To Tuck or Not To Tuck? How to Style Your Lace-Up Boots

When lace-up boots and pants fight for the valuable real estate around your ankles, it can be unclear how the two pieces should share the territory. The battle leaves men everywhere wondering if they loosen their laces to allow for a tuck of their pant legs? Or cover up their boot shafts leaving them with awkward lumps and bumps around their ankles?

Wonder no more boys, we are breaking down the barriers and explaining when to tuck, untuck — or even roll your pants for the perfect way to complete your look.

The Combat Boot

For a boot that hits above your ankle and can reach well into mid-calf territory, you’re definitely going to want to tuck your pants in. Keep this restrictive boot comfortable when you wear a slim-fitting pant you can tuck in with ease. Give your leg a little breathing room when you keep your lacing loose and stopping an eyelet or two short of the top of your boot.

The Work Boot

The work boot is a chunky shoe that looks bulky when covered. Whether you are wearing it for practical purposes or just adding utilitarian style to your ensemble, let this shoe shine. With work purposes in mind, tuck your pants in to protect the hem from wear and tear. Try a too-cool-to-care look with a half tuck.

The Chukka

This shoe is too short to be tucked into — but it’s too stylish to hide under a sloppy hemline. For relaxed wear, a low-rolled skinny jean will let you show off a plush suede pair. Balance the slender silhouette created by the sleek shoe and tapered pants with a layered long-sleeve shirt and blazer. For a dressier approach to this lace-up leather boot, wear them with suit pants that will give way to a polished pair.

The Dress Boot

A dress boot is a slim-fitting option often adorned with ornamental broguing, wing-tips and additional seeming not found in other varieties of lace-ups. The shaft of this boot is too narrow to tuck pants into, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be a focal point in your outfit. Sit down and kick up your feet to let your pants give way to these smart looking boots for a sartorial surprise under a pair of dress pants. Kickin’ it casual? Roll up your denim and let these shoes be your statement piece. Pair them with flannel to dress down these naturally sophisticated shoes.

Lace-in to boots with superior style when you know whether or not to leave your pants untucked.

To tuck? Or not to tuck? That is the question -- and we have the answer.

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