conceptual problems with the semi tuck

anne

I have a few suggestions to do a semi tuck on my recent thread on what to wear over racing bathers but confess I have a bit of an issue with the concept of semi tucking

The reason is that my waist is relatively defined at the sides, though not particularly at the front. So I like things that are fitted at the side (though they might have a drape at the front)

A semi tuck seem like it obscure the sides and focus on the front the opposite of what I would prefer?

Comments?

11 years ago

Body Type

12 replies

Latest reply was from bj1111

Krista

Veteran

I have a defined waist as well and yes, you're right, the semi-tuck does obscure that more and puts the emphasis on the front of your body - right where you might not want it! I have the same conflict.

I use the semi-tuck on days when I'm feeling confident about the front of my body and when I feel it's really essential to how I'm styling my outfit. Otherwise I wear something else. There are different ways to execute the semi-tuck and I use Sveta and Shannon's photos as inspiration - they really have it figured out.

11 years ago

Diana

Veteran

Yes you are absolutely right. This is the reason I like the semi-tuck so much, because I have a pretty flat tummy but I do get muffin top on the sides with almost all pants. So it makes sense that you would have the opposite feeling.

11 years ago

Anonymous

Ahhh. is that the problem. I like the semi tuck on others but have done it myself 2 times. Never really feels right. My shape is narrow side view with small definition of waist on sides and a pouchy tummy. My recent semi tuck was with a bulky open weive sweater that was a bit longer in back, I liked it ok. I think it worked because the cropped front barely tucked and didn't add much bulk to my tummy. I definitely didn't look as thin though.

11 years ago

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

I think I semi-tuck a bit differently. At first I was on Team No Tuck, then I changed my mind when I began wearing belts again. I'll try to take a photo but basically I don't always tuck at all but I give the illusion of tucking by slightly bunching the shirt above my belt (this assuming you wear wider belts as I do on my pants, which usually have a rise of about 8 inches I'd say. I also kind of roll up the sides and towards the back of the top to give a slight high/low hem. I wear a lot of knit or lighter weight tops that already show a bit of waist (not tight but a bit of body skimming) and same thing on my button downs as I mostly buy tailored slimmer fitting styles. I don't think I could do the same with heavy weight sweaters and such.

ETA: Here in photo 1 is kind of how I usually do it:
http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....-pics-wiww

11 years ago

anne

Veteran

Thanks everyone! Glad that what I said made some sense and helpful to read through your advice too.

Texstyle, thanks - I can really visualise what you are saying with that description, and I see how it would work. I don't at this point own any wider belts, but if that changes I can try it out.

11 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Makes sense! So don't semi-tuck

Great examples from Tex!

I don't semi tuck - I faux tuck with a banded top that I pull up a little in front when I wear a belt to showcase the belt. I don't semi tuck because it feels unpolished and wrong for my style. So I tuck or faux tuck instead. See pic.

I have a defined waistline but because I'm not extra curvy, it doesn't go in all that much at the sides. So it doesn't make that much difference to my shape from the front. So I get where you are coming from, Anne.

That said, plenty of un-curvy models semi-tuck (granted they have flat tummies). Perhaps you just need to get used to the look, Anne.

Sorry to sound obtuse

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11 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I just added a pic

11 years ago

MNsara

Veteran

You guys are so astute! I hadn't thought through the pouchy tummy issue!

I also have found certain sweaters ribbing/banding at the bottom make them better or worse for semi-tucking. It can make the backside look awkward if it's not relaxed enough.

11 years ago

anne

Veteran

Thanks Angie, especially for the pic. You look great, but I can't fathom this look on myself just yet (if ever) Maybe you are right and my eye needs to adjust

11 years ago

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

I have a defined waist and lately semi-tuck is my preferred style. Unlike Angie I do have curves and I find that full tuck does not look as good on me when the jeans or trousers are lower rise. My longer body must be contributing here as well - in trousers my belt comes way below my natural waist so my waistline is obscured anyway especially when the top is not fitted. Also the additional horizontal line of the belt makes my hips wider. However when I semi tuck I get a curve instead of the straight line on my hips and I think it is more flattering on me. Here are some examples to prove my point - I did some experimenting to define what works for me better.
We are all built differently and have to find what works for us does not matter what the trends are. I prefer semi tuck because it is more flattering for my body and the fact that it is trendy is a cherry on top.

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11 years ago

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

Just to add: not all tops are good for semi-tuck IMO. I prefer them to be soft and collapsing about the body so semi tuck has a nice drape: if the fabric is stiff or bulky it does not work for me as well.

11 years ago

bj1111

Veteran

i semi tuck at the side for the same reason. it give me an asymmetric look that i really like.

11 years ago

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