Last month, we talked about how to choose the right undershirt for dress shirts. During that process, one of the things we quickly discovered is that most people aren’t wearing different types of undershirts properly.
Wearing the wrong undershirt for the wrong purpose is ineffective and inelegant. Choosing the best undershirt for your purpose means a better look, greater comfort, and more effective coverage.
Today, we explore the different types of undershirt and how to wear them properly. We break them down into the good and the bad options.
The Good
These are shirts that are intended to be worn as undershirts, offering adequate protection and comfort. If you’re wearing your undershirt under a shirt, this is the list to choose from.
Crew Neck
Crew neck is the classic undershirt style. They are the most common type and, in the right situation, it’s a great option. This style has a traditional circular t-shirt neck opening.
The best use of a crew neck undershirt is under a dress shirt with a tie. Even if you don’t have a tie, they can still be effective so long as the buttons are done all the way up.
It’s bad practice to have your undershirt visible under exterior layers. As such, crew neck is NOT a good choice if you like to leave a few buttons undone. The collar can poke out underneath, looking unprofessional.
V-Neck
If you wear a dress shirt with no tie, or like to leave the top buttons undone, the v-neck undershirt should be your go-to option. The v-shape drops the collar lower in the front, keeping it hidden from sight, even with a few buttons undone.
For most casual and dress wear, you don’t need a deep V cut, as undoing too many buttons is unprofessional. However, if you do like to button low, make sure to get an appropriately deep cut.
Long Sleeve
Long-sleeve undershirts are useful where appropriate but are rarely necessary. They are for times when it’s cold enough to want the extra layer. Although, just because it’s cold outside doesn’t make the long-sleeve a go-to.
Consider where you are spending most of the day. If your office is heated, the extra layer is likely unnecessary as you’ll be warm enough inside and will have a jacket when outside.
If you wear a long-sleeve undershirt, be extra aware of bunching which can make the extra material more visible and less comfortable. As well, be sure that the sleeve length doesn’t extend past your exterior shirt.
Use the same consideration for cut as for v-neck and crew neck undershirts.
The Bad
These shirts are often used but can look sloppy and are typically ineffective as undershirts.
Tank Tops
Tank tops, stringers, and sleeveless t-shirts are all poor choices for an undershirt. They provide minimal coverage, leaving the armpits exposed. This means a higher risk of sweat stains and body odors emerging.
This style of clothing is better suited to the gym or the beach than for under professional clothing.
T-Shirt
A t-shirt and undershirt are not the same. Both are appropriate for sweat protection if cut from the right fabric, but they serve different purposes. The fit of a t-shirt is specifically designed for outerwear. It looks and feels great as outerwear, but is prone to bunching or fitting poorly under a dress shirt.
An undershirt, on the other hand, is intended to be worn underneath clothing. As such, it is more comfortable and less visible in that role.
Shop The Best Undershirts
Neat Apparel uses advanced sweatproof shirt technology for breathable, lightweight, and professional undershirts. Our designs and fabric ensure optimal comfort, appearance, and effectiveness.
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