A stupid question re: dress shirts

[walked]

I work in an environment which allows for, but does not dictate that I dress at any particular level from day-to-day. (Information Technology, if you must know, very flexible dress code).

Over the years, I've come to appreciate dressing a bit nicer (not fantastic, but above the common polo shirt and jeans that most I work with wear). Unfortunately, I grew up and was never given a terrible lot of guidance on professional dress, and proper ins-and-outs.

I've run into a problem, where the dress shirt I'm wearing will become less tucked in the back, and leave my backside of the shirt very very "poofy", resulting in an unprofessional image and wrinkles in short order.

Any suggestions? The first thing I considered was posture, but after watching this for a number of days, I found that I've not been slouching, and sure enough - I slowly see the same issue again. I'm happy to hear any ideas - I know I'm all out.

Embarrassing question to say the least, but I'd rather get an answer here than keep looking like an idiot :)

[Ceezer]

I've always assumed that happened from getting in and out of your chair, and general shifting about where the seat back catches and tugs at the material of your shirt.

Are you wearing a belt? I can't stand the look of a shirt tucked in with no belt, but I know there are people who do it.

[danek]

I'm guessing that you are probably bending at the waist, or lifting objects, or sliding back and forth in your chair, etc. that makes your shirt rise up.

I don't have any great solution for you. The only solution that I can come up with is: In formal settings, an elastic band is often worn low on the hips, like a belt, over the top of the shirt, but under the pants to keep the shirt properly tucked in. Perhaps you can try one of these; should be available at your local formal wear shop?

[walked]

Thanks for the thoughts, I do wear a belt and I do move around a bit, but not a horrible ton on most days. I guess its the nature of the beast, but more insight is definitely welcome.

Hmph.

[RichGem]

Two words: shirt garters

[Leatherneck]

Two words: shirt garters

+1 When I was an MP were them to keep our uniforms tight and sharp. :thumbup1:

kev

[walked]

Shirt garters look like what I'm in need of!

Thank you for the suggestion, I grealy appreciate it. :)

[jwhite]

First if you're starching your shirts stop it, this causes the shirt to want to maintain its shape and will promote wrinkles without a jacket. Check to see if your shirts drape naturally over the skin. You can do this simply buy draping loosely over the arm. Does it lay smoothly over the arm or does it appear stiff and somewhat rigid. This should help with that ballooning with sharp wrinkles problem. Lastly when you dress, after you have tucked in your shirt, raise your arms high over your head. This should crate enough slack that you can move freely without pulling on the waist.:thumbup1:

[Austin]

You may consider fitted shirts. The cut is closer to the body. This works really well with slim gents.

[Doc4]

Even the 'bending' involed in sitting in a chair and standing up will lead to some "poofiness", and one good bend-down-to-tie-your-shoes will give you a good poof.

You may have more shirting material than you need. Most 'standard' dress shirts are made so as to be "wearable" (meaning "not too small to fit") by all but the most morbidly obese. IF you are a realitvely fit and active chap, you would do well to consider "slim fit" shirts ... cut for a slimmer figure, they reduce the amound of fabric available for that unwanted "poof".

Experiment with different brands in the store before buying, since they all fit differently ... some much slimmer than others.

[thebikingengineer]

Go custom. The shirt will fit you very well while minimizing any potential poofiness. They can be had for ~$50-70 each and are a solid investment in your personal appearance.

[Cuttingboard]

You could tuck your shirt in your underwear...:thumbup:

[Jim]

Lower rise slacks can contribute to the problem.

[ClubmanRob]

All good suggestions. I have the same problem- if I'm not wearing a fitted shirt I look like the Michelin Man. I'm young enough to pull off not tucking in a dress shirt, which I do unless I'm wearing a suit jacket or a fitted shirt.

[airplanedoc]

Wear a jacket, Just kidding


I have that problem, sometimes as well. I just swing thru the restroom and tuck my shirt back in a couple of times a day in my travells around the office.

[D.Irving79]

ive seen lots and lots of high power guys in public with the same thing going on. i wouldnt worry about it. just make it look good :biggrin:

[Blondie]

Somebody may have already gotten to this, but here is what we used in the USMC:

http://www.omahas.com/product_info.php?cPath=7_139&products_id=295&osCsid=chmag9bpn3ncqjui0imn720h83

[DunEdinRanger]

How tall are you? Maybe you need longer shirts?


Somebody may have already gotten to this, but here is what we used in the USMC:

http://www.omahas.com/product_info.php?cPath=7_139&products_id=295&osCsid=chmag9bpn3ncqjui0imn720h83

What if the garter's SNAP! :confused:

[Kirenaaz]

What if the garter's SNAP! :confused:

You hope they go down instead of up, or at least hope it doesn't hit anything... vital. :lol:

[DSB]

You may consider fitted shirts. The cut is closer to the body. This works really well with slim gents.

I was thinking the same thing. I like the fitted shirts from Lands End. The arm holes are cut closer to your arm pits, so raising your arms does not result in the shirt becoming untucked. Given the amount of moving around you do during the day, this may help.

Are you slim, or a bit heavier?

[walked]

I'm a tad bit larger, but not obese or "large" - just not slender.

I'm going to try some suggestions, and take one of my shirts by a tailor to see if that improves anything.

I just received a job offer that dictates professional dress as it stands, so now - this is of real concern, and not just a matter of choice :)

[Cuttingboard]

Congrats on the job offer!!

Charles Tyrwhitt shirts have longer tails in the back and their having a nice sale right now, 3 shirts for $149. Linky (http://www.ctshirts.co.uk/ym-9ISBB1/default.aspx?ppp=12&sortBy=&page=1&back=False&progrpcode=9ISBB1&cm_mmc=Email-_-01/09/2009-_-US-_-Logo)

[Suzuki]

While fitted shirts may be an option depending on your body type, if you're somewhere between the Michelin Man and buff, any decent tailor can take in a shirt to remove excess material for a reasonable fee.

[Doc4]

I'm a tad bit larger, but not obese or "large" - just not slender.

I'm going to try some suggestions, and take one of my shirts by a tailor to see if that improves anything.

I just received a job offer that dictates professional dress as it stands, so now - this is of real concern, and not just a matter of choice :)

Congrats on the job ... of course, if that means you have to (or "get to" :wink:) wear a suit or sports jacket at work, the poofiness is covered up, and problem solved.

A lot of the different brands of "fitted shirts" are designed to fit guys in your description ... Tyrwhitt probably fits your description for example. It's the really "fashion-y" fashion houses (Dolce & Gabanna &c no doubt) that make shirts that closely fit model-skinny guys.

[Tom C]

The type of fabric can make a difference in how well a shirt stays tucked in. From my experience, a finer and smoother broadcloth weave may come untucked more readily than coarser oxford fabric. Also, starched shirts have a certain slickness that lend themselves to sliding, although they do look great.

[radiomantodd]

I've encountered the same problem.... its most definately my chair at the office that does it. My chair at home doesn't at all. One is cloth, the other is leather.

Anyway, at the office, its pretty much standard that I'll give a quick tuck as soon as I stand up... and 2-3 times a day I'm in the restroom to give a full proper redress. I know Dockers makes some pants with "shirt stopper" or something inside the waste band that is meant to keep shirts from slipping out. I have one pair and it works ok. But I only wear Dockers maybe twice a month....

[DunEdinRanger]

Are you slim, or a bit heavier?

That's the nicest way I heard anyone get asked, "Are you fat?" :lol:


While fitted shirts may be an option depending on your body type, if you're somewhere between the Michelin Man and buff, any decent tailor can take in a shirt to remove excess material for a reasonable fee.

I think I resemble that remark,

You may want a bit of "poofiness" as a shiled in case you have to engage in a rubber band war. Just saying...:tongue_sm

[RoyalKooparillo]

I used to have a similar problem. Fitted shirts were the solution. Can't recommend fitted, non-iron Brooks Brothers shirts highly enough.

[galopede]

When I was younger, longer ago that I care to mention, most tidy trousers had a rubbery band around the inside of the waistband, to keep your shirt in. Looking through my current wardrobe, there is only one pair with this.

Why did they stop this? More profit I guess.

Gareth

[Cuttingboard]

Can't recommend fitted, non-iron Brooks Brothers shirts highly enough.

Ditto...very good and worth the price!!!