21 Best Men’s Chambray Shirts 2023: Classic Button-Ups That Don’t Feel So Buttoned Up

21 Best Men's Chambray Shirts 2023 Classic ButtonUps That Don't Feel So Buttoned Up

If you like denim but hate sweating, you’re going to love these. 

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The best men’s chambray shirts are not denim shirts. Allow us to explain. Like their denim counterparts, chambray shirts often use indigo-dyed threads for the warp (the threads that run vertically) and white threads for the weft (the threads that run horizontally, also known as the fill threads), which gives the fabric a two-tone depth similar to a heathered sweatshirt. Coupled with an indigo dye with its own infinitesimal tonal variations, and you’re left with a fabric that’s transfixed generations of menswear nerds—and yet, somehow still flies relatively under the radar.

Technically speaking, the difference between denim and chambray comes down to the weave. Denim is a twill fabric commonly woven as either a 2×1 or 3×1 weave (two or three warp threads over a single weft thread). Chambray, on the other hand, is a plain weave where the warp and weft threads pass each other in equal number (1×1, 2×2, and on). Armed with that knowledge, though, you’d still be hard-pressed to ID a chambray option in a lineup of denim shirts. One easy way to tell? If the fabric on the inside—commonly referred to as the ‘wrong side’ of the fabric—is lighter in color than the outside of the fabric (a.k.a. the ‘right side’), then you’ve got chambray on your hands.


The Best Chambray Shirts Shopping Guide


Practically speaking, chambray behaves a little differently than denim. It’s often lighter than denim, which makes it an ideal fabric for warm-weather shirts. And because it’s lighter, chambray tends to wrinkle and rumple more easily, much like to a primo linen shirt. In most contexts, the difference won’t really matter. Men’s chambray shirts have similar sartorial superpowers to their tough denim siblings: they fade beautifully, they’re rugged enough to pass as actual workwear, and they look great on everyone. Try a classic western shirt with some deep, dark raw denim jeans for a masterful take on the Canadian Tux. Or wear one with some swishy swim trunks and canvas sneakers like a SoCal native. Hell, with the right collar and pocket, you can even wear a chambray shirt with a suit and tie

Like a pair of blue jeans, the chambray shirts cant save your fits from unequivocal disaster, and even launch you into the ranks of the most stylish folks to ever walk the earth. But that’s enough conjecture for now. Buy one one of these—the best men’s chambray shirts on the market—and find out for yourself.


The All-Day Everyday Chambray Shirt

J.Crew organic cotton chambray shirt

Like your morning coffee, J.Crew’s long-sleeve chambray shirts have long been a go-to everyday option. Served straight up with a plain T-shirt and a pair of chinos or gussied up with a tie and a sport coat, the organic cotton, button-down collar, and tailored fit works in every context.

The Platonic Ideal Chambray Work Shirt

Polo Ralph Lauren classic fit indigo chambray shirt

Based on vintage chambray work shirts, Polo’s two-pocket chambray shirt features classic white buttons and a sky-blue chambray that’s about as close to the Platonic ideal as a chambray work shirt can get.

The Champagne of Chambray Shirts

Peter Millar selvedge cotton-chambray shirt

Chambray, when done right, can absolutely pass as a dress shirt—Peter Millar’s version is the prime example. The long sleeve button-up shirt features a French placket, spread collar, and lacks the usual chest pocket, making it one of the cleanest, dressiest options out there. It’s giving impossibly swaggy tailored guy traipsing through southern Italy, and we’re here for it.

The Natural Wine of Chambray Shirts

Indi+Ash Lake Camp shirt

Dyed with a mix of indigo, henna, turmeric, and iron, Indi+Ash takes an artisanal approach to their military-inspired design. Cut with a relaxed fit, French seams, and corozo nut buttons, it’s a quality garment that’ll last you long enough to actually see those gorgeous fades come to fruition.

The Honkin’ Heavyweight Chambray Shirt

Seuvas work shirt

At 10.5 oz., the chambray on this shirt is certified beefy, and weighs about as much as your typical pair of jeans. On top of that, with super deep indigo-dyed threads for both the warp and weft, this may as well be a pair of raw denim jeans for your torso. If you really wanted a long-sleeve chambray work shirt that can actually do some damned work, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better shirt for the job.

The True-Blue Western Chambray Shirt

Levi’s classic western shirt

Levi’s may be known for its denim, but is it really a surprise that they make what is arguably the quintessential western shirt? It features a tasteful slim fit, pearlescent snap buttons, western yokes, dual snap flap pockets, and, of course, a lightweight cotton chambray with a nuanced vintage-style fade.

The Vacation-Ready Chambray Shirt

Reyn Spooner Cocktails Hawaiian Aloha shirt

Chambray shirts want a vacation to Hawaii, too. Not only does Reyn Spooner make some of the most iconic aloha shirts in the game, they make one of the coolest short sleeve chambray shirts anywhere. This cotton-blend popover features a classic fit and a bevy of boozy illustrations that would make any Tiki bar jealous. It’s great with some baggy cargo shorts or billowy linen pants and pairs well with your favorite bev.


Plus 14 More Chambray Shirts We Love

Alex Mill work shirt

Alex Mill’s version is darker than your average chambray and comes with mid-indigo tones and rich brown corozo nut buttons that give it a slightly rustic feel. Topped off with quality triple-needle construction and a vintage-inspired half-hidden placket, it’s the type of shirt that’ll win you more than a few head nods from local vintage heads.

FDMTL patchwork rinse shirt

FMDTL’s approach to denim (and by extension, chambray), is “let’s patchwork this”.

Sid Mashburn cotton-chambray western shirt

It’s easy to assume that western shirts are made of denim, but most are usually made of chambray (like we said, it doesn’t really matter). Sid Mashburn’s western shirt takes the elements of the Levi’s western and bumps up the quality and fit.

Gap chambray shirt

Inspired by vintage US Navy uniforms, Gap’s short-sleeve button up is perfect for showing off your sick new forearm tattoo.

Wythe New York sunfaded indigo chambray shirt

Like the ones on well-worn jeans, the fades on Wythe’s chambray work shirt are totally mesmerizing without looking manufactured.

Taylor Stitch western shirt

Chambray shirts can have patterns, too!

Corridor Antique SS shirt

Corridor looked at this chambray shirt and turned up the texture all the way to 11.

Drake’s cotton chambray button-down shirt

Bribes are a real no-no if you’re trying to nab a promotion at work. A really, really good shirt that’ll impress your boss, on the other hand, is fair game!

Todd Snyder Japanese chambray shirt

As with any rule, there are exceptions. In this case, the exception is that chambray doesn’t have to be indigo-colored. Coupled with a slim fit silhouette and you’ve got one sleek chambray shirt.

Everlane relaxed organic chambray shirt

Made with a combo of organic and recycled cotton, this is one of the most eco-friendly long sleeve button-down shirts out there. The relaxed fit makes it great for wearing as an overshirt, too.

Tanaka welt pocket shirt

Happy shirt, happy outfit.

Beams Plus button down chambray shirt

We’ll say it again: Why aren’t you wearing more Beams Plus? This picture perfect button-up is a great stand-in for an Oxford shirt and looks primo with some pressed khakis and loafers or even some proper dress pants and sneakers.

Eastlogue mechanic overshirt

Paisley: not just for bandanas!

Gitman Bros. Vintage chambray linen camp collar shirt

As far as summer garments are concerned, having linen, chambray, and a camp collar rolled into one shirt is like having MJ, Kobe, and Lebron on your team.

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