Warm, low-key women's undershirts?

November 26, 2021 12:06 PM

Uniqlo's HEATTECH women's undershirts, a staple work base layer in winter, are no longer available in short-sleeve cut. Who else sells slim-cut short-sleeve under-Ts that are similarly light, breathable, warm, stretchy, and absolutely not stiff or bulky at all under office clothes?

Bonus points for durable and easy-care (this is a concern with silk, although I also don't see a lot of stretch silk out there anyway). Some natural or at least non-plastic fabrication for breathability would also be nice: the rayon in HEATTECH is fine, but I'm not a big fan of those supposedly moisture-wicking tech polyester and acrylic fabrics. Short-sleeve cut is a must. Any ideas?

posted by Bardolph to Shopping (7 answers total)

I wear a lot of merino base layers - Icebreaker is one decent brand and REI carries their own brand as well as others. Wool knits are stretchy, don't smell and mostly can be machine washed although you might want to hang rather than put in the dryer.
posted by leslies at 2:56 PM on November 26, 2021

I always washed my silk long underwear and hang-dried, had no issues.
posted by sepviva at 3:37 PM on November 26, 2021

I have some L.L. Bean silk [long] underwear/ base layer. Very light, thin and adds warmth.

Disclaimer: I work for them sometimes but only recommend what I've used successfully.
posted by theora55 at 8:14 PM on November 26, 2021

Would tanks or camis work for you? Cuddle Duds are so soft and cozy, light and stretchy.
posted by hydra77 at 10:44 AM on November 27, 2021

I feel you on the difficulty of finding short sleeve women's undershirts - it's harder than most people think since it seems like the overwhelming majority of women's undershirts are sleeveless. I bought a Jockey Women's Invisibilitee last year to reduce armpit sweat transfer issues with a new rather clingy cashmere sweater, and I'm very happy with it. Cheap, has performed well for several months, and I'll probably buy another soon.
posted by mostly vowels at 8:33 PM on November 27, 2021

Downeast layering tees FTW. I don’t know how they compare to what you had, but I stumbled on to them my accident at a thrift shop. Love love love them. My only concern is that I do not know how they compare in terms of breathable of the Uniqlo because I am unfamiliar. I’d say these are moderately breathable. I highly recommend giving a try though, cuz they’re nice.
posted by [insert clever name here] at 5:49 AM on November 28, 2021

I love Uniqlo, so I would be inclined to just cut and hem the sleeves myself. It's a couple minute job for me on a sewing machine using a stretch stitch but I'm sure you could have a tailor do this for you inexpensively if you wanted.
posted by ananci at 7:09 AM on November 28, 2021 [2 favorites]