How to Tuck Without Tape

Co-authored by Megaera Lorenz, PhD

Last Updated: May 1, 2024 Fact Checked

Whether you’re transgender, transfeminine, or going for a flawless drag look, tucking is a great way to boost your confidence and hide telltale bulges. While using tape can give you an extra secure tuck, it also comes with a higher risk of health problems, like skin irritation and bladder infections. The good news is that it’s totally possible to tuck without tape. In this article, we’ll tell you how to do a safe, secure, tape-free tuck.

How to Tuck Without Tape

Pull a pair of underwear or gaff up to your thighs and gently push your testes up to the inguinal canal. Then, wrap your penis around the scrotum to secure your genitals before pulling your underwear or gaff up all the way.

1

Tuck the penis back before pulling up your undies.

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This will give you a smoother look. When you’re ready to tuck, lie down on your back and pull the penis and testicles back between your legs. You might find it helpful to have your underwear pulled partway up before you start. Use one hand to hold the penis in place while you pull your underwear the rest of the way up with your other hand.^{[1]
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- If the testicles are in the way, gently push them out to either side and position the penis between them.

2

Push up the testicles for a flatter tuck.

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This method is totally optional. However, some people find that it gives them a smoother, more secure tuck. To start, lie down on your back with your underwear or gaff pulled halfway up. Use 2 or 3 fingers to gently guide the testicles (balls) up into the inguinal canals—a pair of holes or sockets inside your body, behind your pubic bone. When you’re done, pull the penis and scrotum (ballsack) back between your legs.^{[2]
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- If it hurts or you start to feel nauseated, stop and take a break before trying again.
- The testicles may naturally pull up into the inguinal canals when you’re cold. It may help to sit in a cold bath or shower for a few minutes before you start.

3

Keep your junk in place with tight underwear.

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Sometimes a tight pair of undies is enough. Look for underwear made of a stretchy material, like spandex or nylon. To make sure you get a snug fit, start with a pair that’s 1 or 2 sizes smaller than you’d normally wear. You can layer on a second pair for an even more secure tuck.^{[3]
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- Pull your underwear up firmly to make sure everything stays in place.
- If regular underwear doesn’t give you the support you want, look for control-top briefs or shapewear. These types of underwear are made to smooth out bumps and bulges under formfitting clothing.

4

Use a gaff if you need extra support.

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A gaff is underwear designed for tucking. Look for this type of underwear online or in specialty stores that sell trans-friendly attire. Just like control briefs, gaffs are made of stretchy material and are designed to hold everything in place. However, they also offer extra support and features that you might not get from undies designed for cis women.^{[4]
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- For example, some gaffs have simulated camel toe or built-in rings to help keep your junk contained.
- You can usually buy a gaff in the same size as your regular underwear. If you’re not sure, though, check the seller’s sizing information before you buy a pair.

5

Make your own gaff with pantyhose.

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This is an affordable alternative to store-bought gaffs. To make your own gaff, cut the elastic waistband off a pair of nylons. Then, cut the cuff off of a crew sock to create a tube. Slide the elastic band from the nylons through the sock tube so that a loop of elastic sticks out on either side. The sock material will form the crotch part of your gaff, while the loops of waistband on either side will become leg holes. Tuck your junk like you normally would, then firmly pull up your homemade gaff.^{[5]
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- If you need more support, slip on a tight pair of underwear over the gaff.

6

Try a trans-friendly swimsuit.

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The right swimwear can give you a beach-ready tuck. Check out trans-friendly companies like Rebirth Garments, Rubies, Outplay, or Tomboy X to find a swimsuit designed to support your body. Tuck like you normally would, then pull up the swimsuit.^{[6]
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- You can always reinforce the tuck by wearing a tight thong or gaff under your swimsuit.

7

Put on a dance belt as a tucking alternative.

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Dance belts hide a bulge without tucking. Dance belts are designed to fit under a dancer’s form-fitting attire and keep their tights looking nice and smooth in front. These belts support your bits a little differently from a gaff. Instead of tucking the penis back, position it so it faces up, towards your belly button. The belt will keep it pressed flat against your belly. Pull the testicles forward so that they sit at the front of the belt pouch instead of back between your legs.^{[7]
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- Look for a dance belt online or at a local dance supply store.
- This is a great alternative option if you find tucking uncomfortable.

8

Adjust your tuck throughout the day.

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You might need to re-tuck from time to time. If you feel things slipping out of place, look for a private spot where you can check your tuck. Take a few moments to readjust your tuck and pull your underwear or gaff firmly back into place.^{[8]
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- This is also a good opportunity to go to the bathroom or just give your junk a chance to “breathe” a little!

9

Untuck if you start to feel pain.

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Tucking shouldn’t hurt. Pain can be a sign that your tuck is too tight or that something is getting twisted or compressed in a harmful way. If you start to feel pain or discomfort—either while you’re tucking or after you’ve been tucked for a while—stop and give yourself a break.^{[9]
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- After you tuck, always examine your genital area and look for any spots that look pale, blotchy, purple, or blue. This kind of discoloration is a sign that your tuck is too tight and has cut off blood flow to the area. If you see it, untuck right away and try again.
- To minimize the chance of hurting yourself or getting an infection, it’s best not to stay tucked for more than a few hours at a time. Take frequent breaks if you plan to stay tucked all day.
- Be careful not to tuck for too long. Staying tucked for more than a few hours at a time can increase your risk of health problems such as bladder infections, skin irritation, circulation problems, infertility, or torsion (twisting) of the testicles.^{[10]
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10

Take regular pee breaks.

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Not peeing enough puts you at risk of infections. It’s hard to pee once you’re tucked. Even when you don’t use tape, it can be a pain to untuck everything and then put it back in place again. But it’s important to go when the urge hits, so that you don’t damage your bladder or get a urinary tract infection. To minimize the risks:^{[11]
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- Go to the bathroom right before you tuck.
- Take pee breaks at least once every 3 hours, or as often as you feel the need to go.^{[12]
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- Spend time untucked as much as possible to give your body a break. For example, avoid staying tucked when you’re at home or when you’re sleeping.
- You might be tempted to drink less when you tuck so you don’t have to go as often, but drinking too little can cause dehydration. Stay healthy by drinking about 4–6 cups (0.95–1.42 L) of water per day—even when you tuck.^{[13]
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11

Be gentle when you untuck.

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If you tucked the testicles into your body, use your fingers to gently guide them back out and into the scrotum. Carefully pull the penis out from between your legs and let it rest in its normal position.

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Question

Is this for FTM or MTF?

Sy Yusuf

Community Answer

This is for MtF, Transfeminine, and other AMABs (assigned male at birth) that are experiencing their feminine side. It is not for FtM.

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What if I get an erection?

Wyatt Hayes

Community Answer

If you get an erection, try to take a break from tucking and wait a little while. Then try again, and do not think about anything sexual.

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Warnings

Even when you’re not using tape, tucking comes with some health risks. Stop tucking and see your doctor if you experience symptoms like pain in your genitals, skin irritation, or symptoms of a bladder infection (such as pain when you pee, blood in your urine, or a fever).^{[14]
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