Style Experts Recommend This Chambray Shirt for Your Fall Fit Rotation

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Do you feel that? It's the rustling of leaves in cooler winds and the shortening of the days. Yes, fall approaches, and while it's bittersweet to say goodbye to summer, we do get to say hello to a shift in fashion.

T-shirts get swapped for long sleeves and garments like chambray shirts become ideal. These lightweight button-downs are fashionable in a timeless sense, accompany other layers beautifully, and aren't too heavy even as warmer conditions persist. Often light blue and easy to mistake for denim, chambray shirts are made from sprightly cloth and feel exceptional, not to mention afford a sharp western look that's right at home at the workplace or out to dinner.

Best Chambray Shirts

Of course, just like with the best jeans or best polo shirts on the market, the best chambray shirts perform well above their pay grade.

What to Consider

Locking down a good chambray shirt is not as complex as buying a car, but there are some considerations to take note of.

Material

What goes into a chambray shirt is a major factor, as it determines the feel and weight as well as how you might wash the shirt. Some materials offer more of a worn-in look and fade more over time while others be firmer to accentuate the fit. On top of that, it simply pays to know what you're wearing and how that fabric came to be (paying attention to pluses like organic cotton, of course).

Pockets

The pockets can make or break a chambray shirt. Too over-the-top and the western flair gets a little out of control and you can only wear the thing line dancing. Too subtle and the pocket may provide little to no use, let alone offer any stylistic bonus points. Pockets are generally a must, however we did land on one shirt that was good enough even without the signature accent.

Colors

Sure, iconic blue is great but it's 2024. You should have a good color option or two, or at least some variation in wash and stitching so that two blue options offer a different look.

Stitching Details

An intricate detail like stitching can separate your chambray shirt from the pack. Fashion is all about these little things and we left no seam unchecked. From clean and practically unnoticeable to loud and proud, the stitching almost functions like a pattern on the shirt and also determines how the thing will fit around your arms, torso, and the like.

How We Selected

Our fashion team, including Deputy Commerce Editor Christian Gollayan, put dozens of chambray shirts to the test, wearing them in all kinds of functions. We donned them to work, assessed their breathability and comfort level while commuting, and see how they caught the eye and happy hour functions and dinner gatherings.

To whittle down the list to just the half-dozen best, we gauged not only the considerations above, but how these garments handled varying weather conditions, how well they paired with other clothing, and additional accents like button makeup, pocket shape, sleeve length and more.

Our team came away with some chambray shirts that do more than just look great. They fit like a dream, feature well in casual and formal settings alike, and offer a bit more than your run-of-the-mill button down piece. Naturally, part of the testing process involved wearing a chambray in the many ways its intended to be worn―tucked and untucked, sleeves down and sleeves rolled up, with shorts for a stroll in the park and with jeans for a meal out.

Just in time for fall, here are the best chambray shirts.

Japanese Chambray One Pocket Shirt

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

Selvedge Architect Shirt in Marled Charcoal

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.

Slim Organic Cotton Chambray Shirt

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.

Untucked Standard-Fit Chambray Shirt

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.

Fred Shirt In Chambray

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.

Classic Fit Indigo Chambray Shirt

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.

Shop More of Our Fall Essentials

Best Crewneck Sweaters | Best Hoodies for Men | Best Jeans for Men | Best Sweatsuits for Men | Best Shackes for Men | Best Chinos for Men | Best Men's Dress Shoes

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