The "wife beater" is simply an A-line shirt; sleeveless, scooped neck, and ribbed. The term "wife beater" originates from pop culture depictions of aggressive and poor trailer trash men, beating their wives and/or children while sporting in this type of shirt. Sexy...
Both sexes can rock a wife beater, but the results can be drastically different. Think about it. Brad Pitt in a wife beater is hot. That big fat slob next door neighbor of yours in a wife beater is not hot. Pamela Anderson is a wife beater would also be considered hot. Where Britney Spears rocking such a shirt would be quite the opposite (but it would be expected).
The wife beater was designed to be worn underneath of men's clothing, an under shirt if you will. Somehow these shirts morphed into something that anyone can wear at anytime. Whether they are plain white, black, pastel, or printed with a graphic -- wife beaters are always in style.
Prices can range from a pack of 6 at Walmart for a few dollars or a $60 wife beater from a famous designer. The best way for women to rock a wife beater in a fashionable way is to be in shape for one, a flabby stomach just doesn't look good in these. Wife beaters always look amazing with a sexy pair of jeans for that carefree look, men will be pouncing you in no time. Another look (please attempt with caution) is to dress it up with an evening skirt and mounds of pearls; this look has a rocker appeal that is to die for.