I buy undershirts every 3 years...help

Submitted by loud_lou t3_yix6r9 in BuyItForLife

This is a two part question looking for suggestions:

  1. Undershirt: I always buy undershirts because I like a consistent soft feel over other shirts and not have to worry about a scratchy tag or anything. Soft cotton seems to be the best but after 3 years the pit stains make it an embarrassment if I'm walking around with just one on. The big problem when I replace them, all the new under shirts have new flashy names or aren't the same. Hanes has been a go to but even those change. Too high neck collar, too thick/coarse. Some add polyester but then it's like I'm wearing sportswear under my clothes. Is there anywhere that sells a reasonable priced undershirt that is soft but itsnt polyester? Not a neck strangler but not a v neck? The perfect undershirts have to be out there.

  2. Stains: It would be nice if I didn't have to replace perfectly good shirts every 3 years due to pit stains. Is there anything that will get rid of them? Better yet if I'm attacking from the wrong direction is there a deodorant that will prevent the stains or something wrong with my body I should get checked out?

Lastly I will note, I don't waste the shirts totally. I use them as garage towels for misc cleanup before they are tossed so they have one last good usage.

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Comments

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pumpkinsword t1_iul18uk wrote

Get an aluminum free deodorant. The stains are from the reaction between your deodorant sweat and the laundry detergent.

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Muncie4 t1_iumgedl wrote

All deodorants are aluminum free. What you are thinking of is aluminum compounds in antiperspirants, so OP should switch to any deodorant vice antiperspirant.

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telesonico t1_iul598k wrote

I use Uniqlo airism undershirts - they’re synthetic, though very light and last a long time. Material feels the same even after close to 10 years of use.

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lukrezya t1_iulcbi2 wrote

Totally agree on the Uniqlo undershirts. Soft and lightweight. Dunno about stains, tho

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telesonico t1_iulcriw wrote

I use non-aluminum deodorant - haven’t had issues with stains since the switch.

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[deleted] t1_iumdqt8 wrote

Such as?

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telesonico t1_iumwvja wrote

Tom’s of Maine, Jason. Tom’s has been my goto for years now.

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ltssms0 t1_iumm0hw wrote

Speedstick has a few "mens" varieties without aluminum. WTF, smelling like an ocean or pine is gendered.

Most antiperspirants have an aluminum compound used to block pores from sweating, and the compound can stain clothing.

Use your own judgement as to whether you should use a deodorant or antiperspirant. For example I don't sweat enough in just my arm pits (not going to roll it on my whole back, lol), antiperspirants make me uncomfortable when I am that hot, and I don't want my clothes to stain.

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loud_lou OP t1_iumgrdg wrote

Yeah if you have any suggestions I'd be open to know about them. Preferably something that could be found at a grocery store or target.

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telesonico t1_iumwrvw wrote

I first started out using Tom’s non-aluminum deodorants. These worked well for me. Other brands which I like are Jason and Desert Essence. Most of these are available in a Target and can be bought in bulk packs for less online.

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loud_lou OP t1_iumwx6c wrote

My wife is concerned that they won't suppress BO smells. Did you find one worked better than others on this attribute?

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telesonico t1_iumx7mr wrote

Suppose it also depends on how strong the BO is and what you do throughout the day!The ones which worked longest from Tom’s have been Maine Woodspice and Lemon Bergamot.

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NotYourFathersEdits t1_iuqg26g wrote

Tom’s isn’t strong enough for me. Arm and Hammer Natural, however, works great.

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trzarocks t1_iupwgr1 wrote

Thai Stick can be found online and at many health food type stores. It’s basically an alum block rounded off for your pits. Alumn blocks are sold at places that cater to double edge razor shaving, as it’s an old school post shave treatment.

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sjg0409 t1_iul5tmf wrote

I turn my husband’s T-shirts inside-out and spray the armpits with white vinegar before washing. It really makes a difference.

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ConcreteKeys t1_ivfnhdr wrote

Do you wash warm or cold?

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IWillBeSureAlways t1_ivfz82q wrote

I have done both and IMO either will work. If you already have crunchy areas, vinegar alone will not undo it. But it's a very effective preventative measure.

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Ok_Knee1216 t1_iul1i2b wrote

Borax and washing soda, with hot water. At this point you may need to soak them first.

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TimLikesPi t1_iumd6jj wrote

The washing soda is the key ingredient. I had trouble with sheets and started doing all the things they tell you on the internet. As I experimented I was using multiple things, in the end it was detergent and Arm and Hammer Super Washing Soda that worked without other ingredients. The washing soda get rid of sweat stains.

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username0011234 t1_iulb4wv wrote

I really like Costco’s Kirkland undershirts. It’s a 6pk for like $20.

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alilrosenylund t1_iulo4rr wrote

Second this, OP. My husband is very particular about undershirts and these are his go-to.

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PM_ME_AYY_LMAOOS t1_iumhyaa wrote

>Kirkland

This is the way to go. Wear them every day to work (office job) and they are in great shape. No pit stains or anything.

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brownhotdogwater t1_iumnz70 wrote

This is what I get. Replace them after a year or two. Great shirts for the price

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TheOther1 t1_iur0nsd wrote

I like Amazon essentials t shirts. 6 pack for $16.40

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gaurddog t1_iul0ezd wrote

Merino wool.

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loud_lou OP t1_iul4gld wrote

Wow that must be a good undershirt for $34! I usually buy about 20 or so when I replace. That might break the bank haha.

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gaurddog t1_iul4sw1 wrote

It's anti microbial and moisture wicking so it doesn't pick up BO like cotton and can be worn longer between washed.

Less washes = increased durability.

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Tired_of_flair t1_iul6g5p wrote

But its not soft

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gaurddog t1_iul9w78 wrote

Merino is definitely soft. It's far from being like the harsh abrasive wool of your grandpa's sweater or scratchy military blanket.

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knocturnal87 t1_iulltv6 wrote

Soak overnight in oxyclean hot water.

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redneckhotmess t1_iumazht wrote

2nd the oxy clean. My husband and sons wear hanes t shirt every day. Generic dollar store oxy clean is one of the ingredients in my laundry soap. They last until they literally wear holes in them.

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theother_Jeff t1_iul32dv wrote

Switch to natural deodorants and stop using antiperspirants if you can. I used to have constant sweaty pits and pit stains all the time, then tried just deodorant and after about a week or so adjustment period it’s been remarkably better. Way less pit stains and it’s much less severe of an issue too. My tshirts have been faring much better as a result as I used to have to toss them after a year bc the permanent staining would be so bad

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Zealousideal-Owl-459 t1_iul5gz8 wrote

JC Penney used to sell Stafford undershirts, I think they still do. Most of mine lasted 6-10 years. I’m out of the undershirt business and enjoying the blue collar life now so it’s been a few years since I’ve bought any.

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dfreinc t1_iul3xr6 wrote

>Stains

clipper your arm pits down to stubble and start using certain dri. follow the directions. it'll easily go 48 hours. it's over the counter. do not fuck it up. 😂

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CavaliereDellaTigre t1_ium53g3 wrote

  1. Asket (note: not H&M's greenwashing brand Arket) makes my favourite t-shirts. They have a slightly thicker standard version and a thinner, more breathable, lightweight version. Can strongly recommend both, although the lightweight version is naturally less durable than the standard one.
  2. What helped me was switching out my aluminium-based deodorant for an aluminium-free one. Just check the ingredient lists, if there is aluminum/aluminium mentioned, it's a no-go. Haven't gotten a white or yellow stain in a shirt's armpit since.
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TimLikesPi t1_iume0tm wrote

I buy Fresh Clean Tees from their website. These are the best fitting t-shirts I have ever found, including many that were more expensive. A 5-pack of white tees is on sale for $80. They seem to last longer than others as well, but I did have one where the bottom seam came out. One out of about twenty.

I also pick up t-shirts at Target called Pair of Thieves. I have a few black ones and they seem good and long lasting. They have more of a soft synthetic feel.

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pearlscales t1_iuo6prl wrote

The stain is what they refer to as an oily organic stain. I like to soak the area in hydrogen peroxide and then apply a paste of dawn and baking soda( I use an old toothbrush). Let sit, then machine wash.

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LisLoz t1_iv77imf wrote

Try soaking in Oxi Clean overnight.

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GolfingAccountant t1_ivlditw wrote

Let me change your life.

Jiffyshirts.com

Have you ever seen TruClassicTees? This site has the exact same shirts without their logo in the collar. I prefer the Bella + Canvas line (specifically the Sueded Crew). Very soft fabric depending on the model you buy.

I buy these plain tees in every color of the rainbow and a bulk in black, white, and grey. My entire top row of my closet is nearly 50 shirts from this site. For XXL, its about $5-9 per shirt. Smaller sizes run $2-5. They have held up pretty well after 3 years. Hanging out at home, playing pickleball and golf, or even out to a casual dinner. For the price, I don't mind tossing one out for a stain or rip. They are well worth it to me. Don't get me wrong, some come with loose threads, but I cut it off and keep them in the rotation. Give it a try. I ordered 6-7 different styles/fabrics to see what I liked the best, then went balls to the wall to fill up my closet.

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loud_lou OP t1_ivlk383 wrote

This page looks shady af. Anyone else every order from there?

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GolfingAccountant t1_ivm59fw wrote

It’s a bulk t shirt provider. Local embroidery stores work with them. Never had a problem with 5-6 orders. Check out BBB if worried.

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BitofaGreyArea t1_iul4n9r wrote

Mr. Davis undershirts. The end.

I've had some of mine for like 6 years and they're still going strong.

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loud_lou OP t1_ium8cz3 wrote

Wow I need a new job haha. The one that looks like I'd like it is $30 for 1 shirt. Been used to getting a few for that price. They must be real nice!

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BitofaGreyArea t1_iumny8q wrote

They're worth it. There are ways to get them discounted, also.

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Cowabongya t1_iulzafs wrote

Kingstead off Amazon.

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loud_lou OP t1_ium7mht wrote

WOW I never thought there were so many undershirt/deodorant aficionados! Thank you all for the great advice! I have a lot to look forward to trying out! :)

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5spd4wd t1_iunf5va wrote

Have you looked at the Jockey brand?

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loud_lou OP t1_iunfwrt wrote

Nope. Is there a certain version/line you'd recommend. I know for Hanes they had like 5 different versions. I think the one I liked used to be called x-temp or something.

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5spd4wd t1_iunl3o8 wrote

There is no specific version I'd point you toward but suggest you look online and see what different versions Jockey offers, and if there are reviews about them. Personally I hate anything with polyester as it is a petro-chemical product, a plastic. I don't like the idea of wearing fabrics that essentially contain a plastic.

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trzarocks t1_iupx1n4 wrote

Fels naphtha soap is great for body stains. Rub the bar into the stain and give it a hot water soak. Then wash with oxyclean and detergent. A big bar is like $2. Use oxyclean on the regular and that stain will take longer to appear.

I hear Zote works, too. I never tried it as I hate the smell.

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magpie0000 t1_iur5oug wrote

Gotta break up the aluminum, other commenters have named good products I would just add that a LONG soak (overnight) will help. Long soak with whatever product you decide to use, then maybe scrub at it with an old toothbrush before washing

If that + the tips others have left doesn't cut it, I have heard of people turning shirts inside out and spraying the stain with CLR ("calcium, lime, rust", a brand of sink/bathroom cleaner for hard water stains and mineral build up). Wash immediately after, if you let the CLR sit for too long it might destroy it the cloth. I've never done that and I'm not sure what effect (if any) this has on the texture of the clothes, so maybe try it with a shirt that's otherwise doomed haha

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Walterkovacs1985 t1_iusfhko wrote

Switched to all natural deodorant and started wearing Thompson Tees when I didn't wanna show any armpit sweat. I wear smartwool and vuori other times and never see staining. Honestly switching to natural deodorant has really shifted my confidence in the pit situation

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ImBadWithGrils t1_iuu7ev5 wrote

I've had good luck with Under Armour so far, HeatGear compression.

I splash some vinegar in every wash and they come out odorless plus they sick sweat and dry fast, which is vital for me. Cotton holds the moisture and gets nasty

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peter303_ t1_iulkkdo wrote

Ask in r/Adulting. Adults know when to buy fundamental goods at appropriate times.

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Mtnskydancer t1_iumdy8e wrote

Adults also know:

Goods manufacturers change a lot, and usually not for the good,

Not to shame other people.

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