When To Tuck and Not Tuck Your Shirt Plus How – Your Guide to Front Tuck, Full Tuck, & Tie
I recently asked for post topic suggestions on my Instagram story and got some great responses. One was about when to tuck your shirt in as opposed to leaving it out, when to only front tuck, how to front tuck, what about tying it on the side, etc? I thought this was such a good question, so today I am here to answer! Have you ever wondered when to tuck and not tuck your shirt plus how? This post is your guide to the front tuck, full tuck, tie, and leaving untucked witheasy dos and don’ts on each option! Plus photos of each so you can visually see. If you have any questions feel free to leave me a comment! I will say, some of this is personal preference, so don’t be afraid to do what you like best!
Your Guide to Tucking Your Shirt In Properly
The Front Tuck
The front tuck or half tuck is probably the most popular and easy option when it comes to tucking in your shirt. The main reason you want to do this is to visually create a waist. Front tucking your shirt draws the eye up to your waist rather that leaving your body visually one long line. To do this, simply grab the front middle of your top and tuck it fully in where there isn’t extra fabric on top. From there tuck a little on each side. Loosen a little as necessary. The goal is to not have a super tight tuck but also not too much fabric out.
- Do front tuck when you have a thinner top that is not too long paired with mid to high rise pants or a skirt. Front tucks are most typically done casually with jeans though not out of the question with other items.
- Don’t front tuck with a thick top that will create a pouch effect in the front because it doesn’t tuck nicely. The only caveat to this is if you have a cropped sweater that will easily tuck. Remember, the whole goal is visually showing your waist not creating a bunch of fabric. Don’t front tuck a long tunic type top that will have too much fabric to tuck in front adding a lot of fabric below your pants.
Front Tuck Essentials (Easy Tops & Good Denim) – Click to Shop
Front Tuck Photo Examples
The Full Tuck
In practice, I fully tuck in my shirt less than I do a half tuck/front tuck. When considering when to tuck and not tuck your shirt, I typically reserve this for dressier occasions. This might be when I want to look more tailored for work, when I am layering and want my bottom layer tucked in for less bulk, or when I am wearing a high waisted pant and want a streamlined look. Another reason to always tuck is if the waist of the garment is made to be shown off like the currently trendy paper bag waist. Doing anything other than a full tuck on it wouldn’t work.
- Do a full tuck for a tailed look with a high waisted bottom and slim top or when the waistline calls for it.
- Don’t do a full tuck with a low waist or a chunky top.
Full Tuck Essentials (High Waisted Bottoms & Streamlined Tops)– Click to Shop
Full Tuck Examples
Don’t Tuck – Leave Your Shirt Untucked
Sometimes the best thing to do is nothing! Don’t tuck your shirt at all leaving it untucked and loose. The reasons for this would be if the shirt has a specific hem like a peplum, a band at the bottom (like my striped sweater below), or something else. Another reason not to tuck would be a long tunic made to be worn out or a peasant style blouse (like my red top below). Alternatively you might just have a pair of pants and top that go best together left alone. In my example below with the red pants, they are a lower rise and the blouse is looser. Together, I wouldn’t ever tuck them. The pants hit more on my hips and wouldn’t be flattering with either a full or half tuck.
- Do leave your blouse untucked when the shape is made to be that way.
- Don’t tuck when your pants are lower rise and will accentuate your hips.
Untucked Essentials (Unique Hem or Tunic Length Tops) – Click to Shop
Untucked Examples
The Tie
The tie is a fun fourth option if you are feeling bored or brave. There really is no reason to do this over the others unless you just want to. It’s easy to do with a thinner t-shirt that has a little length or a tie front top to mix things up a little. One of my favorite ways and reasons to do this is actually casually with leggings when I am layering. If I have a t-shirt on and a cardigan or something else that covers my bum, things can get bulky. If I do a quick knot on my t-shirt it just cleans things up a little.
- Do tie your shirt when you want a fun alternative to the other tucking options and you have a thinner material.
- Don’t tie your shirt when it’s to thick or makes a huge, long knot.
Tie Essentials (Button Front or Long Tees) – Click to Shop
Tie Examples
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FAQs
As a general rule, if a shirt has a straight hem, for example, a polo shirt, it is designed to be left untucked. However, if a shirt has a curved hem, for example, a business shirt, it is designed to be tucked in.
Why do people tuck their shirt in the front and not the back? ›
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.
How do you do a full tuck? ›
1. The Full Tuck
- Start by tucking your shirt or tee at the front then move your way around and do the same.
- Smooth down and push all the excess fabric as far down as possible to avoid bulking up.
- If your top is too tightly tucked in, raise your arms above your head. This will untuck just the right amount of fabric.
The French tuck is simply the art of tucking in a shirt at the very front while leaving the back loose and untucked at the sides. It's all about the drape here! According to France this simple tucking technique instantly adds polish to any look and helps add balance to a silhouette.
Is the French tuck in style? ›
A cinching technique from the second season of Netflix's Queer Eye caught the eye of the fashion world, and naturally, has blown up on the internet. The viral #FrenchTuck took over the latest Instagram trend and has been riding the wave ever since.
How do you tell if a shirt needs to be tucked? ›
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.
Should you tuck in your shirt if you have a tummy? ›
A full tuck looks best on someone with a defined waistline and a relatively flat tummy. This is especially true if you're tucking a fitted top into fitted bottoms. A flowy top with a full tuck is much more forgiving. The hardest way to do a full tuck is with a fitted top in fitted bottoms.
Should you always tuck in your 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.
Is the French tuck still in style 2023? ›
If you want. Tucking pants into boots is fashionable for 2023. But you might swap pants for skinny jeans. The chic French aesthetic will never go out of style.
Is a front tuck a thing? ›
The front tuck is just a way to make your look a little bit more styled, while keeping it relaxed for business casual, dressy casual, or casual occasions.
The half-tuck is definitely a more dramatic tuck. This is when you undo the last button or so on a button-up shirt, tuck in one side and leave the other out. It's a very intentional look, and some might say weird.
What is a European tuck? ›
Coined by Queer Eyes Tan France, the “french tuck” is a styling technique that involves tucking the front of an oversized, billowy, or looser top into a higher rise bottom and letting the back of the top be untucked. When done properly, this provides an easy french style sensibility and a casual air to your outfit.
Do people tuck shirts into jeans? ›
Tucking Rules
In general, a very good rule of thumb is to leave your dress shirt untucked. This means you will have to make sure the length is right; if your shirt is too long it'll look like you're wearing a dress, which isn't the look most of you are going for if I had to place my bets.
How long is too long 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.
Is an untucked shirt unprofessional? ›
Is an untucked dress shirt unprofessional? On specific occasions wearing an untucked dress shirt could come off as unprofessional, yes. However, that's not to say it's a bad look overall. Given the right time and place, an untucked dress shirt gives off a casual and stylish vibe.
How do you tell if a shirt is too short for you? ›
If your midriff is exposed when you raise your arms, that means your shirt is too short. If you mostly plan to wear the shirt tucked, do the test again, with your shirt tucked in. If the tails pop out from your pants when your raise your arms, your shirt is probably too short.
How can I hide my lower belly pooch? ›
How to dress to hide belly fat
- Do not wear tight clothing on your belly, favouring “smart” draped tops instead. ...
- Wear leggings or skinny jeans with longer tops, also draped or with asymmetric cuts. ...
- Create vertical lines with long cardigans, slim fit coats and long blazers.
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).
Why do some people tuck in their shirt? ›
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. The symbolism stuck, and the tuckers continue to hold down a reputation as those who Have Their Stuff Together.
Should I half tuck my shirt? ›
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.
It's true. 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. The third reason to half tuck is that it makes your outfit feel finished — as long as you do it right.
How do you tuck in a female plus size shirt? ›
Tuck just the front, middle section of your shirt in, leaving the everything else hanging out. This will make you look like you cared just enough, but not too much. It can have an effortless chic appeal if done right. This look works well with sweaters, too.
How do you style a plus size shirt? ›
Combine with shorts
- Pair with Denim Jeans. Simply tuck the oversized top with your bottoms and maintain the form if you're just after the loose tees roomy sleeves. ...
- Knot Pattern with T-shirt. ...
- Style Oversized Tee as a Dress. ...
- Tucked T-shirt in with Skirt. ...
- Belt-it-up with Oversized Tees.
A classic way to style an oversized shirt is to wear the top with a pair of formfitting blue jeans, like straight-leg or skinny jeans; this balances the oversized top, creating a laid-back outfit. Try a long-sleeved white shirt with white jeans to create a minimalist, monochrome look.
Does tucking in your shirt make you look taller? ›
06/6Always tuck in your shirt
To create a sharper and taller look, invest in tailored cuts and tuck in your shirts, t-shirts and tops as much as possible. It creates a seamless line from top to bottom thus, creating an illusion of a few extra inches of height.
Should dress shirts be tucked or 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.
Is it OK to tuck a shirt into jeans? ›
This is one of the key factors in deciding. To leave the shirt out, it shouldn't completely cover your bottom, or be longer than the end of the fly of your trousers/jeans at the front. If it's longer than this, then tuck it in. The Oxford shirt below is just the right length to wear untucked.
Does an untucked shirt look unprofessional? ›
Is an untucked dress shirt unprofessional? On specific occasions wearing an untucked dress shirt could come off as unprofessional, yes. However, that's not to say it's a bad look overall. Given the right time and place, an untucked dress shirt gives off a casual and stylish vibe.
How do you make a untucked shirt look good? ›
Tip #1: Get The Right Length
The key to looking polished while wearing an untucked shirt starts with the hemline—it's all about getting the right length. You'll want a shirt that falls at the perfect spot—just about at your mid zipper with a bit of pocket showing—for a look that's always flattering and easy to wear.
What pants to wear with untucked shirt? ›
If you're just starting to wear untucked shirts, start simple. For something super casual, consider wearing it as you would a tucked in shirt, with slim-fit jeans or chinos and simple sneakers. Add a lightweight jacket or a crewneck sweater if it's a little cooler out.
The shirts are designed to look better when worn casually and untucked than their regular casual shirts, as they are cut with a shorter hem designed to be worn untucked.
