Opinions differ when it comes to tucking in a shirt - it's somewhat controversial. SANVT shows the different interpretations of the divisive style and gives tips on how you can pull off the look smartly.
Tucking in the T-shirt all the way into the trousers, or only tucking it in at the front or not tucking it in at all? There is no right or wrong! The important thing is that you look smart and feel comfortable in your chosen outfit. We'll tell you what the 'tucked-in' look is all about and give you the two most common ways to master the style.
Preparation is key: choosing the right T-shirt
Before starting to tuck, the one item of clothing that should be chosen most carefully for this look is the T-shirt. There are two factors to consider: the width and length of the T-shirt, as well as the cut.
In terms of T-shirt cut, we recommend an oversized T-shirt for a cool boxy look. However, if you don't like oversized tees, you should choose at least one size larger than your usual T-shirt size for this look. Just consider that the T-shirt is not too slim-fitting. In terms of neckline, we recommend a T-shirt with a round neckline for this look, such as our Perfect T-shirt.
However, the length of the T-shirt should also be taken into account. If the T-shirt is too short, it can easily slip out of your trousers. Many people are familiar with this problem, which is why SANVT has developed a revolutionary sizing system. At the heart of this innovation is the option for customers to select the width and length of each SANVT essential independently of each other. Each essential, including the T-shirts, is available in three different lengths: short, regular or long. With seven different widths (XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL and 3XL), SANVT gives you the choice of over 20 size combinations. So if you have the problem that your T-shirts are too short for the ‘tucked in’ look, you now know how to solve the problem.
@aziz.lem wearing the Perfect T-Shirt in Off-White tucked in the Smart Chino in Black.
High, mid or low waist? These trousers work for the ‘tucked in’ look
As with all outfits, the choice of individual pieces depends on personal preference and style. However, at SANVT we recommend that you choose trousers with a mid-rise waist for the tucked-in T-shirt look. This prevents the T-shirt from slipping out again after a few steps of movement and keeps things in place. Low-waist trousers could cause exactly this problem, which is why we would recommend leaving them in the wardrobe for this look. If you're a little more experimental when it comes to fashion, you can also try high-waist trousers with a tucked-in T-shirt. Yes, high-waisted trousers can also look good on men. Artists such as Harry Styles have been making real statements with their gender-bending outfits for some time now. Thanks to them, stereotypes are being broken. This has created a real curiosity among fashion enthusiasts to try out new looks that would otherwise only be seen on the opposite sex.
You can find out more about gender neutrality in fashion here.
One fashion item that was mainly seen on women for a long time but has recently become particularly popular with men is the crop top.
@daniel.huser's interpretation of the 'cropped look' - he styles a white, neatly tucked-in T-Shirt together with in a black pair of our Smart Chino, loafers and a black-and-white neck scarf.
'Cropped look': what is it and how can you style it?
At the cutting edge, you can increasingly see the cropped look on the streets of big cities like Berlin, Paris or Madrid. It has been around for a while, but has until now mainly been seen on women. The word ‘cropped’ stands for ‘cut off’ and refers to the top, which is cut off to make it look shorter. But don't worry: the look can also be easily styled without having to use scissors on your clothes. Choose a pair of wide-leg mid or high-waisted trousers and a T-shirt of your choice. Tuck the T-shirt into the trousers using one of the options mentioned below and that's it: you've got a cool cropped look that looks chic and stylish at the same time.
The look is particularly popular with people of a smaller stature, as the higher-cut trousers make the legs look longer and are therefore very flattering for any figure. The cropped look is based on the golden ratio, where the top should make up a third of the outfit and the bottom or trousers the remaining 2/3.
But now we finally come to the two most common methods on how to quickly and easily tuck in a T-shirt into your trousers.
Option 1: Folding the T-shirt
The first method on how to tuck a T-shirt neatly into your trousers is the folding method. The advantage here is that the T-shirt does not lie uncomfortably under your trousers or between your thighs but is simply made shorter by folding it and can be tucked neatly into your trousers. Another plus: folding also removes any creases and gives you a neat look. Basically, all you're doing is taking a little length off the T-shirt.
For this method, first put on the trousers and T-shirt. The T-shirt lies loosely over the trousers. Then grab the bottom part of the T-shirt and fold it upwards about twice the width of a finger. Depending on how high the waistband is, a few more folds may be necessary. Finally, the T-shirt should be turned up to just below the waistband. Once you have found the right length, either briefly open the zip of the trousers or (if there is still a little space) tuck the T-shirt evenly into the trousers all the way round. Et voilà! The ‘tucked-in’ look is ready. To be on the safe side, check the back with a mirror or your mobile phone to see if the T-shirt is still sticking out in any places and adjust a few more times if necessary.
@cantimagineit wears both the Perfect Poloshirt and Perfect T-Shirt in Black tucked in properly in a pair of jeans to get a cool 'tucked in' look.
Option 2: The 'plucking' method
If folding is already too time-consuming for you in the morning, there is an even simpler method for tucking your T-shirt into your trousers properly, which is the plucking method. To do this, first put on the most important essential for the outfit: the T-shirt. Then, of course, the trousers, which you don't fasten yet, but leave open. Now pull the trousers up over the T-shirt and tuck the T-shirt evenly into the trousers. The T-shirt will now be quite tight-fitting on your body - and of course we don't want that. To make up for the strict ‘nerd look’, pull your arms up over your head once, pulling the T-shirt out a little again. Finally, smooth everything around your upper body once again. As a rule of thumb, you can remember that the T-shirt should still be about 2.5-3cm above your stomach after plucking it out.
Tucking in a T-shirt: final thoughts on an elegant style
Tucking in a T-shirt into your trousers sounds simple but still requires a little practice and tricks. In addition to choosing the right T-shirt and trousers, there are two simple methods that you can use to tuck the T-shirt into your trousers and make the look suitable for everyday wear. For the more adventurous fashion enthusiast, a cool cropped look paired with high-waisted pants can be styled in order to make your legs look longer and break with gender-stereotypical outfits.
If you personally prefer to wear a T-shirt over your trousers or want to conceal a small tummy, you can of course create your own look and don't have to follow the ‘tucked-in’ trend. For more tips on how a t-shirt should fit, read here.
However, as with any outfit, the most important thing is that you feel comfortable and wear what you like.
Image Sources: Krum Dzhermanov, Aziz Lem, Daniel Huser, Chris Groneng