The half tuck—also known as the French tuck—is one of those styling tricks that instantly pulls an outfit together. But is it still in style? I’m breaking down whether the half tuck is still worth doing, plus how to make it look intentional, not messy.
If you’ve been wondering if you should tuck, half tuck, or no tuck – you’re not alone!
The half tuck has been a go-to for years because it’s flattering, easy, and makes any outfit feel a little more styled. But like all fashion trends, it’s worth asking—is the half tuck still in style? In this post, I’ll share where this trend stands, how to do it without looking sloppy, and when and what outfits I’ll still half tuck!
Is The Half Tuck Still In Style?
The short answer is…YES. The half tuck is definitely still a relevant style choice.
The slightly longer answer is, I use to half tuck every single one of my shirts. It was my default, and we all did it. Now I don’t default to it every time. Now it’s a bit more of a case by case basis, and I’ve figured out which tops I typically half tuck vs. tuck vs. untuck.
Here are some tops I will NOT half tuck
- Shorter tops that give you a nice long leg line without the need to tuck
- Tops with details on a hem (we don’t want to hide a beautiful hemline)
- Longer tops that will give you a mullet look if you half tuck (short in the front, looong in the back)
- Super thick sweaters that will add more bulk to your waistline if they’re tucked
Here are two examples of when I WILL half tuck
PHOTO 1: I tucked to help define my waist when wearing baggier pants. Without a half tuck or tuck, I’m a little shapeless and boxy. Links to this outfit are here.
PHOTO 2: I wanted to show off the belt, so a half tuck gives the belt a moment to shine and to define my waist a little more. I’ve got links to this outfit right here.
PHOTO 3: With an oversized, flowy, or baggy top, a half tuck helps define my waist and give some shape to a shapeless top. Here are links to this outfit.
PHOTO 4: When wearing longer shorts that cut my legs in half, a half tuck helps show additional leg line and keep my legs looking longer and less squatty. Tap here for links to this outfit.
Examples of when I DID NOT half tuck my top
PHOTO 1: My top has a beautiful scalloped hemline that I want to show off! The length of the top is great to still show lots of leg line, but I’m wearing it with a long jean and heels so I can elongate my legs even more, even with a non-tucked top. Links to this outfit are here.
PHOTO 2: This sweater has a band around the bottom and buttons, both of which make it hard to half tuck. It’s also a great length already, so it doesn’t really need a tuck. I’ve linked this whole outfit here.
Examples of when I FULLY tucked my top
PHOTO 1: very high waisted pants and skirts are almost always going to result in a full tuck for me. When your waistband is so high, lots of half tucked tops will get too bunchy, or give you the mullet look (short in the front, long in the back). Basically all of my skirts are high waisted, so it’s almost always a full tuck for me with any skirt. Find links to this outfit here.
PHOTO 2: If my top is fitted, it’ll always be a full tuck for me. If you’re half tucking a fitted tee, it can get bunchy around your waistband in the part that is not tucked and that causes a funky look. Keep fitted tops fully tucked always. Shop this outfit right here.
I hope this gives you some ideas of when to tuck, when to half tuck, and when not to tuck. Sometimes it takes a little trial and error to find the right option for your outfit, so don’t be afraid to play around with a few options in the mirror when you’re getting dressed and see what works for you.
But the bottom line is, half tucking is NOT out, and if it works for your outfit, go for it!
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