Men's Clothing Forums banner

Undershirt size?

31K views 5 replies 5 participants last post by  Miket61  
#1 ·
This is something I ought to know the answer too, but I don't. So be gentle, please.

For some time I've been wearing XL undershirts (and, just for the record, size L OCBDs and XL polo shirts), but I'm losing weight (over 20 pounds thus far, with another 40-50 pounds to go). Then I'll be able to wear size M shirts for the first time in way too long (and get a new, more Ask Andy-ish wardrobe to boot)! Problem is, while I think I wore size M undershirts back then too, I don't remember for sure. And I've since come to realize that I don't know what the rules are (if any) for undershirt size! Are you supposed to wear the same size in undershirts as you wear in shirts, or larger? Thanks in advance.
 
#4 ·
Even if the manufacturer sells the undershirt by sizes labelled small, medium, large etc they will provide a sizing chart to advise the measurement that applies to the size. Normally small is 36 - 38 inches, medium 38 - 40 inches and so on and so forth. Whatever size chest you are then that's the size undershirt you require. Bingo! Problem solved.

Well done with the weight loss. :icon_smile:
 
#5 · (Edited)
Shaver's info on normal sizing is pretty much what I see everywhere. For a regular crew neck t-shirt (not undershirt), I will wear a L or XL, depending on brand. I figure the fit is more important than what's on the label. For undershirts, I wear a Hanes medium (40" chest), and I like my undershirts to be kind of snug - the Hanes medium might be a hair looser than I prefer, but a small would just be too tight/short.

From someone who has also worked on losing weight over the last few years (down 40, maybe another 10 or so to go): Good job and keep plugging!
 
#6 ·
I'm down five; fifteen more to go to where I was before I left my last job. Forty-five more to go to my ideal weight.

I am by no means "athletic," but I wear, and fit in, Brooks "Slim Cut" dress shirts in 16/35. I wear a Large in most sport shirts by Brooks Brothers but require a XXL in Michael Kors or anyone any more "fashion-forward."

Undershirts should be fairly snug to avoid creating additional layers of billowy fabric that negatively impact the appearance of your shirt. So if you think you need a smaller size now, or will need a smaller size then, it wouldn't hurt to buy one shirt (or how many are in a pack) and see what happens.