Wearing an undershirt might feel like your first steps toward dad style—and not the cool kind. But the best undershirts for men don't call to mind Homer Simpson or Ed Bundy. Like other uber-practical investments—think ball powder, nose hair trimmers, and calf-high dress socks—the best men's undershirts just make sense. Whether you opt for an 100% cotton version or a moisture-wicking synthetic number, a Sopranos-style ribbed tank top or a classic crew (we're still out on deep V-neck tees), you need a base layer that guards against excess sweat and nipple visibility.
The Best Undershirts Shopping Guide
- The Best Classic Undershirt: Calvin Klein Cotton Classics 5-Pack Undershirts,
$70$40 - The Best Gains-Amplifying Undershirt: 2(X)IST essential cotton square cut tank (2-pack),
$36$26 - The Best Genetically-Enhanced Undershirt: Uniqlo Airism Short-Sleeve T-shirt, $15
- The Best Genetically-Enhanced Winter Undershirt: Uniqlo Heattech Ultra Warm Long-Sleeve T-shirt, $30
- The Best Kitten-Soft Undershirt: CDLP Midweight T-shirt (3-Pack), $225
- The Best "The Laundromat Was Closed This Weekend" Undershirt: Proof 72-Hour Merino Tee, $78
- The Best Silky, Slimming Undershirt: Tommy John Second Skin tank, $38
- The Best "My Yacht Has Its Own Yacht" Undershirt: Loro Piana Soft T-Shirt, $575
Come the swampiest stretch of summer or the chilliest days of winter, the undershirts below are specially engineered to keep you dry, comfortable, and completely stench-free. And, since their main purpose is to sacrifice themselves to save your favorite button-downs and dress shirts, most of our top picks cost less than a fancy co*cktail—so you can wear and wash them to death, and then replace ‘em semi-regularly without a care in the world. Oh yeah, and all of 'em are tagless, because no one needs to spend all day trying to ignore a tiny rectangular piece of fabric. Without further ado: the 17 best undershirts for men to tuck in pronto.
Looking for more superlative undergarment recommendations? These are our favorite boxer briefs, and these are our favorite boxer shorts. Oh, and if the state of your socks drawer is in dire need of an overhaul, we went deep on the best socks on the market, too. No-show socks more your thing? No problem.
The Best Classic Undershirt
In the event that you really just want to keep things old-school, well, Calvin Klein still makes the very best 100% cotton undershirts in the business. They're lightweight, fit well, and are polished enough to wear around casually as a regular tee. If you're lucky enough to land on the drier, less-malodorous end of the scale, and just need an easy, classic, regular cotton base layer to get you through the week, this is the 3-pack for you.
The Best Gains-Amplifying Undershirt
Far be it from us to unilaterally declare anything objectively sexy, but if we had to pick a tank that fits the descriptor, 2(X)IST's might just be the one. The brand's distinct square-cut style will make your upper body look exponentially more defined, no matter how long it's been since you last saw the inside of a squat rack.
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The Best Genetically-Enhanced Undershirt
Uniqlo stays doing what Uniqlo does best: delivering tech-driven, well-designed, perfectly-fitting basics at no-brainer prices. The brand's Airism tees are crafted from a smooth and breathable polyester blend that's anti-microbial and deodorizing, all the better to keep your underarms feeling cooler than the Fonz in the face of turgid, muggy July days (or equally freezing January nights). At just $15 a pop, you can afford to buy enough for every day of the workweek, plus a few extra for the gym, those early-morning jogs, and whatever else the season throws your way.
The Best Genetically-Enhanced Winter Undershirt
Uniqlo
Heattech Ultra Warm Crew Neck Long-Sleeve T-Shirt
Uniqlo's GQ-favorite Heattech garments are expressly designed to keep your body cozy—but not, y'know, shvitzy—when you're freezing your ass off halfway through winter. This particular version clocks in on the warmer end of the spectrum and comes in a silky-smooth fabric that's been brushed on the inside for maximum softness—exactly what you should look for in an undershirt you'll throw on beneath every layer you're wearing in February.
The Best Kitten-Soft Undershirt
It's no surprise that CDLP's silky-smooth T-shirt is a lot like its underwear: softer than you're prepared for and cut so precisely that you'll feel like the style god of your choice every time you throw it on. It's made with a healthy serving of lyocell—a fast-absorbing, moisture-wicking fabric that lends it an extremely slinky hand—the same material is uses to craft its top-notch undies. And because it's a midweight tee, imbued with the heft of a standalone layer, you won't feel like an underdressed schmuck wearing it solo with dark denim and sleek black boots.
The Best "The Laundromat Was Closed This Weekend" Undershirt
Proof's 72-Hour merino tee delighted us. Why? Well, it turns out that Merino wool, a fabric typically relegated to plush sweaters and swanky suits, also makes for an incredible undershirt. That's because its naturally imbued with temperature-managing, moisture-wicking, and antimicrobial properties. Trust us—we wore it for three days straight and came out the other side miraculously not smelly. The fabric is airy, wildly soft, and boasts an incredible drape, a criminally overlooked aspect in the world of T-shirts. We're sucker for tees with a slightly slouchier fit, but the tailored silhouette here is better suited for a supporting role.
The Best Silky, Slimming Undershirt
Tommy John's aptly-named undershirt doesn't just fit like a second skin—after a few wears, it molds to your body, hugging its every contour with more gusto than your most affectionate aunt. Its soft, silky finish won't pill no matter how many times you put it through the wringer (or the washing machine, for that matter), and in a micromodal blend—with a touch of spandex for good measure—it's a solid Spanx alternative for anyone trying to hide a growing gut.
The Best "My Yacht Has Its Own Yacht" Undershirt
We'll level with you: no matter how many commas are in your bank account, you're going to have a tough time explaining away the purchase of a white T-shirt that costs more than half a grand. That's a level of opulence pure logic can't make the case for. But shopping—even for something as seemingly mundane as an undershirt—shouldn't always be constrained by pure logic. And if your bank account isn't limited by that kind of reasoning either, Loro Piana's ridiculously luxurious tee—made from a blend of silk and cotton (mostly silk, though)—will help you live out your high-flying fantasies in style.
Plus 9 More Undershirts We Love
Kirkland Signature
Crew Neck Tee (6-pack)
Kirkland Signature is somewhat of a fashion industry secret, but we're here to tell you out in the open that they're an amazing deal, with or without the Costco membership discount. They're made of long-staple Egyptian cotton which has a soft-slightly-brushed hand. They're tube knit meaning you don't have to worry about any uncomfortable side seams. And they're long enough to tuck into your pants for a clean look. At just around $6 a pop, you'd be hard-pressed to find a better tee.
Gildan
V-neck T-shirt (6-pack)
If you wanna let your clavicles shine uninhibited by any undershirt peek-age, a tank is the best way to do it. But for those of us who can't stand that body-hugging cling, get yourself a V-neck instead. We wouldn't suggest wearing one on its own, but when the task at hand is protecting your camp collar shirts from your gross, sweaty torso, it'll get the job done just fine.
Hanes
Cotton Tank Undershirts (6-pack)
One of the best value undershirts around will have you sorted for a full week (minus Sunday, laundry day) for just about three bucks per tank.
Sunspel
Cellular Cotton Underwear Vest
Sunspel's Cellular cotton fabric is like a super-advanced mesh, except it's been around for decades. The complex knitting gives the fabric a structure that cranks up the air flow, all without the need for synthetic materials. The result is a fabric that's surprisingly breathable and tantalizingly sheer for those days when you feel like leaving your button-up open.
Mack Weldon
18-Hour Rib Tank
When you're ready to upgrade from the scratchy multipacks, this stretchy, impossibly soft tank will be there waiting for you.
CDLP
Rib Tank Top (3-pack)
Don't let the hefty 320gsm fabric weight fool you—this tank is supercooled thanks to the miracle wonders of tencel. Now you can have your beefy tee without sweating your ass off.
Mack Weldon
Silver Crew Neck T-shirt
Infused with antimicrobial silver to keep your armpits smelling fresh for way longer than they have any right to.
Hanes
ComfortSoft Short Sleeve T-shirt (6 pack)
No scratchy tag, no twisted collar, and all at a price that allows you to invest in an emergency multipack to stash in your desk drawer.
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
Introduction
I am an expert in men's fashion and clothing. I have a deep understanding of various clothing items, including undershirts, and can provide detailed insights into their styles, materials, and functionality. My expertise in this area allows me to offer valuable recommendations and information on the best undershirts for men.
Undershirts for Men
Undershirts are an essential part of a man's wardrobe, providing both practical and style benefits. They come in various styles, materials, and designs, catering to different needs and preferences. The best undershirts for men are those that offer comfort, moisture-wicking properties, and a good fit. Let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article and explore the best undershirts for men in detail.
Calvin Klein Cotton Classics 5-Pack Undershirts
- Calvin Klein's 100% cotton undershirts are lightweight, well-fitting, and versatile, suitable for casual wear or as a base layer. They provide a classic, regular cotton base layer for everyday use [[1]].
2(X)IST Essential Cotton Square Cut Tank (2 Pack)
- The square-cut style of 2(X)IST's tank undershirts enhances the appearance of the upper body, providing a defined and stylish look. These tank undershirts are designed to amplify gains and offer a unique, attractive fit [[2]].
Uniqlo Airism Crew Neck Short-Sleeve T-shirt
- Uniqlo's Airism tees are crafted from a smooth and breathable polyester blend, offering anti-microbial and deodorizing properties. These tees are designed to keep the wearer cool and comfortable, making them suitable for everyday wear, gym sessions, and outdoor activities [[3]].
Uniqlo Heattech Ultra Warm Crew Neck Long-Sleeve T-Shirt
- Uniqlo's Heattech Ultra Warm long-sleeve t-shirt is designed to keep the body cozy without causing excessive sweating. The silky-smooth fabric, brushed on the inside, provides maximum softness, making it an ideal choice for winter wear [[4]].
CDLP Midweight T-shirt (3-Pack)
- CDLP's midweight t-shirt is made with lyocell, a fast-absorbing, moisture-wicking fabric that offers a slinky and comfortable feel. These t-shirts are suitable for standalone wear and are crafted with precision for a stylish look [[5]].
Proof 72-Hour Merino Tee
- Proof's 72-Hour merino tee is made from Merino wool, known for its temperature-managing, moisture-wicking, and antimicrobial properties. This tee offers exceptional comfort, softness, and a tailored silhouette, making it a versatile and durable choice [[6]].
Tommy John Second Skin Tank Undershirt
- Tommy John's second skin tank undershirt fits like a second skin, molding to the body's contours with a soft, silky finish. It maintains its quality even after multiple washes and is a suitable alternative to Spanx for a slimming effect [[7]].
Loro Piana Soft T-shirt
- Loro Piana's soft t-shirt, made from a blend of silk and cotton, offers luxurious comfort and style. While it comes at a higher price point, it provides an opulent and high-quality undershirt option [[8]].
These undershirts cater to a wide range of preferences, from classic cotton to high-tech, moisture-wicking materials, and luxurious blends. Each option offers unique features and benefits, ensuring that men can find the perfect undershirt for their individual needs and style preferences.
