Of all the staple pieces in a man’s wardrobe, there’s nothing quite like the flannel. As casual and comfortable as it is sophisticated, the flannel shirt is iconic and ever-present for a reason.
When it comes to piecing together high-style flannel outfits, men have a buffet of options. Flannels can fit into your day-to-day wear in many ways and can offer elevated casual attire when styled with unique pieces.
With that said, styling a men’s flannel shirt isn’t always easy. The patterns can be bold and in-your-face, so it takes a keen eye to come up with an outfit that works. That’s why we’ve put together this short guide on how to wear a flannel.
What are Flannels Used For?
Some people call any long-sleeve collared shirt with a plaid or checkered pattern “a flannel.”
However, while flannel shirts are often plaid, they don’t have to be. Instead, the term flannel = refers to the material. Flannel is made from a woven fabric—usually cotton or wool—that has been “napped.”
In the napping process, a mechanical brush is rolled against one or both sides of the fabric, making it ultra-soft and warmer than standard cotton.
Although flannel can be made into comfortable household goods like pajamas and bedding, it’s most commonly used in the fashion world for shirts and outerwear clothing.
The Timeless Appeal of Flannel
As we said, it’s a classic—in fact, the story of flannel in men’s fashion goes back a few hundred years. In the 1600s, textile workers in Wales started turning leftover wool into garments suited for the cool Welsh climate.
The fabric eventually caught on with the working class in England and France before coming to America around World War I.
The modern popularity of flannel outfits for men comes from their association with the 90s grunge scene. As grunge went mainstream, the plaid flannel shirt caught on and has been a mainstay in closets ever since. These days, there’s a flannel for every occasion.
Because flannels have been around for hundreds of years and are tied to all kinds of subcultures—including grunge musicians, hipsters, and outdoorsy campers—it’s taken on a timeless feel.
That means that a flannel can stay in your wardrobe forever. And that means choosing the best flannel shirt is crucial.
3 Tips for Choosing a Flannel
There are three main factors to consider when picking out a flannel:
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Fabric quality – Most flannel today is made from cotton, so look for soft shirts with “100% cotton” on the label. If it’s a cotton blend or another material, feel for thickness to determine the quality.
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Weave – Flannel usually comes in one of two weaves: plain or twill. A plain weave flannel tends to be lighter and more pliable, while a twill weave flannel is more robust and therefore better for cooler weather. You can tell the difference by looking closely at the fabric—twill has a diagonal pattern, while plain weaves have vertical and horizontal threads.
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Pattern – Pattern is mostly a matter of preference, but it’s worth considering how and when you plan to wear your flannel. A tight checkerboard pattern can feel more casual, while wider plaid gives a more polished look. A plain flannel shirt is easy to match with anything.
How to Wear a Flannel: 4 Ideas
Now that you’re familiar with flannel, it’s time to start styling.
Outfit Idea #1: The Classic Flannel and Denim Combo
Sometimes, the best spring outfits for men are the simplest. A classic flannel and denim look is effortless to put together and, when done right, is guaranteed to turn heads. There are a couple of approaches you can take.
For that rugged “modern lumberjack” look, put on a classic black-and-white flannel shirt and some blue jeans. You can either wear it buttoned up or rock a white or black tee underneath. A pair of sturdy boots will seal the deal here.
If you want more of a grunge-inspired outfit, pair a colorful vintage flannel with either blue or gray jeans and your favorite sneakers.
Outfit Idea #2: The Layered Outfit
Going beyond the basics, you can incorporate a flannel into a layered outfit for a multi-dimensional look.
For example, throwing a blue denim jacket over a plaid flannel is a great way to step things up. For the pants, try black denim, a pair of tan chinos, or the matching blue jeans for that denim-on-denim look. If you need extra warmth, skip the jean jacket and layer with a zip-up hoodie and neutral-colored coat instead.
Of course, flannel can just as easily be your outer layer. One option is to wear a flannel jacket over a black turtleneck, then complete the look with black jeans, high-top sneakers, and a pair of stylish sunglasses.
Speaking of sunglasses, accessories, in general, can play up a layered fit—without overshadowing the flannel itself. Add dimension to any flannel outfit with:
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A sleek watch
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A studded belt
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A simple chain
Outfit Idea #3: Business Casual Reinvented
Flannel is often seen as overly casual. But a well-made flannel shirt, with its collar and sturdy construction, can also be the jumping-off point for a more polished flannel outfit.
The key to nailing that sophisticated yet approachable style is to stick with the subtle. Instead of reaching for a flannel with a bright color, stick with more muted, earthy hues like beige, brown, and olive green. For example, try out an earth-tone classic flannel shirt with a white tee underneath and a pair of black tailored trousers on the bottom.
Avoiding patterns altogether can be another way to lean into casual, every day wear. A plain, solid-colored flannel paired with chino pants or slim khaki pants gives off a polished, professional vibe.
Alternatively, a blue-and-white flannel shirt with a structured, complementary-colored jacket over it is sure to come across as office-worthy. Tucking in the shirt to show off a leather belt can make this flannel outfit even more formal.
Outfit Idea #4: Streetwear with an Edge
The easiest way to incorporate flannel into streetwear is to avoid the “traditional” plaid options. Instead, go for a more modern pattern choice, like this black and green ombre flannel shirt, and pair it with some distressed black jeans and sneakers.
If all you have is a classic flannel shirt, you can still incorporate it into a streetwear look by skewing toward oversized pieces. Take a heavyweight woven flannel, toss on a baggy white tee underneath, and complete the outfit with some wide-leg black trousers.
And for one of those “it shouldn’t work, but it does” outfits, experiment with a flannel and streetwear shorts combo. When finished with chunky boots and a cross-body bag, this is the ultimate early fall fit.
Find Your Next Flannel
With the right flannel, your styling options are endless. Whether you prefer to layer yours or wear it straight up with denim jeans and sneakers, it’s hard to go wrong with a high-quality flannel shirt or jacket.
At mnml, we have just the selection you’re looking for. Shop flannels and other outerwear staples today to find your perfect fit.
