Mar 10, 2022

When & How to Tuck a Top

You know the feeling when you buy a top because you saw someone else who looked so cute in it, but when you try it on, you just don’t get the same feeling? Or when you have a perfect outfit in your head and then you try it on and it’s a total flop? It might not be the outfit or top's fault; it could be that your top just needs to be tucked or tied. We are going to give you all the details on a full tuck, front-tuck, or tie option and when you should use them when putting your outfit together. This is one of those fashion “rules” that we actually like to follow!

First: The Front Tuck

I’m pretty sure I use this one for most of my outfits - it’s such a simple way to visually create a defined waist. (Hint hint, keeping the rule of thirds) Just take your top and tuck the front part into your pants, leaving the back free and flowing. Keep the top loose and billowing, even though it’s still tucked in the front.

Use it: Longer, looser shirts paired with mid-high waisted jeans or skirts. Usually used in a casual outfit.

Lose it: Avoid using this on tops that are too long and too bulky. You don’t want the tucked fabric to bulge under your waist band and add bulk to your hips!

Second: The Full Tuck

Save a full tuck option for the dressier occasions, especially when you want to be polished and have more of the tailored look. A full tuck keeps things sleek and highlights more of your outfit. We also recommend using a full tuck when there's a unique waist on your bottoms, like a paper-bag waist, or a belt.

Use it: A professional or dressier occasion, with a silky or more flowy blouse OR when you want to show off the waistband of a skirt or pants.

Lose it: A thick top or an extra-long shirt is just going to cause bulk. Do not do a full tuck is low-waisted pants as this could throw off your proportions. Keep it only to the higher-waisted bottoms.

Third: The Knot

This one adds such a unique touch, however, it’s not as preferred than the other two. The only reason to use it is if you want to add a little extra unique touch to your outfit or if you have a lot of extra material to work with that would create too much bulk in a tuck situation.

Use it: With thinner, longer t-shirts, this will create an easier knot that’s not too bulky. Use it to create a defined waist when layering tops over dresses!

Lose it: Chunky sweaters or anything too thick, this creates a knot that’s just too bulky.

Lastly: Don't Tuck!

Of course, there are times when it's perfectly acceptable to just leave that top free from a tuck. For example, if the top has a detailed hem, like a peplum blouse or a scalloped detail. Some tops are designed to be worn without a tuck, like a long tunic style or peasant blouse. These styles wouldn’t work with any tuck or tie, so don't worry about tucking it in these situations!

Use it: When the top has been made that way, either due to the hem or style of the top.

Lose it: Don’t tuck if it's going to accentuate your hips due to lower-rise pants.