How to Tuck in a Shirt: 3 Ways to Tuck a Shirt

Untucked shirts are for more casual looks, so tuck in a shirt for formal events and job interviews. Explore these different tuck options and unique ways to keep your shirt properly tucked in:

1. 1. Loose tuck: The loose tuck is for more casual looks or everyday wear, working well with high- and mid-rise pants. With your pants and shirt on, tuck your shirt into your pants starting at the front and working your way to the back. When your shirt is tucked in, move your arms around and shrug your shoulders so the tuck loosens to give your top some wiggle room. This tuck works well with regular tees and baggy shirts or chunky sweaters.
2. 2. French tuck: “French tuck,” also known as the "half tuck" or “front 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.
3. 3. Military tuck: The military tuck is a cleaner, tighter tuck you can use for formal occasions. Give your shirt a full tuck, then use your thumbs to circle your waistline and smooth out any wrinkled edges, moving from front to back. Then, pinch the side of the shirt at your left and right hip bone and fold it back to prevent bunching and give your shirt a taut look. This tuck ensures less baggy overflow at the waist, giving your silhouette a slimmer appearance. The military tuck pairs well with polo shirts, button-down shirts, or other dress shirts.

Generally, you do not need to tuck in T-shirts, polos, or Hawaiian shirts. These tops usually have even hems, unlike dress shirts that have a longer hem in the back.

Try out various tucking techniques to inspire new outfit ideas. Consider the following style tips:

• Throw a blazer over your tucked-in shirt. A blazer can go with chinos, jeans, or khakis. Tuck your shirt into your pants, add a belt, and put on a blazer to create an outfit that’s smart casual and ready for parties or office attire.
• Try a tee with high-rise pants. You can style a fashionable, beltless outfit by wearing high-rise pants and tucking in a white T-shirt with the loose tuck technique. If you have enough excess fabric, you can try out a front half tuck.
• Go for a half tuck on the side. For a more fashion-forward, asymmetrical look, wear skinny jeans or tapered leather pants with a flowy top tucked in only on one side. A half tuck creates a draping effect.
• Try a criss-cross tuck. Put on a button-down shirt a size larger than you’d normally wear. Tuck in the back of your shirt, then grab the bottom left front side of the shirt and tuck it into your pants right side. Next, grab the right side of the shirt and cross it over the tucked-in part of your shirt to tuck it into the left side of your pants, creating a loose but stylish V-shape.

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