The best bamboo undershirt for men and when to wear it

Short answer: A good undershirt is thin, reaches the hips and fits close without squeezing. It keeps your shirt free of sweat and makes a cold day warmer, without adding a layer anyone can see.

Length does the work

An undershirt that stops at the waist rides up and leaves a cold strip across the lower back. Choose a model that reaches well below the waistband, so it stays in place when you bend or reach. A long undershirt can be tucked into your trousers and held there all day. See the lengths in bamboo undershirts for men.

Sleeves or no sleeves

A sleeveless tank top adds the least bulk under a shirt, but it does not catch sweat from the underarm. A short sleeve does exactly that and keeps the shirt dry and clean all day. If you are prone to sweat marks, a short sleeve is the best choice. Both are found in bamboo tank tops for men.

Under a shirt or on its own

A white undershirt under a light shirt can show through, while a skin-tone or light grey one disappears better if it fits close. Under dark clothing, a grey or black model is more discreet. For wearing on its own at home or in your spare time, a regular bamboo T-shirt for men is a better choice.

The fit

An undershirt should fit close so it does not create folds under the shirt, but it must not squeeze across the chest or stomach. If it is too loose, the fabric gathers at the waistband. Choose your usual size and only go down if it is clearly too big. A little elastane helps it follow the body.

The fabric

Bamboo viscose absorbs moisture and lets it evaporate, so the undershirt does not cling to the skin. This is especially noticeable under a shirt, where there is little air. The fabric is smooth, so the shirt slides over it without catching. A thin fabric adds the least bulk and does not look like an extra layer.

In winter

A thin undershirt does more than you might think on a cold day. It sits close to the skin and holds warmth under your shirt and jumper without making you look bulkier. Many wear long sleeves in winter and short sleeves the rest of the year. That way you have a layer that suits the season.

How many you need

Five to seven pieces cover a working week with one wash in between. If you do physical work, count on two a day in the warmer months. Buy several identical ones so they wear evenly and you always have a clean one ready. See the range in bamboo undershirts for men.

Washing

Wash the undershirt at 40 degrees without fabric softener and dry it on a hanger or line. Softener makes the fabric worse at absorbing moisture, and moisture is exactly what the undershirt is there to handle. Wash white undershirts separately so they keep their colour, and avoid the tumble dryer.

Frequently asked questions

Is an undershirt warm in summer?

A thin undershirt in bamboo viscose is not warm. It absorbs sweat and keeps the shirt dry, so many people feel cooler wearing an undershirt than without one.

Which colour works under a white shirt?

A skin-tone or light grey undershirt disappears best under a white shirt. A white undershirt can show through, because it is lighter than the skin around it.