With so many options to consider when looking for the best undershirts for men, it’s no wonder there are seemingly endless utilities for them.

The purpose of an undershirt is to minimize sweat and deodorant stains on the rest of your clothes. It extends the life of dress shirts because it allows them to stay cleaner. You can wash them, say, every other time or every three times you wear them, rather than on every single wear. For old-school office warriors who have been wearing suits for years, understanding what to wear under a dress shirt and why they should layer up may seem elementary. But in 2019, undershirts are becoming much like Major League Baseball games, some young men just aren’t into them. You'll most likely want to go without an undershirt in sweltering weather (an extra layer on your core organs is not what you need in the middle of July). The rest of the time, wear one. What Kind Of Undershirt Should I Wear? Though it might seem trivial at first blush, the color of the best undershirts for men can have a big impact on the overall look of your outfit. Some shirts come in shades designed to mimic various skin tones, which help them become more undetectable under white or light shirts. Wearing an undershirt under your dress shirt may seem paradoxical; after all, why should you even think about adding an extra layer underneath that fine smooth cotton, especially when it’s hot out? At face value, it doesn’t make much sense, does it?

1. Undershirts Help Manage Sweat and Body Temperature

Maybe it’s the fact that modern dress codes are becoming less and less buttoned-down, meaning some young men don’t learn the fundamentals of wearing dress shirts day-to-day. Then, when the time comes and they need to button-up, they either skip the undershirt because they don’t know to even consider it, or because they don’t know its game-changing benefits. So Why Do Guys Wear Undershirts Under Dress Shirts? Don't get one that's TOO tight – it shouldn't be uncomfortable. The ideal fit conforms to your body as closely as possible without restricting you. Undershirts, as we see them today, came out of the US Military. Many branches wore them under their uniforms for added protection. My favorite way to style undershirts is as layering pieces,” she tells Byrdie. “There are cool, young brands creating innovative undershirts with all kinds of intricate cuts, textures, and pops of color that add dimension to any look.”

Undershirts may not be the first thing you think of when it comes to layering, but they’re a vital element in creating the perfect look. Whether worn under a dress, sweater, or blouse, undershirts provide cool-girl style and an aspect of interest to any outfit. And even though most of us associate undershirts with cooler temperatures, they’re great in warm weather under sheer tops too. If your undershirt is made of an exceptional fabric that you don’t mind using as a top layer, you’ll want to opt for a length that’s appropriate to be shown off for everyday wear. The best undershirts for men are plenty and should be considered. cotton– durable and trustworthy. Go for higher-quality cotton like Egyptian or Pima cotton if possible. Undershirt fabric should be relatively thin and stretchy to prevent it from showing through the outer layer. Again, you have a wide choice of good options:Since so many brands are making their own unique takes on undershirt styles, they don’t have to sit solely under your clothing. While they’re still great for layering, you can also wear them like any other top, especially when it’s warm outside. With Sangoubadi's insight in mind, we scoured the internet to find the best women's undershirts. After considering dozens of options, we narrowed it down to styles that stood out for material, comfort, color options, and shapewear features. Neutral colors are ideal for undershirts. While they might be entirely concealed by your outer layers, versatile hues will go with more things if they end up peeking out or showing through, like if you wear one under an unbuttoned cardigan or with a sheer blouse.

You know that “crisp, white dress shirt ” you’re always reading about in publications like this one? If you don’t wear an undershirt under it, it won’t look so crisp. That’s because the stark white of that dress shirt is probably getting muted by your skin. A white undershirt will reflect more light and act like bleach for your shirt, and make your white shirt look truly white. Pascia Sangoubadi is a brand consultant who has worked with publications including V Magazine, Vogue Italia, and brands like Nike and Moda Operandi. What to Look For When Buying Women's Undershirts Neutral Colors First, we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention a specific type of undershirts — spandex or compression shirts. These styles also have another name: man-girdles or, as we like to call them, mirdles. Some men go the compression route to try and artificially tailor themselves to their clothing and try to “keep it all in”. We don’t advise anyone go this route, especially since there are legitimate health risks (including blood clots) involved with wearing spandex that is too tight on your body. Rather than trying to slim yourself down via compression clothing, we recommend going the natural route and, of course, custom tailored clothing. Merino wool– you can wear this fantastic material for over a week without smelling. It comes in lighter weights (under 190 gsm) for warmer weather too.Your undershirt should be close-fitting with small armholes to prevent wrinkles and allow it to absorb sweat under your arms. It provided a bit more warmth, and it was great for absorbing sweat and protecting the more expensive clothing on the outside. Wrap up in the comfort of these lightweight micro-modal undershirts. The long sleeves provide extra warmth against the winter winds. The fabric is light and breathable and helps regulate your body temperature. These modern plant-based thermals keep you feeling just right; not too hot, not too cold. Best of all, it fits under your work shirt without feeling bulky. You'll forget it is there. Available in two styles and three colours. Treat yourself to an extra layer of luxury.

Made from the sustainable fabric Tencel, with a little bit of elastane for flexibility, this tank top provides warmth without the extra weight on your skin. Available in sizes XS to 3X, many are sure to find their perfect fit. In a word – yes. Wear an undershirt that's close to your skin tone. It doesn't need to match exactly, but if it actively contrasts with your skin color, your undershirt will be very visible under your regular shirt.

Stretch modal blends– a combination of cotton and synthetic fibers that create a smooth look and stretchy feel that retains its shape. Others are offered in a rainbow of colors that can be worn above or below another layer. Though the typical inclination is to automatically opt for white, each color has its purpose. Length With the dizzying array of options at your disposal, it can be easy to fall down a hole while searching for the best undershirts for men, especially when looking at of styles, fabrics, bells, and whistles. But at the end of the day, these are undershirts… let’s not overthink them. Before we show you our favorite undershirts, it’s important to learn what you want to avoid when combining an undershirt and a dress shirt. An undershirt is a base layer, so no one should see it. Meaning, showing your undershirt is showing your underwear: not stylish.