Should the tzitzit be visible?

It's a question everyone who wears tzitzit runs into: should the strings be out and visible, or can you tuck them in? The answer isn't one-size-fits-all, and it depends on the tradition you come from. Here is a clear look at the main views.

The basis: “and you shall see it”

The discussion begins with the verse itself: “and you shall see it and remember all the commandments of the Lord.” Some learned from here that seeing is part of the point: for the tzitzit to remind you of the mitzvot, it helps to be able to see it. From this grows the view that the strings should be visible.

The Ashkenazi tradition: wear them out

The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim, siman 8) writes that one should wear the tzitzit over one's other garments, so they are always seen and bring the mitzvot to mind. The Mishnah Berurah reinforces this, and strongly objects to tucking the strings into one's pants: he compares it to a slight, like someone who received a signed gift from a king and hides it away. So the common Ashkenazi custom is to leave the strings out.

Kabbalah and the Sephardic custom: tuck them in

On the other hand, according to Kabbalah, the Arizal wore his tzitzit beneath his garments. Many Sephardim follow this: a tallit katan under the shirt, with the strings tucked in. Rav Ovadia Yosef ruled that this is how Sephardim should act, tucking the tzitzit in, except in exceptional cases. So for a large part of the nation, covering them is actually the proper custom, and it's striking that the author of the Shulchan Aruch was himself Sephardic.

So which is right?

As with many matters in Judaism, there isn't one “right” for everyone, but rather a custom. An Ashkenazi will generally follow the Shulchan Aruch and Mishnah Berurah (out), and a Sephardi the Arizal and Rav Ovadia (in). Both paths are well-founded and legitimate, and each rests on great halachic authorities. The simple rule: follow the custom of your family and your rabbi.

And that's exactly why we designed internal pockets

Whether you wear them out or tuck them in, we wanted you to be able to keep the mitzvah comfortably and without the strings tangling. The internal pockets in AMEN shirts let you choose: leave the fringes out as your custom has it, or tuck them neatly in. The garment respects both traditions, and the decision stays yours.

Important note: this article is a general overview, not a halachic ruling. For any practical question, consult your rabbi.