April 20, 2020 Adam Dinkes

CHOOSING THE BEST UNDERSHIRTS FOR MEN

Best Undershirts for Men (V-Neck & Crew Neck)

Many men wear undershirts, but how many of them think undershirts are an essential part of their wardrobe?

That’s hard to say, and there are no such statistics available, but the bottom line is that undershirts are an important part of a man’s wardrobe – perhaps just as essential as a stylish pair of shoes and a dress shirt.

If you’re a man who sweats heavily, you understand the importance of the humble undershirt.

BEFORE YOU BUY: 6 THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN PURCHASING AN UNDERSHIRT

Your days of grabbing the cheapest package of undershirts available and calling it “good enough” are over. That’s not to say that an inexpensive undershirt is always a bad thing, but it might not be right for you.

The fact is, there are a lot of things to consider when purchasing an undershirt that best suits your needs, including fabric, style, color, and more. Let’s have a look:

WHAT ARE YOUR NEEDS?

Every man is different, although most of us share similarities with other males. It’s your job, however, to determine what your needs are when buying any product, including undershirts. To help you determine your needs, here are some things to consider:

How important is pit protection?

Ultimately, undershirts are meant to absorb sweat while protecting your outer shirt. That “protection” includes providing a barrier between your underarm sweat and outer shirt. You know how armpit sweat and stains look. We’re not trying to make a very broad judgment here, but chances are no one is going out of their way to compliment someone with that look.

That said, if you’re one of those guys who can sweat and stain a shirt with the greatest of ease, stay away from tank-top style undershirts. After all, they come without sleeves and don’t protect that nice dress shirt (or any outer shirt) from perspiration.

How do you wear your dress shirt?

The main consideration here is whether you wear your outer shirt with an open collar or with the collar buttoned and with a tie. If you go with an open collar, you do not – we repeat, NOT – want your undershirt to show. Wear a v-neck with a deep enough collar that it sits below your collar line.

WHITE ISN’T ALWAYS RIGHT

White is the most popular color choice in undershirts, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the right one in every case. For one, white contrasts greatly with the color of your skin, and it’s easy to see its color and sleeve lines through your business shirt. So, if you’re wearing a white dress shirt, you’re better off choosing a light gray or flesh-toned undershirt. Besides, it takes armpit stains longer to appear on light gray undershirts.

White is still an excellent color for your undershirt in most cases, but just not with white shirts.

CHOOSE AN UNDERSHIRT, NOT A T-SHIRT

Which one of us doesn’t have a favorite T-shirt or two (or three)? You know what we’re talking about – a shirt that has your favorite band, college, athletic team, etc. emblazoned on the front or back of it.

The important thing to remember here is that a T-shirt and undershirt are not the same things. T-shirts are thicker and designed to be worn on their own, not under a dress shirt. Undershirts consist of thinner fabric and are designed to absorb and protect from sweat, not to add another bulky layer that makes you sweat.

FIT IS IT

Wearing an undershirt that doesn’t fit correctly is uncomfortable enough, but the poor fit also adds bulk and bunching that gives you a swollen look. Similarly aggravating is an undershirt that isn’t long enough to be tucked in comfortably. Ugh. It not only doesn’t feel right, but it also adds extra bulk to your midsection, which most of us try to avoid like the plague.

Best undershirts for men. Many men wear undershirts, but how many of them think undershirts are an essential part of their wardrobe?

If you’re a man who sweats heavily, you understand the importance of the humble undershirt.

In this post, we’re going to review the best undershirts for men – led by Calvin Klein’s V-Neck Undershirt – while also discussing what you should consider before buying an undershirt, as well as the great V-neck vs. Crew Neck Debate.

Let’s get started with some buying tips.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Quick summary. Before you buy: 6 Things to consider when purchasing an undershirt. The 5 best undershirts for men 2020 Why undershirts are different from all the rest. The great debate: V-neck vs. Crew neckBut it’s not all about V-necks and Crew necksOur criteria for choosing the best undershirts for men

BEFORE YOU BUY: 6 THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN PURCHASING AN UNDERSHIRT

The fact is, there are a lot of things to consider when purchasing an undershirt that best suits your needs, including fabric, style, color, and more. Let’s have a look:

WHAT ARE YOUR NEEDS?

How important is pit protection?

How do you wear your dress shirt?

WHITE ISN’T ALWAYS RIGHT

White is still an excellent color for your undershirt in most cases, but just not with white shirts.

CHOOSE AN UNDERSHIRT, NOT A T-SHIRT

FIT IS IT

Buying a fitted design undershirt is not only more comfortable but won’t make you look like you’re 10 pounds heavier.

COTTON IS GREAT, BUT SO ARE BLENDS

Cotton is still an excellent go-to option for men’s undershirts – especially those made of high-quality cotton – and provides a desirable combination of comfort and breathability. Meanwhile, synthetic fabrics have moisture-wicking properties but don’t always do a good job of absorbing moisture. Plus, they’re often not as comfortable as cotton undershirts.

However, there is a wide range of blended fabrics available today that combines the softness and comfort of cotton with moisture-wicking and moisture-absorbing qualities of thin fabric styles.

FINALLY, READ THE CARE INSTRUCTIONS

There’s nothing wrong with buying a fancy undershirt, but, if it comes with overly-complicated care instructions, you’ll want to consider your purchase carefully. Is it worth the money and hassle if you can’t just toss it in with the rest of your laundry?

Now that you have an idea about what to look for in an undershirt, let’s delve into our choices for the best undershirts for men.

WHY UNDERSHIRTS ARE DIFFERENT FROM ALL THE REST

Undershirts are different. They’re not “different” in a negative way – not at all – but they’re definitely their own kind of animal, and they’ve come a long way over the centuries.

When most of us think of “shirt,” we think of that outer covering that keeps us from going around bare-chested all day (which is fine at the beach, not at the office), that helps protect us from the elements (including keeping us warm), and hopefully adds a whole helluva lot of style to our wardrobe.

An undershirt doesn’t have nearly the swag of a regular shirt, but, again, it has come a long ways since it was originally designed and worn to protect the skin against the rough, scratchy outerwear of many moons ago. It also protected expensive outerwear from the grit and grime of human bodies, especially back in the day when daily bathing wasn’t the norm.

Undershirts were once common to the upper classes, who could afford things like a nice shirt and other outer clothing; working-class men were lucky to have more than one shirt, period.

If you’re a man who sweats heavily, you understand the importance of the humble undershirt.

White is still an excellent color for your undershirt in most cases, but just not with white shirts.

CHOOSE AN UNDERSHIRT, NOT A T-SHIRT

FIT IS IT

Buying a fitted design undershirt is not only more comfortable but won’t make you look like you’re 10 pounds heavier.

COTTON IS GREAT, BUT SO ARE BLENDS

However, there is a wide range of blended fabrics available today that combines the softness and comfort of cotton with moisture-wicking and moisture-absorbing qualities of thin fabric styles.

FINALLY, READ THE CARE INSTRUCTIONS

Now that you have an idea about what to look for in an undershirt, let’s delve into our choices for the best undershirts for men.

THE 5 BEST UNDERSHIRTS FOR MEN 2020

You’ll also find them in a variety of fabrics – from pure cotton to soft modal blends – and they’re available in short sleeve, long sleeve, and tank top styles, as well as with crewnecks and v-necks.

Their Men’s Undershirts V-Neck cotton multipack is as good as it gets. They’re ideal as an under layer beneath your business shirt but stylish enough to be worn as a casual top layer, if you so desire (and include the Calvin Klein logo, as you might expect).

We think you’ll like them for many reasons, including the fact that their size information is as advertised, i.e. you don’t have to worry about purchasing them and finding out they’re too big or too small. They are considered a “regular” fit, meaning that there is a little extra room in the chest and body for comfort.

Sweat in the workplace, on the other hand – well, it makes you look nervous. It makes you look unkempt. Colleagues gather in the break room to nominate someone to ask you about your sweat “problem.”

What is Supima cotton? It’s a superior type of cotton grown in the USA and also a very rare type since it represents just 1% of all cotton grown in the world.

The biggest difference between Supima Cotton and regular cotton is the length of their fibers: Supima cotton fiber is about a half-inch longer than regular cotton fibers. Shorter cotton fibers produce a yarn that’s rougher and more likely to pile up on the surface (such as bunching up on the surface of an undershirt).

Longer fibers, meanwhile, add strength and softness to apparel, making them more comfortable to wear while resisting piling over time. Supima cotton is twice as strong as regular cotton and resists pulling and tearing, which makes for a longer-lasting product. Moreover, there are no special washing instructions with Supima products. Simply care for them the same way you would for regular cotton.

WHY UNDERSHIRTS ARE DIFFERENT FROM ALL THE REST

Undershirts are different. They’re not “different” in a negative way – not at all – but they’re definitely their own kind of animal, and they’ve come a long way over the centuries.

An undershirt doesn’t have nearly the swag of a regular shirt, but, again, it has come to a long way since it was originally designed and worn to protect the skin against the rough, scratchy outerwear of many moons ago. It also protected expensive outerwear from the grit and grime of human bodies, especially back in the day when daily bathing wasn’t the norm.

Undershirts were once common to the upper classes, who could afford things like a nice shirt and other outer clothing; working-class men were lucky to have more than one shirt, period.

It’s also worth mentioning that it once was considered scandalous to have any part of your undershirt showing – almost as scandalous as having your private parts exposed. You just didn’t do it. Things are a bit more relaxed today – not when it comes to private parts, mind you, but for an exposed undershirt.

Today, the primary reasons for wearing undershirts are 1) to help keep you warm in colder months, 2) to protect your outer shirt from sweat and deodorant stains, and 3) to – in the case of performance undershirts – keep moisture away from the body.

A key question today is this: can you wear an undershirt alone? It’s a fair question, considering that they are undershirts and worn undershirts, sweaters, and other articles of clothing. But, because undershirts have evolved so nicely, many men do wear them alone for the following reasons:

They’re lightweight and comfortable

Many undershirts look great and are considered casual wear

They’re worn with a lot of things, including jeans or under a suit coat, and look perfectly acceptable.

But also keep in mind some of the reasons for not wearing an undershirt alone:

They’re usually form-fitting, which is great if you’re in shape or have a nicely-sculpted body. If you have 30 pounds’ worth of spare tire on your midsection, you may want to rethink wearing an undershirt solo.

You can’t wear an undershirt under an undershirt – well, at least you shouldn’t – and therefore lose the advantage of proper sweat management.

You have to be careful about what you wear with an undershirt. A tight undershirt with loose jeans isn’t a good look.

Last but not least, some men wonder if they should wear an undershirt at all – either solo or under a business shirt. Some of the pros of wearing an undershirt are:

Sweat management and containment

Undershirts prevent chafed skin when worn under stiff evening shirts.

Undershirts provide warmth, especially in the harsh winter climates where it sometimes seems impossible to stay warm.

Undershirts prevent your chest hair from sticking out of your dress shirt.

Undershirts are part of today’s culture, just like they were part of the culture of yesteryear. If they’re part of your wardrobe, more power to you. If not, then you may want to give them a try.

And then there are v-necks and crew necks – the two most popular choices among men and the subject of much debate: specifically, which style is better?

The answer is as much a matter of taste and personal preference as anything else, but it’s also more than that. There are certain times when a v-neck is more appropriate than a crew neck – and vice versa – while one style may fit your body type and overall features better than the other. Let’s examine both styles:

CREW NECK – STILL RELEVANT AFTER ALL THESE YEARS

The original undershirt style is a crew neck, no questions asked. They surged in popularity after World War II, where members of the U.S. Navy wore them admirably, and became a garment no self-respecting youth in the 1950s would dare not wear. Think of James Dean or Marlon Brando, iconic men’s men, leaning against a wall or motorcycle, decked out in a crew neck shirt while smoking a cigarette.

However, crew neck undershirts weren’t just for looks or part of a passing phase. Like all undershirts, they’re designed for sweat protection. Nonetheless, you can still get away with wearing a crew neck undershirt on its own, with a lightweight jacket, or with a pair of jeans. It’s a classic look that still rocks in many respects.

The biggest disadvantage of a crew neck undershirt, however, is its high neckline. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but you don’t want to wear a crew neck with a dress shirt unless you plan to button the latter all the way to the top (like when you’re wearing a necktie). Otherwise, an exposed undershirt under an open-at-the-top dress shirt is – let’s just say it’s not a great look and leave it at that.

A crew neck undershirt still has its place, mind you, but it’s important to consider how you plan to wear it.

V-NECK: THE “NEW” KID ON THE BLOCK

The first v-necks rolled off the line in the 1960s, and they’ve surged in popularity over the past decade. Now, they’re as much of a staple of men’s fashion as the crew neck was back when Brando and Dean were breaking hearts while making other men jealous (and secretly envious).

The v-neck and the younger generation seem to go hand-in-hand, with many current fashion adepts wearing them on their own. They come with many advantages:

The v-neck look kills it if you have a body sculpted through hours of hard work in the gym. You’ll show off those pecs and guns and be like catnip to the ladies (OK, maybe not catnip-strong, but still).

V-necks, help make your face seem longer and more angular, which is the desired look for many men, especially those who have round or square faces.

V-necks solve the problem of wearing an undershirt with an open-collar dress shirt. That’s because the neck hangs down below the collar line and isn’t visible (or shouldn’t be) to others. And, hey, you can even show off some chest hair that way, if you’re so inclined. But be judicious; until the Tom Selleck chest forest look comes back, it’s best to at least keep your chest hair trimmed and properly maintained.

So, have we answered the question of what’s better, a v-neck or crew neck? Not really, but it doesn’t have to be about picking one style over the other. Some men have a preference for one style over the other, but it never hurts to have a good selection of undershirts with various necklines on hand. You’ll appreciate the versatility.

BUT IT’S NOT ALL ABOUT V-NECKS AND CREW NECKS

OK, so v-necks and crew necks are the preferred undershirt style for most men, but we’d be remiss to not mention other types of undershirts, namely, tank tops, long-sleeved undershirts, and athletic undershirts.

TANK TOPS

If you’re old enough to remember the 1970s, you’re old enough to remember the tank top craze which was all the rage for a while, at least in the U.S.

Tank tops came in a wide variety of colors and designs, and it didn’t matter how sculpted your body was, because it seemed like every man wore them. Well, they’re still around today, but not nearly as popular (and garishly designed).

Still, you can find a white cotton tank top anywhere and usually at a price that won’t make you or your budget blink.

If you’re a man who doesn’t sweat a lot, or who likes to wear very short-sleeved and low-necked summer shirts, then you’ll find tank tops useful. Some men still wear them without an outer shirt at all, but it’s not all that common.

Their biggest drawback is that they offer no sweat protection for your outer shirt. They’ll absorb the sweat on your back and chest, but that’s about it.

Tank tops are also useful for men who don’t have to button their dress shirt all the way up but, again, they provide no underarm protection.

LONG-SLEEVED UNDERSHIRTS

A light cotton long-sleeved undershirt offers the same sweat protection of basic undershirt styles while providing an extra dose of warmth for colder weather.

The long-sleeved undershirt is a direct descendant of the union suit, i.e. the full-bodied undershirt that almost looks like a pajama (and, at least back in the day, had a flap in the ass for obvious reasons).

Some long-sleeved undershirts have buttons at the collar, which can be opened for breathability when things become a bit too warm. Though they are sometimes are worn alone, you may look a bit underdressed when compared to v-necked and crew-necked undershirts. Nonetheless, they come in a wide range of colors.

ATHLETIC UNDERSHIRTS

Made of synthetic and microfiber material, athletic undershirts stay dryer and lighter than basic cotton undershirts

Many men wear undershirts, but how many of them think undershirts are an essential part of their wardrobe?

If you’re a man who sweats heavily, you understand the importance of the humble undershirt.

Let’s get started with some buying tips.

A quick summary before you buy: 6 Things to consider when purchasing an undershirt. Why undershirts are different from all the rest. The great debate: V-neck vs. Crew neck But it’s not all about V-necks and Crew necks.

BEFORE YOU BUY: 6 THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN PURCHASING AN UNDERSHIRT

The fact is, there are a lot of things to consider when purchasing an undershirt that best suits your needs, including fabric, style, color, and more. Let’s have a look:

WHAT ARE YOUR NEEDS?

How important is pit protection?

That said if you’re one of those guys who can sweat and stain a shirt with the greatest of ease, stay away from tank-top style undershirts. After all, they come without sleeves and don’t protect that nice dress shirt (or any outer shirt) from perspiration.

How do you wear your dress shirt?

WHITE ISN’T ALWAYS RIGHT

White is the most popular color choice in undershirts, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the right one in every case. For one, white contrasts greatly with the color of your skin, and it’s easy to see it’s color and sleeve lines through your business shirt. So, if you’re wearing a white dress shirt, you’re better off choosing a light gray or flesh-toned undershirt. Besides, it takes armpit stains longer to appear on light gray undershirts.

White is still an excellent color for your undershirt in most cases, but just not with white shirts.

CHOOSE AN UNDERSHIRT, NOT A T-SHIRT

FIT IS IT

Buying a fitted design undershirt is not only more comfortable but won’t make you look like you’re 10 pounds heavier.

COTTON IS GREAT, BUT SO ARE BLENDS

However, there is a wide range of blended fabrics available today that combines the softness and comfort of cotton with moisture-wicking and moisture-absorbing qualities of thin fabric styles.

FINALLY, READ THE CARE INSTRUCTIONS

Now that you have an idea about what to look for in an undershirt, let’s delve into our choices for the best undershirts for men.

What is Supima cotton? It’s a superior type of cotton grown in the USA and also a very rare type since it represents just 1% of all cotton grown in the world.

The fit, as mentioned, is secure enough to keep you from tucking in your shirt multiple times throughout the day. Moreover, the collar on the Men’s Crew Neck T-shirt retains its shape, even after frequent cycles through your washer and dryer.

WHY UNDERSHIRTS ARE DIFFERENT FROM ALL THE REST

Undershirts are different. They’re not “different” in a negative way – not at all – but they’re definitely their own kind of animal, and they’ve come a long way over the centuries.

An undershirt doesn’t have nearly the swag of a regular shirt, but, again, it has come a long way since it was originally designed and worn to protect the skin against the rough, scratchy outerwear of many moons ago. It also protected expensive outerwear from the grit and grime of human bodies, especially back in the day when daily bathing wasn’t the norm.

Undershirts were once common to the upper classes, who could afford things like a nice shirt and other outer clothing; working-class men were lucky to have more than one shirt, period.

A key question today is this: can you wear an undershirt alone? It’s a fair question, considering that they are undershirts and worn under shirts, sweaters, and other articles of clothing. But, because undershirts have evolved so nicely, many men do wear them alone for the following reasons:

They’re lightweight and comfortable

Many undershirts look great and are considered casual wear

They’re worn with a lot of things, including jeans or under a suit coat, and look perfectly acceptable.

But also keep in mind some of the reasons for not wearing an undershirt alone:

You can’t wear an undershirt under an undershirt – well, at least you shouldn’t – and therefore lose the advantage of proper sweat management. You have to be careful about what you wear with an undershirt. A tight undershirt with loose jeans isn’t a good look.

Last but not least, some men wonder if they should wear an undershirt at all – either solo or under a business shirt. Some of the pros of wearing an undershirt are:

Sweat management and containment

Undershirts prevent chafed skin when worn under stiff evening shirts.

Undershirts provide warmth, especially in the harsh winter climates where it sometimes seems impossible to stay warm.

Undershirts prevent your chest hair from sticking out of your dress shirt. Undershirts are part of today’s culture, just like they were part of the culture of yesteryear. If they’re part of your wardrobe, more power to you. If not, then you may want to give them a try.

THE GREAT DEBATE: V-NECK VS. CREW NECK

You’ll find undershirts in many different styles these days, including tank tops, long-sleeved, and even athletic undershirts.

And then there are v-necks and crew necks – the two most popular choices among men and the subject of much debate: specifically, which style is better?

CREW NECK – STILL RELEVANT AFTER ALL THESE YEARS

A crew-neck undershirt still has its place, mind you, but it’s important to consider how you plan to wear it.

V-NECK: THE “NEW” KID ON THE BLOCK

The v-neck and the younger generation seem to go hand-in-hand, with many current fashion adepts wearing them on their own. They come with many advantages:

V-necks, help make your face seem longer and more angular, which is the desired look for many men, especially those who have round or square faces.

OUR CRITERIA FOR CHOOSING THE BEST UNDERSHIRTS FOR MEN

Several factors came into play as we mulled which undershirts belong on our list of the top five for 2020: cut, value, the needs of wearers, style, and comfort. Comfort, if not king, is certainly a high-ranking official in the product satisfaction department; if it doesn’t feel good against your skin, chances are you’ll never wear it again.

Another thing to consider is durability, i.e. how well is the undershirt able to stand frequent washing and drying? Not just durability, mind you, but how well the undershirt retains its original shape during laundering. No one is happy to pull their undershirt out of the dryer and notice that it has the dreaded “bacon neck.”

Finally, we carefully considered the reviews of customers, as well as how popular and highly-rated the undershirt was at an online retailer such as Amazon. If a large number of people are giving a product a thumb’s up, the chances are good that it’s of high quality.

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