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The 6 Best Chambray Shirts for Men, According to Editors

Mark Stock
6–7 minutes

Best Overall Chambray Shirt

Buck Mason Japanese Chambray One Pocket Shirt

Pros
  • Clean seams
  • Lived-in Look
  • Right amount of rugged

Light yet rugged, with that iconic Oxford look and the softness of cloth, Buck Mason's chambray stole our hearts. From the spectacular yarn dye to the mother of pearl buttons, this shirt excelled. The single scallop pocket is an artistic touch, and the box pleat at the back made for a sharper-than-imagined fit.

We loved the loose feel, despite a decidedly dressed-up look. Also, the fact that the shirt comes looking almost vintage is a big pro, as this kind of fade can take time to pull off (better still, it continues to fade a bit with time). The button-down collar is the perfect size while the sleeves do great fully extended or rolled up.

Washing the thing is a breeze and the texture remained ever-welcoming even months into wearing. Even in the heat, the shirt performed well, venting surprisingly well and never bunching. It's Buck Mason at the brand's very best.

Even with just the single color option, and a classic one at that, this chambray shirt bested the group. Go full western and pair it up with your favorite bandana around the neck.

Read more: Best Flannel Shirts

Material Japanese indigo-dye chambray
Pockets Single scallop pocket
Colors 1
Stitching Details Clean seams

Best Work Chambray Shirt

Flint and Tinder Selvedge Architect Shirt in Marled Charcoal

Pros
  • Cool color options
  • Reinforced elbow patches
  • Side vent gusset
Cons
  • Fits a bit slim and stiff to begin with

If there was ever a chambray assembled with work in mind, this is it. DIY folks and handymen will love the reinforced elbows and ventilation, able to stand up to any project while keeping you mostly sweat free. Best, the look is sharp as a tack and you can go non-blue with charcoal or grey.

The feel is super soft and the bi-swing in the back really does yield some added movement. For those on the active side, whether it's building at work or just animated in the way you act, this is your flexible and charming chambray shirt. We especially liked it unbuttoned over a white tee shirt.

Material Japanese slub selvedge cotton
Pockets Single scallop pocket
Colors 3
Stitching Details Selvedge detailing

Best Organic Cotton Chambray Shirt

J.Crew Slim Organic Cotton Chambray Shirt

Pros
  • Available in several fits
  • Good value
  • Improved texture over time

Turns out, you don't have to break the bank to get a good chambray shirt. Here's proof, an organic cotton kind available in five different fits. Comfy and well-made, it seems to get better with each wear. It's pretty standard, but in that sense it's a time-honored take that's hard to argue with.

We especially loved this chambray with sleeves rolled at least partly up. Breathable enough to take on a humid afternoon while offering enough weight to break up a chilly wind, this is a back to school classic. The nature of the wash is cool, offering a faded grid sort of look.

Material Cotton chambray
Pockets Single chest pocket
Colors 1
Stitching Details NA

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Best Untucked Chambray Shirt

Banana Republic Untucked Standard-Fit Chambray Shirt

Pros
  • Concealed button-down collar
  • Good value
  • Looks great untucked
Cons
  • Looses a bit of its shape after washing

This standard-fit option defies such a title. It wears beautifully and comes in both blue and gray. The sneaky hidden button-down collar is a cool touch and it can be thrown in the washing machine.

Coordinating this piece with other garments is easy and fun and the fact that it's so easy on the skin makes it a favorite piece the moment it arrives. Try it with a good pair of jeans or layered under a favorite sweater.

Nimble as ever, this one looks great tucked or not, layered or not. Just try to look unfashionable in it, we dare you.

Material Cotton chambray
Pockets Single chest pocket
Colors 2
Stitching Details Shirttail hem

Best Double Pocket Chambray Shirt

Alex Mill Fred Shirt In Chambray

Pros
  • Added front pocket
  • Ideal sleeve length
  • Washes well
Cons
  • A little too kitschy for some

Striking that golden look, this vintage-minded chambray shirt looks like something your favorite folk-rock lead singer would wear on stage. With a pair of chest pockets and contrast stitching, this puppy pops.

The side gusset offers some solid reinforcement while the breathability overall of the shirt is noteworthy. While we didn't like the sleeves up look as much, the length of the arms was just about perfect. With classic buttons and a true-to-size fit, this is a chambray shirt for the ages. And while blue, this hue seemed to offer a bit more, looking like the backdrop of your favorite puffy cloud-filled skyline.

Material Cotton indigo-eyed chambray
Pockets Two chest pockets
Colors 1
Stitching Details Contrast stitching

Best Stonewashed Chambray Shirt

Ralph Lauren Classic Fit Indigo Chambray Shirt

Pros
  • Excellent in warm weather
  • Looks great with dress shorts
  • Weathered look

A stonewashed chambray shirt without pockets? Sure, like only Ralph Lauren can do. You get the breezy yet formal, yacht rock sorta aesthetic and that classic logo on the chest. There's more, including a perfectly weathered look and buttoned barrel cuffs. The placket is extra sharp, adding some formality points, while the split back yoke allows for ample mobility.

You can pretty much just toss this thing in your travel bag and it will hold its comfortable shape. Pop the collar and try it with some dress shorts for a day at the beach or picnic. Beach-y chic for the win.

Material Indigo-dyed chambray
Pockets 0
Colors 1
Stitching Details Box pleat, embroidered logo

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Christian Gollayan oversees e-commerce content for Men's Health and Women's Health. Previously, he was the Associate Managing Editor at TheManual.com. Christian's work has also been featured in Food & Wine, InStyle, the New York Post, and Tatler Asia.