Why Men Wear Undershirts (2024)

Have you ever sat back and wondered, "why do guys wear undershirts?" If so, you're not alone. It's just not something people talk about very much.

However, undershirts have some very important purposes, some of which you may already be familiar with. Others just might surprise you.

In fact, the undershirt is one of the most versatile and crucial parts of every man's wardrobe.

Here's everything you need to know about why men wear undershirts.

Why Men Wear Undershirts (1)

Why Do Men Wear Undershirts?

There are quite a few practical reasons men wear undershirts.

Some wear them just because it completes the outfit, or because they were told they are supposed to.

But most men choose undershirts because they are comfortable, they protect their clothes, and they smooth and cover up imperfections.

1. They Are Comfortable

The first and most common reason men wear undershirts, assuming you pick the correct one, is that they are soft and comfortable.

Soft undershirts can help protect your skin from an itchy or rough dress shirt.

If your current undershirt isn't buttery soft, you are either wearing the wrong type of undershirt, or just might be wearing a t-shirt.

Don't be fooled—they (undershirts & t-shirts) are not the same thing. It is important to remember that an undershirt is an underwear, while a tee is outerwear.

2. They Regulate Your Temperature

Although a quality dress shirt can feel good directly on your skin, wearing an undershirt can also help regulate your temperature.

Depending on the type of undershirt you have, it will either keep you warm in the winter or cool in the summer.

In short, when you choose the proper one, undershirts serve the crucial purpose of helping keep your body temperature regulated.

If you work in an office that constantly has the air conditioner cranked on high and know you will be cold, choose a thicker undershirt to add a bit more warmth.

If you foresee a day with a lot of activity or with higher temperatures and the possibility of sweating, choose an absorbent undershirt that is extra-breathable. You will also need a shirt that lets the air flow freely through the material so your body temperature remains stable and comfortable.

You need to choose an undershirt made from fabrics designed for your needs or for the current season.

Best Undershirts for Hot Weather

When you buy an undershirt in the summertime, you need to pick out breathable and lightweight fabrics.

Choosing undershirts with superior moisture-wicking and moisture-absorbing yarns will help you stay cool all day long. This means you will stay comfortable and dry for hours, even if you're wearing a suit jacket.

If you're looking for thin, lightweight undershirts, these the ones we offer for keeping you cool:

  • Retro Fit Tri-Blend - This undershirt has a unique blend of moisture-wicking and moisture-absorbing yarns to keep you dry and comfortable. It is also extremely soft and lightweight
  • Retro Fit 50/50 - Another excellent lightweight undershirt option, this undershirt also features a blend of both moisture-wicking and moisture-absorbing yarn but in a looser fit
  • EVO TENCEL - This is the most absorbent fabric of all three undershirts. Plus, it is extra lightweight and breathable

If you are a man who sweats quite a bit and notice sweat accumulating on the outside of your dress shirt, you should consider trying out our EVO TENCEL. This undershirt does a great job of moisture management & distribution.

A customer raved about the EVO TENCEL undershirt he recently purchased, highlighting how it was a total game-changer for him professionally:

Comfortable, snug, and firm! You can’t even tell you’re wearing them with the added bonus my professional shirts feel better and my sweat and perspiration are absorbed now!

It feels great to dress professional more every day and I would highly recommend these T-shirt’s to wear under the professional shirts. Total game changer!!!

-Thomas

Best Undershirts for Cold Weather

You might not sweat in the winter, but you will appreciate another layer of fabric to protect you from the cold winds, or a freezing office.

Rather than reach for a bulky, itchy sweater, prepare for the lower temperatures each morning with a comfortable undershirt that feels like a second skin. A short-sleeved undershirt with the right fabric blend will do an impressive job at keeping your core warm, while not sacrificing personal style.

A medium-weight undershirt is usually the warmest style the average man needs.

Don't be mistaken, however. Just because these undershirts keep you cozy, it doesn't mean they have to be thick or bulky.

Modern undershirts for cold weather are made with smart fabric blends that do a great job of insulating.

If you're in search of an undershirt that can keep you warmer in cold weather you may want to consider our medium-weight MicroModal undershirt.

Be aware that medium weight shirts do wear warmer than lightweight undershirts, so you may not want to wear these in the heat of summer or if you will be in a place without air conditioning.

If you tend to sweat year-round, even in the coldest months of the year, a lightweight undershirt may be your best bet.

3. They Protect Your Dress Shirts

Another reason men wear undershirts is that they protect dress shirts from deodorant stains.

In fact, wearing an undershirt can greatly increase the longevity of your valuable business shirts.

Investing in some high-quality undershirts could mean you purchase fewer dress shirts because you don't have to keep replacing them.

Choose a durable undershirt that will retain its shape even after repeated washings, as its one of the best investments you can make in your wardrobe.

4. They Help Avoid Embarrassing Faux Pas

All of us have parts of our appearance we'd rather not showcase to the world, particularly out in public. The right choice of undershirt can help avoid embarrassing, unsightly fashion faux pas.

Virtually all men will appreciate how undershirts smooth and cover things like chest hair.

While you may want to show off your hair-covered torso on the weekend, most people prefer to keep chest hair from sneaking over the top of their button-down in the office.

Additionally, protruding nipples can be an uncomfortable and embarrassing sight for many men.

A well-fitting undershirt with a bit of compression will help reduce the appearance of nipples peeking through your shirt.

A nice undershirt will prevent fashion faux pas and give you a boost of confidence.

5. They Help You Stay Well-Dressed

The visual goal of an undershirt is to keep it invisible.

To help keep the appearance of an undershirt hidden, just pick an undershirt that most closely matches your skin tone.

  • If you have fair skin, pick a white undershirt
  • Choose a tan color if you have medium tone skin
  • Those with even darker skin tones should pick a grey or darker tan colored undershirt

Should Men Wear Undershirts?

The vast majority of the time, the short answer is yes, men should wear undershirts as often as they can.

Undershirts should be a normal part of your dressing routine. They should be as normal as wearing underwear.

That being said, there are a few occasions in which wearing a certain type of undershirt might not work the best.

Do Not Wear Dark Undershirts With Light Shirts

The point of an undershirt is to smooth and protect. They should also perform those functions while staying invisible.

Avoid wearing a dark-colored undershirt with a light-colored dress shirt. Remember, the goal is to pick something that matches your skin tone as closely as possible.

If you have a black or navy blue dress shirt, you don't have to worry about the color of your undershirt as it will not likely show through.

This rule only applies if your business shirt is lighter-colored.

Do Not Wear An Undershirt That is Too Large

Bulky undershirts that bunch up are not only uncomfortable, but they also look sloppy and unprofessional.

It's important to wear an undershirt that fits you perfectly, so opting for one that hugs close to the body is generally recommended over one that is looser fitting.

Before buying an undershirt, be sure to refer to the manufacturer's sizing guide. These guides explain how to best match your measurements to their products.

Don't Wear Only Sleeveless Undershirts

Tank top style undershirts work well in a few occasions, but shouldn't be your go-to choice.

The sleeves of an undershirt absorb sweat. So if you wear a tank top, you are giving up that extra protection.

Tank top undershirts are classic, but most men will feel more comfortable and confident if they have undershirts with sleeves.

Do Not Let the Neck Line of the Undershirt Show

How do you like to wear your dress shirts?

Do you button them clean up to your neck, or do you prefer to leave them slightly unbuttoned?

This answer will determine the neckline of your undershirt.

Pick a neckline that will stay hidden underneath your shirts. Avoid the undershirt showing through the top of your shirt.

Undershirt or Not: When To Wear an Undershirt

As important as undershirts are, there is a right time and a wrong time to wear them.

Just remember these easy rules and you'll be the best-dressed (and most comfortable) person in the room.

Here are three situations where men often skip undershirts.

However, these scenarios are ones in which you should always wear an undershirt with your outfit. Here's why.

Why Men Wear Undershirts (2)

1. Wear An Undershirt With White Dress Shirts

White dress shirts tend to be the most see-through colors of dress shirts.

Many men know to wear an undershirt with a white shirt to avoid experiencing unintentional nipples showing, chest hair exposure, and other fashion faux pas.

However, some undershirts show right through a white dress shirt, making your appearance sloppy and unprofessional.

What's a man to do?

Thankfully, there's an easy solution. Pick an undershirt that closely matches your skin tone.

Make sure not to wear a white undershirt as this is the type that will show through.

Reach for a skin-tone colored undershirt, and even under a white dress shirt, the undershirt will not show through!

2. Wear An Undershirt With Stiff-Fronted Dress Shirts

Have you ever worn a stiff-fronted shirt for a black-tie affair that itched? The feeling can be almost unbearable.

Thankfully, super soft undershirts are the answer.

The undershirt will protect your skin, and that itchy dress shirts won't bother you one bit.

3. Wear An Undershirt On Cold Days

On colder days, an undershirt can help you stay warmer by adding a thin layer of insulation.

If you opt to wear a sweater or other high-necked apparel on these chilly days, a crew neck shirt will be your best choice. It will cover more of your skin and keep you comfortably toasty.

Video Guide to Undershirts

The world of undershirts is a surprisingly in-depth topic that confuses many men. If you were always curious about undershirts, you aren't alone.

The Gentleman's Gazette covered this topic thoroughly in their video below.

There are a few drawbacks to undershirts, particularly the wrong kinds of undershirt, which he explains very well. The video also includes some some pros and cons of wearing undershirts.

If you ever had any questions about why to wear an undershirt or when to wear an undershirt, they are covered in this video.

More Undershirt Questions, Answered

There you have it. Now you know why men wear undershirts, and how to choose the proper one to stay comfortable and stylish.

We are always here to answer any questions that you may have. To us, there is no silly undershirt or underwear question.

So, please feel free to drop us a line with your question and we'll be happy to assist you!

Why Men Wear Undershirts (2024)

FAQs

Why Men Wear Undershirts? ›

According to an expert on men's fashion, they help absorb sweat and oil while keeping the dress shirt looking fresh and stain-free. They also provide comfort and peace of mind that your dress shirt won't get ruined during the day. It's a simple way to make sure that your dress shirt looks great all day long."

What is the point of a men's 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.

When should guys wear undershirts? ›

If you work in a business environment where dress shirts are common, wearing an undershirt is ideal. But if you're a t-shirt or polo guy, they're not always needed. We'd recommend having at least a few quality undershirts in your wardrobe for when you do wear button downs, dress shirts and formal wear, though.

What was the original purpose of an undershirt? ›

Knitted or flannel undershirts were worn by labouring men because, as well as keeping them warm in winter, they absorbed sweat and were easily washable. Such undershirts were also worn by sailors, and their transformation to the T-shirt has been attributed to naval adoption and adaption.

Is it bad 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.

Do guys wear undershirts anymore? ›

It's not mandatory for men to wear an undershirt, but it can offer several benefits such as sweat absorption, temperature regulation, and protecting your outer shirt from body oils and deodorant stains. Personal comfort and style preferences also play a key role in this decision.

What are the rules for undershirt wearing? ›

A good undershirt should fit snugly without being too tight. It should be long enough to tuck in and have a neckline compatible with your dress shirt. So there you have it – wearing an undershirt with a dress shirt is absolutely appropriate.

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.

Why do guys wear wife beaters under their shirts? ›

As an Undershirt – They are often worn as an undershirt beneath dress shirts or other tops. In this case, they are not meant to be visible and provide an extra layer for warmth and sweat absorption. As Casual Wear – Some people wear wife beaters on their own as casual attire, particularly in hot weather.

Why are men's undershirts so long? ›

A standard tee is cut to finish at around your hips, whereas an undershirt is typically cut longer. This is to allow a good overlap between the top of your underpants and the bottom of your undershirt. It will also prevent the undershirt from riding up and becoming untucked throughout the day.

Is it OK to see undershirt through shirt? ›

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. If your skin is light, look for white, light grey, and beige unless you're wearing a white or thinner shirt where the undershirt can be seen.

Why 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.

Why did men wear vests under shirts? ›

An undershirt is used to wear beneath a shirt and absorbs sweat while making your body feel cooler. 5. Why do men wear vests? Men wear a vest to protect their skin or body from the stiff or uncomfortable fabric of a shirt and also to absorb sweat throughout the day.

What is the point of undershirt? ›

An undershirt may be worn to protect the body from stiff or otherwise uncomfortable fabric. It also makes dress shirts less transparent, to reduce the amount of sweat absorbed by the shirt's fabric. It can be worn during winter months as an extra layer of warmth, and reduces wear on the upper layers of clothing.

Why do guys wear tank tops under their shirts? ›

It is clear that a good mens undershirt is a wardrobe essential for any man who wants to stay comfortable, look great, and protect his clothing. Some of the best things about undershirts are that they absorb sweat, provide support, keep you warm in winter, hide body hair, and help with body odor.

Should a mens undershirt show? ›

They keep you warm and help prevent sweat from soaking through. For some guys, they can also help with (ahem) covering your nipples so they don't show through your button-up. All these reasons are fine. There's nothing even necessarily wrong with an undershirt showing — at least in certain cases.

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.

Do undershirts help with odor? ›

An undershirt keeps you dry. It wicks moisture. It helps with odor control. Believe it or not but it will help regulate your body temperature too.

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