What is tucking?  

• Tucking is moving the penis, testicles, or both out of the way.
• The goal of tucking is to make the underwear area look smoother.  
• Tucking can be done in multiple ways.  
• Tucking can reduce any concerns you have about your body, how your clothes fit and how safe you feel in public spaces.
• People of all genders can tuck.

Why do some people tuck?

• Tucking can help relieve gender dysphoria or make you feel better about your body.
• Tucking can make wearing some shorts, skirts, pants, and swimsuits more comfortable.
• Swimsuits with skirt bottoms may work best.  
• Tucking can help you feel more comfortable in different situations. 

How can I tuck?

• You can tuck with control briefs.  
  • These are made of strong elastic material.
    • Spanx is a common brand name.  
    • You may see labels like “tummy control” or “shapewear” on them.  
  • Pull yourself toward the back between your legs and pull the control briefs up snugly.  
  • You might have to readjust throughout the day.  
  • Some people prefer buying a size smaller than usual.
  • Another option is cutting the legs off a pair of panty hose and wearing them like control briefs. 
• You can tuck with underwear (undies).
  • Pull yourself toward the back between your legs and pull the underwear up snugly.
    • Low waist/ “hipster” styles do not work as well.  
    • If you try this under control briefs, it might cause irritation and discomfort.  
• You can tuck by taping.
  • Wrap medical tape around the shaft of your penis and pull it down toward the back.  
    • Use more tape to secure.  
  • Taping could make it painful to sit.  
  • Medical tape is less painful to remove than any regular tape but will loosen up when wet.  
  • Be sure to read the section below on safety.  
• You can wear Gaffs to tuck.  
  • Gaffs are worn like underwear and made of strong elastic material to hold things in place.  
  • You should consider buying a wider size so that you can tuck everything away.  
• You can wear a VEE String to tuck.  
  • Vee Strings are like gaffs but are made of latex rubber and the outside looks like a vagina.

Can I make tucking more comfortable?

• Trimming and/or shaving your pubic hair helps with tucking.  
  • Use a sharp razor and shaving cream or soap to avoid irritation.

What do I need to do to keep myself safe when I tuck?

• It is not possible to urinate while taped.  
  • So, use the bathroom to empty your bladder prior to taping.
  • But do not avoid drinking water, your body needs to stay hydrated.  
• Remaining taped for longer than 4-8 hours causes irritation, discomfort, and pain while urinating. Try not to tuck every day for the entire day.  Be sure to take breaks.  
• If any part of the tucking procedure is uncomfortable, you should not do this.
• Duct tape is not recommended for tucking as it can tear hair, skin and cause rashes or irritation.
  • If you must use duct tape, remember to shave before taping.  
    • Shaving 24 hours ahead is best.  
  • Soak in a warm bath prior to removal of duct tape to cause less irritation or damage to sensitive skin.

When to contact your healthcare team:  

• You should contact your primary care provider if you have any questions about tucking.
• Please schedule an office visit if you have pain with peeing or emptying your bladder.  
• Call your primary care provider for an appointment if you have a new rash or a fever. 

Information was adapted from Handout created by Callen-Lorde, New York NY  

@callenlorde

Written by LGBTQ Task force. Reviewed by Rady Childrens Hospital Gender Affirming Care Clinic.

Edited by: TT, D.O. | 08/2024