Dolman

For other uses, see Dolman (disambiguation).

Sultan Ahmed III (1703–1730) and two followers wearing dolaman robes

A Dolman (from Turkish dolaman "robe" ) is a somewhat vague term for various types of clothing, all of which have sleeves and cover the top part of the body, and sometimes more. Originally, the term referred to a long and loose garment with narrow sleeves and an opening in the front. It was worn generally by the Turks, and is not unlike a cassock in shape.

Military dolman

The name "dolman" was also given to the short uniform jacket worn by hussars, also called an atilla. The close fitting, short-cut coat was heavily braided. It was usually worn under a pelisse, a similar coat but with fur trimming, usually worn slung over the left shoulder with the sleeves hanging loose.

Fashionable dolman

A wool and silk dolman made in the United States, ca. 1875

A dolman is also an outer garment worn by ladies, with wide cape like arrangements instead of sleeves. It was a favourite style of mantle worn by fashionable women in the 1870s and 80's.

A dolman sleeve is a sleeve set into a very low armscye; in fact, the armscye may extend to the waistline, in which case there will be no underarm seam in the blouse. Dolman sleeves were very popular in ladies clothing during the US Civil War. They had the effect of making the shoulders look sloped therefore minimizing the appearance of the waist. The early 21st century dolman sleeve describes a sleeve cut as one with the bodice, which can taper to the wrist or be cut widely.

Gallery

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  19th century Hungarian dolman for court wear
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  British hussar officer wearing a dolman, 1809
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  Woman's dolman mantle, front & back views. Harper's Bazaar, November 1871