16 Best Undershirts for Men 2025, Tested by Style Experts

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Hanes' performance shirt came out on top in our testing.

A GREAT UNDERSHIRT should be your first line of defense against sweat and stains, while keeping you cool under your shirts and sweaters. The best ones should be so comfortable, you’ll forget you’re wearing them. Unlike cheap, bulky tops that ride up, trap heat, or lose shape after a few washes, the best undershirts for men are lightweight and moisture-wicking, with a slightly snug fit that won’t bunch or restrict movement. To find the GOATs of undershirts, our fashion team tested over 50 styles, from V-neck t-shirts and tank tops to crisp white t-shirts.

After all, the best undershirts for men should be invisible under a dress shirt or layered under a sweater. As the unsung heroes of any outfit, the best undershirts for men keep you cool, calm and collected all day long.

Look for fabrics that are breathable and moisture-wicking and come with stretch for extra mobility.

The classic choice. Soft, breathable, and great for everyday wear. Look for Pima or Supima cotton—they’ve got longer fibers which means they’re softer, smoother, and way more durable than your run-of-the-mill cotton. The longer the fiber, the less fraying and pilling, so your tee stays looking fresh for way longer. That said, if you’re going 100% cotton, just know that while it’s still super breathable, it won’t dry as fast as those high-tech synthetic fabrics.

A bit of stretch (typically 5% or less) helps with flexibility and maintaining shape. These are great if you like a more fitted feel.

Super soft, moisture-wicking, and great for layering. Modal and Tencel feel much more silkier and cool against the skin than the other materials we’ve tested, making them ideal for dress shirts or warm climates.

Surprisingly breathable and temperature-regulating. It’s great to wear year-round and compared to other fabrics on this list, it does a better job at keeping you smelling fresh, especially when breaking a sweat.

When it comes to drying and moisture-wicking, performance blends (like polyester, nylon, and elastane mixes) are the best in class compared to other fabrics on this list. That’s because they are engineered to pull sweat away from your skin and evaporate quickly. So if you need something for intense workouts or humid conditions, synthetic blends will keep you the driest.

Undershirts come in three main styles—crewneck, V-neck, and tank tops (A-shirts)—each designed for different layering needs, body types, and personal preferences. Choosing the right one can affect everything from comfort and breathability to how well your outer layers look.

The classic undershirt style features a round neckline that sits at the base of the neck. This is best for guys who want to fully cover their chest, while blending under crewneck sweaters, sweatshirts, and casual shirts. This also prevents chest hair from showing through thin shirts.

An undershirt with a V-shaped neckline, designed to stay hidden under an unbuttoned shirt or deeper-cut sweaters. It’s perfect for those who want a low-profile look and prefer to leave the top button of their dress shirt undone, so it’s almost invisible unlike crewnecks. V-Neck undershirts allow more breathability at the neck, especially in warmer weather.

On the other hand, we have tank tops—a sleeveless undershirt with wide shoulder straps and a scooped neckline. This style is often cut the lowest, to the chest, and show the least under another cloth or on its own. It’s perfect for guys who want less bulk, more arm mobility and extra breathability in hot weather.

Undershirts come in a range of fits, each with different benefits depending on personal preference and outfit choice.

This fit is close to the body, but not skin-tight. It’s a go-to option if you like a clean, tailored look, making it ideal for layering under dress shirts since it won’t bunch up.

This fit is tighter than slim fit but still comfortable. It works well under fitted clothing but doesn’t feel restrictive. Cotton-blend undershirts with a little stretch (spandex or elastane) excel here.

Looser and more breathable, offering more movement than slim or snug fits. Works well for casual outfits but can bunch up under fitted dress shirts.

The least restrictive, but can feel bulky under layers. On the flip side, it's great for lounging or wearing on its own.

Since 2021, our editors have put over 50 undershirts to the test, wearing them in real-life scenarios: under dress shirts at the office, beneath sweaters on chilly nights, layered under jackets, or even rocking them solo in spring-summer months. We didn’t just wear them; we put them through the wringer, rating each undershirt on style, comfort, price, versatility, and performance. We paid close attention to moisture-wicking, stretch, breathability, and durability. To keep things fair, we also gathered feedback from testers of different body types and preferences, and we even conferred with Ted Stafford, our contributing editor who's been in the industry for decades and knows exactly what separates a good undershirt from a great one. His expertise, along with our in-the-field testing, helped us lock in the 16 best undershirts for men that actually live up to the hype.

Hanes is perhaps the most famous undershirt brand on the planet. And if you're looking for a more athletic feel and sweat protection is your priority, then the Hanes Performance moisture-wicking crewneck undershirt is your best bet. The fabric blend of polyester and rayon is designed to wick sweat off your body and dry off quickly, and we found it to be extra soft, smooth, and cool to the touch even after being on our skin all day long. We also love that the fabric blend is much lighter in weight than a traditional cotton undershirt.

Besides, after wearing these white undershirts since 2021, we found that because of the polyester blend, the fabric is resistant to any discoloration (armpit stains!). After putting it through at least 10 wash cycles, we also noticed that the fabric didn’t pick up any other color and still fits well.

We also love the tad of stretch this undershirt has, and how they can be easily tucked in to stay hidden and in place. The breathability and odor control are also a nice touch, even after—or during—a sweaty workout as we’ve found. Lastly, Hanes uses the same double-needle stitching to reinforce the neck, sleeves, and hem as with their regular undershirts. This will stand up to years and washing and wearing with steady use.

Read More: Best T-Shirts for Men

Mack Weldon was founded to reinvent men's underwear and loungewear with modern advancements in fabric blends and construction. Take its V-neck style undershirt. For starters, the fabric has the best blend of synthetic fibers (like those you'll find in workout clothes) to feel eternally soft and light, making it ideal for being worn as the base layer on your skin for hours on end. We also love the stretch which moves with our body and doesn't bunch up. The length is nice since it is extra long and we have had no issue making it stay tucked in.

Second, Mack Weldon's undershirt has the ideal construction of a slim fit. Coupled with a rotated shoulder seams to keep your sleeves in place, and a flat-front V-neck collar to stay in stealth mode under your collared shirt without exposing the neckline. We were most impressed by its breathability. In fact, the knit fabric of this undershirt is designed to drive air in. In our experience of wearing them beneath a dress shirt or even sweater, our skin has stayed cool and dry.

Bugatchi’s crew neck tee is another great option that blurs the line between undershirt and standalone tee, but it leans more dressy than most. Made from a silky-soft Pima cotton, it has a luxe feel and fluid drape that’s more cocktail hour than couch rotting. I’ve worn it tucked in slacks with dress shoes for a fancy dinner, and it held its own. The fabric skims the body without clinging, and the finish reads sleek, not sporty.

It doesn’t have a durable ribbed collar like other dressier T-shirts, but it has a clean binding, which keeps its shape and frames the neck well. Compared to Reigning Champ’s athletic cut, this tee offers a touch more room in the torso, which flatters buffer guys. It layers neatly under jackets, but isn’t skin-tight. Out of all the undershirts on this list, this one has the best color options. When I'm heading into the city for dinner, I go with the mint to pair with cream dress pants for a clean, sharp ensemble. But for weekend errands or a coffee run, I throw on the air blue with jeans.

If you're looking for a good old-fashioned v-neck undershirt then Tommy John is the way to go. This option, meant for being tucked under does everything you want from an undershirt. It's a slim fit without being tight so you can wear it under slim-fit dress shirts without feeling squeezed in your chest or chaffing in your armpits. The V neckline is deep enough so that you can button the top two buttons of your dress shirt without your undershirt showing.

Also made with modal to feel like your second skin, this is the fundamental, barebones v-neck undershirt at its best. We love how the fabric really feels smooth and soft like butter, and on our skin, it is naturally breathable. The nice lend of stretch coupled with the stay-tucked design makes the shirt pretty much bunching-up-proof, and we found that it’s been able to retain its shape wash after wash—no pilling or slimming. In addition, in our experience of wearing this undershirt under button-downs or even polo shirts, we found that the collar always stays hidden.

There has never been another brand with more hype around it than the early 1990s "My Calvins" undergarment campaign. But Calvin Klein's classic ribbed tank is not just hype, it is actually a really solid undershirt. If you prefer the minimal fabric feel of a tank or you just wear them when it's hot out then Calvins are hard to beat. And these, as undershirts, are practically perfect in terms of fabric, fit, and durability.

The full cotton fabric is stretchy as we found, despite having no built-in elastane or spandex. More importantly, we love its soft-to-touch quality as well as natural breathability, the latter helps with wicking away sweat. The classic fit we found is slim without being constricting and they're just long enough to be tucked in if you need to but they can hang out with showing. The classic scoop neckline and seaming have also lasted well, and the fabric after over a dozen wash and dry cycles has remained as stretchy, soft, and breezy as when it was just off the rack.

For layering, we love putting it underneath a button-down or sweater/sweatshirt, though if you’re prone to underarm, we’d advise against this undershirt as your go-to.

A major qualm with undershirts is their neckline can easily get ratted through the wash. We found Jockey's Made in America tees to keep a strong neckline and provide overall durability as an everyday undershirt. This is one of those cases where it's worth paying the extra bucks for an American-made garment.

The Made in America factor isn't just for show. The quality that comes with it is apparent. The construction is clean and the fabric is thick enough that this undershirt can double as a plain white tee. So if you ever need to shed a layer or two, you can fall back on this as a base layer t-shirt. You can even style it on a hot day with just a pair of shorts.

More importantly, we found that Jockey has nailed the standard 100% cotton plain white undershirt in the best way possible. It feels like a traditional soft cotton tee, but after putting it through the wash and dry cycles since 2021 over a dozen times, it managed to withstand all tear and wear and stay intact, proving its durability. The fabric even has a tech built-in to reduce piling and fading. And I love that the cotton is engineered to be able to wick away sweat in a heartbeat to keep me fresh all day. The only thing is that the fabric isn't wrinkle-resistant, so store these shirts carefully.

Gap has long been my go-to for affordable basics that punch above their price point. This undershirt is no different. While it’s not the most trendiest or technical, the shirt is made with an ultra-light, superfine jersey that’s buttery smooth, breathable, and almost weightless. I found it feels so nice and comfy that I lounge and sleep in it too. Unlike your average undershirt, which can feel a little thick or rough over time, this one stays silky and cool after multiple wears, making it perfect for layering under a blazer or shacket. Or, you could just throw it to kick back on the couch.

The straight fit is a major win for guys who want an undershirt that feels natural rather than overly snug or restrictive. The looser cut drapes smoothly over the body without awkward bunching, so you can wear it all day. In terms of the quality after washing, I have never seen the fabric pill. This kind of cotton manages to stay incredibly soft, cycle after cycle, speaking to its high quality.

At first glance, Reigning Champ’s jersey slim t-shirt might look like your everyday summer tee, but don’t be fooled. Yes, it has that easy, breezy fabric you want in a lightweight layer, but it’s not filmy, too thin, or see-through. It’s made from premium cotton that’s both smooth and breathable, yet structured enough that it retained its shape after countless wears and washes. The cut is slim and subtly tapered at the hem, which looks sharp on athletic builds and lean frames.

Unlike looser, floppier collars that stretch out after a few cycles, this one is topped with a rib-bound collar that stays in place. It’s one of the only lightweight undershirts we tested where the collar didn’t droop, curl, or widen after wash two. I’ve worn it solo with shorts and jeans for coffee runs and quick errands. It also handled light activity in the park without showing any sweat and still looked fresh after hours of wear. Bonus: the color range is pretty deep, offering neutrals and unique shades like cypress, forest green, and mauve (a pale bluish purple).

If you’re looking for the most breathable undershirt, it’s hard to beat the Uniqlo AIRism T-shirt. It’s made from a lightweight, high-tech fabric that consists of a polyester-elastane blend that dries quickly and helps regulate body temperature to keep you cool and comfy all day. I wore the tee during a full-day shoot under a denim overshirt and didn’t overheat once even under direct sun and studio lights. It wicked away sweat faster than I expected and, more impressively, dried completely by the time I was back indoors. Also put it through a few airport and train travel days, the stretch fit held its shape, didn’t smell funky, and kept me feeling way fresher than any basic cotton tee could. Whether you’re layering it under a button-down or wearing it solo on a hot commute, it keeps you cool, not clammy, even in peak humidity.

The ribbed texture is what really sets this tee away from your average undershirt. It adds natural stretch and recovery, which means the shirt contours to your body, especially around the chest, arms and torso, without feeling tight or restrictive. The result? A more sculpted, flattering fit that holds its shape throughout the day. I tested it on a few hours-long photoshoots and can confirm: it doesn’t ride up, it breathes well, and the collar doesn’t sag by mid-afternoon.

The fabric itself, a soft organic and recycled cotton-blend jersey, has just the right amount of weight. The fine ribbing, which creates raised vertical lines that look like subtle ridges, adds structure without veering into ’90s tank top territory, and the slim fit gives it that clean, tailored base layer vibe. It’s also a subtle style flex: if you shed your overshirt, it doesn’t look like a throwaway white tee. It actually holds its own, especially when paired with jeans or trousers.

If you’re looking for a classic cotton undershirt that feels premium but not flashy, Brooks Brothers’ Supima Cotton V-Neck is it. It’s not built for performance like Mack Weldon’s tech-forward v-neck; it leans hard into comfort and breathability. Produced from Supima cotton, it’s noticeably smoother, softer, and more durable than other cotton shirts. It doesn’t hug the body as tightly, which actually makes it more forgiving on punchier guts and more comfortable for long days on the move. This is the undershirt for guys who want something that disappears under button-ups; more work meeting than gym locker room.

I tested it under a white oxford shirt for a photoshoot at the office. The v-neck stayed completely hidden, even with the top two buttons undone, and the fit was trim enough that it didn’t bunch or add bulk under the shirt. Even under hot studio lights, I didn’t feel like I was sweating bullets. After three washes at home (cold wash, low tumble dry), the softness held up. It stayed smooth against the skin, with no pilling, collar warping or shrinkage. The seams stayed flat and clean, and the fabric has just enough weight to feel substantial, but still light enough to hide under thinner shirting.

ATEK's Stay Cooling undershirts are all about keeping you cool while being streamlined under your clothes. The high-tech fabric, which consists of nylon and spandex, wicks sweat in a flash, so you're not feeling stuck if you decide to go for a quick bike ride to the store or embark on a morning stroll with the dog. Since 2021, I've been commuting and traveling in this option because the spandex makes it super comfortable and shrink-resistant. If you prefer the soft, dry touch of cotton, this might feel too slick and synthetic for you. But hey, that's the trade-off for sweat-wicking superpowers.

Of all the undershirts we’ve tested, Fruit of the Loom’s 8-Pack undershirts easily provides the most value per wear. While it’s not as soft or moisture-wicking as more expensive shirts we’ve tried, it has a polyester-cotton blend that’s still comfortable and breathable enough to get you through the day. It doesn’t feel plastic-y, like other budget shirts we’ve tried. Rather, they have a natural cotton feel. Plus, the polyester blend does a competent job of wicking away sweat, and helps keep its shape.

The Skims Classic T-shirt is a jack of all trades because it works as a base layer, a solo tee, or even a sleep shirt—it’s that comfortable. Thanks to its elastane blend, it offers four-way stretch, meaning it moves with you, whether you’re lounging at home, running errands, or layering it under a jacket. This kind of flexibility makes it far more versatile than a standard undershirt, which can sometimes feel stiff or lose its shape over time.

The fabric is also lightweight and super breathable, so you won’t sweat if you decide to catch some Z’s in it. Unlike oversized loungewear tees or super tight compression shirts, this one sits in the middle ground with its classic fit and crew neck. It’s tailored enough to look clean under a cardigan but still relaxed to wear with joggers or jeans for an easy off-duty look.

The key to the 72-Hour Tee is its merino wool fabric. Huckberry engineered this tee to utilize the natural features of merino wool, which is breathable, moisture-wicking, odor-resistant, and temperature-regulating. The goal of the 72-Hour Tee was to create an undershirt that you can wear for three days straight without getting gross.

Our testers wore it during long flights as long as 16 hours overseas. While we initially didn’t like the neckline or the hem—we did find that the 72-Hour Tee managed to stay hidden in our outer garments. And with its merino build, the fabric pass our tests of smell, sweat, cooling, and softness even after hours of non-stop wear. We also found that the fabric is soft and doesn’t itch, and could withstand wash cycles like a pro.

Sometimes you need an extra thick base layer to build your outfit on top of. Enter the Field-Spec Cotton Heavy Tee from Buck Mason. It's made from a 100% cotton jersey fabric that was inspired by old rugby jerseys, which is twice as thick as the fabric of regular t-shirts.

It's the perfect undershirt for cold days or a plain t-shirt for rugged pursuits. It's cut in a classic fit that is slightly boxy but the sleeves are not too long. This is a heartier undershirt for those times when a light cotton or blend won't do, but you don't want to wear it for athletic activities or in extreme cold. That thick cotton will just absorb all your sweat and weigh you down if you're working out and put you at risk in the extreme cold.

A good undershirt includes fabrics like high-quality cotton or some type of performance blend that are breathable and moisture-wicking to keep you cool and dry—which is why a blend of materials like nylon, Lyocell, and modal are popular. Note: polyester is a popular shirt material since it's moisture-wicking and quick-drying, but it is not breathable.

If you're an active guy, your undershirt material should also have a level of stretch—courtesy of elastane or spandex—so you can move around without restriction. If it is good quality cotton that you need then just plain old supple cotton will do the trick—it even gets cozier with age. If you like a tighter fit though, you should look for a blend with stretch in it.

Recently, merino wool has been incorporated into undershirts. Wool may seem like a bad idea at first, but if it's knitted loosely enough to breathe well and use the right wool, like fine merino, it will also be soft enough. Wool's natural properties of being antimicrobial and sweat-wicking actually make it perfect for an undershirt.

While most undershirts for men are designed to be thin and worn as a base layer beneath other garments, they can also be worn alone as just a t-shirt or a tank top in certain situations. For instance, a high-quality, well-fitted undershirt can be worn on its own during hot summer days or as part of a casual loungewear outfit. In fact, undershirts with breathability and moisture-wicking properties are perfect as standalone shirts as well. These undershirts often have a slightly thicker fabric, additional detailing (like a pocket), or a more fashionable cut to ensure a polished look that doesn't make you look like you're just wearing a true-and-true undershirt.

Wearing an undershirt is a wise choice for men seeking both style and practicality. The best undershirts for men will help absorb sweat and prevent it from seeping into your outer garments as sweat marks, keeping you fresh and dry throughout the day. Hence, for men who are prone to sweat, undershirts will really extend the lifespan of your outer garments by acting as an additional layer of protection between them and your body. For men who run hot, undershirts made from breathable materials will also keep you cool by wicking away moisture.The best undershirts will also help enhance comfort by acting as a barrier between your skin and the rough texture of certain fabrics (like itchy wool), reducing irritation and preventing your outer shirt from clinging to your body. During colder seasons, an undershirt also adds an extra layer of warmth.

The number of undershirts a man should own depends on his personal preference and lifestyle. However, as a general rule of thumb, it's recommended to have a rotation of at least 5 to 7 undershirts to ensure you have a fresh one for each day of the week. This gives each undershirt ample time to rest and recover between wears and allows for regular washing, ensuring you always have a fresh undershirt ready. This rotation not only helps prolong their lifespan but also makes sure each undershirt is not subjected to excessive wear and tear.

Best T-Shirts | Best Tank Tops for Men | Best Long-Sleeve T-Shirts for Men | Best White T-Shirts | Best Moisture-Wicking Shirts | Best Compression Shirts | Best Black T-Shirts | Best Linen Shirts | Best V-Neck T-Shirts | Best Short Sleeve Shirts

Christian is the deputy commerce editor at Men's Health and Women’s Health, where he oversees shopping content for both brands. He started his magazine career as an accessories assistant at Vogue, and has since held editorial roles at Tatler Asia and The Manual. When he’s not online shopping, you can find him on long walks with his two corgis.

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