Do I need an undershirt under a dress shirt? (2024)

Your dress shirts are probably some of the nicest clothing you own, so if there’s a way to give them longevity, do it. Enter: The undershirt. Sweat stains and body oils can take your dress shirt from sharp to so-so in a hot minute, but adding an undershirt will keep your dress shirt fresh and refined all day long.

Here are our top tips for wearing an undershirt the right way.

Do I need an undershirt under a dress shirt? (1)

Choose Thin and Close-Fitting Undershirts

Your go-to everyday tee need not apply for this position. Invest in a true undershirt, a garment designed only to be worn under other shirts. It should fit close to your body so it lays smoothly and feels relatively fitted but not constricting. An undershirt with some spandex in the fabric can also give you more ease of movement. Finally, be sure your undershirt is long enough to stay tucked in; you don’t want any bunching or rolling to ruin your look.

Choose a Neckline Based on the Collar Type

Crewnecks for Buttoned-up Shirts and Ties

The neckline of your undershirt shouldn’t be visible under your dress shirt, so stick to crewnecks when you’re wearing your shirt buttoned up with a tie. Look for crewnecks with necklines that don’t gape and lay flat for a clean, smooth look.

V-necks for Open Collars

Planning on dressing down your dress shirt or taking off your tie for post-work drinks? Opt for a V-neck undershirt if you’re loosening a button or two. Since the idea is for an undershirt to remain unseen, a V-neck lets you sport that more relaxed look with the same overall coverage.

A White Undershirt Isn’t Your Only Option

White undershirts for workwear are the core of many a man’s undershirt drawer because they’re easily available and easily bleached to get rid of sweat stains. Other colors, like grey, charcoal and black can work well under your darker dress shirts, too.

Looking to add new undershirts to your basics lineup? Not to worry. Take your style quiz and check out your Extras shop when you schedule a Fix. Shipping and returns are on us. Easy peasy.

By: Jennifer D.

September 14, 2018

Do I need an undershirt under a dress shirt? (2024)

FAQs

Do I need an undershirt under a dress shirt? ›

Managing Sweat: An undershirt can be a lifesaver if you tend to sweat more, especially under pressure. It absorbs sweat effectively, preventing unsightly marks on your dress shirt and ensuring you remain fresh and confident throughout your day.

Is it unprofessional to not wear an undershirt? ›

Is It Okay Not to Wear an Undershirt? Absolutely! It's a personal choice. If you don't struggle with sweat or prefer not to add an extra layer, you can skip the undershirt.

Why do guys wear undershirts under dress shirts? ›

One of the most important roles of an undershirt is to keep you and your dress shirt dry. You want a best seller undershirt with excellent sweat-wicking qualities to keep you comfortable and dry and avoid ugly sweat stains when you aren't wearing a blazer. Additional technology for cooling is an added benefit.

Do I need to wear an undershirt with a suit? ›

For increased warmth and thermal insulation, you'll need to wear an undershirt with your suit. When the temperature begins to drop, a traditional suit outfit may fail to keep you warm. An undershirt adds another layer to your suit outfit, allowing you to stay warm throughout the otherwise cold weather.

How important is an undershirt? ›

Undershirts provide an absorbency layer that can catch sweat before it seeps through onto your outerwear. Some undershirts, in fact, are designed to do just that. They are made from special materials that can absorb moisture, wick it away from your body, and still keep your outerwear dry.

Do most guys wear undershirts? ›

Whether you choose to wear an undershirt or not is entirely down to personal preference. Some men may have grown up wearing undershirts and can't imagine dressing without one. Other men prefer to go without. Whichever you choose, it has to be right for you.

Why is it called a wife beater? ›

The term wife-beater reportedly became synonymous for an undershirt after a 1947 criminal case where a Detroit man was arrested for beating his wife to death, and newspapers printed a photo of the "wife beater" wearing a stained undershirt.

Why do men wear undershirts in summer? ›

Wearing an undershirt in hot weather can be a smart and practical choice for men who want to stay cool, dry, and well-dressed, no matter what the weather brings…. and get that extra bit of confidence and feeling great throughout the day no matter what you're doing.

Do men tuck in their undershirts? ›

Tucking your undershirt, crew neck or a-shirt, into your underwear creates a streamlined silhouette, giving a more polished fit. Notably eliminating any bunching or bulging that may occur when the undershirt is left untucked.

What are the rules for undershirt wearing? ›

Undershirt Rules to Live By
  • DON'T let them show unless they are hiding chest hair, tattoos, or other marks.
  • The shirt should be thin, fit closely to your torso, and have a bit of stretch.
Oct 22, 2019

How to stop nipples showing through a dress shirt? ›

You can select an undershirt color that either matches your shirt's color or blends with your skin tone. Alternatively, you can opt for a universal undershirt color—gray. This dark shade will hide your nipples, and it can be worn under light-colored shirts, including white.

What was the original purpose of an undershirt? ›

The original purpose was to protect our outer clothing from touching the body, to protect the wearer's skin from scratchy outerwear and to keep outer layers clean. This is because regular bathing and washing did not become common until the 18th century.

What shirt is called a wife beater? ›

A “wife beater” is a slang term often used to refer to a type of men's sleeveless undershirt or tank top. It is usually associated with frequent appearances on television and in movies, where certain characters, often portraying aggressive or abusive behaviour, are depicted wearing them.

Should you wear an undershirt in summer? ›

So there is a lot to be said for undershirts in winter – but what about in summer? Here too, we strongly recommend an undershirt! Firstly, the additional layer of fabric next to your body can absorb perspiration before it becomes visible on your clothing.

Do undershirts make you look better? ›

The downside of dress shirts is that they are often semi-transparent, meaning that you might be showing a bit more skin than you intended. That's not a good look, and undershirts can prevent that extra exposure from happening.

Is it cooler to wear an undershirt? ›

The Good News. According to the best medical authorities, a cotton undershirt will indeed keep you cooler while serving as a barrier between any perspiration and your dress shirt.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Van Hayes

Last Updated:

Views: 5979

Rating: 4.6 / 5 (66 voted)

Reviews: 89% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Van Hayes

Birthday: 1994-06-07

Address: 2004 Kling Rapid, New Destiny, MT 64658-2367

Phone: +512425013758

Job: National Farming Director

Hobby: Reading, Polo, Genealogy, amateur radio, Scouting, Stand-up comedy, Cryptography

Introduction: My name is Van Hayes, I am a thankful, friendly, smiling, calm, powerful, fine, enthusiastic person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.