Is it a fashion disaster to have your undershirt showing when you wear a crew neck sweater? Here’s a fun style-related question from a reader who is worried about breaking a style rule.
Hi Tug,
When I wear my crew neck undershirt under a particular crew neck sweater, the undershirt is exposed at the neck.
As such, does this mean my sweater has too large of a neck hole, or my undershirt has too small of a neck hole?
Is it acceptable for the undershirt collar to be showing?
Thanks,
BobADVERTISEMENT
Wondering what style shirt to wear under a v-neck sweater? Check out my Best Shirt To Wear Under A V-Neck Sweater article for details.
How To Wear A Crew Neck Undershirt Under Crew Neck Sweaters
Heya Bob,
Good to hear from you and a great question indeed!
To be really honest, I don’t think it means your sweater is too large or your undershirt is too small, but it does present a style quandary.
If you’re going to stick to a crew neck style t-shirt or undershirt, here are my recommendations.
Credit: thebestfashionblog.com
DO Match Your Undershirt or T-Shirt Color With Your Sweater
If you’re going for a layered look, I’d suggest mixing it up by finding a crew neck undershirt that matches or contrasts nicely with your crew neck sweater. You could also wear a heathered grey undershirt, which matches nicely with most other colors.
A stark white undershirt can only match certain colored sweaters. Wear a white undershirt with white, cream or beige colored sweaters for best results.
DON’T Forget To Tuck Your Shirt In
Making sure your undershirt stays tucked can be a challenge. Choose a slim-fitting undershirt that hugs your body, so you can avoid bunching and adding bulk under sweaters.
DO Choose An Undershirt With A Larger Neck Opening
Do you prefer a clean, unlayered look? You’ll need an undershirt or lightweight t-shirt that has a larger neck opening that won’t show at all.
Consider either a scoop neck or wide-neck undershirt like what Ryan Gosling wore in the movie Only God Forgives.
DON’T Worry About Showing A Little Collar
Don’t change a thing if you don’t bother about showing a little collar at the end of the day. In fact, white undershirts actually look good stylistically under a crew neck sweater.
DO Wear An Undershirt If You Need To Stay Warm
An undershirt can add an extra layer of warmth and protection. So whether you’re wearing a dress shirt or a sweater, this additional layer can be a lifesaver if you’re cold or prone to sweating.
Summing It Up
Hope that information helps buddy.
Let me know if you have other questions and keep me posted on what you wind up doing! Sound good?
Do You Have Any Style Advice for Bob?
If so, give us your opinion in the comments section below.
I wear t-shirts under my sweaters mainly to prolong the lifespan of my outer clothes. My only peeve is when the collar of the undershirt gets crinkled, warped, or just offset a bit too much during the day, it can look a bit scruffy. But nothing an occasional straightening out can’t fix. With the colour combinations I think you’re spot on, the only thing I would say is I’m not a fan of wearing the same colour undershirt to match the sweater / shirt as the two start to meld together and looks confused visually. Even a slight shade offset on the undergarment helps to make the separation, and results in a cleaner look I think.
Hi Tug,
I find its very complicated now to wear an undershirt. Yes for comfort, yes for protecting our shirts, yes for absorbing body oils and perspiration. For all these reasons we wear an undershirt. But in 2021 we must not see it anymore!
It would take the invisible….Women wear bras they are visible under their blouses and no one takes offense. What’s wrong with men today, should we be more feminine than women? A guy is a guy and wears guy’s underwear, what is the problem ?
I am a sophisticated guy who loves fashion and beautiful clothes. I buy designer and expensive clothes that I wear with pride. But that won’t stop me from wearing undershirts and I don’t believe they affect my look.
If you bought a good fit undershirt (second skin style) of good quality not change your look. Its not similar with these cheap undershirt too large and no style. Please, let’s stop making life more complicated.
heya ml, thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts!
there aren’t any absolutes here, so if you’re good, i’m good (:
This is a great casual, relaxed look. Not a problem at all, but you can polish it up a bit by taking Tug’s suggestions and wearing a matching colored undershirt or one that doesn’t show. It all depends on the setting and what you want to convey about yourself and your sense of style.
thanks tom! 👍
Personally my wife loves my look when i have a hint of my undershirt under any shirt. Makes her want to rip my clothes off, so all is good!! ;)
nice! good for your wife (and you!)
I wouldn’t worry too much about it, an undershirt peeking underneath makes a great layering look. If you’re really worried about it showing- I would opt for V neck or an undershirt with a wider or lower neck as mentioned but again, nothing to lose sleep about :)
I wouldn’t stress over it. It’s OK to show some shirt. I personal have worn crew tees under crew and v neck sweaters. It’s not something that will detract from your look. I only recommend going without a tee in warm weather where you’re expected to show more skin and want to avoid overheating. Stay stylish!
good stuff grant! thanks for sharing your style wisdom with us (:
This is a good thing. Part of your shirt should always show underneath your sweater at the neck opening, 1.) because layering is good, and 2.) if it doesn’t, it looks like you’re wearing a sweater with no shirt on underneath, and that’s weird.
Don’t think too much about it.
thanks barron! great advice buddy.