Wtfoffers Perfect wear – Everyday sharting fabrics that everyone loves. Let’s talk about that.
No, really. Do you need a shirt for your first date? Chambray. A night out with a boy? Chambray. Do you look great in the summer heat? Chambray. Workwear? Western wear? Minimalist? It’s a little smarter than a polo, but isn’t it OCBD? The chambray shirt is a great everyday piece with a bit of an extra go, and it tastes good for everyone, but it’s interesting for nerds like me.
Like denim, chambray is made of indigo and white thread. This subtle texture is instantly apparent to those who don’t understand what they see as more casual and interesting. Furthermore, indigo-dyed cotton fades as it ages. This is something that many people appreciate.
Skip straight…
Unlike denim, chambray is a simple weave, not a twill. This makes some differences. that The usual Chambray brightens color and weight, but neither is a critical feature. Additionally, Chambray is more open and breathable for a particular weight, making it suitable for spring and summer sharting. Poplin and other plain weaves are also good for warm climate sharting, but do not have casual textures. Plus, for reasons I can’t explain, Chambray shirts are usually softer and more comfortable.
This has made them a historic favorite for many different purposes. Apart from basic dress shirts and button-downs, Chambray was well-known for its work shirts, including classic French workwear and US Navy work shirts. Chambray work shirts usually have two button-shaped chest patch pockets. There are also some Chambray western shirts with pearl snaps and other western details instead of buttons. Collars vary, but camping collars and tab collars are not uncommon. And they come with short sleeves or long sleeves – I personally prefer them with long sleeves, but both are widely loved.
As shown below, the chambray pairs with everything that a basic blue shirt pairs with. It looks great on denim, chinos or fatigue, and it’s not too difficult to dress up a bit, like a casual suit or knitted tie. Some styles are good for workwear, while some styles are good for dressing up, but all styles hit hard. Let’s explore.
- Back Mason is a good starting point as it covers a variety of styles, such as work shirts, western shirts, and basic button-downs (like me).
- J. Clue Giant Fit Chambray. These sizes can be sized fairly safely.
- Billy Reed has something with a rather unique pocket style
- Ralph Lauren always uses a lot of chambray.
- Freenote Cloth offers chambray work shirts and short-sleeved chambray work shirts. I love the Freenote fabric, but personally I prefer this one and generally long sleeves.
- People also love Buzz Rickson (work shirts).
- Todd Snyder has several options
- Everything that real McCoy does is great.
- Orslow makes a couple
- Big Yank also works as a couple.
- FullCount is mostly known for its denim, but this dark chambray work shirt is very well done.
- Post-Romantic makes custom shirts for just $55, like this chambray popover or this chambray button. Their chambrays tend to be hand-woven too, which is weird for these prices.
- Wranglers do some different Westerners for ~$40 for $40, especially if they’re in the US.
- Bronson work shirts cost $36
- It’s good if Spier and Mackay are also in Canada and have a budget…though Americans are destined to cover tariffs.
- Lubato offers work shirts and western shirts
- Drake has many options.
- Visvim comes with a work shirt (called “timber” chambray) and a short-sleeved work shirt with embroidery on the chest. The latter may look like a gas station employee, but it’s 22% silk with buttons made from buffalo horns… um… do you think it’s cool?
- And the anthology has its own sophisticated spin on the chambray work shirt. The RTW is only $200. This is a very easy way to get into the brand, given that the anthology is a great, bespoke tailoring house.
Custom Options
- If you don’t have an absurdly high budget, then the right fabric will always work.
- Jake’s shirt is very good.
- If you want to splurge on custom orders, anthology brings you together.
- People say Luca Avitabile is the world’s best bespoke shirt maker.
And as a special benefit to Jerry and Elaintia members, I chose the following fragments of Chambray in eBay or in very affordable or very good places. Both are both. I included shirts, outerwear, accessories…and again this time I found quite a few pieces for women, so it’s cool.
Below are the second-hand/One One Piece listings, but you cannot purchase all of them, so only for members.
