The word "under shirt" is spelled with two separate words. The first word, "under," uses the phonetic transcription /ˈʌndər/ to represent the short 'u' sound in the first syllable and the schwa sound in the second syllable. The second word, "shirt," uses the phonetic transcription /ʃɜrt/ to represent the 'sh' sound at the beginning of the word, followed by the mid-central vowel 'er' sound, and ending with the unvoiced 't' sound. Together, the two words form a compound noun that refers to a shirt worn underneath another shirt.
An undershirt, often referred to as a vest or a singlet in some regions, is a lightweight garment typically worn underneath the outer clothing, such as a shirt or blouse. It is designed to be worn next to the skin, covering the upper part of the body from the chest to the waist.
Constructed from soft and breathable materials, the undershirt serves multiple purposes. One of its principal functions is to absorb perspiration, preventing it from reaching and staining the visible outerwear. It helps in maintaining personal hygiene by providing a layer between the body and outer clothing to minimize odor and discomfort caused by direct skin contact.
The undershirt also acts as a barrier, shielding the outer garments from body oils and providing an extra layer of protection. In colder climates, it can provide added insulation, keeping the body warm by trapping body heat close to the skin.
Typically, undershirts have short sleeves and a crew neckline, but variations such as sleeveless or V-neck styles are also available. They come in an assortment of colors, ranging from basic white or black to more vibrant options. Undershirts are commonly worn by both men and women and are considered a practical and foundational piece of clothing in many cultures and fashion trends.
The word "under shirt" originates from Middle English, where "under" meant "beneath" or "lower in position" and "shirt" referred to a garment worn on the upper body. The word "shirt" itself is derived from the Old English "sceorte", meaning a short garment or tunic. Over time, as clothing styles evolved, the term "under shirt" specifically came to refer to a garment worn under the main shirt or as an undergarment.