The Best Under-Dress Shirt: Tanks Or Tees?

Whether to wear an undershirt with a dress shirt is a matter of personal preference, but there are several factors to consider when making this decision. Firstly, undershirts can help protect your dress shirt from sweat stains, body oils, and wear and tear, thus extending its lifespan. They can also provide extra insulation during colder months and enhance comfort by reducing chafing and irritation. Additionally, undershirts can offer privacy by adding a layer between your dress shirt and your body, preventing transparency and visibility of nipples or chest hair.

However, there are also drawbacks to wearing an undershirt. In hot weather, an extra layer can cause sweating and unpleasant odors. Undershirts may also be visible under thin or light-colored dress shirts, affecting the overall aesthetic. Furthermore, ill-fitting undershirts can bunch up around the waist, creating an undesirable appearance.

When choosing an undershirt, it is important to select one that fits closely to the body and is not too thick or bulky to prevent it from showing through your dress shirt. The neckline of the undershirt should also be considered to ensure it is not visible above the dress shirt collar. While traditional white cotton undershirts are popular, choosing an undershirt that matches your skin tone can help it blend seamlessly underneath your dress shirt.

T-shirts are too thick and loose to be worn under dress shirts

Undershirts are designed to fit very close to the body, almost like a second skin. This is because you want the other layers of your outfit to fit you properly, and a T-shirt with a looser fit would spoil the lines of well-fitting outer layers. A T-shirt will often leave you with outlines that show through your shirt. A T-shirt is unlikely to give you the fit that you need.

T-shirts are also cut to finish around the hips, whereas undershirts are 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.

T-shirts are usually finished in a crewneck style, but you don’t want this style in an undershirt. This particular neckline is cut too high, and it will either peek out of an open shirt collar, or create an unsightly, lumpy ring around your neck when worn with a tie. Therefore, undershirts should be cut with a deep V-neck finished with a thin, flat seam to alleviate these issues.

T-shirt sleeves are also cut quite short, so it may surprise you to see that undershirt sleeves are usually longer by comparison. This helps to protect your outer layers from underarm odors, as the undershirt covers a larger area of your armpit. A shorter sleeve also has the potential to bunch up underneath your arm throughout the day, which is very unpleasant.

Undershirts should be tight-fitting and slightly stretchy

When it comes to undershirts, fit is crucial. A good undershirt should be tight-fitting and slightly stretchy, allowing your other clothes to hide it completely. It should also be lightweight to avoid visible lines or looking bulky.

Undershirts are designed to be a base layer, so they shouldn't be visible. Showing your undershirt is akin to showing your underwear, which is not stylish. A well-fitted undershirt will smooth out your torso, allowing your shirt to lie flat across your body. It can also help to mask any extra weight you may be carrying.

The ideal fit for an undershirt conforms to your body as closely as possible without restricting you. It should be long enough to stay tucked in, with small armholes to prevent wrinkles and allow for sweat absorption under your arms. The neck opening should be about the same size as your dress shirt collar to avoid bunching around your neck, which can look bad and feel annoying.

Cheaper undershirts tend to be baggy and cause unsightly bunches of fabric around your waist. They can also be uncomfortable, so it's worth investing in a well-fitted undershirt that will keep you comfortable and confident throughout the day.

Undershirts should match your skin tone

When choosing an undershirt, it's important to consider your skin tone. The purpose of an undershirt is to provide a discreet base layer that protects your dress shirt from sweat stains, deodorant marks, and body oils. Therefore, the ideal undershirt should closely match your skin tone to avoid being visible underneath your dress shirt.

For those with lighter skin tones, colours like white, light grey, beige, and other light colours are ideal. Meanwhile, individuals with darker skin tones should opt for darker colours such as dark grey, brown, or black. This ensures that the undershirt blends seamlessly with your skin, creating an invisible barrier between your skin and your dress shirt.

Additionally, the fit of the undershirt is crucial. It should be snug but not restrictive, with small armholes to prevent wrinkles and allow for sweat absorption. The length should be sufficient to stay tucked in, and the neckline should match the size of your dress shirt's collar to avoid bunching around the neck.

By choosing an undershirt that matches your skin tone and fits well, you can ensure that it remains discreet and provides the desired protection for your dress shirt.

Tank tops are sleeveless and don't protect outer layers from sweat

Tank tops are sleeveless undershirts that are also known as "A" shirts or vests. They are regarded as casual wear and are not recommended to be worn under dress shirts, especially in a business context.

Tank tops are sleeveless and do not cover the underarm area, meaning they do not protect the outer layers of clothing from sweat stains. This is a significant drawback, as the purpose of an undershirt is to act as a barrier between your skin and your dress shirt, minimising sweat marks and stains.

Tank tops are also likely to show visible lines through your dress shirt, which is considered a fashion faux pas. They are designed to be worn as an undergarment when you will be wearing a blazer or jacket for most of the time, or when your shirt is opaque enough that the tank top cannot be seen underneath.

If you are considering wearing a tank top as an undershirt, it is important to be aware of the limitations. While they can provide a layer of privacy by hiding your nipples and adding a bit of insulation, they do not offer the same level of protection from sweat stains as other types of undershirts.

If you are concerned about sweat stains, it is recommended to opt for an undershirt with sleeves, such as a V-neck or crew neck style, which will provide more coverage and help to absorb sweat. These styles of undershirts are designed to be discreet and not show through your dress shirt, keeping you feeling confident and comfortable throughout the day.

Ultimately, the decision to wear a tank top or another type of undershirt depends on your personal preference and the level of formality of the occasion. If you are seeking a more streamlined and polished look, a different style of undershirt may be a better choice.

V-necks are good for wearing without a tie

V-neck undershirts are a great option for those who want to wear an undershirt without a tie. The V-neck style is designed to be discreet, sitting below the collar line of your dress shirt. This means that even if you leave the top buttons of your shirt undone, the undershirt will not be visible. This can be a more comfortable option for those who prefer a more relaxed look, or for more casual occasions where a tie is not required.

V-neck undershirts also have the advantage of being less likely to show sweat stains, as the neckline sits further down on the chest. This can be particularly useful for those who tend to sweat more in the neck and upper chest area. Additionally, the deeper neckline can help to accentuate the shoulders and arms, creating a more flattering silhouette.

When choosing a V-neck undershirt, it is important to consider the depth of the V. If you prefer to leave the top button of your dress shirt undone, a regular or shallow V-neck will be sufficient. However, if you tend to leave the top 2 or 3 buttons unbuttoned, opt for a deeper V-neck to ensure that the undershirt remains discreet.

The colour of the undershirt is also an important consideration. White undershirts are a classic choice, but they may be more visible under lighter-coloured dress shirts. For a more discreet option, consider a heather grey or skin-toned undershirt, which will blend more seamlessly with your skin tone and reduce the risk of visible outlines.

V-neck undershirts are a versatile option that can be worn with or without a tie. They offer a comfortable and stylish solution for those who want the benefits of an undershirt without the bulk or visibility of a crew neck style. By choosing the right depth and colour, you can ensure that your undershirt remains discreet and flattering, even when worn without a tie.

Frequently asked questions