Denim or Chambray?

At first glance, it can be difficult to discern the difference between a chambray and a denim weave in a shirt, especially when shopping online. 

Chambray

Chambray is a plain weave fabric. The construction of the fabric is what sets chambray apart from denim. It is evenly woven with colored yarn in the warp and a white yarn in the weft. This gives chambray an overall lighter shade.

Denim

Denim is constructed with a colored yarn in the warp and a white in the weft. The warp thread goes over two threads in the weft and is then woven under one. This style of weave makes the underside of denim fabrics lighter in color and contribute to the thickness of the fabric. Though, Denim can be found in both heavy and lightweight styles.