How to Tuck in a Shirt: A Step-by-Step Guide for a Sleek Look

Even after a generation of trends, the true art of keeping a shirt tucked in presents a conundrum for most gentlemen. However, appearing formal is important for professionals, especially top executives. A tuck can get disarray even in the most sedentary jobs and it can catch unnecessary glares from colleagues or those around you. 

But it is more than easy to learn how to keep shirt tucked in all day through a few tested methods. Like using military tuck, underwear tuck, using shirt stays/garters, etc. Some of them take a little practice to get it right, while some are ready-made. It is best to know how to use each method to achieve a shirt tuck-in that upholds your professional attire well. 

How to Keep Shirt Tucked in Men: 4 Ways

Use Military Tuck

Military tuck is the easiest and most economical way to learn how to keep a shirt tucked in all day. It wards off billowing around the waist or puffing at the sides. It can be done with the below steps:

1. Get dressed up fully with your shirt untucked. 
2. Tuck your shirt into your trousers while they’re unbuttoned. Ensure that the fabric goes far enough down so there’s no bunching at your waist.
3. If your trousers have a second button or hook, fasten it to help keep the shirt secure.
4. Pull the shirt down through the fly of your trousers to smooth out any wrinkles and make it snug around your waist.
5. Button your trousers as usual, making sure the shirt stays tucked in neatly.
6. Gently pull out a little bit of fabric from the sides, creating a slight looseness around your waist without untucking the shirt.
7. Fold these small bits of extra material back on themselves, creating pleats on each side.
8. Tuck these pleats into your waistband, securing the fabric in place for a sharp, tailored look.

Military tuck works because side tuck is not visible for the right fittings. So, you must ensure the right fit that contains no extra fabric than necessary. Also, you might need some practice to get hold of how to keep a shirt tucked in through Military tuck. Once you learn how to tuck in a shirt, you can do it even in a hurry!

Tuck Into Underwear

It is a well-known method of “how to keep shirt tucked in all day”, wherein you slip your shirt into underwear to enable the natural grip. The elastic waistband of underwear works to anchor your shirt in place. The benefit of this method is that it 

The downside is that when you raise your arms, your shirt might pull up your underwear too, leading to an unwanted reveal. To avoid this, if you’re wearing an undershirt, first tuck it into your underwear. Then, tuck your dress shirt into your trousers for a cleaner, more secure fit, reducing the chance of any mishap.

Alternatively, if your shirt is long enough, you can tuck it into the leg openings of your boxers, using the elastic bands there as an anchor. This provides extra support and keeps your shirt from ballooning out.

Shirt Stays

Another method to explore how to keep a shirt tucked in all day is using shirt stays. It comes from the 1800s and is one of the oldest practical methods. The underlying principle is simple: the shirt stays attach to your body and clutch your shirt to keep pulled down at times. One end of it clips or clasps your shirt at the back and front or the sides, while the other end is held in place by looping around your foot or socks, sometimes thighs. 

Shirt stays are effective to try how to tuck in a shirt. They provide firm tuck even during rigorous body movements, e.g. playing games. However, they’re not a quick method, hence don’t work if you’re wondering how to properly tuck in a shirt faster. Also, you may not feel comfortable with all kinds of shirt-stays. You have to try different types and find the one that suits your comfort.

When you have to face an Indian summer, shirt-stays may not be comfortable at all. 

Use Rubber Strips

Most shirts don’t stay tucked in due to a lack of friction between trousers and shirts. So most tailors provide a rubber trip around the waist of trousers to provide this additional frictional support. Ensure your trouser has it if you seek how to keep shirt tucked in all day. If your trouser doesn’t come with a strip, you can get one from the market and attach it. 

All this works only when you have a proper fit of shirts and for light work of moving around.

Ensure Proper Fitting for Shirt and Undershirt

You might complain even after trying all methods of “how to keep shirt tucked in” that none of them gave you a lasting solution. It is time to consider the fact that you need better fitting. The below guidelines should help you:

• The shoulder seam should align with the top of your shoulder for the right fit.
• The collar should button easily, allowing two fingers to fit comfortably. If you can fit more, the collar is too big.
• The chest should feel snug, but not restrictive.
• The armholes should be fitted, with no excess fabric bunching under your arms.
• The shirt should taper at the waist for a more tailored look.
• The sleeves should stop at the base of your thumb, without extending beyond it.
• You’ll need at least 3 inches of fabric below the waist to learn how to keep your shirt tucked in. If it pulls out when you raise your arms, it’s too short.

Large fittings tend to bunch around your waist, while small fittings can’t stay tucked in for long. The traditional fittings may not be working for you, get it customized by a tailor for the best results about how to keep your shirt tucked in all day. 

How to Keep Shirt Tucked in Big Belly

If you have got a big belly, you can follow additional methods to find out how to keep your shirt tucked in; the above methods apply to everyone. 

Choose a Longer Shirt: Opt for shirts with extra length to prevent them from coming untucked when you sit or raise your arms.

Wear High-Waisted Trousers: Pants that sit higher on your waist can help hold your shirt in place better, giving a cleaner, tucked-in look.

Wrap Up

One often overlooked factor in keeping your shirt tucked in is the fabric itself. Opt for materials that offer a bit of stretch, such as cotton blends, which allow flexibility while maintaining a snug fit. Additionally, steer clear of fabrics like silk that tend to slip out easily. Ensuring the right material choice can add an extra layer of support, helping you achieve a consistently neat appearance throughout the day, no matter your activity level.

FAQs

How to properly tuck in a shirt in summer?

To tuck in a shirt properly during summer, choose lightweight, breathable fabrics to stay cool. Use the military tuck to fold excess fabric at the sides for a sleek look. Make sure the shirt is long enough and tuck it into your waistband securely. Avoid over-tightening for comfort in the heat.

How to know the snug-fitting shirt for me?

To find a snug-fitting shirt, check if the shoulder seams align with your shoulders. The collar fits with two fingers comfortably inside and the chest feels fitted but not tight. The shirt should taper at the waist for a tailored look. 

What is the easiest way for a shirt tuck in?

The easiest way to learn how to keep shirt tucked in all day is trying military tuck or underwear tuck. Both methods are easy-breezy if you can spend time practicing them. It also teaches how to carry yourself all day without the tuck getting disturbed.

How can you keep your shirt tucked into jeans all day?

For all day tuck, try using shirt garters. They provide a tangible grip on your shirt and keep it pulled down even during rigorous body movements. But using shirt stays is not the most comfortable way to keep your shirt tucked into jeans all day. It can feel heavy or irritate skin, especially in summers.