If you've ever slipped on a top that felt relaxed through the shoulders but still looked polished, there's a good chance it was a dolman top. It's one of the most flattering, easy-to-wear silhouettes around, and it's the heart of our Riley V-Neck Dolman Top. Here's what makes a dolman top different, the four Riley styles you can shop now, and how to wear yours in every season.
What is a dolman top?
A dolman top is defined by its sleeve. Instead of a sleeve sewn into a fitted armhole, a dolman sleeve is cut in one piece with the body of the top. The result is a deep, roomy armhole that tapers toward the end of the sleeve.
The name comes from the dolman, a loose robe with wide sleeves worn in the Ottoman Empire. The silhouette has been reimagined many times since, and it shows up again and again in vintage-inspired fashion.
Dolman sleeve vs. batwing sleeve: the two are related. A batwing sleeve is a more dramatic version, with an armhole that reaches almost to the waist. A dolman sleeve is softer and more wearable every day.
Why women love a dolman top:
- Room to move. No tight armholes, no pulling across the shoulders.
- Flattering drape. The shape skims the body without clinging.
- Easy layering. It slips under a cardigan or jacket without bunching.
- Works on many body types. The Riley comes in sizes XS–3X.
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Meet the Riley V-Neck Dolman Top
The Riley pairs that easy dolman sleeve with a flattering V-neck and a slightly cropped length that hits at the low waist, about 20 inches long in a size medium. That length is the secret to its versatility: it sits right at the waistband of high-rise jeans and wide-leg pants, no tucking required.
Hand screen printed, one at a time
Every Riley print is hand screen printed by our fair trade production partners in India and Nepal. In hand screen printing, an artisan pushes ink through a fine mesh screen by hand, one color at a time. It's slow, skilled work, and it gives each piece small variations in pattern and color. We think those details are what make a hand printed top feel like it was made for you.
The four Riley styles
The Riley comes in a mix of fabrics, so you can pick the feel that suits you and your season.
Rose Scribble: silky modal with a cotton lining Our most elevated Riley. A soft rose scribble print is hand screen printed on silky, drapey modal, then lined in cotton. The back has a split V detail. It's the one to reach for when you want a short sleeve dolman top that feels a little dressed up.
Forest Flowers: mid-weight cotton blend An original floral illustration in deep forest green on soft sage, hand screen printed in Nepal on a mid-weight cotton blend. It's our go-to V-neck dolman top for cooler months, especially with navy corduroy.
French Lilac: lightweight lined cotton A white floral on soft lilac, printed on lightweight cotton and lined with a solid purple layer underneath. One customer put it simply: "This print and color are so gorgeous in person."
Emerald: summer-weight 100% cotton Bold emerald and navy stripes, hand screen printed on breathable summer-weight cotton. If you've been looking for a striped dolman top, this is it. It's crisp with white pants and easy with denim.
Every Riley style comes in sizes XS–3X, so the dolman top fits a full range of bodies, including plus sizes.
How to style a dolman top all year
Fall and winter
- With jeans: pair any Riley with dark, high-rise denim, ankle boots and a long cardigan. The cropped length shows off the waist.
- With corduroy: try Forest Flowers with navy wide-leg corduroy pants and loafers for an easy, put-together look.
- Layered: wear the Riley over a fitted long-sleeve tee or turtleneck. The roomy dolman sleeve sits comfortably on top.
Spring and summer
- With cotton or linen pants: pair Emerald or French Lilac with your favorite cotton or linen pants and sandals.
- With white pants: Emerald's stripes look sharp with white for warm days and evenings out.
- With a skirt: the cropped length pairs well with a high-waisted midi skirt.
All year
- Rose Scribble works for the office with tailored trousers, and for weekends with jeans and sneakers.
Find your Riley
Whether you love silky modal, soft cotton or a lined layer, there's a Riley dolman top for every season and every wardrobe. Each one is hand screen printed and fair trade made by artisans who are paid fairly and work in safe conditions.
Shop all four Riley styles · Browse our cotton tops for women · Find the right pants and linen clothing to pair it with
Your Questions Answered:
What is a dolman top? A dolman top has sleeves cut in one piece with the body, instead of sewn into a fitted armhole. That creates a deep, roomy armhole that tapers toward the end of the sleeve, for a relaxed fit through the shoulders.
What's the difference between a dolman sleeve and a batwing sleeve? They're related. A batwing sleeve is a more dramatic version, with an armhole that reaches almost to the waist. A dolman sleeve is softer and easier to wear every day.
Are dolman tops flattering? Yes. The relaxed shoulder skims the body without clinging, and a V-neck and cropped length like the Riley's help define the waist.
What fabrics does the Riley come in? The Riley comes in four styles: silky modal with a cotton lining (Rose Scribble), a mid-weight cotton blend (Forest Flowers), lightweight lined cotton (French Lilac) and summer-weight 100% cotton (Emerald).
Does the Riley come in plus sizes? Yes. Every Riley style comes in sizes XS–3X.
How long is the Riley? It's slightly cropped, about 20 inches long in a size medium, and hits at the low waist.
What should I wear with a dolman top? High-rise jeans, wide-leg corduroy pants, and cotton or linen pants all work well, since the cropped length sits right at the waistband. In cooler weather, layer it over a long-sleeve tee or under a cardigan.
How do I care for a hand screen printed top? We recommend hand washing in cold water and line or flat drying to keep the print vibrant. Avoid the dryer.