What Are the Best Shirts to Wear Untucked?

An untucked shirt can look effortlessly sharp…or like you forgot to finish getting dressed. The difference comes down to two things: the shirt’s design and its fit.

Here’s the short answer: The best shirts to wear untucked are designed with a shorter, balanced length that hits just below your beltline, a clean hem, and a tailored fit through the body. An obvious plus is if they’re made from performance fabrics so they stay crisp and comfortable all day.

At Mizzen+Main, we design shirts—like our No Tuck Collection—that nail that just-right length so you can let your hems fly free and still look pulled together.

Why Length Matters

A shirt that’s too long will bunch up and look sloppy. Too short, and it starts to feel like you raided the wrong closet. The ideal untucked length should:

• Cover your waistband
• End around mid-zipper in the front
• Hit about halfway down your back pocket in the back

This keeps your proportions balanced whether you’re wearing jeans, chinos, or five-pockets.

The Best Shirt Styles to Wear Untucked

1. No Tuck Dress Shirts

Designed with a shorter hem and a modern fit, these look like a crisp dress shirt up top but are made to be worn out. Our No Tuck Leewards keep their shape and resist wrinkles so you don't end up looking rumpled by lunch. Shop our full selection of No Tuck Dress Shirts and save $75 on your third dress shirt with code MAINMAN3(opens in new window).

2. Casual Button-Downs

A casual button-down in performance fabric bridges the gap between a polo and a dress shirt. The Ellis Oxford is a great example of a slightly relaxed style that makes it perfect for weekends or a casual office.

3. Polos

Polos are naturally shorter than most shirts, but a tailored cut keeps them from looking baggy. Our performance polos wick moisture and move with you, so they feel as good as they look.

4. Short-Sleeve Button-Ups

In warmer weather, a short-sleeve button-up with a clean hem is a go-to. Look for lightweight performance blends so they stay breathable and don’t lose their shape.

Fit First, Fabric Second

Even with the right length, a shirt needs to fit your shoulders and chest well to look sharp untucked. Slimmer side seams and just enough room through the torso prevent extra fabric from flaring out.

Once you’ve nailed the fit, focus on fabric. Performance blends will resist wrinkles, manage moisture, and move with you—making them ideal for untucked styles that get a lot of wear.

The Takeaway

The best shirts to wear untucked are the ones designed for it—clean hems, balanced length, and a fit that flatters without excess fabric. Pair that with performance fabrics, and you’ve got a shirt that can go from office casual to weekend plans without missing a beat.

Because untucked should still look intentional.

Frequently Asked Questions About Untucked Shirts

1. How long should an untucked shirt be?

It should hit just below your beltline in the front and about halfway down your back pocket in the back.

2. Can you wear a regular dress shirt untucked?

You can, but most are too long and will look sloppy. Look for shirts specifically made with a shorter hem.

3. Should untucked shirts be slim fit?

Not necessarily, but they should have a tailored fit that follows your body without excess fabric.

4. What pants work best with untucked shirts?

Jeans, chinos, and five-pocket performance pants all work—just make sure the proportions are right.