Thompson Tee Review
The Thompson Tee
Thompson Tee with Hydro-Shield Sweatproof Technology
For the past two weeks I’ve tested a black original fit v-neck Thompson Tee with Hydro-Shield Sweatproof Technology. In particular, I’ve evaluated the product’s claim that its proprietary Hyrdo-Shield Technology “provides the ultimate protection from ‘wet marks’” that result from underarm perspiration. The Thompson Tee lives up to its promise and then some, delivering perfect performance even under circumstances when I anticipated the technology would fail. The full story of the Thompson Tee, however, is broader than its technology. Despite the tee’s tech-heavy approach to eliminating underarm perspiration visibility, the shirt’s fabric, construction, cut, and overall design are top-quality. This tee is not simply a utilitarian undershirt, but a versatile answer to the difficulty of looking cool and collected even when you’re not.
Hydro-Shield Sweatproof Technology
A patent-pending technology that works surprisingly well, the Hydro-Shield is a breathable waterproof barrier sewn in between two layers of premium cotton at the underarm panels of the Thompson Tee. The Hydro-Shield is designed to block moisture from passing through to the exterior of the shirt while enabling body heat transfer, so the net result is no visible sweat and no absorption of sweat into the Hydro-Shield panels even while perspiration cools the body. The panels also offer anti-microbial protection, so odor is not a concern. The Hydro-Shield is thin and flexible. The underarm panels where it is located exhibit textural and weight characteristics similar to five-ply cotton; the technology integrates nicely into the shirt with no significant added bulk or weight. The stitching surrounding the panels is discreet and does not suggest the presence of the special underarm panels.
The Thompson Tee’s Hydro-Shield Sweatproof Technology underarm panels are discreetly integrated into the shirt design.
Evaluation
I tested this shirt as an undershirt at a graduate school alumni gathering in downtown L.A. The bar was crowded and unseasonably hot, and, since I was driving, I was limited to a single glass of wine for refreshment during the three-hour mixer. I wore the Thompson Tee underneath a white button-down Oxford that has zero tolerance for moisture and seems almost eager to cling to skin at the slightest sign of humidity. By the time the evening was over and fresh air greeted me outside, I was unsurprised to find droplets of sweat on my brow. I was amazed, however, to find no sign of perspiration at the underarms of my Oxford. I later wore the Thompson Tee on its own during an 80-degree Saturday full of lugging groceries and other things around superheated parking lots, walking/dragging my stubborn dog for a three-mile walk at mid-day, and tending to things around the house. Even when I was sweating, and even when I was sweating a lot, the exterior of the Thompson Tee remained dry and composed.
Materials, Construction, and Cut
Aside from its Hydro-Shield panels, the Thompson Tee is built from premium lightweight ring spun cotton that is soft and hangs easily. The shirt panels, collar piece, and sleeves are well constructed and stitched together for long-term durability. The Thompson Tee is cut relatively long for easy tucking. Altogether, the Thompson Tee fits well, is comfortable and attractive when worn, and does not disclose its technological wizardry on visual inspection. The tee looks like a “normal” shirt suitable as casual outerwear.
The Thompson Tee is cut well and has plenty of length for tucking in.
Sizing runs true to the chart provided on Thompson Tee’s website.
Who The Thompson Tee with Hydro-Shield Technology Is For
The Thompson Tee is a strong choice for users who suffer from excessive underarm perspiration. However, even “average-sweaters” would do well to add a Thompson Tee to their wardrobe given the shirt’s construction and cut quality. While the tee’s technology certainly provides sufficient protection for people at risk of excessive perspiration, the shirt will give anyone a good measure of confidence that they’ll appear cool in trying circumstances or inhospitable heat – and they’ll do so in a style that doesn’t advertise they’re trying.
Sizing, Styles, and Colors
The Thompson Tee fits true to the sizing chart available on its website and, after several machine wash/dry cycles, the shirt has not undergone any discernible shrinkage or fading. The Thompson Tee is available in men’s and women’s styles as follows: Men’s white and black colors are available in original fit crewneck, v-neck, and deep v-neck. White is also available in a slim fit cut featuring crewneck and v-neck styles. Women’s white and black colors are available in an original fit scoop neck style, while white is also available in a slim fit scoop neck style.
Final Thoughts
The Thompson Tee with Hydro-Shield Technology works as promised – and it does so in a stylish package. There’s no loss of street-worthy looks when wearing this tech-forward tee. For more information and purchase please visit www.thompsontee.com. MSRP: $24.99
