How to Half Tuck Your Shirt - Merrick's Art (2024)

Half tucking your shirt is a great way to make your legs look longer, give you some shape, and your outfit feel a little more finished.

A few years ago, I started to notice people were half-tucking their shirts into their pants and skirts. At first it seemed a little weird to me to just tuck the very front of your shirt into your jeans and leave the rest hanging out. But now, years later, it’s really theonly way I wear my tops anymore.

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YELLOW AND WHITE SWEATER | GOOD AMERICAN JEANS | SIMILAR ANKLE BOOTS | AZARIA HANDBAG (use code Merrick for 10% off) | MADEWELL SUNGLASSES

These are three good reasons to half tuck your shirt.

1. The first reason you should front tuck your shirt is because it makes your legs look longer. Being able to see your entire jeans from waistband to ankle makes your legs look longer, period.

2. The second reason to half tuck your shirt is because it helps define your waist. Oversized shirts are so popular, and wearing something oversized often makes you look bigger. But a little front tuck of your shirt keeps the shirt from overwhelming your body, AND it helps give your silhouette a waist. And show your waist is always more flattering and makes you look slimmer.

3. The third reason to half tuck is that it makes your outfit feel finished — as long as you do it right. It might seem awkward at first, but trust me on this one. It adds a cool, effortless vibe to almost any outfit.

It’s such a simple, quick-fix, and can make ahugedifference.

Which shirts can be half tucked?

Not all shirts are half-tuck eligible. Shirts with trim on the hem, really long tunic length shirts, peplum tops…these are some examples of shirts youwould not half tuck. They’d just look wrong. I did a whole post about that RIGHT HERE.

But t-shirts, blouses, button down shirts, sweaters, swing tops…they’re all fair game and will often look better either half tucked or fully tucked into your skirt, shorts, pants, or jeans.

If you don’t feel comfortable tucking your shirt because of weight in your middle, CHECK OUT THIS POST about styles to try that will camouflage it and be flattering.

Don’t know how to half tuck properly? Here’s how.

If you’re new to the half tuck or can’t quite figure it out, I’ve got you covered. I’ll take you through step by step and show you the difference it can make to an outfit.

  • Step 1. Pull your top tight and flat at the hem with your hands.
  • Step 2. Tuck your shirt about one or two inches into your pants or skirt, making sure the fabric is completely flat.
  • Step 3. Blouse your top gently to make the top billowy and loose. This will achieve the easy, carefree look.
  • Or, I have a short video showing how HERE.

Watch Me Style a Half Tucked Top:

I post weekly Get Dressed With Merrick videos and this week I covered half-tucking tops. I’ll show you a few different jeans and tops and how to half-tuck with each.

How to Half Tuck Your Shirt - Merrick's Art (1)

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How to Half Tuck Your Shirt - Merrick's Art (2024)

FAQs

Why do girls tuck half their shirt in? ›

By tucking in just a bit of your shirt, it allows your waist line to be seen, keeps loose-fitting tops from hanging on your figure and gives a nonchalant, casual feel. One of my favorite fashion bloggers, Merrick from Merrick's Art did a great photo tutorial showing how to do the half-tuck.

What does a half tucked in shirt mean? ›

This chic tucking technique simply means only tucking in the front half of your shirt. Style experts may refer to it with other terms, like the “half tuck” or “one-hand tuck.” It's an especially popular style when you have a slightly oversized shirt that may be sloppy untucked but too long for a full tuck.

Is the French tuck still in style 2023? ›

However, the French tuck - a style where you tuck in the front of your shirt or top into your pants or skirt - is definitely a timeless and classic look that can be worn in any year . Tunic is out of style for winter 2023.

Who started the half tuck shirt trend? ›

People in France have been implementing this style for years. Tan France, however, was the one who popularized it and pulled it into the spotlight. What is this? According to Tan, he saw the tuck some 20 years ago at a runway show and has been using it ever since.

Should I tuck my shirt in if I have a belly? ›

A good, loose-fitting collared shirt works best. You can leave it loose at the back and just tuck a small section in at the front.

Do shirts look better tucked in? ›

Smart Casual: If you are wearing a casual shirt by itself leave it untucked, however, if you are wearing a shirt paired with a casual jacket or coat, tuck it in for smart casual occasions. Business Casual: Whether you are sporting a blazer, sweater or just a shirt, always have your shirt tucked in.

Is tucking in your shirt in style 2023? ›

Tucked-In Everything

In 2023, tucking in your tees (and shirts, and sweaters) isn't pointerdexter-y—it's the quickest way to make everything you're wearing look a little more artful...and show off your rad new belt.

Why do people wear half shirts? ›

Short-sleeved shirts, also known as 'half sleeves', offer the perfect solution for those living in warmer climes. Not only are they less hot and stuffy than their long sleeved counterparts, but they also provide increased mobility and the ability to do practical work without getting dirtied.

What is a half t-shirt called? ›

The singlet T-shirt.

If you couldn't relate to the information in the previous point, you might be looking for the singlet T-shirt, which is also known as the half T-shirt. As the name suggests, this is a sleeveless T-shirt. It doesn't have the same distinctive shape as most T-shirts.

When did people stop tucking their shirts in? ›

Among men, however, flapping shirttails were relatively rare. Even rock 'n' roll iconoclasts like the Rolling Stones of the 1960s and CBGB-era Blondie of the 1970s tended to politely tuck in their button-downs. That all began to change, however, in the casual-everything, dot-com era of the late '90s.

What's hot in fashion 2023? ›

2023 Style Trend: Minidresses and Skirts

She's predicting shorter hems taking over the fashion world next year. “Minidresses, tailored skirts, and skirts with cutouts are all styles I think we'll see more of,” she says. Yes, this means micro miniskirts are coming back with a vengeance.

What is out of style for 2023? ›

The biggest style trends out of fashion for 2023 are mini pleated skirt with socks and chunky loafers, blazer with biker shorts, skinny jeans with chunky sneakers, mini pleated skirt with a crop top, leggings with high heels, ripped jeans with sneakers, dress with chunky sneakers, corset tops with cargo pants (wear ...

What is a half tuck called? ›

The “French tuck,” also known as the "half-tuck" or “one-hand tuck,” is a term for the simple styling trick of tucking in only the front of your shirt, popularized by fashion expert Tan France on Netflix's Queer Eye.

What are the alternatives to tucking? ›

If experiencing a lot of side effects from tucking, consider alternatives to tucking like tight fitting underwear or wearing looser clothing, like dresses and skirts, or loose pants so that untucked or loosely tucked genitals can't be seen.

When were half shirts popular? ›

In the 1980s, cut-off crop tops became more common as part of the aerobics craze and as a result of the popularity of the movie Flashdance. Singer Madonna wore a mesh crop top in her music video for the song "Lucky Star".

Who created the baggy style? ›

Before the popular 'baggy clothing' introduced by MC Hammer of the late '80s and early '90s, there was the dress style Baggies. This style of clothing is best symbolized as dress style clothing.

Why is everyone tucking in their shirts? ›

Since most people only owned one or two sets of clothing, tucking kept them clean longer, resulting in better hygiene and a more polished presentation.

What to wear to hide a big tummy? ›

Go big on top, narrow on bottom

If you like the idea of belly camouflage but want to show some shape too, let opposites attract. Pair any full-cut top, blouse, jacket or tunic with a slim base of trim pants, leggings or straight or skinny jeans (here's where the latter come in handy even if you no longer love them).

Is it OK to wear a button down shirt untucked? ›

As a rule of thumb, dress shirts are always meant to be dressed tucked in, while casual and short-sleeved shirts are okay to stay untucked. If unsure, remember to check your hem.

What are the best shirts to not tuck in? ›

“In general, modern or tapered fit shirts are better suited for being worn untucked. Avoid billowy cuts with unnecessary fabric and longer shirttails.” Another crucial area is your shoulders. Ideally, the seam will end right where your shoulder drops off.

Do I tuck my shirt in with jeans? ›

If the shirt is European cut, which is slimmer, fitted, our suggestion is to wear it untucked. On the other hand, if the shirt is classic American style button down, our suggestion is to always tuck in, preferably with classic 501 style jeans. Never tuck into low-rise jeans. It would look really bad.

What is the perfect length for an untucked shirt? ›

A good rule of thumb is that an untucked shirt should come to the middle of the butt. Another good rule of thumb is that the front bottom shirt tail should end midway down the fly of your pants.

Are jeans in style 2023? ›

There's no denying it: Regardless of the season, fashion's obsession with denim is unwavering. It's never a question of “if” one should swathe themselves in the fabric, but rather “how” it should be worn, and for spring/summer 2023, denim styles run the gamut, leaving no sartorial cravings unsatisfied.

What shirt colors are trending in 2023? ›

Digital Lavender, Luscious Red, Sundial, Tranquil Blue and Verdigris are the color names for 2023. Who chooses the names of the new colors?

What is the most shirts worn by one person? ›

On February 17, 2019 at a local gym, Ted Hastings donned the 260th shirt and was declared the new Guinness World Record holder for the most shirts worn at once.

Is it OK to wear a shirt twice? ›

T-shirts, tank tops and camisoles should be washed after each wearing. Outer clothes like dress shirts and khakis can be worn a few times before washing unless it is hot out and you are sweating or they are visibly dirty or stained.

Why do girls wear crop tops? ›

They help show off your beautiful curves or abs, making you feel more confident in yourself. The fact that all shapes and sizes can pull of a crop top is why crop tops are so popular.

What is a BF shirt? ›

In fashion design, "boyfriend" is a style of women's clothing that draws heavily from corresponding men's garments. Boyfriend-style clothes are designed to be looser or boxier and tend to be oversized — giving the appearance that one is wearing their boyfriend's clothing.

What is a shirt without sleeves called? ›

A t-shirt with no sleeves is called a Sleeveless t-shirt. Also, they are known by the name of "tank tops," whereas "sleeveless" is more commonly used for clothing.

Is it okay to tuck in half sleeve shirt? ›

Short sleeve casual shirts: Whether it be just a standard casual shirt or cheery Hawaiian shirt, always have short-sleeved shirts untucked—unless being worn with a blazer or jumper, then it should be tucked in.

When should you not tuck in a shirt? ›

Here are a few guidelines: Shirts that are made with a flat bottom hem are meant to be worn untucked. But if the shirt has visible “tails” — that is to say, the hem varies in length, rather than being even all the way around — it should always be tucked in. Wearing a shirt with tails untucked is not a forbidden look.

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