Monday, December 7, 2009

Tip-of-the-Day: Create Your Own "No-Show" Undershirt


For a working man (or anyone who wears collared shirts), an undershirt is an everyday essential. It soaks in your persperation, keeping your dress shirt clean and, more importantly, dry. You definitely don't want to be that guy:



The problem is, for those of us who wear dress shirts, but not ties, a classic v-neck undershirt poses a problem. When a tie-less button-up shirt is worn with the top 2 buttons undone (which looks best), the white v-neck undershirt creeps a little too high, allowing the top of it to be seen...which drives me crazy!

So here is my solution...

Get some basic v-neck undershirts like these (3 pack for around $29.50). Make sure they fit snug.



Then, use a pencil to lightly draw the outline of a deep "U" shape:





Next, find a pair of scissors, and cut along the lines.



Now you have the perfect undershirt to keep your underarms dry, and have that sexy open-chest look.


Ironically, this picture is perfect because the homemade undershirt would follow a similar line as the "bib" design on Sr. James' shirt.

After all, nobody is immune to embarassing pit stains. e.g. Glamour Magazine's "Sexiest Man Alive":



Stay fresh.

Yours in style,
SB

21 comments:

L.A.S said...

What about just buying deep v-necks and using them as undershirts. Do they normally charge a premium for that? I don't buy undershirts (I am not a sweater) so I'm not aware.

Al said...

Hmm.. I sometimes like when I undue the two top buttons and my v-neck underneath shows. It's like the j. crew look, with their jaspe tees. It'a the layering effect.

Tug said...

hey sb!

good post about creating your own no-show undershirt.

if you weren't aware, there are a few companies that make short sleeve undershirts that have deep u-neck type collars. those companies include:

1. the JT from collected threads
2. the scoop t-shirt from Undergear
3. the U-shirt

Take a look at this post on my site for more details.

keep up the great work!

best,
tug
undershirtguy.com

Anonymous said...

this bugs me all the time! thanks for the suggestion.

Anonymous said...

Personally I don't like seeing the outline of an undershirt through the shirt. I know that it serves the purpose you've described, but seeing the outline of the undershirt's sleeves through the dress shirt's sleeves is equally detracting. What do you think, and what could be a solution?

Anonymous said...

They sell deep V t shirt at American Apparel.
http://store.americanapparel.ca/6456pac.html?cid=198

VB

SB said...

Yes, I am aware that there are brands that make "deep v-neck" t-shirts...unfortunately though, these still play peek-a-boo from under a collared shirt, specifically at the sides and when seen at an angle. Also, I've seen these so called "u shirts" (which aren't quite "deep" enough either) sell for around $20 each, which I can't get myself to pay for an undershirt.

Thanks for reading!

-SB

Anonymous said...

The thing that bothers me about this, is what happens if you get lucky, or have an accident and someone has to take your shirt off? Underneath that perfectly tailored shirt is a vest which has had the neck hacked out ...

www.openzedoor.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

Anon 8:33- try this with a long sleeve shirt then, or buy shirts made from a fabric thick enough that the undershirt or undershirts seems cant be seen (eg. 2- ply cotton instead of 1-ply)
openzedoor- I think it is less of a risk than getting caught in a situation where you have to lift your arms, and if she's already got your shirt off...

Anonymous said...

Openzedoor: If you are getting "lucky" with a lady, and you get to the point where she takes off you shirt, I doubt your custom made undershirt will turn her off and ruin the moment.

Unknown said...

Interesting idea. I try to avoid wearing undershirts when I can, but this is good advice.

I agree that buying $20 deep U shirts is a bit pricey.

sdidonato said...

to add to the poster above's comment about the deep "U" shirt.

You can also just do a Hulk move and rip your shirt open. It will be fairly easy.

Anonymous said...

Agree with that earlier comment - I don't like the way a v-neck outline shows through a white or light blue shirt, but crew necks are terrible. I'm not sure buying a "thicker" shirt is the answer - its not like I'm buying cheap (thin) shirts, plus in the summer a thicker shirt isn't an option. Thoughts?

Gilmar said...

Man, very good suggestion...
I tried one at work today and it worked perfectly!

Thanks for the advice!

Anonymous said...

well I think you can't have it every way- if you sweat and you use an undershirt to prevent it from coming through, but then the undershirt might be evident in some way such as being seen through a thinner fabric. It's a question of what is a bigger issue for you-seeing the shirt or seeing sweat stains. The only other option would be to not use an undershirt, and then your issue becomes how do you stop your underarm perspiration- there are some 'dangerous' high aluminum-content deodorants out there that generally work very well but are questionable, there are books on how to change your diet to avoid excessive sweating but who knows if they work, you can try shaving your underarms to reduce sweating- these would be the alternatives

Anonymous said...

From the female POV, thanks for writing about this. Nothing bothers me more than when a guy's undershirt peeks out from below his dress shirt. It just looks lame. HA to what Openzedoor said and good point. Though if the guy explained why he had customized his undershirt, I'd probably be more impressed that he went the extra mile, style-wise.

Anonymous said...

has anybody heard of these "underarm shields"....they're like tiny liners you put on the armpit portion of the shirt to stop perspiration...it seems logical but i don't know

Anonymous said...

I would like to- thats something I thought of a long time ago but didn't know if they existed/ tried to make homemade ones

mensgolfpants.com said...

Thanks for the idea.

Had not thought of this, and I have a lot of parties to go to this holiday season, I will try this.

Thanks.

Frances Davison said...

ten points for the photo of pattinson. thank you!

Evandro said...

In Brazil this is absolutely necessary! Here, we have this "U" undershirt.