10 Best Undershirts to Wear Under Everything, According to Testers
Say goodbye to feeling itchy while wearing your scratchy sweaters.
Expert consulted: Amanda ConstantineHome & Apparel Reviews Analyst
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I love my wool sweaters just as much as the next gal, but they can be super itchy. So, I’m always wearing undershirts to protect my skin from that scratchy knitted fabric and to keep me comfortable and warm without feeling too hot. What’s also great is that some undershirts can be tank tops or T-shirts that simply add a layer of warmth or even add a little extra style to my look—I love when the collar of a shirt peeks out from under a top.
Our top picks:
- Best overall: Abercrombie Bra-Free Rib Scoop Neck Tank
- Best value: Hanes Perfect T-shirt
- Best tee: Gap Vintage T-shirt
- Best thermal: Uniqlo HEATTECH Ultra Warm T-Shirt
- Best long sleeve: Intimissimi Long Sleeve Scoop Neck Top in Ultralight with Cashmere
To find the best undershirts, I compiled recommendations from my fellow editors and tried styles from our experts’ favorite brands. Plus, I sourced picks from our tests in the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab of women’s T-shirts, tank tops, and thermals. Ahead, you’ll find the softest, most comfortable undershirts to wear with sweaters, cardigans, hoodies, and any outer layer this winter, but our favorite is the Bra-Free Rib Scoop Neck Tank from Abercrombie, which you allows you to skip a bra for more streamlined layering.
Best Deal
Pros
- Built-in bra is comfortable
- Thick material feels warm
- Comes in 12 colors and striped patterns
- Stretchy yet fitted
Cons
- Built-in bra may not be supportive for larger cup sizes
If I’m wearing a jacket, a thick sweater, and an undershirt, the last thing I want to do is add another layer with an uncomfortable bra. That’s why I’m obsessed with this simple tank with a built-in bra that works as a standalone piece or layered under any sweater. It removes that bulkiness of a bra under an undershirt, and it’s much more comfortable than an underwire bra, in my opinion. The built-in bra is tight and feels a bit supportive to me as a C cup, but a friend of mine found it wasn’t supportive enough for DD cups.
My fellow staffers and our Textiles Lab pros continually recommend and love Abercrombie’s tanks and tees, so I’m not alone. Made with cotton and elastane, this tank has a thick, stretchy yet fitted feel, so it’s comfortable and warm (but not so warm that I’m sweating through it!). I wore this tank all summer, but as the weather got chillier, I started layering it under sweaters, hoodies, and thin cardigans. I like this ribbed tank in white as an undershirt, but it also comes in 12 colors and striped patterns.
| Colors | 12 |
| Materials | 95% cotton, 5% elastane |
| Sizes | XXS–XXL |
Pros
- Budget-friendly price
- Roomy fit
- Extensive size range
- Not too sheer
Cons
- Shrunk after laundering in our tests
For less than $15, this tee from Hanes is a budget-friendly staple in your closet. Chosen as one of the best white T-shirts by our Textiles Lab pros, this slightly oversized tee has a roomy, long cut. The higher neckline and longer length mean this tee can peek out at the collar and hem of your sweater, which always adds a nice layer of contrast to a simple outfit. “I like that it's not quite as boxy as a basic men's tee, but it doesn't cling to my chest or stomach, and there's plenty of room in the sleeves,” one of our testers said. Since it’s a roomy fit, this tee is better suited for chunky sweaters than thin, tight-fitting ones.
Be warned: This style shrank more than any other style in our tests, so you may want to size up. Speaking of sizing up, the shirt comes in sizes up to 5XL, but the smallest size available is only Small. It’s made with 100% cotton, which our experts said wasn’t too sheer and didn’t feel stiff anymore after laundering.
Amanda has a photo
| Materials | 100% cotton |
| Sizes | S–5XL |
| Colors | 15 |
Pros
- Regular, petite, and tall sizing options
- Minimal shrinkage after laundering
- Roomy fit that works with or without a top layer
Cons
- Slight rippling on the collar after wash cycles
This Organic Vintage T-shirt has a straight cut with a relaxed silhouette, yet it’s not super oversized and boxy. Our style pros recommend opting for a smaller size if you want a snugger fit that may create less bunching underneath thinner sweaters. You can even choose from tall and petite sizing, too.
Our consumer testers said this tee was comfortable, with smooth, opaque fabric that didn’t show the outline of their bras. Made with 100% organic cotton, our Textiles Lab pros said this tee didn’t get stiff after a wash cycle. Instead, one of our analysts who has worn this tee for years said, “I swear it feels softer with every wash.” Although our pros noted some rippling around the collar after multiple wash cycles, the tee did not have any fraying or deep wrinkles.
| Materials | 100% organic cotton |
| Sizes | XXS–XXL, with regular, petite, and tall options |
| Colors | 26 |
Pros
- Thin thermal layer
- Brushed interior feels cozy
- Designed to keep you warm for below 50°F temperatures
- Moisture-wicking design prevents shirt from feeling damp if you sweat
Cons
- Not warm enough for winter sports
Uniqlo has tons of great basics that work for layering, but we especially love the brand’s HEATTECH line for thermal underwear when the weather gets cold. This long-sleeve shirt is labeled “Ultra Warm,” which is the warmest option in the HEATTECH line. Uniqlo recommends it for temperatures ranging from -4°F to 50°F. However, our testers said it’s not so warm that they’d wear it skiing in the snow, but it made for a great undershirt with a sweater and a jacket on cold winter days commuting to the office in New York. Think of this shirt as a non-bulky thermal layer for casual wear (there are other picks we prefer for winter sports!).
It’s made with high-density fabric that is brushed for a soft feel, and it’s designed to be moisture-wicking, so it feels soft and keeps you dry if you get sweaty. One of our testers said, “They check all the boxes for what I want my base layers to be like. They’re comfortable, lightweight, warm, and breathable.”
RELATED: The Best Thermal Underwear
| Materials | 35% acrylic, 34% polyester, 23% rayon, 8% spandex |
| Sizes | XS–XXL |
| Colors | 6 |
Pros
- Soft fabric
- long sleeves are helpful under itchy sweaters
- Breathable
Cons
- Limited size range
You may know Intimissimi for its lingerie, but the brand also makes soft, comfortable clothing, including pajamas, loungewear, and yes, undershirts. This long-sleeve top is lightweight yet still cozy, and the price is right considering it’s made with a blend of breathable modal, soft cashmere, and stretchy elastane. It’s a recipe for comfort.
I love wearing a thin long-sleeve undershirt like this under fuzzy sweaters, especially if they’re made with wool, because it keeps me warm without fear of overheating or irritation. It's quite sheer, but you could wear it on its own as a pajama top or even pair it with a nice bra and jeans, too. We just wish it was offered in more sizes.
| Materials | 85% modal, 9% cashmere, 6% elastane |
| Sizes | S–L |
| Colors | 5 |
Pros
- Gender-neutral style
- Soft, stretchy feel
- Thin fabric layers well under any top
Cons
- Smallest size is a men's Small
Thin and lightweight, this tank can be worn under any top. I personally love high-neck, thin tanks under my fitted V-neck sweaters for a preppy look (I accessorize with layers of necklaces, too!). It’s made with cotton, modal, and spandex for a soft, stretchy feel, and it’s not bulky at all.
This racerback tank top is only available in traditional men’s sizing, but one of our editors loved the gender-neutral fit of this tank. In fact, she and her husband both own this tank top. “It gives me everything I love about the classic Hanes men's tank, but it's even softer, fits better, and somehow stays incredibly soft wash after wash,” she shared. “It's lightweight, has the perfect slim fit, and the slightly longer length makes it easy to tuck in without ever feeling bulky.”
Our pros in the Textiles Lab tested the Mack Weldon Pima Crewneck, which is a men’s thin tee that can be worn under sweaters or button-ups. Just keep in mind that the smallest size of this tank top and tee is a men’s size Small, which may fit a bit loosely or long on petite women.
| Materials | 47.5% cotton, 47.5% modal, 5% spandex |
| Sizes | S–XXL (men's) |
| Colors | 5 |
Pros
- Flexible material
- Thin and lightweight
Cons
- Fits a bit small around the bust
If you want to make sure your undershirt doesn’t peek out from under your sweater’s collar, then this low scoop-neck tee is a great solution. It’s our pick for the best value tee, thanks to its soft fabric and comfortable fit, but the overall relaxed cut and thin fabric make it suitable as a comfortable undershirt. The sleeves aren’t too boxy, nor do they bunch in my armpits. That said, the shirt is a bit tighter around the bust than I’d like, so if you have a larger bra size, you may want to size up.
The tee is made with cotton and modal, and it’s so breathable, flexible, and lightweight that I wear it as pajamas whenever it’s clean. When I restrain myself and wait to wear it out, this tee works perfectly under my sweaters with loose collars and boxy fits.
RELATED: The Best T-Shirts
| Materials | 50% cotton, 50% modal |
| Sizes | XS–XL |
| Colors | 7 |
Pros
- Great length
- Tons of color options
- Soft fabric
- Thin straps
Cons
- Some clothing from the brand doesn't hold up well
Rated our best overall tank top, this spaghetti-strapped camisole is nice underneath thin sweaters and cardigans. Thick, wide straps on a tank can look bulky under fitted sweaters, and a T-shirt’s sleeves can get bunched up if the sweater’s sleeves aren’t loose enough, so a cami can offer a more seamless silhouette. This one from Aritzia is made with a blend of cotton and elastane, offering a stretchy yet soft fit. One of our editors said the spaghetti straps had a sturdy feel so they won’t dig into shoulders.
This editor also said the tank top “falls comfortably at my waistline and feels soft against my skin.” She also shared, “It has washed well these past months, although I have noticed other white tanks from Aritzia are more prone to pilling and discoloring after multiple months and consistent wear.”
The tank top comes in more than 20 colors, so you can choose from pastels, bright hues, or basic neutrals.
RELATED: The Best Tank Tops
| Materials | 94% cotton, 6% elastane |
| Sizes | 2XS–XL |
| Colors | 23 |
Pros
- Four tanks for a low price
- Stretchy material
- Thin, adjustable straps
Cons
- No built-in bra
When you need an undershirt ASAP, look no further than this number-one Amazon best-seller with thousands of online reviews, which can arrive at your door quickly, thanks to Prime two-day shipping. For $30, you will get four tank tops in your choice of one or more colors.
The camisoles have a slim cut and are made from a cotton-spandex blend for added stretch. You can adjust the thin straps for a better fit and layer under a blouse, sweater, or jacket, or wear them on their own tucked into a pair of jeans. One online reviewer wrote, “Wasn't expecting much, but these tanks are correctly sized, a good thickness, stretchy, and not cropped.” There isn’t a built-in bra, though, like many other camisoles have (albeit they’re more pricey).
| Materials | 95% cotton, 5% spandex |
| Sizes | XS–XXL |
| Colors | 23 pack combinations |
Pros
- Doubles as an undershirt and workout top
- Sweat-wicking and quick-drying materials
- Four-way stretch makes for a comfy fit
Cons
- High neckline can clash with a loose collar on a sweater
While you can wear this short-sleeve shirt with a sports bra during workouts, it's also a great layer when it starts getting cold. Made using the brand's ultra-soft Nulu fabric, the Wundermost Crew is lightweight and has four-way stretch.
Although designed for casual wear, it features sweat-wicking and quick-drying capabilities to help keep you comfortable whenever you’re active. If you wear it beyond exercise, you will appreciate the elevated, brushed feel and flattering, curved side seams. The higher neckline is great for under turtleneck sweaters, but keep in mind that the shirt may clash with a loose collar on a sweater. It is one of our more expensive picks at just under $60, but we think its construction and versatility make it a worthwhile splurge.
RELATED: The Best Workout Tops for Women
| Materials | Nulu fabric |
| Sizes | XS–XL |
| Colors | 8 |
How we choose the best undershirts
Style experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab evaluate all kinds of clothing essentials, including the best women's undershirts. To find the best styles available on the market right now, I began with a categorical search of popular brands and narrowed down our selections based on GH staffer recommendations, consumer testers’ feedback, and online shopper reviews. I collaborated with our Textiles Lab pros to curate a diverse roundup that includes different necklines, fits, and prices.
What to look for when shopping for the best undershirt
Before you buy an undershirt, consider the following design aspects.
✔️ Material: For the most part, undershirts are fully or partially made with cotton, a natural fiber that's soft against the skin, absorbent, and breathable. Modal, a regenerated cellulose fiber, is also found in many undershirts because it has a buttery soft, almost lived-in feel. Synthetic fibers like polyester or nylon are popular too because they can be moisture-wicking and durable.
✔️ Fit: Some undershirts may have a looser fit, but most people prefer a fitted option because it allows for less bunching under a top layer.
✔️ Style: As you may have noticed from our picks, undershirts most often have a crew-neck style akin to T-shirts. This helps "provide enough coverage over the torso and the underarms and extend up to the collarbone," says Home & Apparel Reviews Analyst Amanda Constantine. A v-neck or scoop-neck design is less likely to peek out from underneath your top, though. Meanwhile, a sleeveless tank or camisole is even easier to conceal under tops. Keep in mind that a tank won't cover the underarms, so it won’t shield the top you wear over it from sweat. A long-sleeve undershirt is the best option to wear under an uncomfortable blouse or sweater because it covers the most skin compared to other styles.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
The Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab evaluates all sorts of apparel, including tops, thermals, undergarments, and more. Editorial Commerce Editor Isabella Cavallo considered testing data from these categories to curate this guide. She has years of experience reviewing apparel, like the best T-shirts for women, tank tops, and more.
She also collaborated with Home & Apparel Reviews Analyst Amanda Constantine, who researches and reports on clothing, accessories, and home furnishings. She holds undergraduate degrees in apparel merchandising and product development and advertising and marketing communications, as well as a master of science degree in consumer sciences from The Ohio State University.
Amanda (she/her) researches and reports on products in the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab, ranging from clothing and accessories to home furnishings. She holds undergraduate degrees in apparel merchandising and product development and advertising and marketing communications, as well as a master of science degree in consumer sciences from The Ohio State University. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2022, Amanda was a lecturer for the fashion and retail studies program at Ohio State, where she taught fashion and textiles courses.
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