Dear Playboy Advisor

[David]

I wear an undershirt under the golf shirts I wear at work, so I wear them whenever I wear a dress shirt. I guess it's a Texas thing because almost everyone I know who works in an office does. When you do sweat, which is any time you go outside, it doesn't show.

[djmcmath]

That's almost funny. I wear an undershirt almost religiously, and I haven't been in Texas in more than 25 years. I actually learned it in the military -- you ALWAYS wear an undershirt under a uniform top, no matter what kind of top it is. And your undershirt is ALWAYS inspection ready, even if you can't possibly see it because you're wearing a collared shirt with a tie.

(shrug) My mind is now more open than it was 30 seconds ago. Thanks for the enlightenment.

Now I'm wondering what other clothing items I can do without. ???

[tcar]

Most guys I know that were in the military wear an undershirt.

Even with a polo shirt.

[dafischer]

What is this "undershirt" you're speaking of?

[enzo1]

[craigster59]

If you're looking for the Hollywood take on the subject, dress shirts are worn without undershirts. The exceptions are uniformed actors (police, paramedics, fireman, military, etc. ) or period films (I think Clark Gable created a sensation and caused a "non t shirt" fad in a film, otherwise t shirts thru the 60's) or any film featuring Texas, IBM/school teacher/ professor or geeks.

Randy Quaid made a great statement for t shirts in 2 films. Who can forget the" black dickey thru the sweater" in Christmas Vacation or the beaming nipples in Kingpin.

[red-beard]

Originally Posted by sammyg2

I believe the law states that if you wear a T shirt under a dress shirt you have to move to Texas.

I'm in Texas and never wear an undershirt. Must be somewhere else...

[Tobra]

Originally Posted by sammyg2

I believe the law states that if you wear a T shirt under a dress shirt you have to move to Texas.

I always wore T shirts when I was in Tejas, under scrubs or dress shirts. Bought V neck ones so it would not look as stupid under scrubs.

My wife did not care for T shirts, discarded them when we moved to Cali.

[enzo1]

[aigel]

Your beer boobs (if applicable) won't show as bad with an undershirt. Nothing worse than a sweaty fat guy with a silk shirt and no undershirt.

My vote is undershirt - always. Either with or without arms.

George

[Schumi]

Personally, I'm trying to bring this look back:

[Scuba Steve]

A guy in the dorm I lived in needed to break out the undershirts. His dress shirts were too thin and it always led to a display of man boobs + big hairy areolas.

[UconnTim97]

Originally Posted by scuba steve

a guy in the dorm i lived in needed to break out the undershirts. His dress shirts were too thin and it always led to a display of man boobs + big hairy areolas.

tmi

[GH85Carrera]

I can state with pride, "I have never worn an undershirt, and it is VERY unlikely I ever will"

I still own one tie but I have not worn it in so long I can't remember. I have tons of T-shirts and polo’s, but only a few "dress" shirts, and they are all short sleeved. My only pair of dress shoes are the shoes I got married in 18 years ago.

If anyone needs fashion advice don’t ask me. I wear shorts to work all summer and jeans in the winter. I don’t do the dress up thing. I see no reason to tie something around my neck.

I should be the fashion Czar in Washington DC.

[PorscheGAL]

It's quite common in the South to where tees under dress shirts. Commonly men don't wear ties and wear their top button unbuttoned.

A t-shirt protects the dress shirt from sweat.

[MotoSook]

A dress shirt that's been starched and pressed should always have an undershirt. If you don't like the collar of the undershirt showing behind an unbuttoned dress shirt, buy v neck tees. The tees should be a simple white undershirt. Without the undershirt, you'll look cheap and unfamiliar with wearing a dress shirt. The undershirt also makes wearing a starched dress shirt more comfortable in any climate. The undershirt can also give your dress shirt a second wearing if you don't dirty it on the first wearing. If you wear dress shirts to the office, this will save you some money at the dry cleaners.

In the winter I even wear a long sleeve undershirt.

If your dress shirt is thin you definitely want an undershirt as some have stated the reasons why.

If you're wearing jeans and a dress shirt, an undershirt is optional. It depends on the dress shirt. A more formal dress shirt, should have an undershirt.

I can always spot a guy who doesn't often dress up or follow good dress form. When he does dress up, he'll have a dress shirt and slacks with no undershirt.

Believe me, most ladies notice the undershirt. If you don't have an undershirt and you're supposed to be dressed up, you'll lose points. When out at a club a dress shirt (in the right print or color) sans an undershirt worn with nice jeans and nice shoes, top button undone makes the right statement.

A polo shirt isn't a dress shirt so you can go without an undershirt, but in cold climates an undershirt is perfectly fine.

[Bryans951]

I always wear an undershirt under any shirt with buttons. I also think short sleeve dress shirts look stupid, but that another topic.

[Z-man]

Originally Posted by Scuba Steve

A guy in the dorm I lived in needed to break out the undershirts. His dress shirts were too thin and it always led to a display of man boobs + big hairy areolas.

Originally Posted by VaSteve

I'm pretty hairy, so even if I didn't wear it for comfort, sweat, etc. I would wear one since I don't want that showing through.

Hmm - VaSteve -- did you by any chance attend the same school that Scuba Steve did? Or are you perhaps related? I mean, you guys do have the same last name, "Steve."

Oh, and definately TMI on BOTH accounts!!!!!

As for the undershirt debate -- yes - but only if a tie is worn. Optional otherwise.

-Z-man.

[Teutonics]

An undershirt also makes the dress shirt look "whiter" and cleaner, especially when it is hot and/or humid. Masking perspiration is also a big plus to wearing an undershirt.

[Joeaksa]

Mike,

Who gives a chit? Wear what you want when you want and stop worrying about it.

Joe A