21 Undershirts So Good You'll Want to Wear Them on Their Own

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Wearing an undershirt might seem a little counterintuitive. Why on earth would you throw on yet another piece of clothing when the whole idea is to cool out a bit and keep sweat from showing through on your shirt? Surely piling on the layers isn't going to work. And yet, it does. All those buzzy features you tend to gloss over before reaching for the best undershirt—the moisture-wicking, cooling, generally-making-you-more-comfortable ones—actually do a whole lot when it comes to blocking sweat, regulating body temperature, and keeping you looking your best.

Now that you know, the only real question is what kind of undershirt you're grabbing—and you've got a lot of options to choose from. There are V-neck and crewnecks aplenty. Cotton? Micromodal? Some tech-y blend that'll sap sweat and sub in for a proper workout tee when you need it? You can bet there are too many types of every single version to entirely wrap your head around. That's where we come in. We've scoured the Internet for the best of the best, the undershirts you can buy in bulk and keep on hand always, plus the special ones you only bust out when you really need 'em.

Cop the right undershirt and you, too, can be the paradigm of effortless style you always swore you'd become—even if changing out of your PJs and putting on a T-shirt is the most effortful thing you've done all day.

Tagless Comfort Soft Crew Undershirt (6-Pack)

Hanes doesn't play games. The brand's white crewnecks are a classic for a reason. But what exactly is that reason? Well it's a few, namely a just-right fit, moisture-wicking technology, and longer hem designed to stay tucked in.

18-Hour Jersey Rib Tank

Mack Weldon makes its tanks out of its signature ribbed fabric so you don't have to worry about it losing its shape after one too many wears. The stretchy material is going to fit flush against your skin for a barely-there feel.

Short-Sleeve T-Shirt

For more than four decades, Comfort Colors has been making T-shirts, refining its technique, resulting in styles that live up to the brand's name. It's no wonder that the label has a large and devoted following.

Slim-Fit Short-Sleeve Crewneck T-Shirt (2-Pack)

When Amazon introduced a private label business, it took a slow-and-steady approach, gathering as much consumer feedback as possible to offer styles that were up to snuff. The plan worked, and the rave reviews that Amazon Essentials receives is proof.

Crewneck Undershirt (3-Pack)

Lands' End's take on the style comes with the option to add a monogram, so you can flex your initials no matter how few layers you have on. If that's not enough, the extra-soft combed cotton should seal the deal.

Ribbed Tank Top (2-Pack)

Gap is synonymous with very good basics. The brand seldom offers flash-in-the-pan styles, instead opting for timeless options, like this tank, that'll last the long haul. Sitting right at your hips, pair with any joggers for easy wear.

Crewneck T-Shirt Multipack

You want to know something that's underratedly annoying about T-shirts? Itchy labels. These guys don't have that. Buy 'em in bulk and never look back.

Regular Fit 4-Pack Supima Cotton T-Shirts

For four soft, solid white undershirts, Nordstrom has you covered with a cotton so soft, you'll hate wearing a shirt without this underneath. Plus, name a better deal than this.

Sculpt Cotton Crewneck

Spanx is not just for women. If we're being honest, the fact that a product like this exists really takes the pressure off staying active in any sort of way while we slowly go stir-crazy sitting inside our apartments.

Superfine Underwear T-shirt

"Superfine" isn't just the name for the cotton this wildly soft T-shirt is made from, it's also how you'll feel when you wear it. (Insert rimshot sound effect here.)

Slim Fit Wicking V-Neck 5-Pack

For those guys who are never, ever not rocking a polo pony somewhere, here's a five-pack of tees featuring their favorite logo. There's one for every day of the workweek too, so you won't be without a shirt when you keep putting off your laundry.

Vuori Strato Tech T-Shirt | White | 3XL

The Fundamental T-Shirt

Lululemon produces collections made from abrasion-resistant fabric for high-octane activities, which means that its tees is what you need if you plan on breaking a sweat. There's a reason that this shirt has been a fan favorite for years.

Element T-Shirt

Rhone is a purveyor of choice tees. But its best version (the one that's rated the highest and has fans buying and rebuying) is the Element. Why? Imagine a shirt so soft that it feels like it was woven out of fluffy clouds and unicorn fur.

72-Hour Merino Tee

As its name conveys, this tee was made to be odor-free and keep its shape for a whole 72 hours, even in adverse conditions. And it's been tested and proven several times over. It's an investment that's worth making.

Supima Scallop Crew

When the entire Goodlife brand is built on the power of a simple T-shirt you know it's going to be, uh, good for, uh, life. Don't believe us? The cotton and modal blend is specifically designed for long-lasting wear.

Made in L.A. Tank Top

Todd Snyder's simple black tank is clean and casual—perfect for layering. The brand's "Premium Jersey" is beloved for its breathable and stretchy properties, and it's also less prone to pilling than that of others.

Second Skin Crew Neck Stay-Tucked Undershirt

Tommy John excels at next-to-the-skin comfort. As its name aptly denotes, no need to fret about your shirt coming untucked. And though the brand is perhaps most famous for its very good boxer briefs, this crewneck shirt just as impressive.

Cotton Pure Tank Top

You might think this is a steep price to pay for just a tank top, but that's because it's not just a tank top. I mean it is, but it's the highest of qualities, made from mercerized cotton that forms a ribbed knit with a subtle stretch.

Triumph Tank

Whether you want to wear this tank top at the gym or for casual days around town, the breathable fabric keeps you from overheating as you go about your day. The wide, rounded neck and low arm holes allow for unconstrained movement.

V-Neck T-Shirt 3-Pack

You might know Bombas for its socks, but do not sleep on its undershirts. This pack of super soft yet durable V-necks is going to last you for years. Plus, with every shirt you buy, one is donated. So choose this set of three for a purchase that gives back.

T-Shirt

While this is sold as just a T-shirt, it actually might be even better as an undershirt. The white linen can be a little transparent, so it's an ideal base layer. Sure, It might come at a cost, but as the seasons get warmer, the absorbent material is as breezy as it comes. An aloe vera finish creates a soft-to-the-touch feel that is unparalleled. Crafted in Italy, embrace the Euro way.

Tips For Choosing an Undershirt

Choosing an undershirt is kind of like choosing underwear—it sits really close to the skin, so make sure you're picking something you'll be comfortable in all day long. While you will want to consider fit and fabric (more on each in a minute), neckline and color are also not to be forgotten.

A crewneck will only work if you want your undershirt to be visible, or if you plan to wear your shirt fully buttoned up. If you're after the whole business casual look, you should opt for a V-neck that won't show under a polo or with the top button undone.

When it comes to color, white is the classic move, but others work well. Grays also go swimmingly under lighter colors, too, and black can work under darker ones. Be mindful that your undershirt can show depending on the color, so choose carefully.

What Fit Should You Look For

Ideally, you want to skew slim if you plan to wear your undershirt under anything tailored or slim-fit so that it doesn't bunch. The only time a regular-fit undershirt really makes sense is when you are treating it as part of the outfit, i.e. when you're going to wear it with an unbuttoned camp shirt over top. That being said, at the end of the day, it all comes down to personal preference and what you're most comfortable in.

Which Fabric Should You Choose

So when it comes to material, you should consider where you plan to wear your undershirt. If you are looking for something to layer underneath a button-down, you can go for a pure cotton option. On the other hand, if plan to hit the gym, you will want a moisture-wicking fabric designed for performance. And if you want an undershirt that can be worn on its own, you can't go wrong with a linen one.

Why You Can Trust Esquire

We’re not about writing how great things are if they aren’t actually great. Every product in Esquire’s round-ups are carefully curated by our fashion and e-commerce teams.

When it comes to undershirts, you can rest assured that we’re hand-selecting styles that we’ve personally tested, tried, and loved, along with styles that the rest of our stylish colleagues here at Esquire endorse. We’ve had to go through a lot of trial and error, and these undershirts are the ones that are simply the best.

Every pick on this list (and our other lists!) comes from years of wearing different things, seeing what we love and what we don’t, and going from there. No two tastes are the same, and no two men are the same. Your proverbial mileage may vary. But if you’re looking for the right place to start, with advice from folks who and care (possibly too much!) about this sort of stuff, this is the place to be.

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