Why do men’s shirts have tails?

Men’s shirts have tails because they originated as a multi-purpose garment, serving as both underwear and nightwear, and the long tails were designed to provide coverage and modesty, while also allowing for ease of movement. The tails were typically long, reaching mid-thigh or knee-length, and were worn with a necktie tied high around the neck, leaving only a small portion of the shirt visible.

History of Men’s Shirts

Evolution of Shirt Design

In the seventeenth century, men’s shirts were allowed to show, with much the same erotic import as visible underwear today, and in the eighteenth century, men relied on the long tails of shirts to serve the function of drawers.

FAQs

General Questions

1. What is the purpose of a shirt tail? The purpose of a shirt tail is to provide coverage and modesty, while also allowing for ease of movement, and shirts with tails are designed to be worn tucked in.
2. Are untucked shirts still in style? While the vast majority of dress shirts are manufactured to be worn tucked in, recent trends dictate a more casual approach, resorting to lightweight layering and going untucked instead.
3. How do you know if a shirt is meant to be tucked in? As a general rule, if a shirt has a straight hem, for example, a polo shirt, it is designed to be left untucked, however, if a shirt has a curved hem, for example, a business shirt, it is designed to be tucked in.

Shirt Styles and Trends

4. Is tucking in your shirt in style 2023? Tucking in your shirt is still a stylish and polished look, and can help create a more put-together appearance.
5. How do you tell if a t-shirt is for a guy or girl? Men’s shirts and T-shirts are usually cut straight and have a boxy shape, while women’s shirts and T-shirts are cut to fit the curves of the body.
6. Why is everyone tucking in their shirts? Tucking in shirts was originally done to keep them clean longer, resulting in better hygiene and a more polished presentation.

Historical Context

7. When did people stop tucking their shirts in? The practice of tucking in shirts began to change in the casual-everything, dot-com era of the late ’90s.
8. Should you tuck in a shirt with jeans? If you’re wearing jeans, brogues, and a blazer, then you’re probably going for a smarter look and should tuck in your shirt.

Fashion and Style

9. Should shirts with tails be tucked in? Shirts that are made with a flat bottom hem are meant to be worn untucked, but if the shirt has visible tails, it should always be tucked in.
10. Do you tuck in shirts with tails? Shirts that are manufactured with visible tails are always meant to be tucked in, and a simple solution would be to have your shirts custom-made to dictate the appropriate length per shirt.

Cultural and Social Context

11. Why do people half tuck their shirts? Half-tucking your shirt allows your waistline to be seen, keeps loose-fitting tops from hanging on your figure, and gives a nonchalant, casual feel.
12. Why do men wear t-shirts under dress shirts? Some males wear T-shirts under their shirts for extra warmth, to avoid wrinkles, or because they prefer the way it looks.

Individual Preferences

13. Why do people like wearing tails? Some individuals wear animal tails as a fashion statement or to show their interest in a particular fandom.
14. Why are guys wearing belly shirts? To some men, crop tops can be more than just a fashion statement, and are worn to affirm their bodies and challenge stigmas against their bodies in public spaces.

Practical Considerations

15. Why do men not tuck in shirts anymore? One important reason men no longer tuck in their shirts is because they think it camouflages a big stomach, and instead opt for a more relaxed, casual look.