Suitable
What is chambray?
Chambray is a textile made mainly from cotton. To make the fabric more elastic and stronger, polyester or viscose fibres can be added. In appearance chambray closely resembles denim, but it is a lot lighter and less stiff. That is exactly why you mostly find it in summer garments such as shirts: you get the denim look without the weight.
How is chambray cotton made?
The name refers to the French city of Cambrai, where the fabric originally comes from. Once the cotton has been spun into yarn, it is woven in a plain weave: a simple technique in which the horizontal and vertical threads pass over and under each other alternately. The characteristic effect arises because one thread direction is coloured and the other white, which makes the fabric look lighter up close than from a distance. Chambray is available in a wide range of colours, although you mostly see it in shades of blue and indigo. After weaving, the fabric is washed and sometimes finished to make it softer or more colourfast.
What are the properties of chambray cotton?
Chambray is breathable and lightweight. It lets air circulate and helps you stay cool on warm days. Because the fabric is supple and feels soft, it is also suitable for people with sensitive skin. In addition, chambray is strong and hard-wearing, so it lasts a long time, even with intensive wear. The fabric is also easy to care for and simple to clean, which is exactly why you regularly see it in the hospitality industry. The downside is that chambray is prone to creasing and shrinking, so follow the instructions on the label to preserve its quality.