Weaves & fabric constructions

Chambray

Also known as: Chambray shirting

Plain weave with dyed warp and white weft, producing a mottled denim-like look without twill diagonal.

~1 min read By Christian Habert Fact-checked by Clubmartin Textile EditorialAI-assisted Last reviewed: Sources (2)

Description

Chambray is a plain weave in which the warp (usually indigo-dyed or coloured) is woven with a white weft. This creates a fine mottled colour that recalls denim but without its twill weave or diagonal ridges. The fabric is lighter, flatter and more breathable than denim.

Typical thread counts are 40-70 warp threads/cm at weights of 100-180 g/m². Mercerised cotton yarns are used (Nm 40-80). The hand is smooth, soft, with light drape; the look clearly distinguishes chambray from denim. It is a woven fabric.

Chambray is the classic casual and workwear shirting (US Navy denim shirt, French workwear shirts). Also used for blouses, summer skirts and light summer dresses. The name derives from the French town of Cambrai where similar fabrics were made in the Middle Ages. Chambray is often confused with denim but is technically completely different (weave and weight).

Properties

Weave typePlain weave
Thread density40-70 warp threads/cm
HandleSoft, light, smooth
UseCasual shirts, blouses, summerwear

Related product categories

Sources & references

2
  1. Wikipedia: Chambray Wikipedia — Freie Enzyklopädie https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chambray_(fabric)
  2. Textile Institute textileinstitute.org https://www.textileinstitute.org/

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