Denim Versus Chambray

Chambray often gets mistaken as denim and the other way around. So, how do you know which fabric you are wearing or are buying?  Here's the info you need.

A chambray is a plain weave fabric woven with a colored yarn in the warp and a white yarn in the weft, according to Proper Cloth. So, now the question is...what is a warp and a weft? The answer lies in the picture below.

Now that we have that cleared up, according to my same source, like chambray, denim is made with a colored yarn in the warp and white in the weft, but is woven in a twill construction. 

Another definition? Another construction? 

Yes, but to make it easy to recognize, a Chambray fabric will looks about the same on the top side and the bottom side. Denim will look a little lighter on the underside of the fabric. 

It's not easy to tell which fabric is chambray and which is denim when looking at these pictures. However, all three of the pictures above are chambray. All three of the pictures below are denim.

Chambray and denim can both be found in heavy and light styles, but you'll find denim (in general) is a heavier fabric than chambray.

Let's talk thread count. It doesn't just matter in sheets.

A higher thread count denim will be more dressy and upscale looking. A lower thread count denim will be more casual and inexpensive looking. 

In chambray, if it's a tighter weave, it can look more dressy and upscale. If the weave is looser, it will appear more gauze-like and more casual. 
​

With all of the different types of denim, with all of the variations in what is in the fabric, it's really hard to tell what is denim or chambray when just looking at someone's outfit.

To me, it matters most how they style the denim or chambray in their outfit. 

You can dress up or dress down any pair of jeans, or any skirt by adding the right shoes and accessories. 

You can't tell, but the picture here is denim, not chambray.

The picture here has a chambray skirt. 

Again, you can dress it up or dress it down with the right top, shoes, and accessories.

I like this look for a comfy spring or summer day. It says comfortable, but not frumpy or lazy.

Now you know the difference between chambray and denim. 

Thanks for reading.

XOXO,

Natasha