While the right undershirt can make an outfit, it can just as easily break one. In fact, you could make the argument that the undershirt is the underdog of every wardrobe. Think about it: You’re usually wearing one but they’re rarely — if ever — part of your actual ensemble. Instead, they act as a handy buffer between you, your sweat and the expensive outfits your wearing.
The best undershirts for men come in a range of different styles and sizes. But instead of just grabbing a few classic T-shirts and calling it a day, you can help take your outfits to the next level by incorporating the right type of undershirt. From classic crewnecks to stylish V-necks, we’ve rounded up our top picks for the best undershirts for men on the market.
1. Hanes Men’s Cotton Crew Neck Undershirts
BEST OVERALL
Sure, we’re going to show off some fancy undershirts for men below, but the fact of the matter is, undershirts aren’t typically seen and so don’t need to offer much more than comfort and basic body regulation (e.g. soaking a bit of sweat). Hanes has always been the champion of the plain white undershirt and we see no reason to turn away from the Hanes Men’s Cotton Crew Neck Undershirts now. This three-pack is cheap and the shirts get the job done. Enough said.
2. Gildan Men’s V-Neck T-Shirts
GREAT VALUE
Right up there alongside Hanes for most reliable undershirts for men is Gildan. The Gildan Men’s V-Neck T-Shirts are 100% cotton and accordingly comfortable. Furthermore, when you buy this six-pack of shirts, you’re getting a fantastic price per shirt, especially when compared to some of the fancier competitors below.
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3. Fruit of the Loom Men’s Stay Tucked Crew T-Shirt
GREAT COLOR SELECTION
Depending on what you’re throwing over your undershirt, you might prefer to have a non-white T-shirt underneath. This six-pack of Fruit of the Loom Men’s Stay Tucked Crew T-Shirt comes in a variety of colors for whatever you’re wearing that day. The shirts are not only comfy and colorful but, unsurprisingly, they’re pretty good at staying tucked too.
4. Uniqlo Men AIRism Crew Neck Short-Sleeve T-Shirt
ULTRA LIGHTWEIGHT
If it wasn’t a little pricey for the average Joe’s undershirt, the Uniqlo Men AIRism Crew Neck Short-Sleeve T-Shirt just might be our best undershirt for men. It truly is the perfect lightweight base layer. Made from mostly polyester and a good amount of Spandex, this shirt is smooth, breathable and a little stretchy, with odor-controlling features.
5. Mack Weldon AIRKNITx Crew Neck Undershirt
PREMIUM PICK
Though we think the best undershirts for men ought to be fairly cheap by default, that doesn’t mean we don’t enjoy a premium undershirt too. The Mack Weldon AIRKNITx Crew Neck Undershirt is lightweight, breathable and dang comfortable with a lovely amount of stretch.
The shirt’s also designed to regulate your temperature by pulling air in and pushing moisture out, keeping your body fresh as you go about your business.
If you don’t mind spending the money, this is definitely one of the best undershirts for men.
6. Spanx Zoned Performance Compression V-Neck Shirt for Men
TIGHT FIT
Yeah bro, Spanx is totally for men too, especially when it comes to the Spanx Zoned Performance Compression V-Neck Shirt for Men. This nylon-spandex shirt makes for an excellent undershirt due to its tight, flattering fit and moisture-wicking. If you’re sick of bunched-up undershirts and are looking for something less bulky, the Spanx shirt is one of the best undershirts for men.
7. Fruit of the Loom Men’s Tag-Free Tank A-Shirt
BEST A-SHIRT
When it comes to more formal wear, a full-on T-shirt undershirt can be really uncomfortable in the shoulders and sleeves. That’s where the Fruit of the Loom Men’s Tag-Free Tank A-Shirt can help. A rib-knit keeps the shirt tight and the cotton feels a heck of a lot more comfortable on your body than a starchy dress shirt.
8. AORGSVI Men’s V-Neck Modal Stay Tucked Undershirts for Men
MOST ECO-FRIENDLY
For an eco-friendly yet ultra-comfortable undershirt, check out the AORGSVI Men’s V-Neck Modal Stay Tucked Undershirts for Men.
These shirts are made from 5% Spandex and 95% modal fabric, a semi-synthetic rayon fabric made from the pulp of beech trees that’s stronger, more breathable and more moisture-resistant than fabrics made from cotton. Plus, it’s also soft as heck so you feel good, literally and figuratively, while you help the environment in a small way.
9. Everlane Organic Cotton Crew
BEST ORGANIC
For a different Earth-friendly approach, go for the Everlane Organic Cotton Crew. Every step of every process that went into this T-shirt is certified organic “from seed to shirt,” according to Everlane’s site. That means way less pesticides and chemicals going into the environment to make your shirt. And if that wasn’t a strong selling point, this shirt’s also comfortable, durable and only gets softer over time.
10. Duluth Trading Men’s Armachillo Cooling Comfort Undershirt
BEST FOR WORK
When you’re out in the yard or in the shed putting in the hard work, you want an undershirt that can stand up to the rigors of your task while keeping your body as fresh and cool as possible. There’s no place better for serious workwear than Duluth Trading, and the Duluth Trading Men’s Armachillo Cooling Comfort Undershirt totally delivers.
Made from nylon and a decent amount of Spandex, this shirt also infused microscopic jade to disperse heat, wick moisture and resist odors and mildew, so you never get that clammy-clingy, stanky sweaty feeling again. Extra length also ensures the shirt stays tucked, always a win when you’re doing heavy-duty tasks.