How to do a Perfect French Tuck

Looking to do the “french tuck”, but aren’t exactly sure where to start? You’re in luck! Today we are covering everything about this tuck style, from what it is to how to do it on different shirt types.

 

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What is a French Tuck?

Unsure whether to fully tuck your shirt or leave it untucked? Consider the perfect compromise – a french tuck.

This term became famous by Queer Eye star Tan France. Simply put, it is a shirt tuck technique where the front of the shirt is tucked while the back is untucked. This is particularly popular for loose, oversized, or flowy tops. However it can be done on nearly any top style.

When done properly, a french tuck accentuates the waist and creates an effortlessly polished look. 

Many stylists rave over the leg lengthening effect this tuck has on the leg line. By tucking in the front, especially with high-waist bottoms, the leg line instantly appears longer.

 

How to French Tuck

What you need:

• A top or shirt long enough to be tucked into your bottoms (works best on loose tops!)
• Mid or high rise bottoms (pants, shorts, skirt, etc.)

To create the perfect french tuck, an oversized or loose fitting top works best. Always make sure the top and bottoms are tuckable together!

How to tuck:

Step 1: Pull your top tight and flat at the hem with your hands.

Step 2: Tuck your front shirt hem about one or two inches into your waistband, making sure the fabric is completely flat. 

Step 3: Fluff and drape the back portion of the shirt

While the front tuck is rather simple, there are a few tips and variations to try, depending on your top style. Remember, it is all about the drape!

With a T-Shirt

To french tuck a t-shirt, try going a little off center with the tuck. Use one hand to make an asymmetrical tuck from your belly button to hip. Use your other hand to adjust and fluff the untucked side as needed.

This works great with oversized t-shirts and leggings!

 

With a Button Down

French tuck a button down two ways:

• for very oversized tops: fully tuck in the front half of the shirt, leaving the back half completely untucked. Tuck in until just before your hip bones. Avoid starting the untucked section right at your hips as this can create extra volume on your widest area.
• for slightly oversized/loose tops: Try tucking in just one half of the front of the shirt, leaving the other front half untucked. This may require the last 1-2 be left unbuttoned. See how I did this below with leggings!

 

With A Sweater

A sweater french tuck is done by tucking in the entire front half of the sweater into your bottoms and leaving the back portion untucked. Make sure your sweater is long enough for this!

TIP: For more fitted sweaters, I like to roll under the bottom hem of the sweater in the back. Doing this creates a cohesive drape from the front to the back. This works well for sweaters with a banded, tight knit, hem on the bottom.

With a Sweatshirt

For a bulky or oversized sweatshirt, try tucking just the corner of the shirt in near the side seam of your pants/bottoms. This works great with leggings and jeans and provides just a subtle shape to an otherwise baggy look.

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Best Tops for This Technique

This technique works best on loose or oversized shirts. Button downs, sweaters, t-shirts, blouses, and sweatshirts are some of the top I frequently french tuck! Shop my favorites below.

 

 

 

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