Translation guide
An undershirt is a garment worn under other clothing, typically next to the skin. In Japanese, the word depends on the style and context.
A lightweight, short-sleeved undershirt, often cotton, worn by both men and women.
General term for underwear or undergarments, including undershirts. Often used for basic cotton undershirts.
I wore an undershirt because it was cold.
Loanword from English, specifically means 'undershirt'. Common in fashion contexts.
I bought a white undershirt.
General term for underwear, can include undershirts but is broader (includes underpants, etc.).
I packed underwear for the trip.
A sleeveless undershirt, often worn by men, sometimes called a tank top or A-shirt.
Loanword for 'tank top'. Can be worn as an undershirt or as outerwear in casual settings.
In summer, I use a tank top as an undershirt.
Literally 'sleeveless undershirt'. Descriptive but less common in everyday speech.
I want a sleeveless undershirt.
A long-sleeved undershirt worn for warmth, often in cold weather.
Standard term for a long-sleeved undershirt.
A long-sleeved undershirt is essential in winter.
Brand name (Uniqlo) often used generically for thermal undershirts. Very common in Japan.
It's warm when you wear a Heattech undershirt.
Literally 'heat-retaining undershirt'. Used in product descriptions.
An undershirt worn specifically under a dress shirt, often to absorb sweat.
肌着 (hadagi) specifically refers to undergarments worn on the upper body, like undershirts. 下着 (shitagi) is a broader term for all underwear, including underpants. アンダーシャツ (andaashatsu) is a direct loanword for 'undershirt' and is commonly used in fashion and retail.
In casual conversation, Japanese speakers often use brand names like ヒートテック (Heattech) or エアリズム (Airism) to refer to specific types of undershirts. This is perfectly natural.
I need to buy some new undershirts.
He was wearing only an undershirt.
Specifically a sleeveless undershirt, often ribbed cotton. Common term for men's A-shirts.
My father always wears a sleeveless undershirt.
I'm looking for a thermal undershirt.
Also used for dress shirt undershirts, especially in fashion contexts.
I wear an undershirt under my dress shirt.