Review: UnderFit Part 3 -- Crew Neck and Others
Once again, Paul Beck of UnderFit was nice enough to send me a few different undershirts on the house. This time, he included not just the two deep V-necks they are known for, but an office-appropriate crew neck.
Said crew neck is only available in white, but I wouldn't expect anyone to make a skin tone crew neck. Especially when a white crew neck can help white shirts look more brilliant against a suit and tie. Though it's currently fashionable and common to wear city suits without a tie, I still wear ties with mine. I think there is room in anyone's wardrobe for a white crew neck worn with a closed collar and tie. This one comes up to a reasonable place on one's neck, not too high as to peak over a dress shirt collar when buttoned, but not so low that it is very visible underneath a tie knot. Your mileage may vary of course, depending on the size of your neck. It's also good to offer comfortable, modern white crew necks considering many workplaces and police/military uniforms still require them with open collars. Certainly far better than the Hanes that most resort to!
The more recent V-necks could be improved a bit. The bottom corner appears to sit a little higher than the last V-neck I received from UnderFit, thus not offering quite the same "two button guarantee" as before. I'm sure this could easily be fixed for future runs.
As mentioned in my previous review, the Skin Tone undershirt does what's promised, being pretty much invisible with an open neck white shirt. Unlike some other undershirt manufacturers, Paul only offers the one shade since he believes it will blend in with almost anyone's complexion. It's nice that the website shows three different models wearing it -- white, black, and Latino men -- though it would be even better if they were shown wearing a white shirt over it as well to demonstrate the versatility. Paul added in our more recent conversation that he actually achieved the perfect shade by dying some white undershirts in his own washer, being disappointed in the previous results. That's a pretty neat, hands-on attitude.
The white V-neck has actually seen a lot of use from me, as a skin coloured undershirt isn't always necessary when wearing darker fabrics. For example, no one can tell I'm wearing a white V-neck under a blue chambray work shirt or navy broadcloth sport shirt. You may ask, "But what's the use for it then?" Certainly, the Skin Tone may replace any low quality white V-necks in the wardrobes of many, but there are probably some who do not care for or believe in the usefulness of a "nude" undershirt. It makes sense for UnderFit to keep selling it for now.
The quality of these undershirts is just as good as ever. Perhaps even better. I may be imagining things, but feel as if this recent batch of fabric (still 95% modal, 5% Lycra as before, so no difference in composition) hold up a bit better to washing and drying over time. The last undershirt I was sent in Skin Tone started noticeably pilling after a month, whereas in the same time frame these have retained much more of their smoothness. Again, this may be subjective. I've always washed all my underwear on cold and dried on low. A minor note about the fit is that the armpits on all three I was sent can often feel like they're riding up. They could stand to be loosened just a smidge.
I still very much recommend UnderFit for anyone looking for high quality undershirts. They have a 100% satisfaction guarantee and give away 5% of profits to one of three charities that you choose. Starting at $25 each (comes in three-pack for $75), all this is a great value.
Nouveau Vintage received material compensation in exchange for this review. Every effort has been made to remain objective.
The more recent V-necks could be improved a bit. The bottom corner appears to sit a little higher than the last V-neck I received from UnderFit, thus not offering quite the same "two button guarantee" as before. I'm sure this could easily be fixed for future runs.
The quality of these undershirts is just as good as ever. Perhaps even better. I may be imagining things, but feel as if this recent batch of fabric (still 95% modal, 5% Lycra as before, so no difference in composition) hold up a bit better to washing and drying over time. The last undershirt I was sent in Skin Tone started noticeably pilling after a month, whereas in the same time frame these have retained much more of their smoothness. Again, this may be subjective. I've always washed all my underwear on cold and dried on low. A minor note about the fit is that the armpits on all three I was sent can often feel like they're riding up. They could stand to be loosened just a smidge.
I still very much recommend UnderFit for anyone looking for high quality undershirts. They have a 100% satisfaction guarantee and give away 5% of profits to one of three charities that you choose. Starting at $25 each (comes in three-pack for $75), all this is a great value.
Nouveau Vintage received material compensation in exchange for this review. Every effort has been made to remain objective.
Does anyone actually wear undershirts anymore? There's no need. If the fabric is good quality you shouldn't need one. No offense I just think the undershirt industry is a racket. They make you think you need one when you really don't.
ReplyDeleteIt's fine if you don't want to wear undershirts and that's your choice. However, all these online undershirt businesses including jT Invisible, RibbedTee, etc. arose from a consumer demand for better undershirts without paying upwards of $100 such as with Bresciani or Zimmerli. The $15-30 per undershirt market that these companies occupy is a sweet spot for many. I'm pretty sure they're kept in business by the fact that people wear them!
DeleteReasons people may wear them include comfort, a desire not to show through their thin shirts, hiding chest hair, and sweat absorption. Some of the same reasons camisoles are worn.
A crewneck should never be wrorn with out tie. End of discussion. If you got chest hair either shave it or show it off produly.
ReplyDeleteIdeally, yes, you're right. However, there are some occupations that require a crew neck undershirt depending on the dress code or uniform. Many service jobs, police, and military come to mind. One of the restaurants I used to work at required, rather ridiculously, a crew neck underneath a polo shirt! I don't agree with it, but that's the way it is sadly.
DeleteCrew-neck under polo? Extra yuck. The older guy on NCIS would wear that look, but he was supposed to be kinda conservative I guess.
DeleteGibbs was a bit old school, but you would expect that from a former Gunnery Sergeant. Any open collared American military uniform is generally accompanied by a white crew neck undershirt, so he may have picked up the habit from his service in the Marine Corps.
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