Tucked in VS Untucked dress shirt - the definitive guide

When should you tuck in your dress shirt?

When to tuck in your dress shirt is often debated, and opinions vary. Some argue that dress shirts should be tucked in only for formal occasions, while others see it as a style that works for many different settings.

Which dress shirts should be tucked in?

So, which dress shirts are meant to be tucked in? There are a few things to keep in mind when deciding whether to tuck in your dress shirt. In general, a dress shirt meant to be tucked in should have a longer hem than one designed to be worn untucked.

What length should a tucked in dress shirt have?

Dress shirts with visible tails, where the hem is shaped rather than even all the way around, are usually best worn tucked in. These shirts often have a slightly longer hem at the back for better coverage. When tucked in, they create a clean, well-structured look.

Don’t forget the belt

Although wearing a belt with a tucked-in dress shirt is not a strict rule, it is often the better choice. A belt helps create a neat, well-dressed look. The colour is up to you, but a dark brown belt is a versatile option that ties the outfit together well.

By adding a dark brown belt to your tucked-in dress shirt it creates a sharp and coherent outfit.

How to keep your dress shirt tucked in all day long

A dress shirt that comes untucked during the day can be frustrating, but it can often be avoided by using the right method when tucking it in.

Tips in making your tucked in dress shirt stay tucked in

When tucking in your dress shirt, a few simple techniques can help keep it in place throughout the day. When done properly, the front should look smooth and even. The placket of your dress shirt should line up neatly with the fly of your trousers. It can be difficult to achieve the right result with an off-the-rack shirt, so we recommend choosing a made-to-measure dress shirt instead.

• The basic trouser tuck: This is probably the most common way to tuck in a shirt. Here, the tails of the dress shirt are tucked inside the trousers but stay above the underwear. Start by putting on your underwear, then your dress shirt and buttoning it up. Finish by putting on your trousers. If your trousers are not too loose, your dress shirt should stay in place without much adjustment.
• The Military tuck: The name comes from the way military uniforms are often worn. To do a military tuck, stand straight and check for any loose fabric at the sides of the shirt. Fold the excess fabric into a sharp diagonal pleat on each side, then tuck it in neatly at the hips before putting on your trousers.

Make sure your dress shirt has a perfect fit

A poor fit can affect everything. That’s why the most important step is making sure your dress shirt fits properly. If your shirt keeps coming untucked during the day, the fit is often the reason. Longer tails can help keep it in place. It also helps to have enough room in the sleeves, since sleeves that are too tight can pull the shirt up when you move your arms. A made-to-measure dress shirt reduces the risk of this happening, since it is made to your measurements.

Can dress shirts be worn untucked?

Prefer to wear your dress shirt untucked? There are plenty of options that work well that way. Shirts in softer, more casual fabrics, such as oxford, flannel and chambray, are often good choices for an untucked look. They usually have a straighter hem, which makes them easier to wear untucked. Linen shirts are another good option if you prefer a more relaxed style. Business shirts can also be worn untucked, as long as the length is right and the rest of the outfit suits the occasion.

Linen shirts are great if you prefer the untucked look and works well for warmer temperatures.

How far down should an untucked dress shirt hang?

A dress shirt that is meant to be worn untucked should be slightly shorter than one you would normally tuck in. As a general guide, shortening it by 1.5 to 2.5 inches compared with a shirt designed for tucking in gives a better untucked length.

Tucked in or not for different occasions

There are occasions when a tucked-in dress shirt is the better choice, and others when wearing it untucked works just as well. For a formal occasion, such as a wedding, a tucked-in dress shirt is usually the safer option if you want to avoid looking too casual. Wearing a dress shirt under a blazer? Then it should generally be tucked in. For more relaxed settings, such as a casual restaurant or a bar, an untucked dress shirt can work well.

Which way is more well-dressed?

As mentioned above, there are different guidelines for how to wear your dress shirt depending on the occasion. You may still wonder which style is generally seen as more well dressed. In most cases, a tucked-in dress shirt creates a more formal and polished impression.

Is an untucked dress shirt unprofessional?

In some situations, wearing a dress shirt untucked can come across as less professional. That does not mean it is a poor choice overall. At the right time and in the right setting, an untucked dress shirt can create a relaxed, stylish look. Just keep in mind that it leans more casual and should not be confused with business casual.