In the United States, a white sleeveless shirt is often referred to as a "wife-beater".
Typically I try to avoid using "wife-beater" due to its negative connotation. I've tried using a few different terms in the past, but each felt a bit too broad or generalized.
- Tank Top: Can refer to formal outfits, causal clothing, or bathing suits. Comes in a variety different designs, materials, and colors.
- Singlets: This term is most commonly used in Australia. In the U.S., I've typically heard it used when referring to one-piece spandex wrestling outfits.
- Sleeveless Shirt: Describes literally any shirt without sleeves.
- Undershirt: Available as sleeved or sleeveless shirts for both men and women. Typically the most common alternative I've heard.
Is there a more appropriate term I can use in place of wifebeater here in the United States?
Note: This question is asking what alternative terminology can be used when referring to a "wife-beater". This question is not asking why the term is used or where it originated from. For that, see: What's the origin of "wife-beater" when used as a sleeveless shirt and why is it not frowned upon?
For those interested in how region affects the local terminology, I've included a Google Trends comparison for "undershirt, wife beater, singlets, and sleeveless shirt" below.
Best Answer
The shirt in the OP is not the best example of what people, at least originally, meant by "wifebeater".
Instead, "wifebeater" meant a finely ribbed, thin fabric, white, A-shirt, sold in multipacks as a men's undershirt like this.
For higher quality shirts like in the OP, say "tank top".
For a true "wifebeater" shirt, say "sleeveless undershirt". By "true" I mean:
See the 1998 article Teen Slang for Undershirts ("Wife-beaters") Causes Stir: