How To Choose The Right Undershirt Color (2024)

There could be a problem with your undershirt

If you're like some guys, you wouldn't wear a dress shirt without an undershirt worn proudly underneath. While we won't debate the pros and cons here, there's something you need to know: color matters. Even though undershirts are normally completely covered with clothing, they have a nasty habit of showing up when you don't even know it.

Choosing the right undershirt color

Most guys wear white undershirts and don't look back. Whether you prefer the low profile tank-top style, a v-neck, or crew-neck, the color matters. Here's why: have you ever worn a crisply ironed, white poplin dress shirt? No matter your skin color, that white undershirt's outline is going to show right through the fabric of your dress shirt. It's not a great look, yet lots of guys try to get away with it.

The solution. Wear heather-grey undershirts when you wear white dress shirts. It's that simple. You can keep wearing white undershirts with all other shirts if you wish, but switching to grey will keep that undershirt totally hidden under your classic, white dress shirts. Not only will you look great, but you'll feel confident knowing that you shirt is showing its best self.

How To Choose The Right Undershirt Color (2024)

FAQs

How To Choose The Right Undershirt Color? ›

This will prevent it from bunching up and creating an unflattering look. Yes, a traditional white cotton undershirt is a classic choice, but try to pick an undershirt that matches your skin tone as closely as possible, so it won't show through your dress shirt.

What color should your undershirt be? ›

DON'T Wear White or Black Undershirts

Forget white. In an ideal world, your undershirt should match the color of your skin, or it should be darker such as heather grey, so you do not see the outline of the undershirt on top of the shirt.

Is a grey undershirt better than a white? ›

So a white undershirt doesn't blend in under light colors or lightweight materials. instead, it is extra visible and can downgrade your whole look. A better choice for dress shirts with light colors is to choose a light grey undershirt. This color is less visible and blends more naturally.

How to choose an undershirt? ›

Find the Right Fit

Traditional undershirts are close-fitting to the body, with smaller armholes so they invisibly (and comfortably) fit under clothes. A slim-fit undershirt is a good alternative if you wear more form-fitting clothes. Pro tip: Choose tagless undershirts to eliminate unsightly bunching and itchiness.

What color undershirt to wear under suit? ›

Yes, undershirts are not just white. For those with a lighter skin tone, white is the right choice, however, a heather gray color will be more invisible on darker skin tones. If you are going for the casual open collar look, sans tie, a v neck undershirt is the way to go.

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 do you match undershirts? ›

Yes, a traditional white cotton undershirt is a classic choice, but try to pick an undershirt that matches your skin tone as closely as possible, so it won't show through your dress shirt. Lastly, make sure to select a neckline that works well with your dress shirt collar so it doesn't show above it.

What color undershirt does the army wear? ›

DA PAM 670-1 20-32 e.

specifies that the undershirt color is Tan 499 (coyote) and is a cotton-knit or a cotton-poly blend with quarter-length sleeves and a crew-neck, or of similar design. Tan 499 is a coyote color with a slight green tint to it.

What color does not show under a white shirt? ›

Red. It might sound counter-intuitive, but many women have found that red-colored bras are effective in achieving an invisible look under white tees. There's a science behind it–skin naturally has red undertones, which allows red bras to contrast perfectly with the skin.

What color undershirt for a white jersey? ›

For a seamless, professional appearance under a white shirt, choose an undershirt in a shade close to your skin tone. This minimizes visibility under the white fabric, giving the illusion of bare skin. However, if you prefer a more casual look, opt for a classic heather gray undershirt.

Why is it called a wife beater? ›

Some theories date the name back as far as medieval times, when the thin, chainmail undershirt that soliders wore were called 'waif beaters'. While others pin it to a 1947 headline that called a Detroit man, who had beaten his wife to death, wearing a stained undershirt a “wife beater”.

Is it OK to not wear an undershirt? ›

It's certainly fine not to wear an undershirt – it's really a matter of personal preference. There are definitely some drawbacks of not wearing one, though. If you run hot, you might sweat directly into your clothes, which can cause some odor or sweat stains.

Should undershirts be tight or loose? ›

You don't want it to be too tight as you will feel constricted. You also don't want it to be too loose as that will cause excessive bunching, making you look sloppy. An undershirt should fit snug enough like a glove, and with small armholes. It should also be long enough to stay tucked in.

When to wear a grey undershirt? ›

Wear heather-grey undershirts when you wear white dress shirts. It's that simple. You can keep wearing white undershirts with all other shirts if you wish, but switching to grey will keep that undershirt totally hidden under your classic, white dress shirts.

Can you wear a black undershirt with a grey suit? ›

A grey suit black shirt combination retains much of the elegance and style of a traditional suit look while adding a dash of daring and drama to the mix. Used well, it can be a surprisingly versatile component of your wardrobe, too.

What color undershirt to wear with black? ›

For a classic and timeless combination, opt for a white undershirt. This creates a clean and crisp aesthetic that complements the black shirt perfectly. If you want to add a touch of sophistication, consider wearing a black undershirt for a monochromatic look.

What color undershirt to wear under white? ›

No matter your skin color, that white undershirt's outline is going to show right through the fabric of your dress shirt. It's not a great look, yet lots of guys try to get away with it. The solution. Wear heather-grey undershirts when you wear white dress shirts.

Is it OK for your undershirt to show? ›

Avoid showing the lines of your undershirt or revealing the top when you wear your shirt unbuttoned. The visible fabric breaks the smooth visual line that you want to create between your head and toes. If you leave your collar unbuttoned, opt for a deep v-neck undershirt.

What color undershirt to wear with navy? ›

Blue suits, especially navy, are chosen as they can be worn with any color shirt, white being a classic choice. A blue suit with white shirt will make you look clean and polished when it is paired with or without a tie. Try a white patterened shirt if you want to stand out.

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