Though it seems like it would be a simple concept to all, many men are still caught sloppily gallivanting across the city with their billowy shirts out or dorkily strutting around town with them tucked in when they shouldn’t be. Because of these alarming occurrences, we have created a few guidelines to help our young professional men determine when one should and shouldn’t tuck in a shirt.
There are two general rules to tucking and untucking. Shirts that are made with a flat hem at the bottom should be left untucked. Shirts with visible “tails,” where the hem varies in length, should always be tucked in. Wearing a shirt with an untucked tail leaves an untidy, immature and unsophisticated impression.
Fabric is another determining factor when it comes to tucking or not tucking. Another easy rule of thumb is if a shirt is knitted (like a t-shirt), you don’t tuck.
The length of your shirt also dictates whether or not you should be tucking it in. If a shirt is too short, you risk the chance of shamefully showing some skin; and if too long, the extra fabric will look crowded in your trousers.
The most efficient way to tuck in your shirt is in the order in which you dress. Putting your shirt on (and buttoning it up) before you put your pants on helps to create clean lines when closing your pants over the shirttails.
If we still haven’t made it clear enough to you with these guidelines, we have also broken it down into types of shirts and whether or not they should be tucked.
1. Undershirts can always be tucked.
2. Don’t tuck in a t-shirt or Henley (unless it’s a deliberate style statement).
3. Polo shirts can be worn untucked if there is an even hem, but if the hem is uneven, tuck it in and pair it with a belt.
4. Rugby shirts are almost never tucked in.
5. Turtlenecks are often tucked when worn under a sports jacket or blazer and should be worn with a belt; should be left untucked when worn on their own.
6. Casual button-ups can be worn tucked or untucked depending on the look you are going for.
7. Dress shirts should always be tucked in (dress shirts are made longer than regular button-ups so that when you tuck them in, they stay put). When you tuck in your dress shirt, you want it to look crisp and vertical.
8. Short sleeve dress shirts should always be tucked in, while casual short sleeve button-ups can be worn tucked or untucked.
Above all else, a good shirt fit will always make tucking in your shirt easier. The less excess fabric there is around the waist, the cleaner the tuck and the look of your waistline.
It is crucial for every young professional man to look presentable at all times, and though it seems one would not need a guide on something as simple as shirt tucking, making the wrong decision while robing can make a big impact on how you represent yourself.
#LYNL | (Live Your Notable Life)
Cover image from: http://fuckyeahmenswear.tumblr.com
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