Undershirts: To Wear or Not To Wear?

In Singapore’s tropical climate (super hot weather), wearing an undershirt can be a good solution to avoid sweat rings under your armpits. However, some may say that it seems a little contradicting to add another layer of clothing underneath your shirt as it will make you feel warmer. In this editorial article, let’s discuss the pros and cons to help you decide if you should wear one or not; and also cover some do’s and don’ts.

Pros

1. Undershirts can help to reduce and prevent sweat rings

If you are someone that tends to sweat easily and you often get sweat rings on your dress shirts, an undershirt can help to absorb the sweat under your armpits. They help to dissipate the sweat from your armpits before they hit your dress shirt.

2. Undershirts can help to hide your nipples and chest hair

Light colored and lightweight fabric shirts have the tendency to be more sheer or even translucent; causing your nipples and chest hair to be visible through your shirt. An undershirt can be a good solution to help prevent those from showing through if you are more style conscious.

3. Undershirts can protect your expensive dress shirts from stains

Be it deodorant stains or sweat stains, our body gives off natural fluids and oils that can cause visible stains on your dress shirts over time. An undershirt can act as a defensive layer to protect your dress shirts from stains, thus increasing its lifespan.

Cons

1. Undershirts can make you feel warmer

As an undershirt is an additional layer of clothing, a wrong choice of fabric may contradict its own function and cause you to sweat even more. Especially in Singapore, layering clothes is not that favorable among gents because of the year-round hot climate.

2. Undershirts can be uncomfortable

Depending on the fabric, undershirts made with cheaper, though 100% cotton, can still feel rough on the skin. Other reasons could be that it is too tight or too loose for your body; or that you are just not used to wearing one.

3. Undershirts can sometimes be seen under a dress shirt

This would be the biggest deal breaker as many gents out there really do not like this look. However, if this is the only reason that is stopping you from wearing an undershirt, it is probably because of a bad fit or a wrong color.

Do's and Don'ts

1. DON’T wear a white undershirt under a white dress shirt.

If you notice that your undershirt can always be seen through your dress shirt, chances are because you are wearing a white one. This disrupts the clean silhouette that a well fitting dress shirt provides, and the reason for this is because a white undershirt has a strong contrast with your skin tone. The solution is simple, go for a grey or light grey undershirt which will have lesser of a contrast to your skin tone.

2. DO get an undershirt that matches your skin tone as close as possible.

Instead of grey, you can also look out for one that is as close to your skin tone as possible the next time you are out shopping for one. The color doesn’t necessarily have to match exactly. There are a couple brands out there that do offer such options. You can check out some brands including RibbedTee, ThompsonTee, and even Uniqlo’s AIRism. (This is not a sponsored post.)

3. DO opt for an undershirt with a Deep V Neck.

There are many options out there like the classic tank top (aka wife beater), crew neck, v neck, and even long sleeved ones. However, the Deep V Neck will be the best option as you may still want to unbutton the top 1 or 2 buttons of your dress shirt and not have your undershirt showing. An undershirt should not show as it is meant to be an undergarment.

4. DO get an undershirt with the right fit.

Having the right fit for an undershirt is important to ensure comfort throughout the day. You don’t want it to be too tight as you will feel constricted. You also don’t want it to be too loose as that will cause excessive bunching, making you look sloppy. An undershirt should fit snug enough like a glove, and with small armholes. It should also be long enough to stay tucked in.

5. DON’T wear a T-shirt as an undershirt.

Many often think that they can wear a T-shirt as an undershirt. However, they are two very different things. T-shirts tend to be thicker and much looser, thus they are not ideal to be worn as an undershirt.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, to wear or not to wear an undershirt is really a personal decision to make and there is no right or wrong answer. Just be sure that the fit and color is correct and you are good to go!

If you have any other questions, feel free to hit us up at +65 8742 6863 and we would be happy to assist you. You can also book an appointment by clicking here. Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @assemblesg and like us on Facebook!