How to Pull Off the Perfect French Tuck
Written by MasterClass
Last updated: Jun 7, 2021 • 1 min read
Not sure whether your shirt should be left loose or tucked in? Consider a compromise—the French tuck.
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What Is the French Tuck?
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. Try a French tuck when you’re wearing a top that’s a little too loose to be fully tucked, or when a full tuck feels too conservative.
A French tuck can define your waistline while still allowing for the drape effect of a longer, looser top, giving you the best of both worlds. When done right, a French tuck leaves a shirt or sweater loose in the back, balancing the proportions of the outfit.
How to Do the French Tuck
Although the French tuck is very simple, there are a few tricks to making sure it doesn’t turn out sloppy. Start with the shirt: French tucking is meant for loose-fitting, floaty tops and oversized knits paired with high-waisted denim and skirts. (For fitted tops, a full tuck usually looks better.) Here’s how to make the French tuck work with T-shirts, knits, button-downs, and belts:
- 1. With a T-shirt or sweater: For T-shirts and jumpers, tuck slightly off-center for a more effortless look. Use one hand to tuck your top into your preferred side, and then adjust the rest of the material with both hands, letting your top drape down at the sides of the tuck.
- 2. With a button-down: For button-down shirts, try tucking in just one side of the shirt, and letting the other hang out. Tuck in the side of the shirt that has the buttons, leaving the side with the buttonholes untucked.
- 3. With a belt: The French tuck is a great way to show off a statement belt if you’re wearing something bulky on top, like an oversize sweater. For belted looks, try the French tuck centered, framing the belt buckle.
Want to Learn More About Unleashing Your Inner Fashionista?
Get a MasterClass Annual Membership and let Tan France be your very own style spirit guide. Queer Eye’s fashion guru spills everything he knows about building a capsule collection, finding a signature look, understanding proportions, and more (including why it’s important to wear underwear to bed)—all in a soothing British accent, no less.