How Do Drag Queens Tuck? Learn to Hide It Like a Pro

Have you ever been epiglottis-deep in a bottomless mimosa drag brunch and wondered, “How do drag queens tuck their junk?” Well, in the immortal words of the illustrious drag performer Trinity the Tuck: “Go tuck yourself.”

But before you do that, you’ll need some tips and tricks to keep your giblets high and tight. And although the best way to learn is a masterclass from the Tuck Master General herself, this guide is the next best thing.

What is tucking, and how does it work?

Tucking involves pulling back your penis and scrotum to make an otherwise girthy mound look smoother than a Ken doll. Hiding genitals in this way is often done to give a more “feminine” appearance, meaning you’re turning that bulbous bulge of yours into something that not even the tightest gray sweatpants could reveal.

Here’s what’s neat about hiding the meat: It’s not just for drag queens or an Arby’s-themed speakeasy. A transgender woman might feel like tucking is gender-affirming or helps her feel more confident when wearing tight, feminine clothing. It’s a common practice that allows both drag queens and trans women to look their best in specific outfits.

How do drag queens tuck?

So, how does tucking work? You’ll find a handful of methods to hide your handful. Regardless of how you go about it, you should follow a few relatively universal steps to tuck like your favorite badass drag queen.

1. Preparation

The preparation stage is about having your mise en place, meaning you’ll want to keep your tucking accessories nearby. Supplies could include everything from tucking tape to a shot of bourbon if you need a bit of liquid courage for your first time. You’ll also want to be well-shaved and rockin’ a flaccid member — tucking a metal rod is significantly more challenging than an unfilled water balloon.

2. Positioning

Your next objective is to assess how you want to position your junk before the tuck. The biggest and ballsiest step in this part of the tucking process is pushing your balls back up into your body. (This is also why newbies will want the bourbon close by).

You’ll tuck your tater tots into a space in your pelvis called the inguinal canal. It sounds scary and might be uncomfortable the first few times, but it surprisingly doesn’t (and shouldn’t) hurt. 

3. Tape application

OK, we’re making terrific progress here. Now is the time to take your tape — which should be sports or hypoallergenic — and apply it.

Start by wrapping your penis with a piece of tissue paper or soft cotton to keep it comfy. Then, tear off a strip of tape long enough to pull both your penis and scrotum up between your legs and stick them to your butt. Apply the tape in front, pull everything and the kitchen sink back, and secure it to the small of your back.

4. Adjustment

How does everything look and feel? If you’re not confident your tape will hold, now is the time to make any adjustments or add additional strips of tape to further fortify your tuck.

The first few times you tuck, you probably won’t hear “Condragulations! You’re the winner of this week’s challenge.” But with enough gumption and practice, tucking will become second nature.

Alternative technique: Using gaffs

For those who nearly passed out reading our directions above, we’ve got some good news: Salami origami isn’t the only way to achieve the smoothness you’re after. You can use a gaff (aka tucking underwear) instead — basically, a tight pair of underwear that will hold everything in place and flatten an otherwise beefy bulge. A gaff is an excellent alternative if you can’t bring yourself to use tucking tape.

Alternative technique: Layering underwear

Maybe you’re not in the market to buy specialized equipment like a gaff. You better believe we have another way to win the battle of the bulge: layering underwear.

Try this with cotton underwear, but avoid spandex, as it can irritate your skin (and she’s probably already pretty aggravated). Whichever kind you use, ensure it’s tight-fitting so everything lays flat. Don’t be afraid to use as many layers as you need to get the desired effect.

Additional tips

Listen closely. These tips on how to tuck just might save your tip:

Treating discomfort or sweat

You want to keep the skin cool and dry — arguably an uphill battle, considering genitals are located in the bodily equivalent of the bayou. But you can prevent discomfort by not staying tucked too long, ideally no more than eight hours. Use the proper technique and adjust the tuck until it feels comfortable (and don’t be afraid to readjust, either).

Have you ever dredged chicken in flour before frying? You can apply the same technique to your own rooster. Use powders that absorb or wick away moisture before tucking.

Tucking safely

Let’s be honest: Tucking isn’t exactly a super safe practice. But you can absolutely make it much safer by taking care of yourself and using the right supplies (e.g., medical tape rather than duct tape). Remember to pee before you tuck (going to the bathroom tucked is a nightmare), stay hydrated while you’re out and about, and untuck carefully — lest you tear yourself a new one.

And if you can get away with not tucking by wearing a flowy dress, that’s often a much more desirable route. (Unless you’re doing a Britney number — then, your hands are tied.)

Avoiding prolonged tucking

As previously mentioned, mushing your peas for more than a few minutes is relatively uncomfortable. Take it too far, and you’re moving into the danger zone. Prolonged tucking can have profound health implications that can affect the function of your unction junction.

There are certainly some occasions where tucking can make you feel empowered and affirmed. Still, if that comes at the cost of your well-being, it’s time to reconsider your methods.