Chambray shirts have made their way into the closets of stylish men throughout the country over the past few years, swiftly taking residence as one of the first things they reach for. Easy to dress up or down, depending on the particular iteration you buy, the Chambray shirt has become an essential item in the modern man’s closet.
Not quite denim and not quite standard shirting material, they’re available in several weights which means each variation works for different weathers, or as a layer. The same shirt that works all by itself in spring works just as well under a sweater or blazer in the fall or winter.
Wear one with a linen suit, wear another with with beat up jeans and boots, wear them year round. Get one with more versatility, or a few variations so you’re covered under all circumstances and enjoy as they get better and better with age!
1. Bonobos Denim Shirt in Light Blue
BEST OVERALL
Bonobos makes a great league of products in a myriad of fits and styles. This option is no exception to their high quality and well fitted clothing! With a proper collar and easily matchable color, this shirt could be worn with chinos, white jeans, a bathing suit, a darker pair of jeans, even some suits. This option’s versatility, price point, and ease of sizing makes it the can’t miss option.
Image Courtesy of Bonobos
2. Drakes Denim Shirt in Powder Blue
BEST FOR SUITS
Drakes is one of the premiere tie makers in the world, and they have forayed into making excellent shirts, sweaters, and any number of different haberdashery options. This chambray shirt is the dressiest of the options here, and would look it’s best under a suit or with a sharp trouser, keeping things refined but with a casual air. This particular shirt is exclusive to The Rake, a chic place for all things men’s fashion.
Image Courtesy of The Rake
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3. Billy Reid Denim Brass Snap Shirt
BEST FOR FIRST DATES
Billy Reid is a Southern Gentleman who makes great looking clothes with his own particular style that jumps out at you. The brass snaps on this one are that detail, and he has several more such clothing items that look great! This particular option is a great casual option that would look great at a casual lunch, at a BBQ, or watching football under a chunky cardigan. With that comfort and style, it earns its spot as a first date option.
Image Courtesy of Amazon
4. Thom Browne Block Striped Cotton Chambray Shirt
MOST STYLISH
Thom Browne’s 4-stripe detailing is one of the few subtle, sexy flexes of branding that we here at SPY can really get behind. It’s enough of a symbol without being too flashy, but is instantly recognizable. Add that to the crisp grey color, and you’ve got a high-end, fashion-forward shirt that can give you a pop of street style, but with a lot of versatility.
Image Courtesy of Barneys New York
5. Todd Snyder Indigo Denim Shirt
MOST SUBTLY STYLISH
Todd Snyder can frequently be found near his flagship store on the Northern Border of Madison Square park, wearing his well-cut, high-style clothes. That’s the vibe you’ll get while wearing this one! Casual, subtle, but undeniably stylish and in-the-know, for a man of true taste, this shirt is a must-have. This medium weight lends itself to being a good layer in the summer over a tank on your way to the beach, or under a leather jacket as the nights grow cold. Pick up this classically styled denim work shirt, and walk out the door looking great! You’ll swiftly find its ease of wear leads it to be the subtle style you’re looking for.
Image Courtesy of Todd Snyder
6. UNTUCKit Classic Chambray Shirt
BEST FOR WORK
UNTUCKit’s branding of a shirt meant to be untucked, does indeed live up to its name. The company makes several options that are perfect for the business casual look of a sharp and tailored button down, without the uncomfortable fit and maintenance of a tucked in shirt. And their Chambray option fits the bill perfectly! It has a dressier, minimal collar, and the fabric makes it easy to dress up or down. Dark rinse jeans like in the picture, a grey knit or jersey fabric blazer, and a smart leather sneaker will work well with this shirt for work or date night. On Saturday, throw it on with black cropped jeans, some cool high top sneakers, and a nylon bomber and you’re ready to hit the town.
Image Courtesy of UNTUCKit
7. Buck Mason Indigo Denim Shirt
MOST CASUAL
Buck Mason has made a name for themselves with products that have a perfectly “lived in” vibe for a few years now. The light wash, dual chest pockets, and worn-in styling of this particular shirt make it seem as if it has been in your closet for years, while keeping that stylish “of the moment” look. This would look good with some washed chinos in a khaki, olive, or blue, along with some beat to hell boots like the Red Wing Iron Ranger. Throw on a pea coat and your best chunky ribbed beanie and you’ve got a great look for the fall, or with board shorts and vans as a layer near the beach in the warmer months.
Image Courtesy of Buck Mason
8. Levis Barstow Denim Shirt
BEST FOR MODERN COWBOYS
Levis Jeans are about as America as it gets, and this classically Western Styled Denim shirt is a great option to wear with lighter jeans or as a layer over a T or Henley. There are several different colors and washes to be had, and each of them has a lot of versatility. We suggest the dark wash below with a pair of olive green chinos, boots, and a chunky sweater as the Fall grows closer!
Image Courtesy of Amazon
9. Everlane Chambray Slim Fit Shirt
BEST GRAY OPTION
Everlane’s direct to consumer model and sharp, quality basics have made a splash recently and rightfully so. They make a number of quality items for your closet, top to bottom. Grab this dark hued chambray shirt as an option when you feel like being a bit more edgy than the options above! This shirt pairs well with ink black denim and white sneakers, and will fit well in your winter rotation.
Image Courtesy of Everlane