Shirts, trousers and basics
Do you need an undershirt in the heat?
By sneakersInn team · Updated
Under dress shirts, yes. In Accra's heat, a thin, close-fitting undershirt absorbs sweat before it reaches your shirt, hides sweat marks, protects collars and underarms from yellowing, and makes shirts last longer. Choose a V-neck or deep crew in a colour close to your skin tone so it doesn't show through. Skip it under linen shirts, polos and casual short-sleeve shirts.
| Choose | Why |
|---|---|
| Thin cotton, modal or merino | Breathes and absorbs sweat |
| Close fit | No bunching under the shirt |
| V-neck or deep crew | Hidden when the collar is open |
| Skin-tone or light grey | Less visible than white under white shirts |
| Long enough to tuck | Stays in place |
Why do undershirts help in hot weather?
Sweat contains salts and oils that stain and weaken shirt fabric, especially at the collar and underarms. An undershirt catches most of it, so your shirt stays fresher through the day and needs less washing. See how to keep clothes looking new in humid weather.
Won't it make me hotter?
A thick, loose cotton tee will. A thin, close-fitting undershirt in a breathable fabric adds little warmth and can feel cooler by wicking sweat away from your skin.
Why not white?
White undershirts show through white and light shirts as a visible outline. A shade close to your skin tone is nearly invisible.
When should I skip it?
Under linen shirts, polos, camp-collar shirts and anything you wear untucked and casually. Those are meant to breathe on their own.
How many should I own?
Five to seven, so you have one for each workday. Wash them after every wear.
Questions
Do undershirts stop sweat stains?
They reduce them a lot. Treat any yellowing early; see clothing care 101 and how to remove sweat stains.
What about job interviews?
Yes, wear one. See what to wear to a job interview in Accra.