Whether you’re looking for classy late-summer wear for a barbecue, or you want to downplay the stiffness of a company meeting by donning something a little more relaxed to work, a chambray shirt might just be what you’re looking for. So to help you pick the right one, we’ve gathered the best men’s chambray shirts to make things easier.
The Best Chambray Shirts
What exactly is a chambray shirt?
The key ingredient in a chambray shirt is plain-weave cotton fabric (sometimes referred to as Cambric cloth overseas) with colored weaving and white filling. At the end of the day, it’s not a chambray shirt without chambray fabric. Popular choices among the Navy and cowboys, chambray shirts are versatile garments that work casually or professionally and are great for the summer because cotton is usually the main material. Although they’re also great for the other seasons as they can be layered.
What’s the difference between a chambray and a denim shirt?
While often confused with one another – and clearly similar in some respects, like how they are both the result of weaving a colored yarn with a white yarn – denim and chambray are not the same. The chief difference between the two is that denim is twill woven – a process by which the fabric’s colored thread makes two passes over its white thread – whereas chambray’s threads alternate one after another. This difference can be determined chiefly by looking at the underside of the cloth, where denim appears mostly white and chambray looks virtually indistinguishable from its outer side. Denim also tends to be a heavier fabric, evident in most blue jeans, whereas chambray is lighter and more breathable.
how to style a chambray shirt
Typically, chambray can be worn on both casual and dressy occasions, whereas denim tends to lean harder on the casual side of the spectrum. So a chambray shirt can generally be considered a more versatile choice for both work and play. And because, more often than not, chambray is a more lightweight fabric option – it’s also a more appropriate style choice for warmer times of the year. They look best in a professional setting tucked in, but if you’re wearing it casually then you can let it fly.
Banana Republic Untucked Chambray Shirt
Pros
- Specially washed to improve comfort
- 100% cotton chambray
Cons
- The untucked cut may not be for everyone
- Runs big
The Best Budget Pick: If you want a quality chambray shirt that won’t break the bank and feel great year-round, the Banana Republic has you covered with the Untucked Chambray Shirt. It has a simple and concealed collar and has been cut an inch shorter than comparable chambray shirts, to give a clean fit without fuss.
Buck Mason Chambray One Pocket Shirt
Pros
- Yarn-dyed
- Garment washed
Cons
- On the longer side
The Best Chambray Shirt for the Office: Fitting somewhere between slim and full, the Buck Mason Chambray One Pocket Shirt is easy to throw on at the beginning of your day, and offers superb comfort and breathability whether you’re outside or in a high-rise. It has a single spade breast pocket and a locker loop collar tying this neat and comfortable shirt together.
Taylor Stitch The Ledge Shirt
Pros
- Washed for added softness
- Great daily driver
Cons
- Meant to be worn untucked which might not be what you’re looking for
The Sure Thing: The quality of the Ledge Shirt from Taylor Stitch is instantly recognizable. From the durable washed chambray to the double needle-felled construction, it has that vintage look without the age. The two breast pockets feature buttons for added security and the label’s California collar is making an appearance as well. So if you want a safe bet that’ll last for ages, then Taylor Stitch has you covered.
Filson Chambray CPO Shirt
Pros
- Durable yet lightweight
- Garment washed
Cons
- Sleeves can be long on some people
The Best Navy-Inspired Chambray Shirt: Filson took inspiration from the chambray shirts that the U.S. Navy trusts, so you can trust the Chambray CPO Shirt too. The cuffs and breast pockets have buttons to keep everything in place, with a tool slot in the left breast pocket for added utility. Not only will it stand up to rough conditions, but it’ll look good doing it.
Todd Snyder Japanese Chambray Workshirt
Pros
- Solid workwear
- Comfortable durability
Cons
- Run small
The Best Japanese Chambray Shirt: This button-down chambray from Todd Snyder is sure to impress in any circumstance. Built with 100% Japanese indigo fabric, the weathered look of the chambray fabric pairs together with sleek black Corozo buttons to create a polished look – whether you are tucking it in and donning a tie or rolling up your sleeves and getting your hands dirty. And it features two breast pockets with button flaps for the storage of any small items you need to keep on hand.
Faherty Indigo Western Shirt
Pros
- Classic style
- Great build quality
Cons
- Don’t forget to turn it inside out before washing
The Best Western Chambray Shirt: Throwing it back to the Old West, the Indigo Western Shirt from Faherty is a vintage-inspired chambray shirt with modern amenities. And wearing it is a snap (literally), thanks to the snap buttons and relaxed fit. It’s a versatile piece too, with a timeless style that will last for years to come.
Billy Reid Tuscumbia Linen Shirt Bd
Pros
- Mother of pearl buttons
- Very breathable with lightweight linen
Cons
- The high quality may have you worried about potential damage
The Best Linen Chambray Shirt: Since summer is almost here, you may want a chambray shirt that’s more breathable than the average fare (which are popular summer choices already). In comes the Tuscumbia Linen Shirt Bd from Billy Reid, a supremely soft and breathable shirt perfect for warm conditions, whether that’s in the office or out on the town. Garment-dyed linen takes the shirt’s comfort to the next level and gives it an effortless vintage look.
The Best of the Rest
Other Great Chambray Shirts
Levi’s Classic Western Shirt
The Old West and Levi Strauss & Co. have a long history together, which makes Levi’s Classic Western Shirt an excellent choice if you’re in the market for a Western-inspired shirt. It’s made with 100% cotton and has an iconic style that you don’t have to be a cowboy to appreciate.
Everlane The Relaxed Organic Chambray Shirt
The Relaxed Organic Chambray Shirt from Everlane is a 100% cotton shirt, with 20% of it coming from recycled material. It makes for a great standalone piece, with a relaxed fit and a simple breast pocket, but it’ll work great as a layer too.
The Best Pants for a Cool Summer
Because chambray shirts are great for the summer, a pair of summer pants will match perfectly. That’s why you should take a look at our best men’s summer pants guide to complete your outfit.
