Updated:
May 9, 2018 | Published: Jul 13, 2015 by David Shuck
David is the managing editor and a partner at Heddels. He lives in Denver, CO and is responsible for our CO-OP series of collaborations, our Blowout podcast, and the photoshop abominations that go above the Sale Finder Shortlist.
Now that we’re officially in the dog days of summer, every inch of exposed skin matters. And while we would never encourage NOT wearing jeans, here are a few options that could make the difference up top.
All of these chambrays are built to take abuse and look good doing it. While they might not fade to the same spectacular contrast as something denim, you’ll get your licks out of these six options.
1. Studio D’Artisan Nep Chambray Shirt
One of the original members of the Osaka 5, it doesn’t get much more old school Japanese denim than Studio D’Artisan. SDA usually makes headlines for their crazier denim, but their more standard offerings, like this chambray shirt are more than formidable. With triple-chainstitch construction (complete with runoff), tab collar, and bartacked pockets with rayon label, this shirt will make you the most fashionable gas station attendant on the block.
If you’re looking to go darker (and who isn’t), check out Rogue Territory’sJumper Shirt. Even though the 5oz. indigo weft and warp fabric is more blue, the mother of pearl buttons, short hem, and button down collar reads a little less blue collar than the other options on this list.
You may be thinking “didn’t I just see this shirt”, you did not. Just like 5-pocket jeans, nearly every Japanese denim company tries their hand at a similar chambray workshirt. This one from Momotarois in many ways like the SDA, except it has a flap pocket, a pen pocket, tonal buttons, AND selvedge on the gussets.
With a washed out look, tab on pocket, and a color that’s only listed as “The Fuzz”, this shirt from Levi’s Vintage Clothingis the ultimate accessory for those looking to pick up chicks at a cowboy bar in 1974.
Gitman Bros. Vintage sends this one out to all the trads. Box pleat–check, back collar button–check, locker loop–check, popover–big check. A popover is conversely a favorite of hardcore preps and the mullet of the shirt world: the placket just stops halfway down the front, so you can show off your chest hair or let in the breeze but at the same time you pull it on and off like a t-shirt. This is also the lightest of the fabrics on this list and definitely the most hot-weather friendly.
Available for $156 at East Dane(pay no attention to the horrible model styling)
6. Fullcount Basic Selvage Chambray
Mikiharu Tsujitais a man who’s serious about quality, and this shirt from his brand Fullcount & Co.is no exception. With no extra thrills besides pure functional symmetry, this grey chambray may look plain until you get a close up look at the fabric. Those tiny specks of black, white, and and brown really make the difference.
