Is it legit to have t-shirt collar showing under dress shirt without tie?

[Carbon]

A gay guy at work recently told me, "there's a reason for v-necks, you're not supposed to see your t-shirt collar." At my job, the dress code is generally slacks and a dress shirt, but the tie and jacket are not usually necessary. I used to only have crew-neck t-shirts. When the top button(s) of my dress shirts are unbuttoned, the collar of the crew neck shows through. I've since avoided this by following of wearing v-necks.

My question, though, is to what extent is it a rule that you're not supposed to have the t-shirt collar showing when you're not wearing a tie? I see tons of guys with this problem. Is this just another example of most men being clueless about fashion or is it okay to show the t-shirt if you're business-casual?

 

[acidboy]

Undershirts are meant to be hidden. Your gay guy at work is correct.

 

[rjmaiorano]

Never should the undershirt be seen. The v-neck should do the job.

 

[yfyf]

I once had my undershirt showing by accident (took off my tie, forgot about my undershirt) and my girlfriend told me I looked like a country bumpkin.

 

[mbc]

Just don't do it. It looks sloppy.

 

[nioh]

Common sense tells you it shouldn't be seen. Especially if you're wearing a coat. However when it comes to business casual, it all depends on in what environment you work. It certainly wouldn't look off or weird in the tech division.. but might cause minor headaches if you're a bank teller.

 

[padronlover]

i replaced many of my crewneck t-shirts with v-necks for this very reason.

it's a no no and your friend with a lisp is right

 

[teddieriley]

just because everyone is doing it, doesn't make it right.

I also recently read that a grey undershirt is better than white under thinner dress shirts because they don't show underneath. Haven't tried it yet though.

 

[Sartorian]

Originally Posted by teddieriley

just because everyone is doing it, doesn't make it right.

I also recently read that a grey undershirt is better than white under thinner dress shirts because they don't show underneath. Haven't tried it yet though.

^That's interesting, and a good point. Reminds me of what my ex-girlfriend told me about how women are supposed to wear nude bras under sheer tops, and not the white or black that are often so common. Definitely a way of weeding out the classier ladies from the trashier ones...

 

[nioh]

Originally Posted by teddieriley

just because everyone is doing it, doesn't make it right.

I also recently read that a grey undershirt is better than white under thinner dress shirts because they don't show underneath. Haven't tried it yet though.

If one is worried it might show through, I'd suggest getting a skin coloured undershirt. I however don't see the use of an undershirt to begin with.

 

[Asch]

I'd rather show a bit of undershirt than a tuft of chest hair. I don't see the big problem with crew-neck tees in a casual environment where you have button(s) undone.

 

[j]

I vote "illegit".

 

[rubylith]

Originally Posted by Asch

I'd rather show a bit of undershirt than a tuft of chest hair.

But you could shave that tuft of chest hair, unless you don't mind getting the ladies all hot.

 

[Gabriel_ITA]

I usually wear a V-neck under the shirt. Even if it is visible through the fabric I find this preferable to having sweat marks under armpits or back. I can happen even if you work in an airconditioned environment! (at least to some of my colleagues).

 

[Douglas]

Originally Posted by Sartorian

Definitely a way of weeding out the classier ladies from the trashier ones...

Or the other way around... a good way of targeting the trashy ladies, if one is into that kind of sport.