The Ultimate Guide on how to Wear a Shirt
It may surprise you, but there is a right way to wear a shirt. With various shirt types available to you, have you ever wondered if you’re styling them correctly?
Well, here at Cavani, we’re about to break down how to correctly tuck in your shirt, the differences between styling various types of shirts and how to wear shirts with jeans. So let’s delve in!
Contents
- When should you tuck your shirt in?
- Can you wear a shirt with jeans?
- Shirt styling guide
- Flannel shirt styling guide
- Oversized shirt styling guide
When should you tuck your shirt in?
The difference between a shirt being tucked and untucked is certainly noticeable. With both choices being stylish options, it can be hard to know when you should tuck in your shirt – so when should you?
To decipher whether or not you should tuck your shirt in lies within the dress code. If you’re going for a formal look, a tasteful tuck will add a layer of sophistication and should be included in business and smart attire.
If you are not wearing a blazer, we recommend you leave it untucked. However, for a smart casual look, you want to remain sleek, which is why tucking your shirt in is best advised. For anything less formal such as streetwear, it’s best to leave your shirt untucked.
How to tuck in your shirt the right way
Tucking in your shirt can make or break your outfit. Even with no wardrobe changes, an ironed shirt that is finely tucked can make a significant difference.
When tucking your shirt, there are two common methods to do so: these include the basic tuck and the military-style tuck. We have expanded on the following two methods below.
How to do a Basic Tuck on a shirt
A basic tuck is a simple technique to tuck your shirt without leaving you with puffy-looking folds. To get the perfect tuck, follow these steps:
- For the best result, start with an ironed shirt and pull it down as far as possible.
- Your trousers should be unbuttoned, and from this point, you need to ensure your shirt remains straight and slowly lift your trousers over to sip up.
- You must put a belt securely around your waist to keep the refined look.
- Once the belt is on, slowly tug on the shirt pulling it out slightly to give you some ‘flexible space’ as you move around throughout your day-to-day activities.
How to do a Military-Style Tuck
A military-style tuck unsurprisingly originated in the army for a sharp look. While the standard tuck will be great for semi-formal occasions, if you’re struggling to get rid of the last bit of open space, we recommend you try this.
- Tuck your shirt into your trousers and button up your trousers.
- Pull the mid-bottom of the shirt towards you, creating a slight overlay.
- Fold the shirt over itself all the way around.
- Finish off by pulling the shirt tight and buttoning up your trousers.
Tip: with both of these tuck choices, you want to ensure your buttons are in line with the fly of your trousers for a symmetrical look.
When to avoid tucking your shirt in
Tucking in your shirt is a great way to elevate a casual outfit to a smart-casual look. This is why you must avoid tucking in casual scenarios, so you don’t look overdressed. You want to apply the same logic when it comes to wearing a short-sleeved shirt, polo or t-shirt, as there is no need to tuck.
Can you wear a shirt with jeans?
Of course! A crisp white shirt and blue denim combo is a look you’ve certainly seen before. That being said, it doesn’t stop there.
The versatility of jeans allows you to create stunning combos. Mixing colours, patterns and various fitted styles of shirts combined with slim denim jeans will leave you with a sophisticated, clean look.
Should I tuck in my shirt with jeans?
It’s best to avoid tucking your shirt into your jeans, particularly non-fitted straight-lined jeans. These will leave you with an odd silhouette and ill-fitting appearance due to the clash of smartness – a tucked-in shirt appearing formal and denim jeans being seen as casual.
While an untucked shirt paired with your favourite jeans looks great, avoid tucking in your shirt when wearing your jeans for the best look.
Shirt styling guide
We’ve all seen it. The huge trend of oversized shirts has emerged throughout the year as one of the most iconic looks, but what exactly are they?
What is the difference between casual and formal shirts?
While casual and formal shirts are designed to offer comfort, there are some key differences to be aware of. Formal shirts tend to be shorter due to the need for tucking, whereas casual shirts are often left untucked, so they are slightly longer to allow them to flow over your waist.
Casual shirts are generally considered more informal due to pattern choice and fitting style. If you’d like to go for a more casual look but like the style of formal shirts on offer , you could always choose a bigger formal shirt size, as this will make up for a slight crop.
How to wear a casual shirt
The beauty of casual shirts is that they are versatile.You’ll find this wardrobe stable in various colours, including plain navy, black, grey, and white and those variations that incorporate patterns and textures.
Casual shirts are all about the fit: available in slim, skinny, oversized and regular styles, ideal for those not wanting to tuck their shirt in.
In casual settings, it is best to avoid a skinny shirt as this can easily appear formal, particularly when matched with a stylish blazer. A skinny fit type will also cling to unflattering areas, which is something to consider when you want to look and feel confident.
That being said, slim, regular fit and oversized casual shirts are perfect for those heading somewhere with a ‘casual’ dress code.
How to wear a formal shirt
Also known as a dress shirt, a formal shirt is the foundation of your attire for every formal event. These shirts tend to come in a shorter length to help avoid a baggy look when tucked into your trousers.
We’ve broken down how exactly to tuck in your shirt in the steps above, but when selecting your dress shirt, you’ll want to ensure you’re prioritising quality. It may seem obvious, but poor-quality shirts can be transparent and ill-fitting, ruining your formal look.
Flannel shirt styling guide
If you’re looking for a casual look, a flannel shirt is for you. Seen as the most casual, these often oversized shirts are ideal for styling on top of your t-shirts for a jacket effect.
What is a flannel shirt?
A flannel shirt is not a type of shirt as such, it is a shirt made of flannel, a material that has been used for decades. Reaching a peak in popularity in the ’90s, a flannel shirt is a must-have for those looking for a ‘grunge’ look.
How to wear a flannel shirt
Perfectly styled with a combat trouser, or a pair of jeans, a flannel shirt is a wardrobe essential to this day. Flexible to worn as a streetwear look, through to a casual family meal, flannel shirts can be found in various patterns but is heavily recognised in chequered tartan.
What is an oversized shirt?
An oversized shirt is, as thought, a baggy shirt that is purposely designed to be larger than the standard fit. This shirt trend comes in various button-down styles and is sure to add volume and texture to your outfit.
How to wear an oversized shirt
How you should wear an oversized shirt depends on where you are heading and the weather.
If you are on holiday in a hot climate, an oversized shirt buttoned down is a great option that will flow alongside the breeze to keep you cool. If it’s autumn, styling your shirt unbuttoned on top of a t-shirt is effortless but gives you that autumnal look you need.
If you’re heading for a night out, a sleek oversized shirt paired with your favourite pair of denim jeans allows for a smart-casual look, an ideal choice for dates and drinks.
Level up your shirt game with Cavani
Looking for a new set of shirts? Here at House Of Cavani, we proudly source a luxurious range of shirts made with high-quality materials. Explore our collection now.