Should I Tuck In My Shirt? Here’s The Low-Down!

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?

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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!

Life Is Too Short To Wear Boring Clothes - Nili Lotan Josette + Alice & Olivia Marylynn + Cult Gaia CocoBuying 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)

4 thoughts on “Should I Tuck In My Shirt? Here’s The Low-Down!”

  1. I believe I have a long torso and higher waist. Even high waisted jeans don’t reach my bellybutton. How can I tuck without it looking awkward?

    Reply
    • I say just play with it. Have you ever tried ultra high waist jeans? I find the longer the torso, the higher waist looks much better!

      Reply

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