I regret to inform everyone, but I have become an undershirt guy. Ever since Clark Gable took off his dress shirt revealing only skin underneath (very unusual for the time) in Frank Capra’s romantic comedy “It Happened One Night” (which you should absolutely watch), wearing an undershirt has been considered uncool. There are even rumors that that scene drove down the sales of undershirts by a considerable margin from which the industry still hasn’t recovered. Additionally, undershirts can be annoying and uncomfortable to wear. They create extra bulk, don’t always stay tucked in, and “poof” out at the waist. So why should you even bother to wear one? And how can you wear one and still stay comfortable?
Why You Should Wear an Undershirt
First things first, if you’re a “sweater”, like me, you need to wear an undershirt. You know what’s more uncool than wearing an undershirt? Looking like you just completed the swim leg of the Ironman with your clothes on. Just take a look at Buzz Williams during Texas A&M’s game a few months ago. This…this is not ideal, fellas.
Believe it or not, there are some other advantages to wearing an extra layer too. Obviously in winter an extra layer can help keep you a little warmer by trapping some heat. However, not so obvious, that same undershirt can help keep you cooler in the summer too. As you sweat, your undershirt absorbs the moisture which, in turn, cools in the air and helps keep you a little more comfortable. Additionally, an undershirt can keep your dress shirts looking better. They will help your button up lay smoother and look crisper than if you were not wearing one. Finally, wearing an undershirt will protect your dress shirt from sweat, deodorant stains, etc. helping them last longer and saving you money.
When You Should Wear an Undershirt
Obviously you don’t need to wear an undershirt all the time, so when should you wear one? And when should you not? I would wear one when it’s exceptionally cold outside for some extra warmth and when it’s especially warm outside for some extra sweat protection. I always wear an undershirt when I’m wearing a wooly, scratchy sweater. My personal demons already give me enough reasons to want to claw my skin off. I don’t need my sweater helping the cause. There are also plenty of times when you should not wear an undershirt. I never wear one under my polo shirts. They’re supposed to be airy and cooling. That’s why they’re usually made of a pique, mesh-like fabric. For the same reason, I don’t wear undershirts under my linen shirts. The whole point is to let the air flow and the sweat evaporate.
How You Should Wear an Undershirt
First and foremost, the number one rule for wearing an undershirt is to remember that they are underwear, and, like your underwear, they should not be seen in public. So how do I accomplish this? I wear crew neck undershirts when I’m wearing a tie, V-neck undershirts when I’m not, and A-shirts…well…never. (What’s the point in leaving your armpits unprotected?) I also prefer to wear gray undershirts, as opposed to white ones, when my dress shirts are less opaque. This can help hide the outlines of your undershirts and keep the focus on the dress shirt.
What Undershirt Should You Wear
What undershirt you choose to wear is, of course, a matter of personal preference, fit, and price, but I wanted to share the two I like. For those who like to have an undershirt that’s relatively unobtrusive, the ones from Boggi are just that. They’re thin, almost entirely cotton, and very lightweight. If you prefer something a bit more substantial, the Mack Weldon undershirts are ideal. They’re a mix of cotton and modal with a bit more heft, and they excel at pulling any sweat off your body. Both brands are longer so they stay tucked in all day.
I know undershirts aren’t the coolest. They have a history of causing nothing but trouble. But if you can find one that fits you well, stays hidden, and doesn’t bunch up on you, an undershirt can be your unseen ally in the struggle to keep your outfit crisp and you looking sharp.
