Polo shirts are one of the men’s wardrobe staples. They’re versatile, work well for casual and smart casual occasions, and look more sophisticated than a regular crewneck or V-neck.

Polos are between a t-shirt and shirt as they have a collar and a few buttons, making them a favorite for business lunches, events, and golf or tennis.

But there’s one thing about this garment many guys get confused about. When do you tuck in a Polo? Don’t stress! We’ve got the answers!

The decision to tuck in a polo shirt hinges on the occasion,” advises Ryan Thompson, editor at Men’s Flair fashion magazine. “For a sharp, business-casual look, tuck it in. If you’re aiming for a laid-back vibe, leave it untucked. The key is to ensure the shirt’s length works both ways. It should be long enough to stay tucked but not so long that it looks sloppy when untucked

Pockets or No Pockets

A great clue to look for when deciding whether you should tuck your Polo in or not is the breast pocket.While you can find mens polo shirts with a pocket in most shops, pockets are generally considered unnecessary.

If you like pockets, though, simply remember that pocket Polos are considered casual, so keep them untucked. Pair them with cargo shorts, joggers, and jeans, and enjoy the comfort!

However, if you’re planning to wear a Polo for formal events, get yourself a pack of polo shirts by Fresh Clean Threads, and always have stylish and high-quality options ready!

Formal or Casual

Polo shirts are the golden middle between formal and casual, which means you can wear them in the business setting like a corporate get-together or a semi-formal cocktail party, as well as for a weekend hike with friends.

So deciding whether the occasion is formal or casual will be the determining factor of whether you should tuck your shirt in or not.

To keep it simple, remember that your Polo should always be tucked in for all formal events. It’s the same dress code as with button-down shirts – you wouldn’t wear one untucked to a business meeting, right?

If the event is less formal, you can freely wear your Polo untucked.

The Shirt Lenght

Another clue you should look for is the shirt’s length.

The classic Polo shirts have extra fabric in the back called “the tail,” which indicates that they should be tucked in. When left untucked, the “tail” and the entire shirt look awkward and sloppy, and you, of course, don’t want that.

If you’re Polo has the same length in the front and the back, you can wear it untucked or tucked in, depending on the occasion.

Pattern and Color

Let’s talk about Polo colors and patterns. While patterned Polos are not that common, remember that they only work for casual occasions.

Brightly colored Polo shirts in bold shades like purple, green, or yellow are also best reserved for casual occasions as they are too risky. It would be best to keep that purple or checkered Polo for your beach holidays or garden BBQ parties!

Neutral monochrome Polos are your best choice when it comes to business casual or smart casual occasions, and you already know you should wear them tucked in!

Your Outfit

Last but not least, always consider the particular outfit you’re wearing when deciding whether you should tuck your Polo in or not.

This factor is relevant for casual outfits only as we’ve already established that business and smart casual occasions always require tucking in.

Simply look at your bottoms! For example, if you’re wearing baggy jeans, joggers, or cargo pants, tucking your Polo in might look a little out of place. If you’re wearing chinos or straight-leg jeans, you can keep the Polo tucked in or not, depending on whether you’re looking to dress the outfit up or down.

Finally, keep in mind that you should always opt for fitted Polos that look good both tucked in or not, as oversized ones will look sloppy either way!