The quest for the perfect casual shirt is a modern sartorial challenge. For years, men faced a common dilemma: a standard dress shirt, when left untucked, was often too long in the body and billowy in the fit, creating an unkempt, sloppy silhouette. Then, Untuckit emerged and brilliantly identified this gap in the market, championing a new category of shirts specifically designed to be worn out.
But Untuckit is no longer the only player in the game. A growing number of brands have answered the call, offering a variety of styles, fits, and price points for the discerning customer who values a clean, intentional look without the tuck. Whether you’re looking for alternatives, something more affordable, or simply want to explore your options, here’s a guide to shirts like Untuckit that you should know about.
What Makes a Shirt “Untuckable”?
Before diving into brands, it’s helpful to know what to look for. Shirts designed to be worn untucked typically share these key features:
Shorter Length: The most obvious difference. The hem falls just at or slightly below the hip bone, eliminating excess fabric.
Tailored Fit: They often have a more modern, tapered fit through the body and sides to avoid the “boxy” look.
Side Vents (or No Vents): Many feature shorter side vents or no vents at all, creating a cleaner line around the hips.
Curved Hem: The hem is frequently curved, sitting slightly higher in the front and dipping a bit longer in the back. This helps the shirt stay in place and looks more natural.
Top Brands Offering Shirts Like Untuckit
1. Vuori: For the Active Lifestyle
Vuori is renowned for its incredibly soft, performance-oriented clothing. Their Strato Tech Polo and button-downs are standout alternatives. Made from a proprietary blend that feels like a luxury cotton jersey, these shirts offer unmatched comfort, stretch, and a breathable fit. They are perfect for those who prioritize movement and a relaxed, yet put-together, California aesthetic.
2. Mizzen+Main: Performance Meets Dress
If you love the idea of a shirt that looks sharp but feels like athletic wear, Mizzen+Main is your go-to. Their Leeward Shirt and other styles are crafted from high-tech, stretchy, and moisture-wicking fabrics. They are designed to be worn untucked, resist wrinkles, and are machine washable. Ideal for travel, hot climates, or anyone who wants to bridge the gap between the office and a casual outing seamlessly.
3. Buck Mason: American Essentialism
Buck Mason focuses on perfecting timeless American staples with modern fits. Their Field Shirt and Curved Hem Tees are excellent examples. Their untuckable shirts often feature a clean, minimalist design, premium fabrics like Japanese jersey and Italian cloth, and a focus on impeccable construction. The result is a rugged, yet refined look that gets better with every wash.
4. Taylor Stitch: Built to Last
For the customer who values durability and sustainability, Taylor Stitch is a fantastic choice. Their Yosemite Shirt (a brushed flannel) and other button-downs are famously tough and made from exceptional materials. While not all are explicitly “short,” they offer a range of lengths and their “Everyday” fit is modern without being restrictive, making them easy to wear untucked. Their ethos of “democratizing quality” means you’re investing in a shirt that will last for years.
5. Public Rec: All-Day Comfort
Public Rec built its reputation on “the world’s most comfortable pants,” but their All-Day Every Day Shirt lives up to the same name. It’s crafted from a soft, stretchy fabric that is wrinkle-resistant and designed with a modern, shorter length specifically for wearing untucked. It’s a great all-purpose option that excels in comfort without sacrificing style.
6. Bonobos: The Fit Specialists
Bonobos is famous for its extensive range of fits. While they offer traditional dress shirts, their Weekday Warriors line and many casual shirts are cut with a shorter, “sportier” length intended to be worn untucked. The ability to choose from fits like “Slim,” “Tailored,” and “Standard” allows you to find the exact silhouette that works for your body type.
What About the Price? More Affordable Alternatives
The brands above often sit in a similar or slightly lower price range than Untuckit. But for those looking for a great value, two mainstream options consistently deliver:
J.Crew: Their Garment-Dyed Shirts and Untucked Slim Shirts are frequently praised. J.Crew offers classic styles, a variety of colors, and a reliable slim fit at a more accessible price point, especially when on sale.
Banana Republic: Similar to J.Crew, Banana Republic offers modern, tailored fits in their casual shirts. Keep an eye out for their Rapid Movement collection or simply look for shirts described with “short” or “modern” in the fit description.
Finding Your Perfect Fit
The rise of the untucked shirt is more than a trend; it’s a response to a demand for versatile, comfortable, and stylish clothing that fits a modern lifestyle. While Untuckit pioneered the category, the market now offers a rich landscape of alternatives.
The best shirt for you depends on your priorities:
For ultimate comfort: Vuori or Public Rec.
For performance & travel: Mizzen+Main.
For timeless quality: Buck Mason or Taylor Stitch.
For the perfect fit: Bonobos.
For great value: J.Crew or Banana Republic.
The key is to embrace the freedom of choice. Try a few brands, pay attention to the fabric content and length measurements, and find the shirt that makes you look—and feel—perfectly untucked.
