When to Tuck in a Shirt (2024)

Consider the Occasion & Dress Code

Although it’s important to consider the hem of a shirt, these days, wearing your shirt tucked or untucked is often decided by the dress code of the event or occasion you are participating in. Generally, the more formal the event, the more likely you will need to have your shirt tucked in to meet the dress code.

• Casual: If you’re are wearing a short-sleeved shirt, polo or t-shirt to a casual occasion, always leave it untucked.
• Smart Casual: If you are wearing a casual shirt by itself leave it untucked, however, if you are wearing a shirt paired with a casual jacket or coat, tuck it in for smart casual occasions.
• Business Casual: Whether you are sporting a blazer, sweater or just a shirt, always have your shirt tucked in. The last thing you want to be is that guy in a meeting who looks untidy in front of their work colleagues or clients.
• Business Formal, co*cktail, Black Tie and any other formal event: Since all these occasions require a suit one way or another, you will absolutely need to tuck in your shirt.

Types of Shirts to Tuck in

There are a few rules to go by when tucking in each type of shirt.

• T-shirts: Regardless how you wear your t-shirt, either with a casual jacket or by itself, there is no need to tuck it in.
• Polo shirts: Although these can be tucked, we recommend leaving them untucked to make your look more modern and casual when wearing it alone or with a jacket.
• Short sleeve casual shirts: Whether it be just a standard casual shirt or cheery Hawaiian shirt, always have short-sleeved shirts untucked—unless being worn with a blazer or jumper, then it should be tucked in.
• Long sleeve casual shirts: Depending on the formality of the occasion, you can either tuck it or leave it untucked. For example, if you are heading to a pub, you will want to leave it untucked, however if you are going for a special occasion, tuck it in.
• Business and dress shirts: Since you’ll be pairing this type of shirt with either a full suit or chinos and a blazer, it’s best to always have these tucked in.

Finish It with a Belt

When tucking in a shirt, regardless of occasion, always pair it with a belt. It will make your outfit look neat, while also ensuring that your shirt remains tucked in while you are wearing it.

However, if you are wearing a shirt untucked, you don’t have to wear a belt unless you need one.

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