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Member Section => Down Range Cafe => Topic started by: fatbaldguy on May 27, 2017, 07:22:19 AM

Title: Need moisture wicking undershirts..........
Post by: fatbaldguy on May 27, 2017, 07:22:19 AM
so I'm asking for recommendations.  UA is out, as is Hanes. Both have pissed on the 2nd Amendment and hunting communities, I can't think of any others that have done so off hand so remind me if there are any others.  I need these for concealing a pistol whether IWB or OWB.  As the screenname implies, I'm fat.  Grips and various metal parts rub my tender fat raw, and I'm kind of allergic to that.  Remember, I'm low speed-high drag.  I'm not an operator, operating operationally.  I generally wear henley or polo style shirts. V or scoop necks are preferred on the undershirts, but I can adapt, if I have to.  Also, I tend to sweat like a whore in church. 
Title: Re: Need moisture wicking undershirts..........
Post by: Rastus on May 27, 2017, 08:25:53 AM
I feel your pain.  I have no idea about t-shirts and I do the polo shirt thing too.

I think you should embrace your inner whale and avoid whatever it is that causes you to sweat.

I'm just sayin'....
Title: Re: Need moisture wicking undershirts..........
Post by: alfsauve on May 27, 2017, 08:31:09 AM
I tend to prefer cotton, especially next to my skin.  Bein' a southern boy that's what I was raised wearing.   That said, I am considering one of those synthetic, wicking cooling towels.

Have you looked at the "outdoor" brands, like Duluth Trading and Carhart?   I wear a lot of the later's t-shirts both as under and outer wear.   Don't know if Duluth has t-shirts.
Title: Re: Need moisture wicking undershirts..........
Post by: fatbaldguy on May 27, 2017, 08:38:25 AM
Alf, Duluth just opened a retail store between the house and work.  I've stopped by.........busy damned place.  Definitely not a GFZ, I wasn't the only person there carrying.  I didn't look at their wicking shirts or undershirts.  They are on the pricy side of things.  I'll stop by next week, if I work less than 70 hours.

Rastus, sa to embracing the inner whale, I don't go to swimming pools unless I first make certain that it is a harpoon free zone.  Damn those checkered grips and slide serrations can rub you bloody in a New York minute.
Title: Re: Need moisture wicking undershirts..........
Post by: Pathfinder on May 27, 2017, 10:46:52 AM
so I'm asking for recommendations.  UA is out, as is Hanes. Both have pissed on the 2nd Amendment and hunting communities, I can't think of any others that have done so off hand so remind me if there are any others.  I need these for concealing a pistol whether IWB or OWB.  As the screenname implies, I'm fat.  Grips and various metal parts rub my tender fat raw, and I'm kind of allergic to that.  Remember, I'm low speed-high drag.  I'm not an operator, operating operationally.  I generally wear henley or polo style shirts. V or scoop necks are preferred on the undershirts, but I can adapt, if I have to.  Also, I tend to sweat like a whore in church.

That's my line, I may have to sue you for infringement or something once I leave my safe space!!!

Carhartt makes a line of wicking shirts - I own tons of Carhartt but never got into those since my ranch was in North Dakota and mostly I bought long sleeves and even in my whale-like days I never got much of a chance to sweat in the summer thanks to the breeze (what you Southern folk may refer to as gales). Carhartts come in henley but not sure if the wicking ones do.
Title: Re: Need moisture wicking undershirts..........
Post by: Rastus on May 27, 2017, 11:40:53 AM
<snip>
  Damn those checkered grips and slide serrations can rub you bloody in a New York minute.

10-4.  I go with leather inside the wasteband that covers the grip......
Title: Re: Need moisture wicking undershirts..........
Post by: fatbaldguy on May 27, 2017, 02:48:48 PM
10-4.  I go with leather inside the wasteband that covers the grip......

I use the Galco V-Hawk in various iterations for my 1911's. It does protect from the slide.  What holster are you using that has a flab-tab that is as big as the grip?
Title: Re: Need moisture wicking undershirts..........
Post by: les snyder on May 27, 2017, 03:52:56 PM
I live in polypropylene or nylon just about year around... try a cheap poly athletic shirt from someone like Russell athletics...

to keep your pistol away from your skin, get a piece of thin .060" kydex and heat slightly to bend into a slight curve... attach a piece of hook and loop velcro to the kydex and opposite piece to your holster... works best with a kydex holster, but will also work with clean leather... the shield piece will work with multiple holsters... if I can get Photobucket to work, will show my rig... blue kydex held with velcro

(http://i825.photobucket.com/albums/zz180/LesSnyder/001_zps2d57d2bf.jpg) (http://s825.photobucket.com/user/LesSnyder/media/001_zps2d57d2bf.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Need moisture wicking undershirts..........
Post by: Rastus on May 27, 2017, 05:15:48 PM
I don't remember where I got it from.  Something I had them add wherever I got it from.

I'll try to run down where I ordered it from.
Title: Re: Need moisture wicking undershirts..........
Post by: Big Frank on May 27, 2017, 06:56:22 PM
I wear cotton and cotton/poly blend T-shirts nearly every day and don't know much about moisture wicking fabrics. I did find a supply of V-neck T-shirts with no pockets that fit me at a DXL big & tall store. They're hard to find anywhere else. If there's not a store near you the website has some "activewear" tees and polo shirts. Some of them are supposed to be moisture wicking but you have to check which ones. http://www.destinationxl.com/mens-big-and-tall-store/active-wear-shirts/cat140144?sz=144
Title: Re: Need moisture wicking undershirts..........
Post by: bulldog75 on May 27, 2017, 11:11:58 PM
Try the tee shirts that the military uses the moister wicking type. I think the sportsmans guide or cheaper than dirt carry them.
Title: Re: Need moisture wicking undershirts..........
Post by: DaverZ on May 28, 2017, 07:34:22 AM
Dickies makes a moisture wicking t shirt,I like them and they are reasonably priced.
Title: Re: Need moisture wicking undershirts..........
Post by: crusader rabbit on May 28, 2017, 07:41:36 AM
I am told by those who may actually have a reason to know that Under Armor tee-shirts and tank tops work pretty well.  I don't know anything about the politics of the company, but I would suspect a degree of left wing lunacy, just because.  Haven't worn Levis in years because of their idiotic politics.  Won't use a Leatherman multi-tool, either.  I was a little p-o'd at USAA when they cancelled sponsorship of Hannity, but I feel a little better about them since they also cancelled sponsorship of Mad-cow.  Tough to keep all this stuff straight.

My limited research comes out of Florida where we have reason and inclination to sweat copious amounts.

Disclaimer:  I have not tried Under Armor.

FWIW,
Crusader Rabbit
Title: Re: Need moisture wicking undershirts..........
Post by: Timothy on May 28, 2017, 07:58:57 AM
Look at the winter sports, skiing base layer stuff.  The stuff works!  Very important to keep dry in cold climates.  I have several from my years in the mountains.  REI is a good start or snowmobile sites.
Title: Re: Need moisture wicking undershirts..........
Post by: PegLeg45 on June 01, 2017, 06:31:10 PM
Like Alf said, I'm a Georgia boy and have always been a 100% cotton wearer. I have always loathed anything with poly in it (maybe because it seems clingy to me). Anyway, we are currently in the high humidity of Florida (as if it could get worse than GA) and while in a local wally-mart I grabbed a couple of "cool-dri" "moisture wicking" tees from there. One is a Fruit of the Loom brand and one is by Hanes. I can say that the Hanes is much lighter and I think is a 60/40 blend, and so far so good. It is much cooler than blended polo shirts I have tried, and doesn't cling to my skin like others in the past. It is definitely both cooler and drier than the cotton tee I had on yesterday.

YMMV
Title: Re: Need moisture wicking undershirts..........
Post by: Timothy on June 01, 2017, 06:42:02 PM
Be careful around open flames!

:)
Title: Re: Need moisture wicking undershirts..........
Post by: MikeBjerum on June 01, 2017, 06:57:07 PM
http://www.duluthtrading.com/store/mens/mens-underwear/mens-undershirts/76723.aspx?processor=content (http://www.duluthtrading.com/store/mens/mens-underwear/mens-undershirts/76723.aspx?processor=content)

Not cheap by any means, but ...

I went to Duluth Trading for work clothes last fall.  I started with their Firehose Pants.  I have one pair that I have worn in heavy use two days per week since mid November.  They are showing some very slight wear on the thighs where I rub as I climb in and out of the trailers and where the boxes rub when I move them.  I added their boxers and socks over the shortly after the pants.

Everything I have from them is both comfortable and wears like iron.  So far I feel it is the best value I have had for work.
Title: Re: Need moisture wicking undershirts..........
Post by: jaybet on June 02, 2017, 09:38:30 AM
http://www.duluthtrading.com/store/mens/mens-underwear/mens-undershirts/76723.aspx?processor=content (http://www.duluthtrading.com/store/mens/mens-underwear/mens-undershirts/76723.aspx?processor=content)

Not cheap by any means, but ...

I went to Duluth Trading for work clothes last fall.  I started with their Firehose Pants.  I have one pair that I have worn in heavy use two days per week since mid November.  They are showing some very slight wear on the thighs where I rub as I climb in and out of the trailers and where the boxes rub when I move them.  I added their boxers and socks over the shortly after the pants.

Everything I have from them is both comfortable and wears like iron.  So far I feel it is the best value I have had for work.
Second all that. Their stuff is pretty spendy, but everything I have bought there is top-notch. If you get on their mailing list you can catch some good pricing on the stuff too.
Title: Re: Need moisture wicking undershirts..........
Post by: fatbaldguy on June 02, 2017, 05:14:00 PM
So here I am, home after the fourth out of five work day.  I've got 50.46 hours already, and have tomorrow to go.  DOT says I can only work 57.5.  There is at least 12 hours of work for me to do tomorrow.  I commute an hour each way, I haven't had the time to turn around this week.  I'll be stopping by the Duluth retail store on the way home from work tomorrow.  I give a full report as to how the shirts work for a fat man that carries a 1911.
Title: Re: Need moisture wicking undershirts..........
Post by: PegLeg45 on June 04, 2017, 08:04:01 PM
Be careful around open flames!

:)

Don't even need open flames the higher the poly content. THAT is the other reason I've always worn cotton. I had a hoodie on once that a vendor had given to some of us guys and I was grinding with a 7" grinder. When I finished, I looked down and the entire front of the thing was gone, with nothing but brown ragged edges on what was left of the zipper. I looked at the tag and it was 100% polyester.  ;D

I will say that the cotton/poly blend is drier, but if I had torch work or welding to do (seldom) I'd wear the cotton.
Title: Re: Need moisture wicking undershirts..........
Post by: Timothy on June 04, 2017, 09:41:53 PM
I never wore anything synthetic as an outer garment.  Today, 100% cotton or wool except for maybe the elastic on me skivies!
Title: Re: Need moisture wicking undershirts..........
Post by: TAB on June 04, 2017, 09:59:59 PM
rebock makes some with a nice mesh back and pits.   it really works great keeping the moisture off my skin when I work. had them for years.  must have at least 3 dozen of them.   my only gripe about them is that I can't find them locally so I have to order them from a running store chain in sacramento.
Title: Re: Need moisture wicking undershirts..........
Post by: Big Frank on June 04, 2017, 11:25:01 PM
Like PegLeg I've found out about flames and sparks around polyester. I know from personal experience that spot welders can blow a hole through a cotton flannel shirt and give you second degree burns, but at least it isn't melted to your skin and continuing to burn you. I've always worn cotton or cotton/poly shirts, usually 50-60% cotton, and cotton underwear, but I don't live in a place where people commonly get swamp ass. If I ever had to move down south for any reason I think I'd wear everything moisture wicking I could get from my underwear to my shirts and pants. I consider you guys in the south to be the experts. I sometimes break a sweat but manage to get by with my plain cotton clothes that don't melt.
Title: Re: Need moisture wicking undershirts..........
Post by: PegLeg45 on June 05, 2017, 09:35:14 AM
Like PegLeg I've found out about flames and sparks around polyester. I know from personal experience that spot welders can blow a hole through a cotton flannel shirt and give you second degree burns, but at least it isn't melted to your skin and continuing to burn you. I've always worn cotton or cotton/poly shirts, usually 50-60% cotton, and cotton underwear, but I don't live in a place where people commonly get swamp ass. If I ever had to move down south for any reason I think I'd wear everything moisture wicking I could get from my underwear to my shirts and pants. I consider you guys in the south to be the experts. I sometimes break a sweat but manage to get by with my plain cotton clothes that don't melt.

Running at around 90% humidity for 75% of the year, it's a way of life.

If you are outdoors for any amount of time, about the only thing to do is shower and change drawers often..... and use baby powder.  ;D ;D

We spent all last week in northeast Florida at the beach. The first day it was 98 degrees, but the rest of the week it was just in the upper 80's....but, the humidity was off the charts and the term "swamp ass" was thrown around quite a bit by campers on the loop.  ;D
Title: Re: Need moisture wicking undershirts..........
Post by: Big Frank on June 05, 2017, 01:06:26 PM
It's 62* outside and 74* inside without running the furnace or air conditioner. It was too hot yesterday but feels great in here today. I might run the A/C later on if it warms up any more. You guys can keep your 90* plus, when it isn't even summer yet, temperatures.
Title: Re: Need moisture wicking undershirts..........
Post by: PegLeg45 on June 05, 2017, 02:23:45 PM
A real concern down here..... :o
Title: Re: Need moisture wicking undershirts..........
Post by: fatbaldguy on June 05, 2017, 03:53:42 PM
The cure for 'Swamp Ass' is Gold Bond Powder.  Fire in the hole!!!!  The preventative is Anti-MonkeyButt-Powder.
Title: Re: Need moisture wicking undershirts..........
Post by: PegLeg45 on June 05, 2017, 08:47:39 PM
The cure for 'Swamp Ass' is Gold Bond Powder.  Fire in the hole!!!!  The preventative is Anti-MonkeyButt-Powder.
Title: Re: Need moisture wicking undershirts..........
Post by: Big Frank on June 11, 2017, 01:57:43 PM
I have 2 V-neck T-shirts that are 60% cotton and 40% polyester. The laundry instruction tags say not to use fabric softener. I never do anyway since everything comes out of the dryer soft and fluffy without it. Does anyone know why it says not to use fabric softener?
Title: Re: Need moisture wicking undershirts..........
Post by: fatbaldguy on June 11, 2017, 02:14:01 PM
Does anyone know why it says not to use fabric softener?

without knowing the true reason, I will submit that the fabric softener penetrates the wicking fibers and prevents them from doing what they are designed to do.
Title: Re: Need moisture wicking undershirts..........
Post by: MikeBjerum on June 11, 2017, 07:17:42 PM
Fabric softener and dryer sheets coat fabric with a chemical that lubricated the fibers to help them slide on each other.  Like spraying wires to be pulled with silicone or your car seat with armor all.  That coating causes a slight level of water proofing to each fiber.
Title: Re: Need moisture wicking undershirts..........
Post by: Big Frank on June 11, 2017, 10:45:25 PM
Fabric softener and dryer sheets coat fabric with a chemical that lubricated the fibers to help them slide on each other.  Like spraying wires to be pulled with silicone or your car seat with armor all.  That coating causes a slight level of water proofing to each fiber.

Now that you mention it I heard something like that before and there's a possibility that dryer sheets partially plug up lint filters in dryers. I think the jury is still out on that but fabric softener might plug the spaces in the fabric.
Title: Re: Need moisture wicking undershirts..........
Post by: deepwater on June 12, 2017, 08:50:45 AM
HA! heat, humidity.... bunch of girly men!
we just left Douala, Cameroon a few hours ago and am I glad. that being said, I work in an engine room that routinely reaches 140 F in some of the spaces (at the moment the average temp is 108 f). I will only wear cotton at work as it really does breath better than the synthetics. another reason, as was mentioned already, is that it does not melt and stick to your skin when it does burn.
      Cameroon was actually not the hottest spot I've been to yet. last summer (Aug) I was in Abu Dhabi and Fujairah (not places I want to be) and nearly killed myself with heat exhaustion. THAT, was hot. I have no desire to ever return to the Middle East. yuck. there are places in the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf where the sea temperature is over 100F. we have to slow the ship down and shut down all non essential equipment to keep from burning up the engine.
Deepwater
Title: Re: Need moisture wicking undershirts..........
Post by: PegLeg45 on June 13, 2017, 03:41:54 PM
Now that you mention it I heard something like that before and there's a possibility that dryer sheets partially plug up lint filters in dryers. I think the jury is still out on that but fabric softener might plug the spaces in the fabric.

It will.... I tried the test years ago after seeing a story on TV about dryer efficiency (air flow).
I pulled the lint trap out, cleaned the lint off, and poured a cup of water on it. The water would not pass through the screen.
**I do understand that surface tension does have some effect on the water standing on the screen, and air should still pass through. But there definitely was excess buildup on ours that was like a waxy film until I washed it.**
I cleaned it with hot water and Dawn detergent and then water would pass through.
Title: Re: Need moisture wicking undershirts..........
Post by: Big Frank on June 13, 2017, 07:51:06 PM
It will.... I tried the test years ago after seeing a story on TV about dryer efficiency (air flow).
I pulled the lint trap out, cleaned the lint off, and poured a cup of water on it. The water would not pass through the screen.
**I do understand that surface tension does have some effect on the water standing on the screen, and air should still pass through. But there definitely was excess buildup on ours that was like a waxy film until I washed it.**
I cleaned it with hot water and Dawn detergent and then water would pass through.

That's the kind of information that everyone needs to know.
Title: Re: Need moisture wicking undershirts..........
Post by: PegLeg45 on June 14, 2017, 02:23:50 PM
Apparently, "moisture wicking shirts" is a hot topic....  ;D .....1400+ page views.
Title: Re: Need moisture wicking undershirts..........
Post by: Big Frank on June 14, 2017, 02:35:25 PM
Apparently, "moisture wicking shirts" is a hot topic....  ;D .....1400+ page views.

Holy crap Batman!
Title: Re: Need moisture wicking undershirts..........
Post by: TAB on June 14, 2017, 03:46:04 PM
I was just in costco(hate that place!)  Buying a full pallet of cases of water bottles(always get funny looks when I do this, more when I tell them to get the fork lift. Having a box truck with a lift gate is awesome)

They had addias shirts for $13, I bought a couple too try out, I will let you guys know.



Edit, just too preempt the question, its 72 cases 1728 bottles.
Title: Re: Need moisture wicking undershirts..........
Post by: Ranger Dave on June 14, 2017, 04:36:52 PM

Edit, just too preempt the question, its 72 cases 1728 bottles.

Ok, Inquiring minds want to know. How many pee breaks?
Title: Re: Need moisture wicking undershirts..........
Post by: TAB on June 14, 2017, 04:42:58 PM
Edit, just too preempt the question, its 72 cases 1728 bottles.

Ok, Inquiring minds want to know. How many pee breaks?
if  are  working, zero.

I drink 2 gallons+ a day and still lose at least 10#
Title: Re: Need moisture wicking undershirts..........
Post by: Timothy on June 14, 2017, 05:59:13 PM
if  are  working, zero.

I drink 2 gallons+ a day and still lose at least 10#


Some years back, I had the shop boss open the drink machine on a hot day!

Gave a Franklin to pay for the 100 bottles of water in it...he thought I was nuts but my guys/friends appreciated the gesture!

Shorty after that, they put in free 8 gal bottled water stations...with cups!
Title: Re: Need moisture wicking undershirts..........
Post by: PegLeg45 on June 14, 2017, 07:24:00 PM

Some years back, I had the shop boss open the drink machine on a hot day!

Gave a Franklin to pay for the 100 bottles of water in it...he thought I was nuts but my guys/friends appreciated the gesture!

Shorty after that, they put in free 8 gal bottled water stations...with cups!

Bless 'em....cups do help.  ;D
Title: Re: Need moisture wicking undershirts..........
Post by: Big Frank on June 14, 2017, 07:55:54 PM
I was just in costco(hate that place!)  Buying a full pallet of cases of water bottles(always get funny looks when I do this, more when I tell them to get the fork lift. Having a box truck with a lift gate is awesome)

They had addias shirts for $13, I bought a couple too try out, I will let you guys know.



Edit, just too preempt the question, its 72 cases 1728 bottles.

I believe that many bottles of water would last me less than 1/2 a year but it sure would take a long time to drink it all. Since I'm in Flint, MI I get free drinking water, but that doesn't make up for the year and a half I was unknowingly drinking lead.   >:(  Let us know how the shirts work out for you.
Title: Re: Need moisture wicking undershirts..........
Post by: TAB on June 14, 2017, 08:18:44 PM
A case should last us about 2 months.  Its really only when they are driving that they grab them.
Title: Re: Need moisture wicking undershirts..........
Post by: Big Frank on June 14, 2017, 10:51:39 PM
You must have big cases. I drink about 3 12 liter cases a week.
Title: Re: Need moisture wicking undershirts..........
Post by: MikeBjerum on June 14, 2017, 11:42:05 PM
I carry two cases, hard to call shrink wrapped package a case, in the truck.  I go through an average of six bottles a day, but days like this week ... Don't have my truck this week, so no water right now, but I bought six one liter bottles through the day and haven't peed since I got up at 6:30.  Heat and humidity suck, then throw in going in and out of a 22 f box all day, and in and out of 34f boxes on the other end of the run, all while lumping boxes that weigh from 45lbs to 95lbs, and your body becomes a giant puddle.