Men's Undershirts: What to Wear Under a Dress Shirt

Undershirts to Wear with Men's Dress Shirts: The Basics

You’ve picked out your perfect wedding suit or tuxedo, and you know what shirt, shoes, tie, and pocket square you are wearing. Maybe, you’ve even planned to get your hair styled and to get a straight razor shave for your big day. One of the last thoughts, and biggest debates can be, what will you be wearing underneath? To wear or not to wear an undershirt? Ideally, a dress shirt would be worn without an undershirt, but there are many reasons to choose to wear one.

Undershirts help absorb sweat and prevent it from showing through to your shirt or even your jacket. This can be especially useful for summer weddings, beach weddings, and other destination weddings. They can also hide deodorant stains, tattoos, or other marks on the skin. If you are a guy with ample chest hair, an undershirt may be a bit more comfortable and will allow your shirt fabric to lay smoothly against your skin while keeping any hairs from poking through.

Regardless of your reasoning, the right undershirt will never be considered a fashion faux pas. The key to wearing an undershirt is invisibility.

What Is an Undershirt?

An undershirt is a form-fitting garment worn underneath a shirt, typically made of cotton or a blend of breathable materials. Its primary function is to provide an additional layer of coverage between the body and the outer shirt. Undershirts come in various styles, including crew neck, V-neck, and tank top, catering to different preferences and outfit requirements.

Undershirts play a crucial role in enhancing comfort and maintaining the integrity of formal wedding attire. Firstly, they act as a barrier, absorbing sweat and preventing it from seeping through to the outer shirt, especially in warm or high-stress environments. This is particularly advantageous for grooms and groomsmen, ensuring their attire remains pristine and presentable throughout the celebration.

Moreover, undershirts offer practical benefits beyond moisture absorption. They provide a smooth base for shirts to lay against, reducing friction and ensuring a polished appearance. Additionally, undershirts can conceal underarm sweat stains, deodorant residue, or other blemishes, preserving the formal aesthetic of wedding attire.

For those with chest hair, undershirts offer added comfort by preventing irritation and minimizing visibility beneath the shirt fabric. This is especially relevant for formal occasions like weddings, where attention to detail is paramount.

What Are the Benefits of Wearing an Undershirt Under a Dress Shirt?

Wearing an undershirt beneath a dress shirt offers numerous advantages beyond mere layering. From sweat absorption to increased comfort, undershirts serve as an indispensable foundation for any formal or professional attire, providing both practical functionality and enhanced aesthetics.

• Sweat absorption: Undershirts act as a barrier, absorbing sweat and moisture from the body, preventing it from seeping through to the outer shirt. This is particularly beneficial in warm or humid climates, during physical activity, or in high-stress situations, ensuring your dress shirt remains dry and presentable throughout the day.
• Insulation: Undershirts provide an additional layer of insulation, helping to regulate body temperature and keep you comfortable in varying weather conditions. Whether it's staying warm in cooler temperatures or staying cool in warmer climates, the added insulation offered by undershirts contributes to overall comfort and well-being.
• Sweat protection: By absorbing sweat and moisture, undershirts help protect your dress shirt from unsightly sweat stains, ensuring it maintains its pristine appearance. This is especially crucial for formal occasions like weddings, where maintaining a polished look is essential for making a positive impression.
• Odor reduction: Undershirts help reduce body odor by trapping sweat and bacteria close to the skin, preventing it from permeating into your dress shirt. This ensures that you stay fresh and odor-free throughout the day, even during long hours or strenuous activities.
• Increased comfort: Beyond functional benefits, undershirts contribute to increased comfort by providing a smooth and soft layer against the skin. They minimize chafing and irritation, creating a more pleasant wearing experience, especially for those with sensitive skin or ample chest hair. Additionally, the added layer of fabric can help shirts drape more smoothly, enhancing overall comfort and fit.

What Are the Drawbacks of Wearing an Undershirt Under a Dress Shirt?

While undershirts offer numerous benefits, there are also some potential drawbacks to consider when incorporating them into your formal or semi-formal attire.

• Sweat and odors in hot months: In hotter months, wearing an undershirt can potentially exacerbate sweating and body odors. The additional layer of fabric may trap heat close to the body, leading to increased perspiration and discomfort, especially in warm or humid climates. This can be particularly inconvenient during formal or semi-formal events where maintaining a polished appearance is crucial.
• Bunching: One common drawback of wearing an undershirt is the possibility of bunching, especially if the undershirt is not fitted correctly. Ill-fitting undershirts can bunch up around the arms or waist, causing unsightly wrinkles and bulges beneath the dress shirt. This can detract from the overall elegance of the outfit, especially in more formal settings where attention to detail is paramount.
• Visibility: Another potential drawback of wearing an undershirt is its visibility if not worn correctly. Visible undershirt lines or edges peeking out from beneath the dress shirt can detract from the overall sophistication of the ensemble, especially in formal or semi-formal settings. It's essential to choose undershirts that fit well and are designed to remain discreet beneath your dress shirt to avoid this issue.

How Do You Wear an Undershirt Under a Dress Shirt?

Wearing an undershirt under a dress shirt is a simple yet crucial step in achieving a polished and comfortable look, especially for formal or black-tie attire. To ensure your undershirt remains discreet and serves its purpose effectively, follow these essential tips:

• NEVER ever wear a tank top as an undershirt, especially if you want to hide sweat. A tank top completely defeats this purpose as it offers less coverage and will show the most visibility under your dress shirt of any undershirt option.
• Make sure the shirt you choose is snug to your body so the t-shirt sleeves don’t compete with your dress sleeves. Extra-loose fabric will be bulky and press against your dress shirt, showing lines. Often, undershirts are labeled as such, vs. “t-shirt,” indicating that they offer a snug, muscle fit and thinner fabric.
• Length is important. Your undershirt must be long enough to fully tuck into your pants to ensure it stays snug to your body and doesn’t ride up while you are out busting a move on the dance floor.
• Find the right color for your skin tone. Yes, undershirts are not just white. For those with a lighter skin tone, white is the right choice, however, a heather gray color will be more invisible on darker skin tones.
• If you are going for the casual open-collar look sans tie, a v-neck undershirt is the way to go. A crew neck will show when your top two buttons are undone.

Contrary to most men's style guides, these are a few tips that should go unnoticed if done right. Wear the right undershirt and there won’t be any photos to show for it. By the end of the night, when all the jackets are off, and you’re on the dance floor, nothing will detract attention from your amazing dance skills.

Men’s Undershirts FAQs

The Need-to-Know: How to Wear a Men’s Undershirt

In conclusion, wearing a men’s undershirt is a personal choice that depends on various factors such as comfort, climate, and occasion. Understanding how to wear an undershirt effectively can enhance both comfort and style, whether you're dressing for a semi-formal wedding attire or a casual outing. Remember, selecting the right fabric, fit, and style is key to ensuring your undershirt remains invisible and serves its purpose seamlessly beneath your dress shirt or suit. 

If you're unsure about which undershirt to choose or need assistance with finding the perfect suit or tuxedo for your big day, SuitShop is here to help. With a wide selection of high-quality suits and tuxedos, along with expert advice and resources like our Fit Finder and Fit Guide, SuitShop ensures that you and your wedding party look sharp and stylish, perfectly matching wedding dresses to wedding themes.  For more tips and style advice, check out our guides to Finding The Perfect Pant Length or Five Steps To a Great Fitting Suit. As always, the team at SuitShop is there to answer all of your style questions and help you and your guys look sharp on your big day.