Tested: The Best Men’s Flannel Shirts for Every Season

Once the temperature starts to dip, it’s time to put the shorts away for good and break out your fall/winter wardrobe. That means corduroy, brown leather boots, trucker jackets, and, above all, a flannel. The best flannels embody everything that a prototypical option should: they all offer a great, laidback style that’s ideal for both backyard football games and indoor football watching. Most of all, they’re all durable enough to handle some real work in case you’ve got wood to chop and campsites to build. So, get ready to fill your wardrobe with some brushed plaid (or, if you prefer, brushed solids) with some of our favorite flannels.

How we tested

Fall and winter are undoubtedly peak flannel season, and that means now is the perfect time to test out some of our favorites. And with over 10 years of experience in the style space, it’s safe to say we know a thing or two. After combing through testimonies and comparing them to our own experience with these flannels and brands, we narrowed our picks down to eight incredible pieces that offer a little something for everyone.

Our testing process starts with an initial inspection of the fabric and build quality to make sure they’re as durable as they are stylish, taking notes on the softness and hand feel. We also inspect the manufacturing origin and the material makeup, as this is one of the most important parts of a good flannel (and if it’s not woven, it’s not flannel). Then, we put them on and got to work, looking for our initial reactions to the fit and feel. A brushed finish is very common in flannels and elevates the softness, and we made sure to test and compare brushed options against unbrushed options to see how they stack up against each other.

Flannels aren’t made equally, and each option has its own benefits and applications. While warmth is definitely a big consideration, a lightweight flannel with some synthetic fiber, for example, requires a slightly different set of expectations compared to a heavyweight wool option. Going for a brisk walk on a winter day (with just a tee underneath) was a good method for determining the strengths of each choice, and whether or not they serve best as layers or solo pieces.

Style is also important to take into account, and we tested how each flannel looked while stationary, and while moving to make sure they don’t ride up when you’re extending your arms or restrict motion. You don’t want a flannel to be too tight (or, god forbid, too itchy), but you still want it to have a somewhat relaxed look and feel with a cut that fits similarly to a dress shirt (but not as close-fitting).

Measurements: For those new here, I’m 6’2″ and wear 34×30 pants – while I generally prefer a baggier fit when it comes to both tops and bottoms, flannel shirts are usually roomy enough, so I go for a regular fit if I can. Each flannel featured in the guide is a size XL.

What to Look For

Material: Flannel fabric these days is usually made from cotton (or a cotton blend), and it should have a soft and brushed texture (although the brush isn’t a requirement). Wool is a great choice, too (and the most classic), especially for colder weather, and there’s nothing wrong with a bit of synthetic in the blend for added stretch. We got into the semantics a bit above, and in case you missed it, wool will usually be the most useful choice because it’s naturally hydrophobic and keeps you warm, but don’t let that deter you from grabbing cotton, silk, or a synthetic blend.

Fit: Flannels are sometimes referred to as overshirts, and that’s because they’re meant to fit in a way that’s easy to layer with. You still want it to fit without being too baggy, but a little extra room is better than a slim fit (generally speaking). Like other shirts, flannels will usually come in athletic, slim, relaxed, and other choices that significantly change the look.

Weight: Heavier flannels are best reserved for cold climates and the winter months, while lighter flannels work better during spring and fall. Lightweight flannels fall somewhere around 170 g/m², while heavier ones crack 250 g/m². How you plan to layer the flannel should play a part in the weight you choose, with lighter flannels offering more choices, and heavier flannels giving you more warmth.

Use: Flannels can serve multiple purposes, and you’ll want to determine how you’ll be using/wearing one before pulling the trigger. If you plan on doing any serious outdoor work that involves tools (like chopping wood), a heavyweight, durable, and warm flannel is your best bet. But if you just want a trusty overshirt that you can safely layer with anything, a nice middle or lightweight is the way to go.

Weave: Twill flannel has a diagonal pattern and is generally more durable than plain weave flannel. Plain weave flannel may not be as durable, but you’re getting a softer feel, so it’s a trade-off. 

Closure: When it comes to the closure you choose, the most common options will be snaps and buttons. Traditionally, buttons have been the way to go, but a lot of modern flannels offer a snap closure that’s reminiscent of Western-style shirts.

L.L.Bean Scotch Plaid Flannel Shirt 

Best Starter Flannel: If you’re from New England, you are legally obligated to own at least one flannel from L.L.Bean. OK, that’s not true, but it sure seems like it sometimes. The heritage brand has been producing its trademark Scotch Plaid flannel shirt for over 80 years, and you’d best believe they know what they’re doing. Made from an exclusive-to-the-Bean Portuguese long-staple cotton that’s been brushed eight times and woven in authentic Tartan patterns, this is as classic as flannel gets.

Kicking us off, this flannel boasts a sturdy yet warm 100% cotton construction from an absolutely legendary label in the outdoor and menswear space. With this flannel, you get a lightweight piece that oozes classic style, down to the tartan pattern, fit, and overall feel. I went for the slightly fitted choice (more on the fits offered below), and it gave me exactly what I want out of a flannel shirt: a little baggy so I can wear it solo and unbuttoned, but with enough of a tailored silhouette so I don’t look puffy when buttoned up (allowing me to layer effectively, too). The buttons on the front feel sturdy and reliable, although they’re just plastic, so you’re not getting anything high-end like bone or horn (which isn’t to be expected in this price range anyway). 

Regarding warmth, it’s relatively lightweight and would be a great fall pick to wear with a tee, but it’s a little too lightweight for a winter choice unless you’re using it as a layer. There were a few loose threads on the arm cuffs, but other than that, I felt that this flannel had great build quality for the price. As I stated above, I went with the slightly fitted choice (which I highly recommend for those who like a slightly more tailored look), but the flannel is also offered in a traditional fit, slim fit, and untucked fit.

Verdict: Classics are classic for a reason, and it’s safe to say that even though this is a starter flannel, it’s a timeless pick that will always be in style. With 8 decades of experience crafting this tried and true flannel, L.L.Bean can always be trusted to deliver.

Taylor Stitch The Yosemite Shirt 

Best Year-Round Flannel: There are two things you can say about every Taylor Stitch garment: they’re made responsibly, and they’re made to last. The Yosemite Shirt is the brand’s signature flannel shirt, and it’s a perfect embodiment of the Taylor Stitch identity. Made from an exclusive 9 oz. organic cotton chamois with real horn buttons — including on the two flap chest pockets — this shirt is buttery soft, incredibly durable, and handsome as all get-out.

Taylor Stitch has spent a decade perfecting the soft chamois fabric used in this flannel, and it’s clearly paid off. You get 7oz of the stuff (made entirely with organic cotton to boot), resulting in a medium-weight piece that’s durable yet soft. Really, I can’t overstate just how soft this shirt is; since chamois is woven similarly to flannel fabric, you get the same look of a classic flannel shirt, but with a much softer design that just feels incredible (and warmer, too). Fit-wise, the shirt is true to size and features a shorter tail length, so you can wear it untucked, something to keep in mind if you like a longer length. Also, even though the fit is advertised as tailored, it didn’t feel too constricting, and I wouldn’t worry about sizing up (even if you prefer baggier flannels). The horn buttons feel sturdy, bolstered with a lock stitch on the holes, and you’re getting some extra storage with two buttoned chest pockets.

I truly cannot think of anything bad to say about this flannel, and it’s a personal favorite for me on this list. One downside is how Taylor Stitch handles its drops (which are usually limited), meaning the colorway featured here may not be available, and it may be out of stock completely if TS is refreshing its inventory. 

Verdict: This is a true Swiss Army Knife pick, managing to be both modern and classic at the same time. You get a flattering tailored fit that’s not too constricting and a nice medium weight that’s ideal for year-round wear.

Lululemon Soft Knit Overshirt

Best Athleisure Flannel: Leave it to lululemon to craft the space’s best technical option. The Canadian clothier’s Soft Knit Overshirt is composed of a flannel-knit fabric with four-way stretch properties, deeming it one of the more versatile and comfortable options our guide has to offer. What’s more is lululemon’s No Stink Zinc tech, which prevents the growth of odor-causing bacteria from deteriorating what’s bound to become one of your new favorite shirts.

Rivaling both Taylor Stitch’s flannel and Outerknown’s Blanket Shirt (more on that below), this shirt is one of the comfiest flannels on the list. It feels silky-smooth on the inside, with a very stretchy construction that makes it easy to move around in (and noticeably less rigid than more traditional flannels). And since it’s designed for movement, you get a sweat-wicking material blend that’s breathable and warm. As for the fit, lululemon advertised it as relaxed (which, given the stretch and room in the waist, I would say is somewhat accurate), but it felt more true to size while I was wearing it. I don’t think this is a bad thing, and I prefer a slightly more tailored look when it comes to flannels, but if you want more room, then you might want to size up. 

Even though I’m confident that this flannel would be a great solo piece in the fall and an incredibly soft layer for winter, it runs on the thinner side. Also, stylistically speaking, I think the snap buttons are really convenient, but coupled with the relaxed look of the piece overall, it results in a more casual look (compared to more premium picks like Woolrich’s flannel).

Verdict: If you want a soft, athleisure take on a menswear staple, then this pick is for you. From the button snaps to the incredibly soft material, this flannel is designed for comfort all the way around.

Filson Alaskan Guide Shirt

Best Durable Flannel: Filson knows the outdoors. The Seattle-based brand has been a favorite of outdoor enthusiasts since 1897, and their iconic Alaskan Guide Shirt has been worn by sportsmen and tradesmen for decades. That’s because they know the shirt’s 8 oz. cotton fabric and tight 2-ply x 2-ply weave will keep them warm and protected from the wind while remaining mobile enough to allow them to get their work done without slowing them down.

If I had to pick a quintessential flannel, Filson’s Alaskan Guide shirt would be it; from the midweight cotton twill construction to the roomy, relaxed fit, this shirt ticks all the boxes you want a classic flannel to hit. It’s densely woven for durability but brushed to make it feel soft against the skin. I will say that it’s a bit on the rigid side, but the brushed interior keeps it from feeling rough, and it adds to my confidence that you could use this as a reliable camping shirt (cutting wood, building a fire, etc.). The warmth factor also adds to the overall outdoor readiness of this shirt, and I felt that this pick, in particular, was among the warmest to wear with just a shirt. As for how it fits, I think the relaxed fit definitely gives you that classic flannel look, but the sleeves ran a bit long on me, and I felt that the flannel was just pretty long in general. The two shirt pockets are especially big (the biggest in this guide),  

This may be a little nitpicky, but the buttonholes are a little small, and I found it slightly difficult to button/unbutton the shirt. But they feel incredibly sturdy and contribute to the absolute workhorse construction of the piece. There’s also no denying how beefy the flannel feels, which some may like (I definitely did), but others may want something lighter.

Verdict: Hailing from an absolute legend in the outdoor menswear space, this flannel from Filson has decades of history to back it up. This means you can count on its durability, wind resistance, and warmth for years to come.

Buck Mason Blanket Flannel Field Jacket 

Best Heavyweight Flannel: Oozing utilitarian chic from every angle, the L.A. boutique’s double-brushed spin on the beloved field jacket silhouette is one we can’t ignore. The overskirt takes full inspiration from the inimitable military design, boasting all the genuine details from the mitered pockets to double-needle top stitching for maximum strength and longevity. What’s best is it’s available in a trio of colors fit for any occasion, including a blacked-out look and the pictured blue-and-white palette.

Leave it to Buck Mason to take a classic menswear staple and elevate it with modern design choices. Not only does this flannel have a stylish, relaxed fit that’s more flattering than baggy, but it’s also made with a super soft cotton twill that’s brushed and garment-washed for an elevated softness. I really like the fact that this flannel is heavyweight and relaxed while still looking clean and avoiding that shlubby look. Given the heavier construction, I got a little hot wearing it in the office (while the heat was on), which isn’t a bad thing because this pick is certainly a great winter choice (both solo and as a layer), and that experience confirmed it for me. Once again, Buck Mason also comes through with clean stitching throughout and an overall durable feel.

Even though this is a relaxed fit flannel, I recommend that larger people size up for a more roomy look and feel, as the relaxed fit still felt pretty true to size. This probably varies from person to person, and since I’m a little bigger, you could take this with a grain of salt.

Verdict: Sturdy, warm, and heavy, this flannel is a great winter pick that doesn’t look too bulky, and works perfectly on its own or as a layer. It’s Buck Mason doing what they do best: modern takes on vintage style.

Pendleton Plaid Board Shirt

Best Midweight Flannel: Another absolute legend in the flannel game is Pendleton, and their best-selling Board Shirt is the reason why. A favorite among California surfers since the 1960s — including, famously, the Beach Boys — this classic is still made the same way it always has been: with 100% American virgin wool that’s woven in the Oregan brand’s American mills. The rugged fabric is water, odor, and stain-resistant, while the styling, with its large camp collar and dual flap pockets, is retro in the best way.

This really wouldn’t be a true best flannels guide without including Pendleton, and putting this on made me realize why they’re such a staple in the scene. Similar to Outerknown’s Blanket shirt (more on that below), this flannel perfectly captures that retro, laid-back surfer vibe that’s often imitated, but never duplicated. The wool is certainly warm, along with being naturally, water, odor, and stain resistant, and it’s machine-washable for added convenience. Even though I felt warm wearing this pick inside the office and outside in relatively cold weather with just a tee (around 58°F), the fabric itself is on the thinner side, and the shirt is built for coastal/California weather. Adding to the laid-back vibe, you get two flap pockets on the chest, and the whole flannel drapes in a way that manages to be both classic and modern at the same time. 

Do keep in mind you may feel a bit of an itch if your skin isn’t used to wool (something I’m a little ashamed to admit feeling myself), but you get used to it over time, and the wool used is very high quality. It comes in regular, tall, and big fits, but I feel that the regular fit (featured here) was a perfect length, and I’m on the taller side at 6’2”. 

Verdict: Pendleton is such a legend in the flannel space, and we feel that this retro, surf-approved silhouette captures the history well. Made with high-quality wool woven in American mills, this medium-weight flannel is especially great for those living on the coast.

Outerknown Blanket Shirt 

Most Comfortable Flannel: Like anything Outerknown churns out, the Flannel Blanket shirt is fit for beach dwellers and fans of sustainability — so, in a perfect world, it’s the right choice for anyone. The colorful piece is cut and sewn using nothing but organic cotton that undergoes no harmful chemicals, deeming it a safer choice for farmers and the planet overall. For style’s sake, it’s finished with a set of natural chorizo buttons straight from the seeds of an ivory palm.

They call this one the blanket for a reason, and it’s clear why many revere it as one of the comfiest flannels you can get. The best comparison I can give is that it feels a lot like a weighted blanket, coupled with a hand-feel that’s similar to a high-end towel. I think this is my favorite part of the flannel overall because I haven’t felt anything else like it. It’s made entirely of organic cotton and has that coastal vibe you’d expect from the surf-friendly brand. Looks-wise, I like how you get a relaxed fit and feel without looking baggy, helped by a shorter fit around the waist. Especially compared to Lululemon’s flannel, this pick has more of a covert comfort, with a textured outer layer that’s softer than it looks.

I truly do not have any gripes with this flannel; it’s one of the comfiest I’ve ever worn (and the comfiest pick on this guide) and fits in a way that’s true to size without constricting. The only drawback I can think of is someone not jiving with the coastal style, which is understandable, but I love it (we’re a California mag, after all).

Verdict: As the most comfortable flannel in our guide, Outerknown’s Blanket Shirt is honestly one of the coziest flannels I’ve ever worn. It’s laid-back without looking shlubby, and sustainably made with organic cotton.

Woolrich Wool Blend Trout Run Plaid Flannel Shirt

Best Wool Flannel: A handful of brands in this guide are strongly identified with flannel shirts, but it’s hard to think of any company that’s more associated with the form than Woolrich. Established in Pennsylvania in 1830, Woolrich calls itself “The Original Outdoor Clothing Company,” and it’s tough to argue with them. They’ve been making their iconic red and black Buffalo Check flannels since 1850, and the style looks as timeless as ever in their Wool Blend Trout Run Plaid Flannel Shirt. It’s made entirely in the States, with an Italian wool blend in a regular fit that’s built to last.

I felt that this flannel fits me the best; it’s thin and lightweight like Pendleton’s flannel, but not as itchy for me personally (which is probably thanks to the small amount of polyester). I also like the streetwear-friendly look this flannel managed to have, even though it’s from a company that’s been making the shirt for decades now. Unlike Pendeloton’s flannel, Woolrich is opting for a blend that uses premium Italian wool mixed with polyester instead of 100% wool, which, for me, resulted in a less itchy skin feel and added some nice stretch. Stylistically, this was also one of my favorite-looking flannels on the guide (if not my favorite) because of the houndstooth-like pattern and modern cut. Overall, I’d feel the most confident wearing this pick with other streetwear compared to the other picks on the guide. That’s not to say they’re bad, but there’s something about hoe this one looks and fits that feels very modern.

The only thing going against this flannel is the price point; sure, $230 is a lot to drop on a flannel, but the overall look, fit, history, and material quality justify the price if you can afford it.

Verdict: As the most expensive pick on the guide, it’s important to go with a trusted brand like Woolrich that has decades of experience. It strikes the perfect balance between modern and classic style, with a warm wool construction that’s built to last.

Flannels Comparison Chart

What is Flannel?

Originating in Wales during the 16th century, flannel as we know it began as a coarse wool fabric called Welsh cotton. The fabric made the rounds in the United Kingdom during the 17th century, with slight variations on the wool base, and by the 20th century, the definition included cotton and silk. Historically, flannels were associated with the working class until the ’90s when grunge rock emerged in the Pacific Northwest, and we saw legends like Kurt Cobain rocking them all the time. In 1993, Marc Jacobs was working at Perry Ellis and determined to introduce flannel to high fashion (capitalizing on the popularity of the grunge movement). The collection was panned by pretty much everyone in the industry, and it cost Marc Jacobs his job. Flannels these days are mostly associated with that classic grunge style, but many modern labels have offered their own take on things, giving it more durability for use as workwear (honoring the garment’s roots), and using synthetics for more sporty/lightweight flannels.

Really, the term flannel refers to the type of fabric being used, which needs to check a few boxes to be considered as such. The most important thing is that it’s a soft woven fabric, which was traditionally wool, but now cotton and synthetic fabrics are just as common. So when you use “flannel” to describe a flannel shirt, you’re actually talking about the fabric of the shirt, and in order to truly be a flannel fabric, it needs to be soft, woven, and may be brushed to increase comfort.

But this definition is pretty broad, and even with a (mostly) agreed-upon set of rules, there’s definitely some disagreement among those in the fashion scene as to what we can actually consider a flannel shirt. Some purists believe that only a woven wool construction with a twill weave is the way to go, while others have embraced the use of cotton and synthetics. For the purposes of our guide, we’re embracing all of the materials that can be used to make flannel, including breezier synthetic blends and absolutely classic wool choices to cover our bases.

Flannel vs. Plaid

This can get confusing as many flannel shirts feature a plaid pattern, but it’s not a requirement to still be a flannel shirt. Not all flannel shirts are plaid (or, as the Scottish say, “tartan”), and not all plaid shirts are flannel, but if you want that classic look, plaid is still the way to go.

How to Style A Flannel

While flannels used to be relegated to dingy rock clubs in the ’90s (and serving as workwear up until then), changes in the fashion scene and society at large have allowed them to become more versatile than ever before. Equal parts indoors and outdoors, especially now that workplaces and offices aren’t expecting you to wear a suit every day, you can wear a flannel shirt to work, around the town, or just hanging at home.

Key Phrases to Know

Napped: Napped fabric goes through a process that produces a soft, raised surface that’s usually achieved by brushing the fabric (or a loose weave). If a flannel has been brushed for softness, the fuzzy surface may be referred to as a nap. When it comes to wool, getting a flannel that’s napped on both sides (or at least the inside) will cut down on the itchiness that some experience.

Twill: Many consider twill to be the quintessential weave for flannels, and it’s composed of diagonal ribs achieved by an offset weaving technique. This fabric is usually napped as well, giving it a softer feel compared to other weaves like a plain weave.

Welsh cotton: This is the grandad of flannel as we know it today, and was originally developed to keep Welsh sheep farmers warm. It was a dense woven wool fabric that was napped on both sides.

Honorable Mentions

Roark Andes Long Sleeve Flannel is the perfect choice for anyone who wants something that blends shirt jackets with flannels, and it’s offered in two unique patterns that offer something a little different.

Dickies is a workwear legend, and the label’s Long Sleeve Flannel Shirt is a great budget pick. It’s made durably, as we’ve come to expect from Dickies, and features a little spandex for stretch.

Percival makes a unique houndstooth option with the Flannel Overshirt, made with a premium blend of Italian wool. It’s also made in London and combines a shirt jacket with a flannel style.

Wax London is another London legend, and the label’s Whiting Overshirt Marine Beatnik is a heavyweight choice that’s perfect for winter. It’s sustainably made with recycled cotton and environmentally-friendly Corozo nut buttons.

Uniqlo’s Flannel Checkered Shirt is a really solid budget pick that looks good, too. But it’s a bit boring to include them as the budget pick for every guide, so it’s worth giving them a shout here.

Tested: The Best White Tees for Men

You might need something to wear under your new flannel, so check out our best white T-shirts guide to take care of that.