For how to layer a compression shirt under a polo without showing seams, see our article on that question. This page is specifically about the underwear layer — whether to wear it and where.

A bodysuit with Open Crotch construction is designed as a complete layer — no separate underwear needed, and adding one creates a visible second layer under the bodysuit. A compression shirt or tank covers the upper torso only, so underwear goes underneath and the shirt goes on top. The order matters: for shirts and tanks, underwear first, then the compression shirt. For bodysuits, no underwear — the garment is the layer. Across the men's compression wear category, the same three rules apply — bodysuit, shirt, tank — and the rule only gets complicated when you forget which cut you're wearing.

The Men's Mesh Bodysuit Tummy Control Seamless Shapewear sits at Light-Medium — Open Crotch construction, no underwear layer needed. The Men's Firm Compression Undershirt sits at Medium-Firm — a shirt cut that goes over underwear. The Men's Seamless Breathable Tummy Control Tank Top sits at Light — a tank cut that goes over underwear.

Adding a separate layer under a complete-layer garment creates a visible second line. Skip underwear — the bodysuit is the layer.

The shirt cut covers the upper torso only, and underwear goes underneath. Wear underwear underneath — shirt goes on top.

The tank cut covers the upper torso only, and underwear goes underneath. Wear underwear underneath — tank goes on top.

For how to layer a compression shirt under a polo without showing seams, see our article on that question. For how long a bodysuit can be worn, see our guide on that.