Undershirts for Women – Guide

Short answer: A good vest for women has to be thin, soft and invisible under clothing, and it has to keep you warm without making you perspire. Vests in bamboo viscose meet all four demands and are at the same time gentle on sensitive skin.

What a women's vest has to do

The vest sits directly against the skin all day. It has to feel soft, fit closely without pinching and cope with both a warm office and a cold bus stop. Bamboo viscose moves moisture away from the skin. Have a look at the bamboo vests for women.

Straps, short or long sleeves

With straps the vest is invisible under almost anything and ideal under blouses and dresses. With short sleeves the armpit is covered, so perspiration does not reach the blouse. With long sleeves it becomes a warming base layer in winter. Three models solving three different jobs.

The vest as a layer of warmth

A thin layer next to the skin warms more than most people expect, because it holds on to the air closest to the body. It works best across the stomach and back, where the cold is felt first. The advantage of a thin layer is that it adds no bulk under a shirt.

Under dresses and skirts

Under a dress a bamboo slip can be the better choice, because it also smooths the line at the waist and stops the dress clinging around the legs. With skirts it does the same job, if the skirt is made of a thin fabric or one that builds up static.

When the vest may be seen

Some models are neat enough to be worn on their own, especially in dark colours with a clean neckline. If the garment is meant to be seen, though, a proper top made for the purpose is better. The range is under bamboo tops for women in several lengths.

Vests for sensitive skin

Does wool itch, and does polyester irritate? Bamboo viscose has smooth fibres without scratchy ends, and the fabric moves moisture away from the skin so it does not soften and turn sore. Look for flat seams and a woven label in the side seam rather than a printed one at the neck.

Colour and visibility

Under a white or pale blouse, skin tone and grey are the least visible, because the contrast against the skin is small. White, on the other hand, is the most visible choice, even though that sounds wrong. Under dark clothes the colour matters little, and black is easiest to keep neat.

Washing and service life

Wash at 30 degrees without fabric softener, and hang the vest to dry rather than tumbling it. The dryer makes the elastane brittle, and then the neckline starts to droop. Turning the vest inside out before washing keeps the colour and surface neat for many more washes. See also the guide to the bamboo undershirt as a base layer and bamboo clothing for sensitive skin.