What does Chambray mean?

Produced from cotton or synthetic fibers, chambray is a plain woven fabric often woven in checkered or striped patterns. Usually made from blue and white yarns and used to make shirts, dresses and children’s clothing, the fabric originated in the town of Cambrai in northern France.

Heddels explains Chambray

Also known as “cambric”, chambray uses a white weft and indigo warp to create a fabric that looks similar to denim, yet is much lighter. A heavy version of chambray is used for workmen’s shirts in the United States, and was what inspired the phrase “blue collar”.

Additional Resources

A classic chambray shirt: