Despite originating in France in 1595 as a fabric, the pale blue chambray shirt has become an American staple. Worn by workers in the 1900s and immortalized by Paul Newman in Cool Hand Luke, the chambray shirt is about as classic Americana as you can get. Over the years, designers have put their own spin on the chambray taking it from the traditional blue collar necessity to a must-have item for the modern man.

Because chambray shirts are made from a common weave of fine cloths like cotton, linen or silk, these shirts are soft, smooth and durable. Which makes them an essential item for your summer wardrobe. Whether you’re heading to the office on a sweltering day, lounging around on the weekend or relaxing by the waves along the beach, this is a versatile shirt that can be worn in several various settings. Best of all, you don’t have to spend a fortune on a quality chambray shirt – besides spending a couple hundred of dollars on a timeless workingman’s shirt just doesn’t make a whole lot of sense to us. That’s not knocking luxurious designers who have crafted top notch chambray shirts, it’s just trying to help keep you on a budget this summer.

No matter where the summer ends up taking you, you simply can’t go wrong with this iconic piece of menswear. To help you get started, here our are top 10 chambray shirt selections.

H&M Chambray Shirt ($34.95)

Joe Fresh Men’s Slim Fit Chambray Shirt ($29)

Land’s End Men’s Regular Long Sleeve Buttondown Chambray Shirt ($44)

Gap Iconic Chambray Worker Shirt ($59.95)
J. Crew Selvedge Japanese Chambray Utility Shirt ($98)

UNIQLO Men Chambray Printed Slim Fit Long Sleeve Shirt ($14.90)

Polo Ralph Lauren Classic Fit Chambray Shirt ($98)

Grayer’s Summer Workshirt ($88)
Levi’s Premium Goods Worker Shirt

Ernest Alexander Calder Blue Work Shirt ($155)

• Bio
• Google+
• Latest Posts

Albert Costill

Just a typical guy that wants an ice-cold PBR with some pizza and wings to go with football on a Sunday. Since venturing into the blogosphere many years ago to discuss his favorite tunes, Al has now moved onto publications by Alpha Brand Media such as AMOG and SoJones to blab about anything and everything else that matters.

+Albert Costill

Latest posts by Albert Costill (see all)

• Video: QC // WC Presents – The Leather Bomber - October 24, 2014
• Cheer On Your Favorite Team With World Cup Swimwear from Hentsch Man - June 17, 2014
• The 10 Most Stylish Soccer Players - June 12, 2014