Best Undershirts for Excessive Sweating (That Actually Stop Pit Stains)

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If you sweat through shirts no matter what deodorant you use, you’re not alone. Excessive underarm sweating can ruin clothes, cause embarrassment at work or social events, and make you constantly worry about visible pit stains.

The problem is that regular undershirts don’t stop sweat — they just absorb it until they’re soaked.

Sweat-proof undershirts are different. They’re designed to block or absorb moisture before it reaches your outer shirt, which is why they’ve become one of the most effective non-medical solutions for heavy sweaters.

In this guide, I’ll compare the best undershirts for excessive sweating, explain how they work, and help you choose the right option based on how much you sweat.

To understand why these undershirts work, it helps to know the difference between three common fabric claims:

• Moisture-wicking: Pulls sweat away from skin but still lets it pass through

• Absorbing: Soaks up sweat until the fabric is saturated

• Sweat-blocking: Uses layered or padded zones to prevent sweat from reaching outer clothing

The best undershirts for excessive sweating use underarm protection zones — often multi-layered fabric panels — that absorb moisture and stop it from transferring to your shirt.

👉 If pit stains are your main issue, see also:
How to Prevent Pit Stains

Best Overall Undershirt for Heavy Sweaters

Thompson Tee is widely considered the gold standard for sweat-proof undershirts — especially for people who deal with severe underarm sweating.

Instead of relying on moisture-wicking fabric alone, Thompson Tee uses built-in underarm sweat pads that block sweat before it reaches your shirt.

Pros

• Excellent sweat-blocking performance

• Ideal for heavy or constant sweating

• Durable construction for daily wear

• 30 day trial period

Cons

• Slightly thicker than standard undershirts

• Built-in sweat pads are visible on outside of shirt

Best for: People who sweat through shirts within hours or have noticeable pit stains at work.

📌My take: As someone who has battled excessive underarm sweating my entire life, this is the shirt I would recommend to others who are in the same boat. Thompson Tee offers a variety of styles and colors for both men and women, and it really does an amazing job of eliminating pit stains. Making things even better, they offer a 30-day trial period during which you can wear and wash the shirt as many times as you'd like and still get a refund if you decide it's not for you!

Best Balance of Sweat Protection & Comfort

Social Citizen undershirts focus on breathability and comfort while still offering meaningful sweat protection.

They don’t block sweat as aggressively as Thompson Tee, but their lighter design might make them more appealing to people who need lighter protection.

Pros

• Lightweight and breathable

• Less visible under fitted clothing

• Comfortable for daily use

Cons

• Not ideal for very heavy sweating

• They do not accept returns or refunds

Best for: Moderate sweating or people who want protection without added bulk.

📌My take: Social Citizen shirts provide a balance between sweat protection and style. The built-in sweat pads do not show through, which may be appealing if you plan on wearing it without another shirt. However, the lighter pad does provide lesser sweat protection in my experience.

Best for Comfort, Style & Light Sweating

Neat Apparel undershirts are designed to feel and look like premium everyday basics. While they don’t use heavy sweat-blocking pads, they do offer sweat-resistant fabric that helps manage moisture.

Pros

• Soft, comfortable fabric

• Stylish and modern fit

• Lightweight for warmer weather

• Can return/exchange within 30 days if unused and unwashed

Cons

• Least effective for heavy sweating

• Not designed for severe pit stains

• Protective coating is only rated to last for 60 washes

Best for: Mild sweating or situations where comfort and appearance matter most.

📌My take: Neat Apparel shirts can be a good option if you are looking for lighter sweat control and care more about appearance. They don't have built-in sweat pads like the other two shirts in this list, but instead use a fabric blend that creates a "hydro shield" to repel moisture. The downside of this approach is the shirts are only intended to last for 60 washes, at which point their effectiveness is reduced.

Many people are disappointed by sweat undershirts because of these common mistakes:

• Choosing moisture-wicking only instead of sweat-blocking

• Wearing an undershirt that’s too loose

• Expecting undershirts to replace antiperspirant

• Ignoring fabric thickness for hot weather

👉 For best results, undershirts should be paired with proper sweat control, like a clinical antiperspirant.
See my other articles: Best Deodorant for Excessive Sweating and How to Apply Antiperspirant Properly

If excessive sweating causes:

• Visible pit stains

• Frequent shirt replacement

• Anxiety at work or social events

Then yes — sweat-proof undershirts are often one of the simplest and most effective fixes available.

They don’t treat the root cause of sweating, but they dramatically reduce the most embarrassing symptoms.

If sweat-proof undershirts still don’t provide enough protection, you may be dealing with hyperhidrosis.

In that case, additional options include:

• Stronger antiperspirants

• Prescription treatments

• Iontophoresis

👉 Learn more here:
How to Tell If You Have Hyperhidrosis
Excessive Sweating at Work: How to Manage It Professionally

• Severe sweating / frequent pit stains: Thompson Tee

• Moderate daily sweating: Neat Apparel

• Mild sweating / comfort first: Social Citizen

If pit stains affect your confidence or professional appearance, starting with a sweat-proof undershirt is a low-risk, high-impact solution.