The Best Chambray Shirts for Men

The hard-working origins of the chambray shirt are the inspiration for the aptly named Utility Shirt from Taylor Stitch.

Though the brand launched with a focus on the best-fitting Oxford shirt, they’ve branched out into other classic staples, and they’ve done so by perfecting a face-framing California collar.

It’s the fabric that really counts here though, and in this case, it’s a 100 percent organic cotton selvedge complete with selvedge placket and cuff detailing. For good measure, dual button-chest pockets drive home that tried-and-true workwear feel.

Detroit’s own Carhartt absolutely has a knack for delivering some of the most durable work gear on the planet, starting from the top down with thick-knit beanie caps and tough-as-nails canvas work jackets.

It makes sense that the brand would make a reliable chambray shirt to pair up with those trusty workday picks.

This 100 percent cotton chambray shirt is built out with two flap chest pockets for handy EDC storage space, and the loose fit allows you to layer a Carhartt tee or thermal shirt underneath for added warmth and performance.

Best known for its waxed field jackets and gear fit for the field and stream, Orvis steps into chambray shirting with a suitably tech-minded take on the style.

It’s got the texture of chambray, but the moisture-wicking qualities and breathability of polyester, and the mechanical stretch fabric makes it highly mobile for guys on the go (whether fly fishing or trekking to your favorite watering hole).

The chest pockets are angled for easy access, while the underarms have ventilation holes for easy breathability. Call it the perfect blend of modern performance and timeless style.

The roots of the CPO (or Chief Petty Officer) shirt are almost as adventurous as Filson’s pioneering Pacific Northwest background, as the CPO overshirt style was trusted by the Navy in inclement weather.

Chambray fabric lightens up the traditional wool style considerably, while that same fabric is also garment-washed for a soft feel out of the box.

Two front-button chest pockets turn this into a versatile workshirt, and it’s available in two light, washed chambray fabric styles for maximum wearability. Invest in at least one, and it’s going to last you years.

Whenever you shop for menswear that harkens back to days gone by, the type of pieces that your grandfather might have readily worn, it’s a safe bet to see what Todd Snyder’s working on.

The Iowa-born designer takes throwback styles and updates them with cool fits and fabrics, as with this handsome Japanese chambray workshirt.

The supple indigo chambray fabric should prove soft yet durable for layering over simple T-shirts and henleys – or beneath a wool blazer or shawl cardigan – while two critical chest button pockets drive home the utility of one of the best chambray shirts, from the office to the bar and back home.

For a good long time, it felt like J.Crew was on a mission to help you curate the perfect wardrobe, all by shopping at the store itself. From its tailored Ludlow suits to the famed 484 jeans, the brand turned itself into a powerhouse for guys who want reliable, modern, everyday style.

Yet, they’re still standing strong today, and this organic cotton chambray shirt definitely fits the bill. The details are simple and subtle, like textured fabric and a crisp buttondown collar, offset by a chest pocket as a casual style detail. This is a fairly priced chambray shirt that pairs up with anything in your wardrobe, but especially olive J.Crew chinos or black J.Crew jeans.

A chambray shirt is about as timeless and historic as the right pair of men’s chinos, and luckily enough for stylish guys everywhere, Bonobos has done an outstanding job at updating the two for modern times.

Its chinos are flattering and ultra-comfortable, and it’s even better that its Stretch Chambray Shirt is just as easy to wear.

Select from two fits and multiple length options (plus two eye-catching wash colors), then get ready to pair up this goes-with-anything shirt with Bonobos stretch chinos in shades ranging from burgundy to tan to olive. The best chambray shirts can do it all, and this one certainly qualifies.