If you're someone who runs hot, an undershirt can help you extend the life of your clothes. They put a shield between your sweat glands and your favorite dress shirts, and the best kinds are made with cooling, odor-repellent fabric blends to help regulate your body temperature.
Many undershirts look about the same, so choosing the winners came down to the minute details. Flatlock seams and tagless designs saved us from irritation and chafing, while the right neckline varied depending on what we wore over it. All Citizens' undershirts fit well if you like to wear your dress shirt unbuttoned at the top, as the Vs come in varying depths.
Whether you want to layer one beneath business casual work clothes, slim your form with some light compression, or simply like wearing one on its own, a great undershirt is key to feeling comfortable and presentable. Here are the top men's undershirts we tried, from versatile crewnecks to affordable tank top multipacks. Learn more about how the Reviews team tests clothing at BI.
For more basics we recommend, see our guides to the best underwear for men and the best T-shirts for men.
Best overall: Tommy John Second Skin Modern Fit Crew Neck
We nearly gave up on T-shirt style undershirts. They can be ill-fitting at the collar, the sleeves can become loose over time, and they rarely stay tucked in. But Tommy John's undershirts solved all of our gripes. Close-fitting but not tight, they're long enough to stay comfortably tucked into your pants, and they practically disappear underneath your top layer of clothes.
We especially like Tommy John's undershirts when wearing dress shirts. They're more comfortable (which is important when you're already wearing not-so-comfortable dress clothes), they help prevent sweat stains on the armpits, and they're a lot less visible if you're wearing a white or light-colored shirt because they lay flat.
Read more about why we love TJ's undergarments in our full Tommy John review.
Best cooling: Twillory Performance Crew
The first thing you notice when you slip on one of Twillory's Performance undershirts is how cool and silky it feels against your skin. It only gets better as the day goes on, since it helps keep you feeling cool and fresh no matter what the weather throws at you. The fabric is a cotton-rayon-spandex blend that's breathable and does a great job wicking sweat. The brand's known for its performance menswear, and they bring the same mindset to their undershirts.
These tees have plenty of stretch and are thin enough to even go under a polo without added bulk. The Performance tee has plenty of length in the torso, so it stays tucked in, and it doesn't show through a white cotton dress shirt. You can choose between a crew neck or V-neck. The brand also offers a tonal version that you can't detect even under white summer-weight linen shirts.
We go in depth on the brand's wrinkle-free dress shirts in our full Twillory review.
Best tank top: Hanes Cool Comfort Cotton Tank
While T-shirt style undershirts are best for preventing armpit stains under button-ups and dress shirts, tank top undershirts get the job done if you're only concerned with having a sweaty back and chest. The Hanes Cool Comfort White Tank is a no-frills undershirt, but with no tags, soft preshrunk cotton, and moisture-wicking technology, it has everything you need.
In line with all of Hanes' other products, the Cool Comfort tank tops are reasonably priced within everyone's budget. Although we regularly recommend skipping low-cost underwear for pricier, more durable options, we have found no issues with Hanes tank tops that should deter you from buying them.
Best V-neck: All Citizens AirWeight Undershirt Deep V
V-neck undershirts serve a purpose other than style: When sporting a button-up shirt, you can leave the top button undone while still hiding the shirt underneath. And if you're going for a super casual look with two or three buttons undone, you'll need an even deeper V-neck.
All Citizens' AirWeight Undershirt is a solid choice because it offers the option of a standard V-neck or a deep V-neck. The shirt also features mesh zones on the sides for breathability, a stay-tucked length, and a soft microfiber feel on the skin.
Best budget crewneck: Hanes Ultimate Comfort Crewneck
What would a list of undershirts be without Hanes? In short, incomplete. As one of the most popular underwear brands, if not the most popular, Hanes has a huge assortment of all types of undergarments, including undershirts. If you're going for a classic T-shirt style rather than a tank top, the Ultimate Comfort Crewneck is what you'll want to buy, especially if you're on a budget.
Each pack comes with four undershirts, making it the best bang for your buck. Made from 95% cotton and 5% Spandex, these Hanes undershirts are tagless, have lay-flat collars, and are available in sizes up to 2XL.
Best for avoiding pit stains: Ejis Sweat Proof V-neck
If you are apt to sweat a lot, Ejis has you covered with the brand's Sweat Proof V-neck, specifically designed to keep your dress shirts dry and sweat-stain free. They make the undershirt from a soft micro-modal that's light and breathable. The tees' secret weapons are ultra-absorbent underarm pads that are waterproof and prevent any sweat from getting through to your dress shirts.
The tee also has anti-odor properties using silver nanotechnology that fights scent at the source. And besides the sweat-proof properties, it's tagless, has a collar that lays flat, and is cut long enough to stay tucked in. The V-neck allows you to leave one button undone on your collared shirt. It's not a cheap product, but it will help save your expensive dress shirts from getting sweat stains and ending up in a landfill.
Best slimming: SPANX Zoned Performance Compression V-neck
You probably know SPANX for its women's shapewear, but the Atlanta-based company also makes men's undergarments in sizes from small to XXL. The SPANX Zoned Performance Compression V-neck helps give men a more toned look under their dress shirts by targeting the torso and abs, toning the chest, and helping with your posture.
They make the undershirt from a nylon-spandex blend that offers ease of movement, wicks sweat, and dries quickly. It also features mesh zones at the pits and back to help keep you cool. If you've been slacking at the gym or just need a boost of confidence, SPANX has you covered.
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