The London Lounge

Is it usual to wear an undershirt under a bespoke shirt and suit?

There is no "rule", but an undershirt is preferred for a number of reasons:

1. You are providing an extra layer of protection for your clothes from perspiration and other bodily fluids.

2. A t-shirt helps makes the shirt opaque so that the shirt's colors are stronger.

3. Many shirts are thin and allow your chest hair, nipples, etc. to be on view. Showing off your chest hair is not gentlemanly.

4. Shirts tend to be transparent under flash photography.

Thank you! That was very helpful. Your advice is in line with what I thought, but it's nice to get the confirmation.

A follow-up question: Can anyone recommend a source for good-quality cotton crew-neck t-shirts that don't lose their shape after several washings?

Alex Kabbaz sells Zimmerili underwear which is purported to be the best. He sells them through his website, and he would be glad to answer your questions by phone.

. . . . Can anyone recommend a source for good-quality cotton crew-neck t-shirts that don't lose their shape after several washings?

Brooks Brothers offers Canadian-made undershirts that approximate Zimmerli, for a third the price (or less, when on sale).

Merona undershirts from Target are high-quality. They are a bit incongruous to bespoke, but I think they work well. At under $4 a piece, they are great value.