The American workforce, circa 1940 began to divide into two types of working classes: Blue-collar workers and white-collar workers. The blue-collars were what kept America running, they were the working class. Pure manual labor, which many of you today have never even seen. Hourly wage, short lunch breaks and dirt under your nails. White-collar workers or sitters watched from behind their desks. Click for the continuation…

So why was it the blue color that distinguished the two? Simple, the blue came from the chambray material that over 90% of the workforce wore. Chambray is a closely woven plain weave fabric mostly made from cotton. It is soft and smooth with a slight luster. It wears well and is easy to sew and launder. It is lightweight, yet strong fabric with a natural denim look.

Workers used this material simple because it was comfortable, durable and didn’t show dirt like the white-collars did.

The fabric is made of dyed warp (down) and white or unbleached filling (across). Both carded or combed yarns are used. It has a white selvedge to prevent raveling and has a very soft coloring (often light blue), which creates a faded look. Some are also made in stripes, checks or embroidered.

Chambray fabric originated from Cobrai or Cambrai, a city in north France where it was originally woven for farmer’s wardrobes. This was actually the fabric choice for the working man’s blue shirt. Hence, the term blue-collar worker came into use. Now you know.  Get some Chambray here.