Welcome to The Information, a collection of the very best advice pulled from a decade's worth of Esquire's Big Black Book—plus even more new, indispensable guidance delivered regularly. Life is complicated. We're here to uncomplicate it.
On May 17,1881, The New York Times estimated that several thousand New York City deaths had resulted from the switch from winter to spring undershirts. This is a serious matter. We’ve all been there, too, contemplating the hot-man-in-summer dilemma: Will I sweat more, or will it show through my dress shirt less, if I wear an undershirt? After consulting with experts, our conclusion is thus: A thin cotton undershirt will, in fact, keep you cooler in warm weather while protecting your dress shirts from your body. First, it wicks moisture away from the body, which in turn stabilizes your body temperature and maximizes comfort. Second, cotton is an inherently airy material: The fibers that make up the yam in cotton are hollow, and this creates an additional layer of cooling air.
Four Breeds of Undershirt
WHITE CREWNECK
The good: When chosen well, covers your entire torso.
The bad: Neckline will show with an open collar. Very bad indeed.
Hanes Cotton Undershirt (6-Pack)
GRAY CREWNECK
The good: Unlike white, won't show through lightly colored dress shirts.
The bad: We got nothin'.
Hanes Cotton T-Shirt (6-Pack)
Now 27% Off
WHITE V-NECK
The good: Wear your polo or dress shirt unbuttoned with ease.
The bad: Excessive chest-hair exposure.
Gildan V-Neck T-Shirt (6-Pack)
WHITE TANK TOP
The good: Covers the high-sweat areas of the torso.
The bad: Does nothing for your armpits.
Mack Weldon 18-Hour Rib Tank
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