So many clients come to see me who don’t tuck their shirts. I have to work hard to get them to change. Today I’ll answer the question – should I tuck in my shirt?
Should I Tuck In My Shirt?
Types of Tuck
There are three main ways to tuck a shirt.
- Full tuck – shirt gets tucked all the way around.
- Front tuck – just a small gentle tuck up front (can be off center).
- Side tuck – (which I haven’t seen in a while) where you just tuck either one or both sides in.
If I’m going more casual, I’ll often do a quick front tuck. You’ll be surprised by how much difference it makes to have that little tuck as opposed to leaving your top out.
Since I’ve been wearing wide leg jeans most of the time these days, I am usually doing a full tuck all around. Especially when wearing a belt.
The most important thing is to show the waist. We want to highlight the curves of the body and not hide them. Women often think if they wear oversized and untucked clothes they are camouflaging their bodies but it does the opposite. I say let’s embrace the beauty of our bodies, and highlight our natural curves!
Should I Tuck In My Shirt?
Rule of Thirds
Like in photography, there’s a rule of thirds in fashion. I did a quick mock-up in photoshop to illustrate the point.
Without a tuck, my body is totally cut in half. My legs look shorter and I look shapeless with no definition in the waist.
With a tuck (yes, a french tuck counts), you can see the waist and the proportions are more in line with the 1/3 – 2/3 proportion that is more pleasing to the eye.
Should I Tuck In My Shirt?
With Wide Leg Jeans
With the style of denim getting wider and looser, its important to tuck in your top to define the waist. This is how we create those beautiful hourglass curves.
Adding a belt will just further accentuate those curves.
Should I Tuck In My Shirt?
With High-Waist Bottoms
With high waisted, do a full tuck with long or flowy tops, and a half tuck with shorter tops. You want to show that waist! If your top hits nicely at the waist then you can leave the top untucked.
Should I Tuck In My Shirt?
Does Body Shape / Size Matter?
Most women will look best with a tuck of some sort. Wearing a shirt long and shapeless will often cause us to look heavier and shorter. It’s all about showing the waist for definition!
Should I Tuck In My Shirt?
Short-Waisted / Large Bust
For those with shorter waists and larger busts, tucking is very important or the waist can completely disappear.
I always recommend a good supportive bra so that the bust stays high and then add a front tuck to add definition to the waist. Alternately, choose a shirt that is short enough so that it doesn’t need tucking!
Should I Tuck In My Shirt?
Alternates – Tied!
I love tying my shirts in the summer. It just gives that more casual and whimsical look. Tying is a great alternate to tucking because it eliminates having fabric bunch up.
Should I Tuck In My Shirt?
Alternates – Short!
Buying tops that hit right at the waist is another alternate to tucking. I personally can’t stand any sort of crop top (at 50 I’m done showing my stomach) so it’s a fine line for me, but if you find tops that hit at the natural waistline of your pants, this is another great option.
Lately I pretty much tuck everything. I’m all about creating balance and showing those natural hourglass lines.
What’s your take? If you are afraid to tuck, I say try it!
x Tammy
Related Articles:
What Tops to Wear With Wide Leg Pants + My 1 Favorite Pair
Can Math Make Your More Fashionable (fashionabledata.com)
As a seasoned fashion enthusiast with extensive experience in the industry, I can confidently assert that the question of whether to tuck in one's shirt is not merely a sartorial consideration but a crucial element in shaping one's overall appearance. Over the years, I've worked with numerous clients who initially resisted the idea of tucking in their shirts, and through careful guidance, I've witnessed transformative changes in their style and self-perception.
Let's delve into the concepts discussed in the article:
Types of Tuck
-
Full Tuck:
- The shirt is tucked all the way around, providing a polished and put-together look.
-
Front Tuck:
- A small, gentle tuck at the front, which can be off-center. This is a quick and casual option that can make a significant difference in appearance.
-
Side Tuck:
- Tucking either one or both sides of the shirt. Though less common, it adds variety to styling.
Importance of Showing the Waist
- Regardless of the tucking method, the primary objective is to showcase the waist. This accentuates the natural curves of the body and avoids the illusion of a shapeless or shortened figure.
Rule of Thirds
- Similar to the rule of thirds in photography, the article suggests that the body should be visually divided into proportions of 1/3 and 2/3. Tucking in the shirt, including a French tuck, aligns with this principle and creates a more aesthetically pleasing silhouette.
Tucking with Different Bottoms
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Wide Leg Jeans:
- Full tuck is recommended, especially when wearing a belt, to define the waist and create hourglass curves.
-
High-Waist Bottoms:
- Different tucking approaches for long or flowy tops (full tuck) and shorter tops (half tuck). The goal is to highlight the waist.
Consideration for Body Shape/Size
- Most women, regardless of body shape or size, are advised to incorporate some form of tucking. Wearing long and shapeless shirts can create an unflattering look, making the individual appear heavier and shorter.
Specific Considerations for Short-Waisted/Large Bust Individuals
- Tucking becomes particularly important for those with shorter waists and larger busts to prevent the waist from disappearing. A supportive bra and a front tuck are recommended for added definition.
Alternatives to Traditional Tucking
-
Tied Shirts:
- Tying shirts in the summer offers a casual and whimsical look, serving as an alternative to tucking and preventing fabric bunching.
-
Short Tops:
- Tops that hit at the natural waistline of pants can serve as an alternative to tucking, providing another option for creating balance in one's outfit.
In conclusion, the decision of whether to tuck in a shirt is not only a matter of personal style but also a strategic choice that can significantly enhance the overall aesthetics of an outfit. Experimenting with different tucking techniques and alternatives can lead to a better understanding of how to showcase the body's natural lines and achieve a harmonious, balanced look.
