Undershirts are an extremely versatile garment that comes with its own set of rules. There are several different kinds of undershirts, each with its own use and its own reputation. Everyone has their own favorite style of undershirt for their own fashion and comfort reasons.
A-Shirt
The A-shirt is one that has fallen out of favor recently because of the “wife beater” nickname commonly used in the press and among young people. The A-shirt is a thin undershirt that is vertically ribbed. Some people wear these undershirts under their t-shirts in order to keep their sweat from soaking through to their outer t-shirt.
V-Neck Shirt
A V-neck shirt is an undershirt that has a V-shaped neckline in the front. These are useful to wear if you like to keep a button or two undone on your outer shirt and don’t want your undershirt showing. V-necks are very popular garments because the wearer doesn’t have to worry about how high their over-shirt is in the front and their undershirt peeking out above it.
Crewneck Shirt
A crewneck shirt is one that has a rounded collar. It is popular as both an undershirt and an over-shirt. These provide the maximum coverage for those who want to keep their sweat from soaking through their t-shirt, want to cover up their chest hair or want to hide figure flaws. Other people choose it simply because this style is widely available, classic and comfortable.
Ways to Wear an Undershirt
For some people, they don’t wish their undershirt to be seen at all by others. For them, it is an undergarment like any other and should be kept from sight. There are some people, however, who choose to wear an undershirt with an open over-shirt so that the undershirt is seen plainly. You can wear a crewneck t-shirt with a button-up shirt over it, leaving in a few buttons undone. If you are in a dressy situation however, allowing your undershirt to show is generally considered unacceptable.
When you wear an undershirt, the generally accepted practice is to wear a clean, fresh undershirt each day. Never wear an undershirt again without washing it first. Undershirts can soak up odors and two wears between washes is far too many. When you wash your undershirts, be sure to brighten them by occasionally using bleach or baking soda to keep them white. If you wear an undershirt that will be visible to others, make sure it’s not dingy or stained.
When you choose your undershirts, make sure you pick the best size for your needs. If you choose an undershirt size that is to large to be worn as an undershirt, it will be bulky and will bunch up under your over-shirt. If you choose one that is too small, it will not be comfortable. Once you choose the right size, it will not bunch up or ride up in the back and will hug your body with out being uncomfortably tight. Once you find this perfect size, buy a lot of them to ensure that you always have clean undershirts.
Personally, I find it very attractive when a man wears a crew neck T undershirt under a button down shirt, with one, maybe two of the top buttons undone. Fresh clean white looks nice always. Grey, charcoal, olive drab, chocolate brown and other colours of undershirts can look great if chosen to compliment the outer shirt. This winter, being so cold, I actually picked up some men’s crew neck T undershirts for myself – they are so soft and keep my bra lines from showing under my white and light colour blouses. They are warm, in a cozy, nice sort of way.
I think that it is time that women who like men to wear undershirts speak up. And, try wearing them yourself to!
Jill
Yea,I go for the white crewneck T under every shirt. thanks for the blog, I have one on right now under my charcoal polo, and I’ll wear a clean one tomorrow with a fresh snug collar so I look good.
I always wear an a-shirt, or sleevless undershirt under a dress shirt or casual shirt. They feel great, provide needed coverage, and look fantastic! There is no way that I would go without a sleeveless undershirt or no undershirt at all.