10 Best Undershirts for Men of All Sizes, Tested & Reviewed
It may be a basic, but the humble undershirt is a key component of your everyday wardrobe.
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An undershirt may not be the most exciting purchase you'll make, but it's an essential part of any wardrobe. Whether a tank or a tee, it provides a layer of comfort and coverage under clothing like sweaters and dress shirts, plus some can help wick away sweat.
In the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab, we know how important fit and overall quality is, so we put top-rated t-shirts — including more traditional tees and undershirts — to the test. Our Lab pros analyzed important attributes, including the fit and construction of the shirts, plus assessed opacity and measured shrinkage. We also sent some of our favorite styles to consumer testers for real-user feedback to determine the best undershirts for men.
- Best Overall: Mack Weldon Pima Crew Neck T-Shirt
- Best Value: Hanes Men's Cotton Moisture-Wicking Crew Tee, 3-Pack
- Softest: Old Navy Crew-Neck T-Shirt
- Best Customizable: Mr. Davis The World's Best Undershirt
- Best Lightweight: Bombas Men's Pima Cotton Crew Neck T-Shirt
- Best Tank: Tommy John Second Skin Tank Stay-Tucked Undershirt
- Best Extended Sizing: Lands' End Men's Crewneck Undershirt, 3-Pack
- Best on Amazon: Calvin Klein Men's Cotton Classics Undershirts, 3-Pack
- Best Stretchy: Skims Men's T-Shirt
Pros
- Slim fit prevents bunching
- Lightweight
- Soft Pima cotton fabric
Cons
- Some shrinkage in the wash
Mack Weldon makes a super thin and lightweight tee with a slim-fit silhouette that's perfect for layering under a dress shirt. It hugs the body without restricting, so you won't experience excess bulk or bunching around your arms or waistline. We love how soft it is, thanks to a 100% Pima cotton construction — our testers and analysts said it was one of the softest they evaluated.
One GH staffer said: "This is my ideal T-shirt. I'm picky about tees, and this one is the perfect weight." On the downside, we did notice some shrinkage in the wash, so you may want to size up if you have any doubts.
Material: 100% Pima cotton | Fit: Tailored | Sizes: S–XXL
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Pros
- Substantial material
- Very soft
Cons
- Most shrinkage in tests
For significantly less than the price of one T-shirt from other brands, you can snag a three-pack from the storied Hanes brand. (The brand has all kinds of variety packs, including a 12-pack for those who really want to stock up.)
There's no sacrificing on quality, either. Our analysts said this basic was thicker than other affordable styles — it earned high opacity scores in the Lab — and testers were pleased by its softness. It did shrink more than any other tee we tested, so if you prefer a roomier fit, you may want to size up.
Material: 100% cotton | Fit: Traditional | Sizes: S–3X
Pros
- Great stretch
- High softness scores
- Extended size options
Cons
- Roomier fit may be bulky under shirts if you don't size down
Old Navy sells another very affordable yet high quality pick that's often on sale, making the price comparable to that of our best value. It's arguably the softest tee we tested too — our analysts were blown away by how nice the polyester and cotton blend material felt. It also has great stretch and is lightweight and breathable.
Another big plus is it comes in sizes up to 4XL, and it has a roomier fit. One tester said it may be wise to size down — particularly if you prefer a more fitted style under your shirts.
Material: 60% cotton and 40% polyester | Fit: Traditional | Sizes: XS–XXXXL
Pros
- Design-your-own concept
- Soft fabric
Cons
- Some wearers say the fit is too tight for larger men
For the guys out there who know exactly what they like, Mr. Davis makes the most customizable undershirt we've seen. Pick the color, neckline, fit and size to your liking. The tee is made of a viscose and spandex blend — a combo our pros say is super soft.
We also like that the T-shirt is designed to be a bit longer, so it stays tucked, but some reviewers said the shirt is too slim for bigger men. If the fit is right for you, it pays to sign up for the brand's free VIP program. When you sign up, you get special discounts up to 38% (based on how much you buy), as well as free shipping on all orders.
Material: 96% viscose, 4% spandex | Fit: Traditional or tailored | Sizes: XS–XXXL
Pros
- Very lightweight and breathable
- Seamless
Cons
- Elongated silhouette may not suit everyone
If you run hot and tend to sweat, Uniqlo makes a unique option that's extra-lightweight and made of a breathable mesh to help minimize perspiration and body odor. Reviewers praised the fabric, noting it feels like second skin, thanks to the lack of seams.
And in Lab tests, AIRism tanks with similar fabrication have traditionally performed very well — particularly in opacity and durability tests. This particular style does have an elongated look, but the brand makes other styles, including a crew neck, if preferred.
Material: 88% polyester, 12% spandex | Fit: Tailored | Sizes: XS–3XL
Pros
- Soft Pima cotton
- No major shrinkage
Cons
- Some rippling at the collar after washing
Bombas makes some of our favorite socks, and this T-shirt is another home run from the brand. The 100% Pima cotton pick is nice and lightweight, plus has a soft and smooth feel that's great for layering. During evaluations, it scored well in opacity tests and wasn't overly see-through like some other lightweight styles.
One tester said the higher price is justifiable: "This T-shirt is of noticeably higher quality than most T-shirts I wear," calling it "incredibly soft" and "durable." While we didn't notice any major shrinkage or deep wrinkles, we did see some rippling at the collar after laundering. An iron or steamer is a quick fix for this.
Material: 100% Pima cotton | Fit: Traditional | Sizes: S–3XL
Pros
- Stays tucked in
- Tapered to reduce bulk around the waist and hips
Cons
- Users complained about the price
We named Tommy John as one of the best men's underwear brands, because they're known for manufacturing modal and spandex blends that are impressively smooth, soft and breathable. For layering purposes, we like this long, tapered tank top. It's specifically designed with a longer hemline to help it stay tucked into pants.
The tapering helps reduce bulk around the waist and hips. It's also tagless for added comfort. Overall, reviewers praised the shirt for being the "most comfortable tank they've ever worn," but complained about the price compared to other similar options on the market.
Material: 90% modal, 10% spandex | Fit: Tailored | Sizes: S–4XL
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Pros
- Comes in standard, tall, big and big and tall sizes
- Smooth seams for better layering
Cons
- Runs large
Though some other brands on our list offer sizes up to 5X, Lands' End is the most size-inclusive, as this style comes in standard, tall, big and big and tall sizes up to 4XLT. The largest size fits chests up to 58 to 60 inches. Overall, customers said all sizes run a little roomy, so keep that in mind when selecting yours.
We love the extra-soft combed cotton, plus the fact that the neck seam is smooth and there are no side seams. It's a great pick for layering under dress shirts, but reviewers said it's just as comfy and opaque enough for wearing on its own.
Material: 100% cotton | Fit: Traditional| Sizes: S–4XLT
Pros
- Top-tested brand
- Doesn't wrinkle easily
Cons
- Some wearers said the sleeves are too long
Calvin Klein is the original designer underwear brand and has traditionally delivered in our Lab tests. During recent evaluations, the brand's underwear aced stretch recovery and washability tests, plus got softer with each wash. Reviewers of this 100% cotton T-shirt offered similar praise, calling it a high-quality option that fits well and feels soft and comfortable on its own or as an undershirt.
They also appreciated that this tee isn't quick to wrinkle. The fit is, however, on the boxier side and some wearers complained that the sleeves are too long.
Material: 100% cotton | Fit: Traditional| Sizes: S–XXL
Pros
- Extended sizing
- Superior stretch
Cons
- Some wearers complained about the large neck size
Our analysts are big fans of Skims offerings for women, but the brand's men's tee is worth a look as well. It's made of a modal and elastane blend that offers superior stretch for all-day comfort. We also like the versatility of this option — it's opaque enough to wear on its own and slim enough to wear as an undershirt.
It's also one of the more size-inclusive options we evaluated. The brand offers sizes up to 5X, which fits men with chests up to 62 inches. Some reviewers said, overall, that it could be a bit more tailored — specifically, some complained about the larger size of the neck.
Material: 84% modal, 16% elastane | Fit: Traditional | Sizes: XS–5X
How we test undershirts for men
In the Good Housekeeping Institute, we test a wide range of apparel, including the best white T-shirts for men, the best tees for men and the best underwear for men. To determine which undershirts for men are the best, we researched the most popular styles online and reviewed attributes like style, material and care instructions, plus read real-user reviews. Then we tested select styles in the Textiles Lab and sent others to consumer testers to glean real-life feedback.
In the Textiles Lab, we evaluated the construction and fabrication of each undershirt. Then, we placed each onto a form to determine the fit and to review the style. We also assessed the neckline, sleeves and hem details, as well as the structure and drape of the material. We also placed a black tank on the form, then placed the white tee over it to determine how distinctly we could see the black tank through the T-shirt, measuring opacity.
We measured and laundered each item to evaluate shrinkage and wear, noting any visual changes in appearance including fraying, wrinkling or rippling at the collar or hemline. We then remeasured the undershirts from shoulder seam to hemline and used our pre- and post-wash measurements to determine the amount of shrinkage.
Simultaneously, real consumer testers with different body types ranging in sizes S through XXL wore the undershirts as they normally would, providing their observations on overall fit, appearance, comfort, softness and opacity. They also shared thoughts on durability and high-level feedback on any other likes and dislikes.
What to look for when shopping for the best undershirts for men
✔️ Material: Men's undershirts are typically 100% cotton, a natural fiber with great breathability and a soft, comfortable feel, but some may be a blend of cotton and synthetic fiber like polyester or nylon to enhance the overall performance or softness. Others may have a little bit of spandex or elastane for added stretch. Recently, more brands have started offering shirts made with regenerated cellulosic fibers like viscose, which typically has a super soft and comfortable feel.
✔️ Weight: For a shirt that you can comfortably layer under a dress shirt or sweater, look for a lightweight, thinner style with a tailored silhouette. Heavier and more opaque T-shirts may add too much bulk.
✔️ Neckline: Most undershirts have a classic crew neck and a banded collar, but you may also find V-neck options. These tees have a "V" shape that cuts downward towards the chest. Others may have a subtle scoop neck with more of a "U" shape.
✔️ Length: Men's T-shirts typically sit at the hip, measuring about 29 inches from shoulder seam to hemline, so they can be worn tucked or untucked. Since many men opt to tuck in their undershirt, we recommend looking for longer styles — some are as long as 32 inches — particularly if you're on the taller side.
✔️ Fit: A tee designed to be worn as an undershirt should typically have a slimmer cut than a traditional tee for a smoother, cleaner look when layered underneath another shirt.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Brigitt Earley is a freelance writer with nearly 15 years of experience. She has extensive experience reviewing consumer products of all kinds, including clothing. For this round-up, she thoroughly researched the market and worked with textiles experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute to compile this list of the best undershirts for men.
Amanda Constantine joined Good Housekeeping Institute in 2022 as a home & apparel reviews analyst. She has a background in fashion and is GH's resident style expert. She covers apparel content for both men and women and conducted testing on many of the picks above in the Textiles Lab.
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