How to Master the Half-Tuck

Half-tuck / French tuck

The half-tuck, also know as the French tuck, is probably the most famous style trick there is; yet somehow it is shrouded in mystery. You’ve either never heard of it, know about it but don’t really know how to do it or wonder how you ever dressed without it. One thing is for sure; once you start, you won’t stop! And - you’ll suddenly see it EVERYWHERE. 

Ever wondered why things look great on models online and on mannequins in store - yet when you put on the very same item, they look totally different?  It’s the half-tuck at work.

Here’s the key thing: It makes you look slimmer - because you are showing your waist (thus encouraging or amplifying that HOURGLASS silhouette) and lengthening your leg. 

The best thing: This illustrious style trick can be used in lots of different ways to suit YOU and YOUR shape.

The secret is out… Here’s how to master the half-tuck!

The Front Tuck

The simplest and most common. Using any top/blouse/jumper, take the hem at the centre front and tuck it in to your jeans/skirt/trousers. 

Even if you have a fuller tummy, it is more flattering to half-tuck than not. Leaving a top pulled across or finishing at low hip/thigh will shorten your legs and widen the silhouette.

The Side Tuck

If you want to try the side-tuck, this cleverly disguises a fuller tummy but still gives the same leg lengthening effect by drawing your eye to the waist and re-proportioning the body. 

It’s the same principal as above, except you take the side of the top and tuck it into the side of your trouser/skirt and drape the remainder nonchalantly across to the other side. If you have a top with side splits or a dipped hem, use this as the guide of where to tuck. 

The Shirt/Blouse Tuck

This is similar to the half-tuck in that it lengthens the leg and highlights the waist whilst giving coverage across the tummy at the same time. There is an added elegance to the blouse tuck that the side tuck lacks and therefore brings the slightly dated blouse back to the fore. 

From the hem up, undo the buttons of the shirt/blouse to just below the waistline of your trouser or skirt. Tuck the button stand side (the side that has the buttons on) into your trousers/skirt. Leave the remaining side and back out. 

The Back Tuck

Yup! There is a back-tuck too. This is great if you want a smooth, smarter finish at the front but don’t want to fully tuck. It gives the effect of a full tuck but with a casual vibe. 

Position the top as you wish it appear from the front and pull the remainder of the fabric behind and tuck into the back of your trousers/skirt. 

The Belt Tuck

Oh yeah! This a favourite of mine, that comes into play when you are wearing a dress. You want to wear with a looser jumper over (to create that skirt and jumper look) but have no-where to half-tuck into? 

Add a belt to the dress and voila`! 

The Bra Tuck

Seriously! Yep, the bra tuck is a handy little trick for removing the bulk of tucking a chunkier/longer top into your trousers or skirt. You shove it up your bra instead! - and blouse the rest over to land at your waist. Works brilliantly with an over-sized sweatshirt in summer months, but wear a vest underneath if (like me) you don’t want any midriff on show during any season. 

Not only does the half-tuck make you look slimmer, it makes you look effortlessly cool - and super stylish! 

Check out my ‘how to half-tuck’ videos on Facebook and/or Instagram and let me know your favourite.