For guys, undershirts are a fundamental building block of their everyday outfits — at the office, date night or just running errands.
However, that doesn’t mean every situation has one correct undershirt. Depending on how you like your undershirts to fit — baggy, slim or in-between — and the type of fabric and neckline that looks best with your outfit, you’ll want to have a couple of different kinds of undershirts in your dresser.
Like men’s underwear and dress shirts, men’s undershirts can cost a pretty penny if you go for the super high-end options. However, you can easily find high-quality options without overspending. The style experts we consulted had excellent budget-friendly undershirt picks they were happy to share.
So whether you’re replacing some of your T-shirts or you’re shopping for someone else, you’ll find a variety of stylist-recommended undershirt options to choose from below. Jordan Stolch, celebrity stylist turned personal stylist, and Jennifer Mahoney, a 20-year veteran of the men’s apparel industry, gave us their favorite choices for men’s undershirts across various budgets and types.
For more fashion finds, shop our picks for the best men’s dress pants and the best men’s socks, too.
Click the section links below to shop by category, or scroll to check out all of our experts’ recommendations.
- Best Undershirt Overall
- Best Budget-Friendly Undershirts
- Best Luxury Undershirts
- Best V-Neck Undershirt
- Best Slim-Fit Undershirts
- Best Undershirts with Many Color Options
- Best Non-Cotton Undershirt
- Best Heavyweight Undershirt
- Best Tank Top
Best Undershirt Overall
Tommy John Second Skin Crew Neck Stay-Tucked Undershirt
- Available sizes: S–4XL
- Material: 90% modal, 10% spandex
- Available colors: white, black
As its name suggests, this shirt is designed to remain tucked all day long — an essential quality of any good undershirt. It’s made from a cotton alternative that’s soft and smooth, and the collar won’t stretch out or become wrinkled over time.
“The Second Skin style from Tommy John is known for its silky smooth, luxurious feel, as well as its shape retention and hold,” Stolch said. “It features a memory collar, sure to stay in place all day, as well as a patented ‘stay-tucked’ design.”
Best Budget-Friendly Undershirts
Hanes Men’s Moisture-Wicking Crewneck Performance Undershirt (5-Pack)
- Available sizes: S–XXL
- Material: 90% rayon, 10% polyester
- Available colors: white
Hanes has been — and continues to be — a trusted brand in men’s clothing essentials. These shirts get the job done and are inexpensive enough that you can replace any that wear out over time without feeling like you’re wasting money.
“The classic Hanes style packs an unbeatable punch, with fantastic value for this super affordable price point,” Stolch said. “Its double-dry design elements help to wick moisture away and keep you dry, while its odor protection technology ensures you stay fresh, even after a workout.”
Tommy John Basics Stay-Tucked High V-Neck Undershirt (2-Pack)
- Available sizes: S–XL
- Material: 95% cotton, 5% spandex
- Available colors: white
Both our experts repeatedly recommended Tommy John shirts because they offer such a reliable construction at a relatively affordable price. You can pick up a pair of these shirts in V-neck or crew neck if you prefer.
“These cotton-spandex undershirts are slim fitting, which makes it so they will not add bulk to the inside of your shirt,” Mahoney said. “They have five percent spandex to add stretch for comfortability and run longer in length, so they stay tucked in.”
Best Luxury Undershirts
Tom Ford Slim-Fit Melange Stretch-Cotton Jersey T-Shirt
- Available sizes: S–XXL
- Material: 95% cotton, 5% elastane
- Available colors: white, black, gray, green, brown, navy
The details really make this shirt stand out. From the slightly thicker collar to the soft jersey cotton fabric and Tom Ford logo on the hem, this undershirt has all the quality of a luxury clothing item without going over the top.
“Tom Ford has a real knack for nailing basic pieces that actually feel anything but,” Stolch said. “This classic crew neck style is made out of a luxurious jersey cotton blend, with an ample amount of stretch so it retains its shape. The brand’s emblem is discreetly placed on the hem, adding in a touch of subtle sophistication.”
Tommy John Cool Cotton Deep V-Neck Stay-Tucked Undershirt
- Available sizes: S–4XL
- Material: 87% pima cotton, 13% spandex
- Available colors: white, black, gray
If you’re willing to spend more on an undershirt that feels noticeably higher quality than average shirts, this is a smart choice. Its fabric blend is more breathable than standard cotton, and it dries much more quickly — so if you sweat through the armpits, they’ll dry out before they have a chance to become smelly.
“These tees are Pima cotton and spandex, which makes them extra soft, pill-resistant and breathable,” Mahoney said. They also run longer so the shirt won’t untuck.”
Best V-Neck Undershirt
Rhone Essentials Undershirt V-Neck
- Available sizes: S–XXL
- Material: modal, Pima cotton
- Available colors: white, black, navy
One of the best things about this shirt is that its neckline is shaped in a way that’s not too revealing — a common problem men can run into when looking for V-neck shirts. It does exactly what you want a V-neck undershirt to do: stay hidden under your dress shirt. Plus, its blend of modal and Pima cotton feels incredibly luxurious.
“More than just your basic undershirt, this popular Rhone style is about to become your favorite V-neck staple,” Stolch said. “No annoying tags, no irritating side seams, and a tapered ‘no ride up’ fit means it will sit smoothly and comfortably underneath all of your dress shirts and button-downs.”
Best Slim-Fit Undershirts
Mack Weldon 18-Hour Jersey Crew Neck Undershirt (2-Pack)
- Available sizes: S–XXL
- Material: jersey cotton
- Available colors: white, gray
In addition to fitting snugly and comfortably against your torso, these shirts have one detail that makes them stand out above the rest: The arms are sewn in a way that eliminates that annoying shoulder point that many undershirts have. They also have a narrower collar that’s designed to stay flat, which is a nice, high-quality touch.
“Slim-fit styles mean no extra bulk under your dress shirt because nothing throws off your look like a sloppy fit,” Stolch said. “This Mack Weldon option gives you just that and so much more: from an insanely soft, breathable fabric, to a longer length guaranteed to stay tucked in.”
Mr. Davis Men’s Bamboo Viscose Tailored Cut Crew Neck Undershirt
- Available sizes: XS–XL
- Material: 96% bamboo viscose, 4% spandex
- Available colors: white, black, gray, brown, tan
By using a combination of viscose and spandex, this shirt is guaranteed to hug you tightly and keep you dry. The “tone” color options, designed to mimic natural skin tones, are a nice alternative to typical white undershirts, too.
“The Mr. Davis brand is the perfect slim-fitting undershirt,” Mahoney said. “The tailored cut fits snugly next to the body and hugs every curve. These are great for a man with a leaner body type or a man looking to highlight their athletic build. Even though it sits close to the body, it is so light and stretchy, you will barely notice it.”
Best Undershirts with Many Color Options
J.Crew Broken-in Short-Sleeve T-Shirt
- Available sizes: XS–XXL
- Material: 100% cotton
- Available colors: white, gray, black, navy, blue, green, pink, yellow, etc.
Take your pick of 17 different colors with this classic cotton undershirt. It’s available in classic, slim and tall sizes, and looks great whether you use it exclusively as an undershirt or wear it as a T-shirt, too. We’re big fans of J.Crew, so check out our J.Crew gift guide for more fashion inspiration.
“An undershirt that doubles as a T-shirt means you’re sure to get your mileage out of this one,” Stolch said. “The J.Crew Broken-In Tee feels like the well-worn favorite you had in college. With its wide variety of color options, you’re sure to find something that pairs perfectly under all of your casual button-downs.”
Polo Ralph Lauren Men’s Classic Undershirt (3-Pack)
- Available sizes: S–XXL
- Material: 100% cotton
- Available colors: white, black, gray, dark gray, blue, navy
Although these aren’t available in quite the variety of colors as the J.Crew Broken-In Tees are, they’re more affordable if you plan on buying multiple shirts at once. They also have the Ralph Lauren Polo logo embroidered near the hem, in case you want to show off your elevated style.
“The Ralph Lauren Polo undershirts offer packs in a range of navy, white and blue,” Mahoney said. “These are great to wear for an undershirt or even as a layering piece with a shirt jacket or sweater.”
Best Non-Cotton Undershirt
Vuori Strato Tech Tee
- Available sizes: XS–XXL
- Material: 96% polyester, 4% elastane
- Available colors: white, gray, black, etc.
“Performance” style T-shirts have grown in popularity over the past decade, and now you have tons of stylish options to choose from. This one from Vuori is available in a wide range of colors and is ideal to wear when you’re working out, playing sports, hiking or doing anything that involves working up a sweat.
STOLCH: “The Strato Tech undershirt from Vuori is about to become one of the most highly-worn items in your closet,” Stolch said. “Made of a moisture-wicking polyester blend with four-way stretch and next-level comfort, this option will take you from the gym to the office and beyond.”
Best Heavyweight Undershirt
Buck Mason Field-Spec Cotton Heavy Tee
- Available sizes: XS–XXL
- Material: 100% jersey cotton
- Available colors: white, gray, black, tan, olive
Heavyweight undershirts are a smart option if you want to be able to wear your undershirt as a regular T-shirt without worrying about it feeling or looking too thin. These shirts from Buck Mason have a timeless quality and are available in several neutral colors that pair well with all your casual button-up shirts.
“The Buck Mason Field Spec Tee is an essential that belongs in your closet as temperatures drop,” Stolch said. “Made from a heavy, broke-in cotton, this undershirt is not only sure to keep you warm but will also hold up against repeated wash and wear.”
Best Tank Top
Calvin Klein Cotton Tank (3-Pack)
- Available sizes: S–XL
- Material: 100% cotton
- Available colors: white
The vertical ribbing on these tank tops gives them that iconic “tank top” look, and the slightly thinner fabric means they’ll never make you overheat. If you want some white tank tops that will hold up well after multiple washes, yet are easy enough to replace when you eventually need to, these are your best bet.
“This option from Calvin Klein ticks all the boxes for a perfect tank top undershirt,” Stolch said. “Soft, breathable and built to stay tucked in, this style is designed to hug to the natural curvature of the body to create a streamlined fit.”
Tommy John Second Skin Tank Stay-Tucked Undershirt
- Available sizes: S–4XL
- Material: 90% modal, 10% spandex
- Available colors: white, black
Unlike cheap tank tops that come in multi-packs, this one looks stylish enough to be worn in place of a regular T-shirt on days when you want to let your arms get some sun. It has a similar thickness and opacity as regular T-shirts and is designed to stay tucked in all day long.
MAHONEY: “The Tommy John Second Skin Tank is the best undershirt tank,” Mahoney said. “It’s made of modal and spandex, which when blended together, make a really soft and stretchy feel. It’s easy to care for and has moisture-wicking fabric which also does not pill.”
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