How and When to Tuck in Your Shirt in 2024
Navigation
- When Should You Tuck in Your Shirt in 2024?
- How to Properly Tuck in Your Shirt
- How to Tuck Different Shirt Styles
- How to Pick the Right Styling for Tucked Shirts
- When to Leave Your Shirt Untucked in 2024
- Completing Your 2024 Style with Tuck-In Confidence
Tucking in your shirt is a timeless style move that when done properly, can really elevate your whole look. While many men learn the basic art of tucking in their shirts when they're young, there are actually several different methods, and knowing when to use each can take your style to the next level.
In 2024, tucking in your shirt is just as relevant as ever for both formal and casual looks. With shifting dress codes and style trends favoring more relaxed fits and combinations, understanding how to tuck your shirt in 2024 requires some updates. Follow these tips and you'll have tuck-in confidence for any occasion in 2024 and beyond!
When Should You Tuck in Your Shirt in 2024?
While fashion trends may come and go, there are some steadfast rules on when a proper tucked-in shirt is non-negotiable in 2024:
Formal Events
Any formal event that calls for a suit, dress shirt, or even blazer should always have a tucked-in shirt. Weddings, work events, galas - a shirt hanging loose under formal looks is always sloppy. For a sharp, polished look, be sure to tuck in your dress shirt.
When Wearing a Dress Shirt
Even if you're not wearing a full suit, anytime you have on a dress shirt, it should be tucked in. Whether paired with slacks, trousers, or jeans, a dress shirt's longer length and curved shirttails are designed to be tucked. Letting it hang loose undermines the clean aesthetic.
With a Suit or Blazer
Suits and most blazers will require a tucked-in dress shirt to finish the look. For suits, always tuck the shirt in - an untucked shirt paired with a full suit conveys poor style. For blazers, you can sometimes style them with purposefully untucked shirts, but generally, a tucked shirt balances a blazer's formal vibe.
Going for Smart Casual Style
Tucking a casual shirt like a polo, Oxford button-down, or henley into jeans or chinos is a go-to move for smart casual style. This "high-low" pairing dresses up your untucked shirt while still keeping things comfortable and laid back.
Longer Length Shirts
If your shirt extends past your hips or has curved shirttails, that's a sign it should be tucked in. The longer length will look sloppy and unbalanced left untucked. Tuck it in to enhance the proportions.
How to Properly Tuck in Your Shirt
Now that you know when to tuck in your shirt, let's review the techniques for executing a proper tuck. There are a few methods, each suitable for different situations:
The Full Tuck
This classic method involves fully inserting the entire shirt into your pants or trousers, smoothing the fabric across your front and sides for a seamless look. It's best for formalwear and dress shirts.
To execute:
- Unbutton your pants and unzip the fly (if not pull-on style).
- Push shirt fabric down into pants around the entire waistband.
- Smooth front and sides with hands to remove lumps or billowing.
- Zip fly and re-button pants over a tucked shirt.
The Half Tuck/Quarter Tuck
For a more casual, undone vibe, the half tuck offers a perfect compromise. Simply tuck in the front hem while leaving the back out. The quarter tuck is similar but with just one side tucked instead of both.
To execute:
- Take the front hem of the shirt in your hands.
- Pull forward and down into pants, smoothing fabric across the waist.
- Let the sides and back hem drape loose over the waistband.
- Adjust the shirt as needed to sit properly.
The Military Tuck
This quick fix lets you tidy up a dress shirt that may be too big. Side-tuck excess fabric around the back of your waistband before doing a normal tuck in the front. The result is a smoother, lump-free fit.
To execute:
- Take side seams in each hand and fold the fabric under at the
- Pull the folded side fabric to the back of the
- Complete normal tuck in front to secure the
The Underwear Tuck
Wearing an undershirt can make your tuck even cleaner. Simply tuck your undershirt into your underwear, then tuck your dress shirt into your pants as normal. This separation prevents unsightly bulges or muffin tops.
How to Tuck Different Shirt Styles
Abiding by some general guidelines helps ensure you tuck in the right shirts, and leave others flowing freely:
Dress Shirts
As discussed, all dress shirts and button-downs with long curved hems should be tucked in for formal ensembles or business attire. Their refined fabric and structured shape demand it.
Polos
The debate about tucking in polo shirts leans toward personal preference. A fitted polo can often look great tucked into casual pants or shorts, but larger/looser polos tend to appear better left untucked.
Oxford Button Downs
OCBD's casual heritage from Ivy League students means they look fresh left untucked. But for a bit of preppy polish, tucking them into chinos or jeans makes for a sharp, yet easygoing vibe.
Untucked Styles
Any shirt explicitly designed to be untucked should avoid tucking. Flatter hems, shorter shirt lengths, and curved side seams all indicate an untucked shirt.
How to Pick the Right Styling for Tucked Shirts
Choosing suits, jackets, ties and other items to go with your tucked-in shirt matters. Follow these easy tips for a polished look:
Stick to Slim-Fit Jackets and Suits
Avoid boxy, loose suit jackets or blazers over a tucked shirt. Go for slim-cut styles instead - it keeps things sleek.
Wear Medium to High-Rise Trousers or Slacks
Low-rise pants make tucking in shirts tricky. Mid to high-rise waistbands allow a comfortable tuck without bunching fabric.
Add Suspenders or Braces
Suspenders hook on to trousers and keep them in place for a tidy tuck. They also dress up an outfit.
Try a Matching Vest
A vest or waistcoat over your tucked-in shirt and under a suit jacket provides a smooth shape.
Choose Thin Ties Like Skinny Ties and Bow Ties
Slim ties or bow ties paired with tucked shirts look sharp. Avoid big, wide tie knots.
Make Sure Sleeves are the Right Length
Cuff sleeves neatly above jacket length. Billowing sleeves look messy.
Picking suits and extras that work with tucked shirts keeps the look pulled together.
When to Leave Your Shirt Untucked in 2024
The untucked shirt holds strong in 2024 for more laidback ensembles. You can safely ditch the tuck in these cases:
Very Casual Settings
Lounging at home, informal get-togethers, running errands - most everyday situations call for an untucked, relaxed vibe. Save the tuck for when dressing to impress.
Intentionally Untucked Styles
If a shirt is cut to be untucked, abide by the design. Flaunting the unfinished hem and casual cut is key. Tucking defeats its purpose.
With Separates
Untucked shirts complement blazers, leather and denim jackets gorgeously. Letting them hang loose balances the formal jacket.
Making Sure the Shirt is Meant to be Untucked
Study details like hem shape, side seams, and length - if unsure, leave it untucked or do a subtle half-tuck.
Completing Your 2024 Style with Tuck-In Confidence
Tucking or untucking your shirt in 2024 is less about strict rules, and more about understanding styles and context. Use these tips to adapt your tuck for any situation:
Match formality levels - dressier clothes ask for tucked shirts
- Consider shirt details - tuck or untuck based on its cut and design
- Play with casual tucking styles like the half-tuck and quarter-tuck
- Iron out lumps, wrinkles and billowing for a clean finish
- When in doubt at formal events, tuck it in
Mastering the art of the tuck comes with practice. But use our guidelines here and you'll look sharp and polished in all your 2024 looks!