How to Keep a Shirt Tucked in

Co-authored by Shelley Golden and Jessica Gibson

Last Updated: June 29, 2021 References

It's frustrating to spend time planning the perfect outfit only to have your shirt ride up constantly. Instead of admitting defeat, make a few simple adjustments to your wardrobe. Start with a dress shirt or T-shirt that fits you well and isn't too short. Then, tuck the fabric into pants or a skirt that fits you snugly. A belt can also help the shirt stay tucked in. If these simple tricks don't help, you can also try shirt stays that clip your shirt in place.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Keeping a Dress Shirt Tucked In

1
Wear a fitted dress shirt to make it easier to tuck in. If your shirt is too large, the excess fabric will work its way up during the day. Look for a shirt that fits snugly against your mid-section. A fitted shirt leaves less fabric to come untucked.^{[1]
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- Ensure that the shirt isn't too short. It shouldn't ride up if you sit down or bend over. If it does, it will probably untuck at some point. There should be at least 3 inches (7.6 cm) of fabric below the beltline for you to tuck in.
2
Tuck the shirt into your pants or skirt using the military style of tucking. Put your pants on and tuck your shirt in but don't fasten the pants or skirt. Pinch the excess fabric on both sides of the shirt between your fingers. Fold the excess fabric behind itself until the shirt is as snug as you like. Then, fasten your pants or skirt.^{[2]
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- If you're also wearing an undershirt, tuck the undershirt into your underwear before tucking the dress shirt into your pants.
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3
Wear a belt to keep your pants or skirt firmly in place. Once you've got the dress shirt tucked into place, fasten a belt so it fits snugly. The belt will keep your pants or skirt from slipping down, which causes your shirt to untuck.^{[3]
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- Pick a belt that matches the style of your outfit. For instance, try a thick belt with a large buckle if you're wearing a long, flowing skirt or wear a simple black belt if you're wearing khakis and a plain dress shirt.
4
Apply a strip of rubber grip to the pants or skirt if the shirt rides up. If the inner band of your pants or skirt is very smooth, the soft material of your dress shirt may loosen throughout the day. To keep it in place, sew a strip of rubber grip tape along the inner back and front of the pants or skirt.^{[4]
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- If you don't feel comfortable sewing your clothes, most tailors can do this for a small fee.
- For a quick fix, attach a strip of double-sided tape to the inside of the pants or skirt.
- You can also slip a rubber band around the bottom button of your shirt and attach it to the button of your pants. This will keep your shirt tucked in.^{[5]
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  Expert Source
  
  Shelley Golden
  Personal Branding Image Consultant & Personal Stylist
  Expert Interview. 10 July 2020.}
5
Wear shirt stays if you're wearing long pants. If military tucking a fitted shirt into snug pants still doesn't keep your dress shirt in place, purchase a pair of shirt stays.^{[6]
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Expert Source

Shelley Golden
Personal Branding Image Consultant & Personal Stylist
Expert Interview. 10 July 2020.} These look like straps that you attach to the bottom sides of your shirt. Then, stretch the other end of each stay around your foot. You'll be able to move easily while the shirt stays keep the shirt from riding up.^{[7]
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- Some shirt stays attach to the top of your socks instead of under your foot.
Tip: If you find the shirt stays uncomfortable, cross each strap from front to back instead of stretching them straight up to the shirt. This can reduce tension on your shirt.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Keeping a T-Shirt in Place

1
Wear elastic shapewear under your pants or skirt. Put on a pair of elastic biker shorts or underwear before putting on your pants or skirt. The elastic band can do a great job of keeping a T-shirt in place, especially if your pants or skirt are made of a loose or smooth material.^{[8]
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- If you don't want to create extra lines or bulging, don't wear underwear underneath the elastic shapewear.
2
Choose pants or a skirt that fits you snug around the waist. If your pants or skirt are too loose, your T-shirt will continue to slide out. Select pants or a skirt with a waistband that hugs your natural waist, the narrowest part of your waist.^{[9]
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- Some pants or skirts have built-in elastic bands that you can adjust for a tighter fit.
3
Put on a T-shirt that fits you well. It's important to wear a T-shirt that's not too short or it will be difficult to tuck in. You should be able to tuck in at least 3 inches (7.6 cm) of the bottom of the T-shirt. If it's too short, the T-shirt will easily pop out of your pants or skirt if you bend or sit down.^{[10]
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- You should also avoid a shirt that's too long. Although it's more likely to stay tucked in, the excess fabric can bunch and create unflattering bulges.
4
Tuck the T-shirt into the elastic shapewear or your underwear. Stand up straight and push the back of the T-shirt down into the back of your underwear or shapewear. Keep pushing the shirt down around your sides and into the underwear or shapewear. Finish by tucking the front of the T-shirt into the front of your underwear or shapewear.^{[11]
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- You can leave the tuck as loose or tight as you like. Keep in mind that if you pull out the T-shirt a little to make a loose style, the T-shirt may work its way loose throughout the day.
5
Add a belt to your outfit to keep your pants or skirt in place. In order for your T-shirt to stay in place, your pants or skirt can't slip down. To prevent them from slipping, put on a fashionable belt that matches the look you're going for.^{[12]
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- For example, if you have a billowy skirt, choose a narrow belt in a bright color that compliments the skirt. If you're wearing a pair of jeans and a shirt, pick a classic brown or black leather belt.