It was intended as an undergarment, to keep sweat from damaging men's dress shirts. However, for working-class men who couldn't afford enough dress shirts to wear every day, A-shirts flew solo as a cheap alternative to simply going shirtless. The origin of the term “wifebeater” is exactly as horrific as it sounds.
The form of the shirt allows for ease of movement. Wife-beaters have always been the uniform of the gym because they adjust well to a standing, seated or contorted body position. The shoulder straps and lack of sleeves give lots of freedom to the upper arms and neck.
The term wife-beater reportedly became synonymous for an undershirt after a 1947 criminal case where a Detroit man was arrested for beating his wife to death, and newspapers printed a photo of the "wife beater" wearing a stained undershirt.
Totally appropriate to wear anywhere at any time. The slang name for it was first used on American cop shows.
The most common reason why people wear undershirts is the same for men and women alike. These garments provide an opaque layer under sheer or very light clothing that helps hide what's underneath.
NEVER ever wear a tank top as an undershirt.
Especially if you want to hide sweat. A tank top completely defeats this purpose as it offers less coverage and will show the most visibility under your dress shirt of any undershirt options.
To prevent sweat through
Undershirts are sweat-absorbing and can help to avoid ugly sweat stains. Viscose and model fabrics are particularly good at absorbing water, and yet they feel lightweight and comfortable to wear. In warmer climates, it is common practice to wear an undershirt to minimise sweat marks.
In the South West of WA we also call the full strength alcohol beer (Emu Export) "wife basher" as is commonly associated with our very own version of trailer trash. Also, wifebeater. Contributor's comments: In WA one of the local beers is known as "wifebeater", ie "Give us a carton of wifebeater."
Yes, you absolutely can. There is no law or rule against wearing tank tops in public places, and it is a popular garment that men wear in public places, especially during the summer to beat the heat.
For higher quality shirts like in the OP, say "tank top". For a true "wifebeater" shirt, say "sleeveless undershirt". By "true" I mean: See the 1998 article Teen Slang for Undershirts ("Wife-beaters") Causes Stir: A "wife-beater"...is an old fashion, sleeveless undershirt...
In the 80s and 90s, you start to see the wife beater tank tops become more a part of mainstream fashion. From Bruce Willis' John McClain rocking one in the Die Hard movies to Marky Mark Wahlberg wearing one in modeling ads, these shirts became much more a part of our fashion consciousness.
It should not hug your torso tightly. In fact, it should hang about half an inch from your body; this will help keep your sweat from showing up in big pools.
Wife beater here does not mean anything violent. Instead, it is the slang phrase for a vest or tank top, typically white in colour. The term came about due to the item's association with the stereotype of abusive men, but feminists adopted have since adopted the garment as their own — to hell with the man.
Brand image
At least since the early 21st century, Stella Artois has carried the nickname of the "wife beater" in the United Kingdom, due to a perceived connection between binge drinking involving the brand and domestic violence against women.
To recap, it's perfectly fine to wear an undershirt with a suit. In fact, doing so can protect you from the cold weather, prevent deodorant stains on your dress shirt, and wick moisture away from your body.
If you are wearing a white dress shirt then you can wear a white undershirt. Dark grey, and shades of brown undershirts blend well with darker skin tones. For lighter tones, you should stick to light grey, beige, white dress shirts, or other light colored dress shirts.
Tanks and stringers help you manage your perspiration and body temperature better. Wearing clothes that are sleeveless can make for a more comfortable workout since your body can work out longer if it is cool.
People wear a tank top in the category of casual wear. The common names for a tank top are sleeveless shirt, wife beater or A-shirt etc.
Love sleeping in a tank top? There are plenty of reasons why you might. Tanks are often comfy and stretchy, so they move with your body and don't feel constrictive. They're also a great sleepwear choice for when you need to sleep cool, e.g. if the weather is warm or you're prone to overheating at night.
This is an exceptionally bad version of a singlet. They do also say tank top here like we do in Canada but we'd also say wife beater where singlet is their common slang for a sleeveless top.
Sheila = Girl
Yes, that is the Australian slang for girl.
Trackie dacks are tracksuit trousers, and underdacks are underpants or knickers.
“My best hack is if you don't have nipple covers just laying around you can use regular, medical, or silicone tape and criss-cross it over your nipples,” says Brooklyn-based stylist Joiee Thorpe. “Lay the two pieces very flat so they don't show — smoother tape will work better.
Men's underwear has performed multiple purposes: for protection, modesty and adornment; as an indicator of social status; and for support and for sexual or erotic purposes. Underwear protects the body from the environment and abrasion from outer clothes, as well as those garments from the body.
Comfort and protection
Undershirts and inner vests provide comfort while wearing clothes as they provide a layer of protection from unnecessary rubbing and friction of the upper garment. Also help avoid itchiness and skin issues that may be caused by fabric, stitching, seams, buttons, laces, or any such paraphernalia.