Originating from the small town of Cambrai in northern France, chambray is a very supple, lightweight woven fabric made of 100% cotton. Chambray, woven with a white weft yarn, is sometimes confused with denim because of its colour resembling washed jeans. A chambray shirt is very easy to wear and pair with any outfit. We designed our chambray shirts to provide great freedom of movement without compromising on style and quality.
When weaving chambray, also known as "batiste", warp yarns of a different colour from the weft yarns are interwoven. Generally, a white warp yarn is paired with a dark-coloured yarn such as indigo. Shades of blue yarn are very often used, which explains why chambray is sometimes confused with denim.
Instantly recognisable, the chambray shirt is rich in history. Indeed, the term "blue collar" comes from this shirt, as the chambray shirt was the iconic garment of American workers during the 1920s. At the time, it quickly became the shirt of choice for labourers worldwide. The collar of the chambray shirt clearly distinguished them from white collars, worn by executives. Owing to its industrial heritage, chambray shirts were not traditionally tailored close to the body. At Hast, we designed our chambray shirt to follow the contours of the body without clinging, ensuring effortless freedom of movement.
The chambray shirt is worn in a relaxed setting while maintaining a certain elegance. As chambray is lighter than denim, air circulates freely and the cotton is gentle on the skin. In summer, you can wear it open over a T-shirt white T-shirt or buttoned up over shorts or chinos, with sunglasses in the chest pocket of the shirt. The chambray shirt works just as well in a smart casual look, under a suit jacket or on its own. You can also pair it with smart shoes, a tie and raw denim jeans. In the mid-season, the chambray shirt slips neatly under a jumper wool jumper, and goes perfectly with jeans or chinos and ankle boots. Finally, to combine elegance and sophistication, opt for our classic shirt in micro-patterned blue chambray with a "Peaky Blinders" collar, the famous club collar. This rounded-point collar was very popular in the 1920s. The shirt's classic cut suits every build. Opt for chinos or pleated trousers for a polished look on any occasion.
How is a chambray shirt made?
When weaving chambray, also known as "batiste", warp yarns of a different colour from the weft yarns are interwoven. Generally, a white warp yarn is paired with a dark-coloured yarn such as indigo. Shades of blue yarn are very often used, which explains why chambray is sometimes confused with denim.
The features of a chambray shirt
Without question, the chambray shirt is ideal in any season. Our Hast chambray shirts are made of cotton, making the shirt soft and light to wear. As chambray is woven, the shirt retains structure, ideal for an impeccable style whilst offering ease of movement.A shirt steeped in history
Instantly recognisable, the chambray shirt is rich in history. Indeed, the term "blue collar" comes from this shirt, as the chambray shirt was the iconic garment of American workers during the 1920s. At the time, it quickly became the shirt of choice for labourers worldwide. The collar of the chambray shirt clearly distinguished them from white collars, worn by executives. Owing to its industrial heritage, chambray shirts were not traditionally tailored close to the body. At Hast, we designed our chambray shirt to follow the contours of the body without clinging, ensuring effortless freedom of movement.
How to wear a chambray shirt well
The chambray shirt is worn in a relaxed setting while maintaining a certain elegance. As chambray is lighter than denim, air circulates freely and the cotton is gentle on the skin. In summer, you can wear it open over a T-shirt white T-shirt or buttoned up over shorts or chinos, with sunglasses in the chest pocket of the shirt. The chambray shirt works just as well in a smart casual look, under a suit jacket or on its own. You can also pair it with smart shoes, a tie and raw denim jeans. In the mid-season, the chambray shirt slips neatly under a jumper wool jumper, and goes perfectly with jeans or chinos and ankle boots. Finally, to combine elegance and sophistication, opt for our classic shirt in micro-patterned blue chambray with a "Peaky Blinders" collar, the famous club collar. This rounded-point collar was very popular in the 1920s. The shirt's classic cut suits every build. Opt for chinos or pleated trousers for a polished look on any occasion.