Reader:
Hey Guys,
How do you keep your shirts properly tucked-in all day? Every time I raise my hand or reach up for something at the office, I have to hit the bathroom to unzip and re-tuck my whole shirt.
Surely you have a better solution for this everyday problem?
Thanks,
David
TSB:
Hey David, great question.
Believe me, we understand your frustration.
Good news is, we have a simple solution.
All of my bespoke trousers are made with a rubber grip-tape sewn to the interior of the waistband. In combination with a well tailored shirt and snug pant waist, the rubber strip provides friction and tension to keep the shirt from slipping out of the trousers.
For non-custom pants, I often have my tailor sew-in these rubber strips. Some tailors carry them, otherwise you might have to pick up a small spool from your local fabric/trim shop.
The image below shows one of the three strips that MAB uses in their bespoke trousers by default.
As with many things in life, sometimes the best solutions are the simplest ones.
Yours in style,
TSBmen
Photography by Alex Crawford.
Check out more of his work at alexcrawfordphotography.com.
20 Comments Add a comment
That’s a good tip.
As long as you’re dishing out advice, any suggestions dealing with lint in cotton pique? When my Fred Perry polos come out of the wash, I lay them flat to dry, then need to spend an excessive amount of time with a lint roller to get them looking acceptable. Then, on top of that, I still have to iron them, since they say not to put them in the dryer. Is there a better way?
Huh. Great idea. Looks like I’ll be bringing in a few pair of suit pants and asking my tailor to add these! Thanks for the tip.
The simplest solution is to tuch your shirt tails into your underwear when you get dressed.obviously briefs,not boxers work best.
Floyd,
Just tried your idea of tucking my shirt inside my underpants, and it certainly works, but there is the risk that your trousers may drop and reveal your elastic waistband. Surprised true “saggers” have not cottoned on.
If you look closely at Dan’s pictures, there is another hint there:
As in Yoga, when you hold your arm up, keep the shoulder to stay down. Not only is this the more healthy way to hold your arm up, it will also allow your shirt to stay more tucked.
This should be doable in almost any situation. Moving the shoulder up gives you just a few more centimeters at the cost of losing a little strength. When would you need this?
All,
The rubber strip definitely helps a great deal. David, and other readers, may also want to make sure to purchase shirts that are cut with high arm holes. Shirts with low arms holes require the whole garment to move for the sleeve to move up, which then pulls at the waist.
Just a thought. Good work as always TSB.
Jeff.
This post has changed my life.
lol! i never knew this but always been bothered by the same thing, thanks for the tips!
Do you know where I can buy these online? Googled them but found nothing.
Hi Imran,
Try searching for products called “Waistband Shirt Grip” or a product called “Snug-tex”. These work as a shirt gripper if you wanted to make these alterations yourself.
Regards,
Marcus
Brilliant. Been meaning to find a solution to this problem that didn’t involve shirt stays. What’s you guys’es thoughts on those?
I definitely need these! Years ago I read in GQ about another corrective maneuver. In private (bathroom stall or office door closed), unzip your fly and reach in and pull your shirttail downward. This works much better than shoving the shirttail back in from the waistband. And I’ll repeat: do this maneuver in private because it sure doesn’t look natural in an office setting!!
Thats a wonderful idea!
Thanks everyone for sharing.
Will go to my tailor asap for these.
Those rubber strips are amazing, one of the reasons I like wearing my MAB trousers as much as possible.
That’s awesome!
Never even knew something like that existed. I think it really shows the (sometimes hidden) benefits of tailoring/bespoke items.
Dan & Team: What do you know about those male “garder” pieces that connect your tucked in shirt to your socks, ultimately to serve a similar purpose as this rubber grip tape. I’ve heard mixed reviews and am wondering if you have any experience/advice on them?
Even though I like the dual-purpose concept, I don’t think I can get behind connecting my socks to my shirt. Seems like a lot of work, and restriction. Not to mention what happens after you finally get her home…
Who said these garder’s couldn’t double as some kind of handcuff-related device?
I may be able to shed a little insight! If you haven’t already, I would suggest checking out Antonio Centenno at RealMenRealStyle.com. He actually does a review of a product I bought because of the review, shirt stays by SharpandDapper. They are made of great material and are only about $20, made in England. I use them occasionally. At first, like Dan, I was skeptical. However, sometimes I take an extra minute or two to put them on, and presto! It totally works. Doesn’t feel weird or restrictive, and looks great. You can move all over the place and your shirt isn’t coming untucked. On SharpandDapperd’s FAQ page, they actually adress the issue Dan touched on, and I agree with their statement. If you get her home, just excuse yourself to the bathroom and take them off! (or while she’s freshening up) It takes me a couple of seconds to take em’ off.
Great post Dan! It’s also important to mention that having a properly altered dress shirt makes all the difference, no?
Check out Jeremy Renner in the last Mission Impossible movie, he must have had those rubber strips you speak of (starts at 1:07).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHM4pmZB56E