly over seams.
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Use seams as design lines for contrast panels.
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Avoid placing complex detail near raglan necklines.
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Always request a sample to check fit, movement, and print alignment before bulk production.
How Swift Event Supplies Can Help
At Swift Event Supplies, we produce both set-in and raglan sleeve custom sports T-shirts, made from high-performance fabrics — including eco-friendly RPET (recycled bottles).
Our design team can create visuals to help you compare sleeve styles and decide what works best for your club, charity, or event.
Conclusion
The sleeve style you choose for your custom sports T-shirts has a big impact on comfort, performance, and appearance. Raglan sleeves are ideal for athletes who need maximum mobility and a sporty look, while set-in sleeves provide structure and a clean, classic style.
Ready to create your own custom sublimation sportswear? Swift Event Supplies can guide you from design to production.
👉 Contact us today to start your kit design.
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