To tuck or not to tuck . . .

That is the question. Albeit not an earth shattering, world saving, or as important a question as Hamlet asked, but for a Friday morning, I’m OK with it.

Tucking in one’s shirt or top becomes a bit more challenging as we age. That little front tummy bulge or widening of the hips gives many of us pause before we tuck. Am I right?

What I’ve come to love is the practice of doing just the front tuck. You know – where you just take the front of a shirt or T and tuck it in a bit, and then let it gently blouse out.

Here are a couple of examples:

What this does is nothing short of a miracle (a little overstated perhaps). It’s all about proportion, as Dona says. The tuck helps elongate the line of the leg avoiding the body being cut in half at the widest part, and the gentle blousing in the front camouflages the belly bulge.

Can you see the difference between the two images? For women who are a little vertically challenged (as I am at 5’3”), this trick is genius. But it works equally well on any height or stature.

So what do you think? Are you a tucker?

Now, on to more pressing matters . . . like dinner. Sigh. It’s my turn to cook.

Till next time?

Judy

11 Comments

  1. Joy
    April 7, 2017 / 6:51 am

    What a difference!!! Good tip!

  2. dona
    April 7, 2017 / 7:54 am

    I love the front tuck! Believe it or not you can even tuck in sweaters (if they’re not to thick). With this brief trend there’s always the “one side tuck”, i don’t like so much, it looks sloppy. As I dress 100’s of women weekly and place them in front of a mirror and tuck in their shirt, (just in the front) they are amazed in the difference it makes. The majority of women I work with are of shorter stature and it is a concern for them when it comes to proportion. I’m hoping this trend goes on for a while longer because it certainly makes a difference. Thanks, Judy for sharing this technique and by the way where did you get that polka dot blouse? I love it!!!!!!

    • Judy McLane
      Author
      April 10, 2017 / 3:20 pm

      Oh, I hope the tuck never goes away! 🙂

  3. April 8, 2017 / 10:32 am

    I totally agree with Judy and Dona! I started seeing it on the models for Nordstrom’s website, but until I talked with Dona and got the true lowdown about “how it is done,” I was hesitant to attempt is without looking hokey. I am 73, relatively tall at 5’8, 135 pounds, and am used to wearing long type tunic tops, but this gives another option to sorta maybe show part of the waistline, then have it mysteriously disappear–in a good way–as the body turns. The concept combines the best of both worlds–retaining the feminine waist (as best as possible) but still keeping the comfort factor as a major priority. It is definitely a boon for–as you say–the vertically challenged, but also helps us “mature seniors” get a fashion lift.

    Thanks Ladies!!

    • Judy McLane
      Author
      April 10, 2017 / 3:20 pm

      Thanks, Cheri. I love how something so simple makes such a difference — especially to how we feel about ourselves.

  4. April 9, 2017 / 7:15 am

    Judy,
    This is genius! Who would have thought a tuck would have such an impact. When women learn tips like this, it helps them feel more confident so they can walk out the door–forget about their looks– and move on to pursue whatever contribution is theirs to make…whether it be neurosurgery or watching the kids. Great post.

    • Judy McLane
      Author
      April 10, 2017 / 3:21 pm

      Thanks, Sharon. Confidence is key!

  5. Candy
    April 10, 2017 / 10:44 am

    I have only one thing to say and that is…Tuck! What a difference it makes. This is new to me and I love it. I’m going to become a tucker. Thanks.

    • Judy McLane
      Author
      April 10, 2017 / 3:21 pm

      Glad you’re joining the ranks of the tuckers. 🙂

  6. Laurel Tucker
    April 10, 2017 / 3:53 pm

    I was born and will always be a Tucker (it’s my name, after all!) Initially I didn’t like the half-in, half-out style – it looked sloppy to me. But I’ve gotten used to it and do it sometimes. It gives some polish without being too undone. At 5′-6″ I’m lucky to be able to wear most shirts either way.

  7. Wanda
    May 2, 2019 / 2:13 pm

    I’ve tried it with no success because my “belly” is too big. Tucking accents it. I could use the technique because I am only 5’1″”. Any suggestion. Sharon you look great in these photos.

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