Despite keeping to long-held traditions, the men’s fashion scene is constantly changing. It can be challenging to navigate these rules. Society doesn’t make it any easier on you because it’s constantly sliding closer and closer to casual wear.
Today, truly formal events are far less common, and the definition of business casual varies. Sometimes it means you can wear short sleeves shirts and khakis, which is a deviation from its former interpretation of simply skipping the blazer.
Wearing an Undershirt Under Dress Shirt
Undershirts can be even more complicated. Much like boxer briefs, one ever sees them, so it can be difficult to know when to wear them and when to skip them. Do they really affect your wardrobe that much? Should you wear an undershirt? What about with a white dress shirt?
In short, yes (though you don't NEED one)! Undershirts weren’t made to be seen. They were made for your comfort. Wearing one can make your outfit feel much better on you and improve the fit of off the rack clothing. They don’t always go unseen, either. The way you wear it will determine whether you look great, or look like a total slob.
Think about how this guy looks:
He'd look a lot sharper if you couldn't see the undershirt. Instead, he looks a little funny, drawing a lot of attention to his upper chest area, right below his collar.
To be fair, he is adhering to an older standard when men used to be required to wear undershirts to work with their ties. These days, many skip the undershirt at work and business environments as dress codes have grown far more casual. This guide will help you determine when you can skip the undershirt, and when you shouldn't!
Shop Bestselling White Dress Shirt
What is an undershirt for, anyway?
Undershirts were made to minimize your sweating and eliminate visible sweat stains and sweat blotches that stick to you in the heat. It also provides a barrier that can make your dress shirt last much longer because they remain cleaner and may not need to be washed every single time you wear an undershirt.
Here's also a guide the 6 best sweat resistant dress shirts we recommend and a guide on how to get stains out of a white dress shirt.
Undershirts can also make your dress shirts look neater (especially if you care for them properly). The extra layer will hide chest hair, ensuring that they don’t show through lighter shirts. Wearing long sleeved undershirts can also make you more comfortable when wearing dress shirts in cold weather.
Here's another guide on how to wear a sweater over a dress shirt for those colder days. It also allows wearing of similar outfits more often during the year instead of retiring an entire summer wardrobe in favor of your winter clothes.
We will cover more specifics, but as a general rule of thumb for formal environments, if it’s extremely hot outside you can skip the undershirt, but otherwise wear it. Just make sure you don’t show it. Showing an undershirt is akin to showing your boxers or briefs. It’s not stylish at all.
Types of Undershirts to Consider
Tank Top
Men’s undershirts come in a variety of different styles, and each one has a different purpose. Tank tops are sleeveless and won’t absorb sweat stains, but they do hide your nipples. These should be avoided because they usually show visible lines through your shirts, and are regarded as casual.
The same thing happens if you wear sleeveless undershirts. Wear sleeveless undershirts if you'll be wearing a blazer or jacket most of the time, or your shirt is opaque enough where you can't see the tank top underneath.
V-Neck
V-necks will let you leave your top button undone without exposing your shirt. These are nice to wear when you don’t want to put on a tie, or are in a casual situation. Unfortunately, these will show lines on fully buttoned dress shirts.
Crew Neck
The overall best undershirts for dress shirts, crew necks were the precursor to tee shirts. These are the most common type of undershirts. These crew neck shirts are the ones that should be worn with ties. Don’t wear them if you plan to take off your tie unless you need to hide excessive chest hair or tattoos.
Long sleeved shirts are really great to wear in the winter. These and thermal underwear offer extra warmth. Compression shirts will flatten any lumps or bumps. Below is an example from Uniqlo:
What color undershirt to wear with white dress shirts?
If you’re in formal situations, you don’t want to wear colorful undershirts. Wear one that is the closest match to your natural skin tone or dress shirt color that you can find. Otherwise, any shirt that contrasts with your skin tone will be very visible underneath your shirt. If you are wearing a white dress shirt then you can wear a white undershirt.
Dark grey, and shades of brown undershirts blend well with darker skin tones. For lighter tones, you should stick to light grey, beige, white dress shirts, or other light colored dress shirts.
Despite this rule of thumb, wearing a white undershirt under a white shirt is pretty obvious and not at all subtle, so you may look better without one. The same can be said for wearing a grey undershirt with a thin shirt. This combination makes your shirt look dingy and washed out.
What fabrics are best for undershirts?
If you’re wearing an undershirt, the fabric should be thin and stretchy so it doesn’t show through. Using 100% cotton is a great choice. It’s very durable and you can trust the material quality. Try using higher quality cottons, like Egyptian and Pima cotton, which are more absorbent and significantly more comfortable and soft.
Stretch modal blends also work really well, so they’re always a great choice. These options combine cotton with synthetic materials so that the overall look is stretchy but will retain its shape. We like these undershirts from Underfit.
Merino wool is made from merino sheep and is really great at absorbing smells and keeping you warm. You can wear the same shirt for over a week without an odor. It’s also good for warmer weather as long as you wear wool with under 190 gsm.
Modern fabrics are more technical. These are usually synthetics that have been designed specifically to be sweat proof and wick up any moisture. Many of our recommended boxer briefs for men have these modal blend fabrics.
Do not try to use a tee-shirt as an undershirt. These are very thick and loose and they will show right through your shirt. You can do this in the winter if your shirt will be hidden under thicker layers.
How should the fit look on my undershirt?
Good undershirts are tight fitting and have a little bit of stretch to them. This lets your clothes completely hide them underneath. They should also be lightweight, so lines don’t show and make you look bulky. A poor-fitting undershirt makes you look sloppy and creates a bad impression.
The shirt should fit closely to your torso and have very small armholes. This will prevent it from wrinkling and let it absorb the sweat from under your arms before that sweat causes sweat stains on your dress shirts.
Be careful not to get a shirt that is too tight, or it will make you extremely uncomfortable. The best fit will remain close to your body without restricting movement.
It should also be long enough to remain tucked in all day. A lot of men make the mistake of buying a shirt that is long enough to tuck but forget to test it when they move, bend over, or stretch. If you can’t pick something off the floor or stretch your arms over your head without your shirt coming untucked, find a longer one.
The neck opening on your shirt should be around the same size as the collar of your dress shirts. If the neck opening is too loose, it can bunch up, which looks sloppy and is uncomfortable.
You also get what you pay for. If you buy cheap undershirts, they’re far more likely to be baggy and bunch up under the fabric of your shirt – especially around your waist. Your shirt should smooth out your torso and allow your dress shirt to lie flat across your body. It shouldn't make you look bulky and bunch up.
Can I wear an undershirt by itself?
You can… but you shouldn’t. Undershirts are made very tight, and they cling to your body. This is an appropriate look in casual settings such as going to the gym and running, but can be considered overly casual in other settings. Wear an undershirt under a casual shirt or dress shirt.
Shop Best Dress Shirts for UndershirtsBecause an undershirt hugs your torso tightly, it will also affect the proportions of the rest of your body. It can make your legs look awkward. A thin top and thick, loose jeans will make your legs look unnaturally large. An undershirt also absorbs your sweat and if you have nothing on but an undershirt, then all your sweat will show.
In short, if you’re questioning it, it’s probably better to put on something else or cover your undershirt with something on top.
How to hide undershirt under dress shirt?
When it comes to maintaining a sharp, polished appearance, hiding your undershirt under a dress shirt can be a bit of a challenge. To achieve a sleek look, start by choosing an undershirt that closely matches your skin tone. A color that blends well with your natural hue will be less visible beneath your dress shirt.
Additionally, opt for a lightweight, fitted undershirt made of breathable, moisture-wicking fabric. This will reduce the chance of visible lines and prevent your dress shirt from clinging awkwardly.
Proper fit is crucial. Ensure your undershirt is snug but not tight—this prevents any bunching or shifting that can be noticeable through your dress shirt. Tuck the undershirt into your waistband to keep it securely in place and to avoid any awkward creases or bulges.
For added discretion, select an undershirt with a deep V-neck, which will remain hidden under most dress shirts. Finally, make sure to smooth out your dress shirt before putting it on. Some dress shirt fabrics like broadcloth might be thinner because of their high thread count. Choose a dress shirt that is more opaque like this white button up dress shirt from Nimble Made.
A well-pressed shirt not only looks neater but also helps in disguising the undershirt underneath. Here's a guide on how to iron your dress shirt and wash shirts properly.
By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your undershirt remains hidden, allowing your dress shirt to appear as smooth and professional as possible.
Undershirt or No Undershirt?
Deciding whether to wear an undershirt or go without one often comes down to personal preference and the context of your outfit. Undershirts offer several practical benefits that can enhance your overall appearance and comfort.
They provide an additional layer of protection for your dress shirts, helping to absorb sweat and body oils that could otherwise stain and damage your clothing. This can extend the lifespan of your shirts and reduce the frequency of laundering, which can be particularly advantageous for high-maintenance fabrics.
On the other hand, choosing not to wear an undershirt can create a sleeker, more streamlined look. For those who prefer a minimalist approach, skipping the undershirt can reduce bulk and prevent any visible lines or bunching under a fitted shirt.
It can also be a more comfortable option in warmer climates or during summer months, as it eliminates an extra layer of clothing. However, it’s essential to select high-quality dress shirts that are not see-through and to ensure they fit well to avoid any wardrobe malfunctions.
Ultimately, the decision to wear an undershirt or not depends on factors such as the formality of the occasion, the type of shirt, and personal comfort. For professional settings or formal events, an undershirt can offer a presentable look, while more casual or relaxed environments might make going without one a viable option.
Balancing functionality and style is key to making the choice that best suits your needs and preferences.
Undershirt Rules to Live By
Here are the top 10 rules of wearing men’s undershirts.
- 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.
- If your skin is dark, wear shades of brown, or dark grey.
- If you have a collar and a tie, wear a crew neck.
- If you have a collar without a tie and a hairy chest… still wear a crew neck to cover chest hair.
- If you have a collar, no tie, and a smooth chest, wear a deep V-neck.
- Tank tops are a poor choice for an undershirt and you should avoid them.
- Your tee shirt is not an undershirt.
- Your undershirt is not a tee shirt.
FAQs about wearing undershirt under dress shirts
Are you supposed to wear an undershirt under a dress shirt?
Wearing an undershirt under a dress shirt is a matter of personal preference and style. An undershirt can provide added comfort, help absorb sweat, and prevent the dress shirt from becoming see-through.
It also helps to keep the dress shirt looking fresh and smooth. If you choose to wear one, opt for a well-fitting, lightweight undershirt in a color that matches or is close to your skin tone to ensure it remains discreet.
Why do guys wear undershirts under T-shirts?
Some guys wear undershirts under T-shirts for added comfort, to absorb sweat, and to provide an extra layer of warmth. An undershirt can also help to keep the T-shirt from becoming see-through, especially in lighter colors.
Additionally, wearing an undershirt can create a smoother look by minimizing any potential lines or seams that might be visible through the T-shirt.
Do you need an undershirt for a black dress shirt?
An undershirt is not strictly necessary for a black dress shirt, but it can be beneficial depending on your needs. It can help absorb sweat and prevent any body oils or sweat from staining the dress shirt.
If you prefer to wear an undershirt with a black dress shirt, choose one in a color close to your skin tone or a black undershirt to maintain a sleek appearance.
What undershirt should I wear under a white dress shirt?
When wearing an undershirt under a white dress shirt, opt for a color that matches or closely resembles your skin tone to avoid it being visible through the dress shirt.
A light beige or nude undershirt is typically a good choice. Additionally, choose a lightweight, moisture-wicking fabric to ensure comfort and to keep the overall look smooth and clean.
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