Denim vs Chambray: How is Chambray Different From Denim?
In many human families, you see a lot of similarities between children and also between children and parents. Then you see a lot of differences as well. The same principle holds with fabrics. The same family members have similarities and differences that make them unique and interesting.
How is chambray different from denim? The main difference between denim and chambray is in how they are woven. Chambray is made through using a plain weave method. This is where a colored and white strand of cotton is woven together. Denim is made through a twill weave method.
To learn more about the differences between these two family members, just continue to read our article. It has the information you want to know about so that you do not confuse the two fabrics and think they are the same thing. Sort of like confusing fraternal twins. They are of the same family but are not identical.
Denim vs Chambray 101
The Differences Between Chambray and Denim
Your time is valuable and you may not have the freedom to read right now. Here is a quick comparison chart to help you see the differences between those two fabrics at a glance. Read the rest of the article when you have more time.
| Categories | Denim | Chambray |
| Origin | The cotton plant | The cotton plant |
| Years of existence | Possibly thousands | A few hundred |
| Application | Good for casual wear, hard work, and at times semi formal | Casual and formal wear |
| Weave style | Twill weave | Plain weave |
| Weight | Heavier weight | Lightweight |
| Feel | Can be rough | Soft to the touch |
| Shine | Classic cotton look | Unique sheen |
| Texture | Rugged | Softer and attractive |
| Price | Varies | Varies |
Are Chambray and Denim the Same?
Yes and no. The two fabrics come from the same family so they share a lot of similar characteristics that make them attractive and ideal to wear in certain circumstances. While the two materials are made from cotton, one big difference between them is that chambray can also be made from linen.
Then denim is a heavier material designed to handle rugged work activities, rough and tough recreation events as well as look good when you want to relax and just read a book or enjoy life.
If you are meeting the parents of your romantic partner, then try wearing chambray over denim. You may get a better reception and make a great first impression. Then a Chambray shirt is better with a suit and tie than denim shirts or jeans can be.
Also, the type of weave used to make both fabrics are different. Those weave methods keep chambray lighter in weight and look. The twill method for denim gives the material its toughness and heavyweight.
The two fabrics may come from the same fabric source and family but they have two unique and distinct purposes. You wouldn’t see miners from the 19th century California gold rush wearing chambray when it was time to work their claim.
Is Chambray a Denim?
The best answer would be no it is not. Not only is it not woven in the same manner as any denim material would be woven in, but it is also too lightweight to qualify as denim. The two may also have similar looks and come in similar colors but the two styles of fabric are not the same.
It is easy to confuse chambray as denim because of those facts but when you feel the materials you will see that chambray is smoother, softer, and lighter in color than denim. They may use the same indigo blue dye at times but the color does not magically change chambray into denim
In addition to all of that, chambray is a lot thinner than denim. It could not endure the rough treatment denim is exposed to daily. It is not as strong as the heavier material and not good for those industries that require a lot of hard work.
When it comes to comparing denim and chambray, the latter material could be called the silk of cotton. It looks better and people respond to someone wearing chambray over denim in better ways. Despite all of its good properties denim still suffers from a reputation that casts it in lower light than other fabrics are seen.
How is Chambray Different from Denim?
If we were to use human terms you might describe chambray as the effeminate version of the more masculine denim. Its lighter construction does not lend itself to do the hard work that men do in heavy industries and must be used in different employment areas that are not so rough.
But that is as far as that illustration goes. No one is seen as weak or feminine, except a woman of course, when wearing chambray. It is a good material for when you want to look good and be comfortable at the same time.
Plus, while chambray can’t go to the same paces as denim can, it can go to those areas of society where denim is not welcome. If you are trying to impress someone in semi-formal or formal situations, leave the denim at home.
If you are trying to impress a supervisor in a mine or logging camp, etc., leave the chambray in your closet. Then when it gets hot out, chambray will be the better fabric to wear. Its lightweight should keep you cooler than denim will.
Finally, chambray breathes easier than denim will as well as drape better. Both fabrics have their uses, those uses are just not in the same social circles for the most part.
What is Chambray Fabric?
To be blunt, chambray is not denim but it is both cotton and linen. This material can be made out of either natural fiber making it a great material to wear in a dress shirt, pants or dress, and so on.
When made from linen it can be called a gingham fabric with a white weft and a colored warp weave. That definition comes from the Oxford dictionary. It is a lightweight material that breathes really well.
Plus, it looks good on those occasions where you need to look good without breaking the bank to buy very fine clothing you will only wear once a year. If you like the feel of cotton but do not want to wear or can’t wear denim, then chambray may be your best choice.
You can make a fine impression without the stigma attached to denim ruining your introduction to your date’s parents or a new boss. It is also a great fabric to wear as it brings all the positives that come with cotton with it.
Finally, it is a material you should have in your closet for when you just want to be you.
Is Chambray a Color?
According to Shutterstock, chambray is a color made with stormy blue with navy undertones. It is also a complex color. That company also describes chambray as a color as a hue that reminds one of those childhood summer days where one spent their time riding their bike and playing baseball.
Then it is described as a delicate gray that lends both softness and strength making it a very complex color to describe in actual color tones or shades. On top of that its color texture makes it very versatile helping manly colors look more masculine while making feminine colors look more feminine.
We cannot beat Shutterstock in that description and we will not even try. But for fabrics, chambray is not usually seen as a color. It comes in different colors and holds dye fairly well so you can make it any color you want.
If you dye this material you will lose the uniqueness of the chambray shade and turn your room or clothing into a standard run of the mill type color that doesn’t impress anyone. How you view the color shade is up to you as not everyone sees the same shade of color in the same way.
What Color is Chambray?
In the color spectrum, you may say that it is a grayish blue that goes with any color pattern or hue you want to match it with. But then some people will say that it is darker in color and favors the navy blue color that is associated with denim. It is made from the same color dye at times as denim so the confusion is understandable.
Glidden paint company calls it a delicate gray that is also a complex blue that works well with black trim or a darker blue-gray shade. As a fabric, chambray is merely a light blue that has people confusing it with denim.
But you may not see the chambray color as unique or special. It looks very gray with a little blue thrown in and could be mistaken for any other blue-gray hue in the paint stores. It is probably better to associate chambray with fabrics than color.
You will get better compliments with the fabric than you will if you use the color on your walls. It can be seen as a not so cheery color when used as paint or in photos, etc.
Is Chambray Always Blue?
As a paint or as a color on the spectrum of colors the answer would be yes. Or slightly modified to be labeled as a blue-gray color. Those colors do not change and when you ask for chambray at the paint store or on your computer you will be given only one shade to buy or use.
But the good news is that chambray as a fabric has no such restrictions. While it is predominately blue in most clothing renditions, it can come in a variety of colors. The only change that will be made is in the blue thread being replaced by a different colored thread.
Then generally, chambray fabrics are found in solid colors. But again, this fabric is versatile and will also be found in multi-colors and patterns. Which color you select will depend on your preferences. Chambray fabric is good for almost all social events or dates and lets you remain comfortable no matter which color you have chosen to wear.
But when you put it on your walls, use it as an accent color so you do not overpower any bright colors you have added to your personal space.
Chambray Fabric Characteristics
One of the characteristics that this fabric has is its ability to look like it is worn or faded even when new. No one will tell if you just bought it or simply brought it out of the closet after a long delay in wearing the material.
The reason for that look is in the way the fabric is woven. With the white thread in the mix, the color does not stand out as well as it would if the makers used two-color threads in the weaving process.
Also, it is a lightweight, tight weave that still has better breathability than denim has. It is not made for heavy machine work or logging or similar tough industries but it is great for when you are part of the management team in those employment areas.
On top of that, it is a natural fiber that has enjoyed centuries of use. No matter what anyone says, natural fibers and fabrics are always better than synthetic ones. If you want to feel like you are wearing denim but do not want to look like you are wearing that fabric, then chambray is the material to pull out of the closet.
However, it is still cotton and it does not have that much stretch to it, although, like cotton, it should conform to your body over time making it supremely comfortable as it ages. The material is easy to care for but watch out for any shrinking or wrinkling that may occur after cleaning it.
Chambray Texture
Usually, this version of cotton is very smooth and soft o the touch. It beats out denim in these areas which can feel rougher and not so soft at times. The texture of this material will depend on two things- One, the quality of the fabric, and two, the thread count.
Like bedsheets, chambray should get softer and smoother as well as more comfortable when the thread count goes up. You can find it in 150 to 500 levels and you can find it in dense or fine textures.
If you do not recognize the chambray name that is because it has evolved over the years. The material was called cambric after the French town Cambrai where it was originally made in the 16th century.
Also, the Flemish language has contributed to the chambray name as the Flemish word kameryk was used to identify that fabric. But some records have it listed as being called batiste just before the 17th century even though it may have been invented in the 14th century by a man named Baptiste.
No matter what it is called, the texture of the fabric remains the same. It is soft, smooth, comfortable, and remains a better option to wear than denim in some cases.
The Pros and Cons of Chambray
Now that you know the difference between denim and chambray it is time to see what positives and negatives are attached to the fabric. There are no perfect fabrics in this world and chambray does have its negative qualities.
Pros:
- Made from cotton
- Cheaper than linen
- Is very lightweight
- Breathes very well
- Great for both casual and formal events or situations
- Does not pill that much
- Does not bleed color that easily
- Is very soft and smooth
- Comes in 42 to 60-inch cloth widths
- A very versatile fabric
- Not very expensive to buy
Cons:
- Can tear fairly easily when you are not careful
- May be prone to shrinking
- Does not come in a wide range of colors
- Does not stretch that well
- May harm the environment
Denim’s Qualities
This is a very thick fabric that does not tend to tear very easily. Also, it does not snag on sharp objects very well. It is a fabric that is made to take a pounding and come back the next day as strong as ever.
One of its negative qualities is that it can be stiff when new and takes some time to break in and become soft. Plus, it can come in a restricted number of colors with blue or black being the ones used the most.
The fabric will fade in the sun as the color is only surface deep.
Some Final Words
When meeting the parents for the first time, it would be a good idea to change from your denim jeans to a nice khaki cotton pants and a chambray shirt. This material will help you look better without sacrificing any comfort or style. It is a great fabric to have in your closet.
