An undershirt that does not show through your shirt
Short answer: Short answer: Choose a skin toned style with a v neck and a close fit. A white undershirt under a white shirt is the most visible choice of all.
Color matters more than you think
White fabric under white fabric creates a clear contrast, because one layer is woven more tightly than the other and reflects light differently. A skin toned undershirt disappears instead, because it resembles the skin in the light that shines through the shirt fabric. It is the simplest change you can make.
The neckline
A round neck sticks out in the shirt opening and becomes visible as soon as the top button is open. A v neck or a deep round neckline stays below the top button no matter how you move. It is the detail that most often gives away the undershirt. See bamboo undershirt for men .
The fit
An undershirt should sit close to the body without pressing. If it is loose, it folds under the shirt and shows as lines through the thin fabric. Choose a style with a bit of elastane in your normal size for an even result. See bamboo underwear for men .
The length
The undershirt should be longer than the shirt is short, meaning it should reach well below the waistband even when you raise your arms. Otherwise it rides up during the day and forms a bulge around the waist that shows clearly through the shirt fabric. See bamboo shirt for men .
Fabric thickness
Fabric that is too thick in the undershirt can show through a thin shirt as an edge on its own, especially in summer qualities. A thin, tightly woven bamboo fabric gives the best combination of discretion and comfort, without making two layers too warm.
Sleeve length
Short sleeves should end well above the shirt's own sleeve edge, so no visible gap appears between two different fabrics on the upper arm. Sleeves that are too long can press in and leave a mark on the skin after a long day at a desk or in meetings.
Seams that stay hidden
Flat seams at the sides and shoulders make a big difference when the fabric is thin enough for contours to show through. Traditional, thick seams can appear as lines under a light shirt, especially in strong sunlight or bright office lighting.
How many undershirts you need
Most men wear an undershirt every work day, so three to five is a reasonable number to own to have clean clothes all week. Bamboo viscose dries quickly, which makes it possible to manage with fewer if you wash more often.
Washing to keep the color
Skin toned undershirts should be washed separately from white clothing the first few times, so the color does not transfer. Low temperature and a gentle spin keep both the color and the elastane intact the longest, so the style still fits close after many washes.
Frequently asked questions
Why wear an undershirt at all
It absorbs the sweat so the shirt stays dry all day, and it extends the shirt's life considerably by protecting the fabric from skin contact.
Does it not get warmer with an extra layer
With bamboo viscose rarely. The layer moves moisture away from the skin and in practice cools more than it warms, even on warm summer days.
Can you use a tank top instead
Yes, but it does not cover the armpit, where sweat is often heaviest, so you lose some of the protection for the shirt.
See our range of women's bamboo undershirts.
