A Shirt of Another Color...

I recall that prior to the abortive attack on Fort Duquesne popularly known as "Grant's Folly," troops were directed to don their spare shirts over their uniforms as the white linen would serve as a night-time Identification Friend Or Foe (IFF) expedient.

When a man today dresses up nicely, what color is his undershirt?
White. Unless in some kind of uniform that allows for or demands a color, most men will be found to be wearing a white undershirt when they put on coat and tie type clothing.....
Was not the 18th century man's shirt basically like an undershirt? It wasn't polite to be seen in just a shirt in mixed company or public, it was tucked in to form one's lower half underwear, and it was most always covered with 3 to 4, maybe more, articles of clothing.
So, white seems appropriate....

Oh I’m on my way to making a fine white shirt and I’m looking for a check that I like. Also have an unbleached shirt being made. This question was prompted by some really nice looking indigo-dyed shirting linen I came across and became curious about the lack of color in shirts. 

Interesting data on materials used, Spence. I’m all for PC, but think I’ll pass on a nettle bark shirt!

Won’t I be quite the dandy in the forest? 

I actually have ‘handkerchief’ weight linen here I could make ruffles out of, but think I’ll keep it for… handkerchiefs. 

Even with a feather in my hat? 

January 13, 1763

The Pennsylvania Gazette

FIVE POUNDS REWARD.

RUN away from New castle, a Servant man, named John Adair,

about five Feet ten Inches high, born in Ireland, and came

over with Capt. Osborn this last Fall: Had on when he went

away, a grey Frize Surtoot Coat, with a long Tail, yellow

carved Buttons, and double frogged Button Holes, blue Jacket,

old Leather Breeches, white Thread Stockings, and old Shoes,

with black rusty Steel Buckles; and took with him three

Shirts, two were white, the other brown, and a Pair of

Breeches made Trowsers. He is likely, of a fresh colour, fair

faced, and fair long Hair, tied behind, and is very remarkable

for a great Deal of short curled Hair under the other. Whoever

takes up said Servant, and secures him in any Goal, so as his

Master may have him again, shall the above Reward, paid by me

JAMES McCONNELL.

I've also seen an add of a "fine brown linen shirt" but can't seem to find it right now. 

Here is an interesting check shirt


February 6, 1753

The Pennsylvania Gazette

RUN away from his bail, in the township of Salisbury,

Lancaster County, in the province of Pennsylvania, A man named

James Douglass, between 30 and 40 years of age, of middle

stature, pale complexion: Had on when he went away, An old felt

hat, worsted cap, an old brown coat, piecin several places,

two blue jackets, one of a lighter blue than the other, two

check shirts, the neck and sleeves of one of the shirts is

different from the body, sheepskin breeches, flower about the

button holes, sky blue stockings, pretty good shoes,

without buckles; has a wart under his left ear; and is a great

snuff taker: He took a pocket pistol with him. He came from

Ireland last year, and has a receipt that he got from Mr. Knox,

in Londonderry, when he paid his passage; and supposed he

will pass by it. Whoever takes up and secures the said James

Douglass, so as the subscriber may have him again, shall have

Three Pounds as a reward, paid by me WILLIAM McCANANT.