Five Plus One is our weekly series of buyer’s guides. We pick a specific category and dig up five great options along with one that’s a little outside the norm.
If you are trying to expand your collection of summer shirting while still maintaining classic Americana style, then you should definitely consider short sleeve chambray shirts. Not only are they classically styled, but they’re durable, breathable, and quite versatile. Regardless of if you’re starting from scratch or just looking to add a new shirt or two, we hope you find our selection helpful.
1) J. Crew: Short-sleeve Indigo Organic Chambray Shirt
If you’re interested in a new chambray but don’t wanna break the bank then J. Crew‘s Short-Sleeve Indigo Chambray is here under $100. It comes in several different cuts that will help you whether you prefer slim or roomier cuts, and is made from 100% organic cotton. Finished with a single chest pocket, this shirt doesn’t have any of the high-end details you’ll find on other shirts on this list — but at the low price point, that’s hardly a surprise, and it still looks solid.
Available for $70 from J. Crew.
2) Big Yank: U54 QLS S/S Shirt LT Chambray White
While indigo chambrays are arguably the most iconic colorway, they’re are a ton of different chambray colors out there, and Big Yank‘s U54 QLS in White Chambray is one of ’em. It’s made in Japan from 100% cotton in the style of 1950s shirts, featuring a roomy fit, two chest pockets, and an open collar design. If this shirt’s style fits well into your wardrobe, it’s definitely worth your consideration.
Available for $235 from Clutch Cafe.
3) Gitman Vintage Bros: Blue Chambray Linen Camp Collar Shirt
Gitman Vintage Bros. is one of the most popular shirting brands out there, so it should come as no surprise they have a fantastic chambray shirt in the form of their Chambray Linen Camp Collar Shirt. Featuring the excellent texture of chambray with the added beauty of linen, this made-in-the-USA shirt would make an excellent addition to nearly any shirting rotation. Finished with a single chest pocket and straight hem, this shirt is as versatile as it is classically designed.
Like this? Read these:
Available for $192 from Lost and Found.
4) Portuguese Flannel: Jacquard Chambray Shirt – Indigo/Blue
If you’re interested in short sleeve chambray but want something with a bit more of a pattern, then Portuguese Flannel‘s Jacquard Chambray Shirt is worth a look. Featuring vertically striped, jacquard fabric, this shirt is finished with a pattern-matched chest pocket, mother-of-pearl buttons, and an open-style camp collar. This shirt has a bit more personality than most chambrays out there, but definitely a good way.
Available for $138 from Stag Provisions.
5) Iron Heart: 285-PIN – Short Sleeved Work Shirt
While Iron Heart is known for their heavyweight jeans and ultra-heavy flannels, that doesn’t mean they don’t make excellent lightweight shirting. If anything, these days, Iron Heart is a jack of all trades master of all.
Made in Japan, Iron Heart’s 285-PIN Short Sleeved Work is constructed from a breezy 5.5 oz. cotton chambray, and features a classy woven white pinstripe that sets it apart from other blue chambrays out there. Details that make this piece stand out even further are its selvedge detailing, chain stitch runoff, and triple stitching. All that deserves a chef’s kiss and then some.
Available for $270 from Division Road.
Plus One – Filson: Short Sleeve Chambray Shirt
If you’re interested in a patterned chambray and the stripes just aren’t doing it for you, well then you’ve come to the right place. Filson‘s Short Sleeve Chambray shirt in Blue Ink ‘Fish Print’ is certainly a unique look, but honestly both the fish print itself and the backing pattern are interesting in their own right. With two button chest pockets and double-shoulder pleats, this shirt doesn’t skimp on unique details either.
Available for $125 from Filson.
