Pills of Heritage: The Raglan Sleeve

The origins of the raglan sleeve lie in history and necessity. Lord FitzRoy James Henry Somerset, better known as Lord Raglan, lost his right arm at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. Despite his injury, he continued his military career with determination, later commanding the British troops during the Crimean War.


Traditional coats of the time restricted movement and drew attention to his disability. To solve this, John Emary, founder of Aquascutum, devised an innovative solution: a sleeve cut from the collar to the underarm. This clever design gave Lord Raglan greater freedom of movement while discreetly concealing his missing arm.

What began as a functional military necessity soon transcended its original purpose. The raglan sleeve became a timeless style, celebrated for its comfort, practicality and elegance. More than a century later, it remains one of fashion’s most enduring innovations, bridging heritage and modernity.





From the vision of a tailor, the raglan sleeve stands as a lasting symbol of ingenuity, heritage and style.