JHK2303/iStock/Getty Images. Chambray, a double-ply cotton fabric with a tight weave, is similar to denim but not the same. It has a white filler thread woven in with a colored background thread. But unlike denim's twill weave, chambray has a plain weave, so it's smoother and lighter in weight.Chambray is rugged but light, making it suitable for work wear as well as summer-weight shirts and skirts.ut unlike denim's twill weave, chambray has a plain weave, so it's smoother and lighter in weight. Chambray is rugged but light, making it suitable for work wear as well as summer-weight shirts and skirts.