My love of chambray runs nearly as deep as the sea. Predominately various shades of blue, chambray is one of my favorite textiles. My first chambray shirt was a classic mid blue, and I have since purchased pieces to fill in the spectrum. Above are several pieces from my own closet. I’ve also selected some chambrays from around the web that I would add to my collection in a heartbeat. It’s such a versatile staple that you can dress up or down or sideways.
The history of chambray is rather fascinating. It has come a long way from the fabric of the working class to a trending fashion. Elizabeth Dori Tunstall, a contributor to The Conversation, an online journal explains, “[a]s the actual shirt of the ‘blue collar’ term, the chambray shirt exemplifies the durability and practicality of indigo-dyed workwear. Said to be first established Cambrai, France in 1595, chambray is defined as ‘a lightweight evenweave fabric formed of colored warp yarns [often blue] and white weft yarns.'” If you have a minute, the entire article is very interesting and educational!
As the once official working uniform of the navy it seems appropriate to highlight this textile today as we remember, honor and celebrate all who have served our country.
Happy Memorial Day, Hayley
