I’ve been thinking a lot about shirts recently. Mostly because I could use a new one. I’m not sure I’ll be able to pull it off, as I tend to slink fearfully away from bold colors when outfitting myself, but I love the idea of a red chambray shirt. I’m probably going to try though, and I know there are some readers out there who don’t share my anxieties and can immediately pull the trigger on this sort of purchase. With all of us in mind, then, I present three solid options:
1) Epaulet EP’s Red Chambray Shirt. It’s not even on the shelves yet (expect it in 4-5 weeks), but these preview shots sold me. Not sure on the price, either, but based on Epaulet’s other shirting options, something around $130 is probably a good bet.
The flapped chest pockets, pearlized buttons, and hickory stripe detailing on the collar and cuffs are all spot on. It’s also the boldest of the bunch, as the red isn’t washed out at all:
2. J. Crew Sun-Faded Selvage Utility Shirt. Distressingly sold out online, I’m hoping I might be lucky enough to score one of these guys from a brick & mortar location. The cheapest of this batch at $98. According to J. Crew, it’s a mix of “Japanses selvedge cotton…and supersoft fine linen.” To be honest, I’m not sure I believe them (how can you mix a selvage cotton with a non-selvage linen? Selvage is not a type of cotton, it refers to the whole piece of fabric and the weaving technique!).
Possible dishonesty about the material aside: The thing looks very nice, isn’t prohibitively expensive, and has some nice detailing like a neck tab and camp pockets (if flaps aren’t your jam). The color is great, too. Washed out, but not too much.
3) Sunny Sports Chambray Work Shirt. The most expensive of the bunch at $255, but with unique detailing that sets it apart from the crowd. Asymmetrically sized chest pockets, hidden button down collar, and selvage on the underside of the collar and the side gussets all come together to make a very unique piece. Same faded red as the J. Crew shirt. Made in Japan.
Whether or not the detailing and the Japanese provenance justify the price tag, I’ll leave up to you. But if it’s up your alley, it’s available at C.H.C.M (the original link takes you there).
There you have it! Red chambray for all!
—Jonathan
(Images courtesy of Epaulet, J. Crew, and CHCM. Many thanks to Junctioned for getting this stuck in my brain with a post from 3/19)
