Is a White Shirt Translucent? An Expert's Guide

When it comes to white shirts, the answer to the question of whether or not they are translucent is not a simple one. It depends on the thickness of the material, as well as the type of fabric used. Thin dress shirts from H&M, for example, will be more likely to be translucent, while a more substantial Oxford Cloth Button Down (OCBD) will be more opaque. In most cases, even the most expensive dress shirts will show a little undershirt through them. To avoid this issue, it's important to choose the right undergarments.

Under sheer blouses, wear a fitted camisole underneath to soften your silhouette and hide your midsection. A black or nude cami should be worn with a black top, while white, black, or tan can be chosen for a white top. The first reason a transparent shirt happens is that the fabric of your clothes is too thin. The second reason for this problem can occur if you wear sticky fabrics or garments that don't have enough weight, such as silk.

Under light-colored or white dress shirts, white will be the most visible color due to its light reflection. If you're going to wear a bra, the best option is one that closely matches your skin tone. A white or nude slip can act as a third or fourth layer to prevent clothing from being transparent, while most white garments require three or four layers to prevent it from being transparent. Additionally, switching from white t-shirts to gray ones can help hide them under classic white dress shirts. Finding the best non-transparent white t-shirt can be tricky. Look for options with a tighter cloth fabric to avoid a see-through shirt.

Users who wore the shirt with a skin-colored bra had the best results with this white t-shirt that you can't see through it.

Claudia Gribben
Claudia Gribben

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