Untucked shirts have become a staple in modern casual wardrobes, offering a relaxed yet refined look. But not all untucked shirts are created equal. When you’re shopping for one, it’s important to look beyond style and color. The real indicators of quality lie in the stitching, fabric, and fit. Here’s how to identify a high-quality untucked shirt that’s worth your investment.
1. Precision in Stitching: Clean, Tight, and Consistent
One of the easiest ways to distinguish a premium untucked shirt from a mediocre one is by examining its stitching.
What to Look For:
- Tight, even stitches with no loose threads or gaps.
- Double stitching in high-stress areas like the shoulders, cuffs, and side seams.
- Clean seam finishes, such as French seams or flat-felled seams, which indicate craftsmanship and durability.
High-quality stitching ensures the shirt holds its shape over time and resists fraying or unraveling—even after multiple washes.
2. Premium Fabric: Softness, Strength, and Breathability
The fabric of an untucked shirt doesn’t just affect how it feels—it also determines how it looks and performs throughout the day.
Signs of Good Fabric:
- Natural fibers like cotton, linen, or a cotton-linen blend are breathable and soft on the skin.
- High thread count fabrics often feel smoother and last longer.
- Pre-washed or garment-washed fabrics help prevent shrinkage and give the shirt a softer, broken-in feel.
Avoid synthetic-heavy blends, which can trap heat and feel stiff. Quality fabric should drape well, resist excessive wrinkling, and feel pleasant against your skin.
3. The Right Fit: Tailored Yet Comfortable
Untucked shirts are meant to look casual, but they should still follow the lines of your body without appearing baggy or oversized.
Ideal Fit Characteristics:
- A hemline that falls mid-fly, not too long like a dress shirt, and not so short it rides up.
- A tailored torso that provides shape without clinging.
- Proper sleeve length, ending just at the wrist for long sleeves or halfway down the bicep for short sleeves.
- A flattering shoulder seam, aligned right where your shoulder ends.
Some brands specialize in shirts that are specifically cut to be worn untucked—these often offer the best fit out of the box.
4. Additional Quality Markers
If you really want to get into the details, here are a few extra things to check:
- Mother-of-pearl or branded buttons (as opposed to generic plastic ones).
- Pattern alignment across pockets and seams for plaid or striped shirts.
- Collar structure that holds its shape without a tie.
Conclusion
A great untucked shirt combines thoughtful stitching, quality fabric, and a spot-on fit. By paying attention to these three main pillars—along with a few bonus signs of craftsmanship—you can ensure you’re buying a shirt that looks sharp, feels great, and lasts for years. Whether you’re dressing for brunch or business casual Fridays, a high-quality untucked shirt will always be a wardrobe win.
