Sleeves
Sleeves, also called writing sleeves, are worn over the shirt sleeves to protect them . The sleeve protector consists essentially of a tube made of linen fabric and has a cord at the top and bottom to tie up.
Sleeves were used by accountants , for example , until the middle of the 20th century , who usually wrote their tables and lists by hand in ink . Also typesetter worked when dealing with lead letters often with oversleeves. Sleeves are worn over the shirt sleeves to protect them from being soiled by ink or printer's ink . They were suitable for hot laundry and were therefore easier to clean than shirts. Even if they couldn't be cleaned, they were still a lot cheaper than a new shirt.
Even today, sleeves are used in some professions. For example, there are sleeve guards made of leather for welders , disposable sleeve guards made of polypropylene , polyethylene or cellulose as a hygiene measure for health professions or in the food industry, and as protection against chemicals for laboratory workers . Sleeves made of rubber or latex can possibly be reused several times.
Sleeves are also available for wheelchair users to protect the sleeves from soiling from the tires, especially when it is raining.
Symbolic meaning
The image of the sleeve protector is still used in a figurative sense to denigrate its intended wearer, such as civil servants or office workers who cannot be terminated, but also to symbolize a general lack of willingness to work, mental indolence or leisure time orientation.