tuck or untuck

At a recent party, I found myself surrounded by middle-aged guys -- nearly all with their shirts untucked.

Ordinarily this display of untuckiness doesn’t phase me. After all, my day job as a creative means I often wear shirts tailored to be untucked. Standard issue for creative directors (along with the black turtleneck and ironic t-shirt). And among the creatives at the agency, there are many kinds of free-flowing garments. So the notion of tucking is seen as restricting the kind of freethinking our clients pay for, the belt viewed as a tool of The Man (and/or account services). If this were an analogies test, it might be represented as follows: Tuck is to inside the box as untuck is to _________ the box.

But this birthday bash wasn’t at the agency. And I wasn't surrounded by creatives. I was at a polite and subdued gathering, mixing it up with accountants, financial managers, federal officials, corporals of industry. All were sporting a variety of shirts – from dress to oxford button down to tailored. And nearly all were eschewing the polish and finish of the tuck, choosing to let their sartorial guard and shirt tail down.

Perhaps I was witnessing the proverbial letting down of the hair on a Saturday night. Maybe even a defiance of middle-aged expectations, a mild flash of rebellion against the belted system. Or was something larger going on here. A small symbol, a manifestation of the recognition that our economic system, society and way of life is on the brink of utter chaos and those who have toed the party line for years are finally fed up. “Screw this. I’m wearing my shirt OUT!”

Regardless, ever since that party, I’ve been tuned in to the number of adult males choosing the untucked style.

There would seem to be many variables at play in determining whether or not one’s shirt is tucked in. A few that come to mind include the setting (ballgame or office), the pants (slacks vs. jeans), and one’s body style (does the tuck or untuck flatter).
It would seem to me the chief factor, though, is the style of shirt. Is it created to be worn out or in?

I’m no authority on this matter, though. And, frankly, as a mixed tucker myself, I welcome the guidance of others – if not the establishment of some tucklaws (thanks to KO for that designation).

So weigh in on this matter, please.
(And join in the conversation and observations on Twitter @TuckOrUntuck.)