undervest

An undervest is a sleeveless undergarment worn on the torso, typically beneath a shirt or outer layer. It serves as a base layer to absorb sweat, add warmth, and create a smoother silhouette under clothing. Undervests are commonly made from cotton, cotton blends, or synthetic fabrics such as polyester or nylon, and may feature moisture-wicking, antimicrobial, or thermal properties. They come in neck styles such as crew neck, V-neck, or scoop neck, and may be designed as ordinary wear or as compression garments for sport or performance.

Used for everyday wear, undervests help keep outer garments dry and can improve comfort, especially in warm climates or during physical activity. In cold weather, a thermal undervest provides extra insulation. They are worn by people of various ages and genders, though products marketed as undervests are often targeted toward men in traditional retail. In some markets, the term undervest is used interchangeably with undershirt or tank top; in others, “vest” may refer to a waistcoat.

Most undervests are machine washable; follow label instructions. Cotton variants may shrink if improperly dried, while modern synthetics are typically easy to care for and quick-drying.

See also: undershirt, tank top, waistcoat, thermal underwear, base layer.