A wool shirt will usually be softer and more high quality than a polyester shirt. Flannel shirts are fairly thick, and this can vary by product. Most flannels have the signature plaid shirt pattern.
These shirts are great for layering, and always seem to be in style, whether you’re making a statement with a bright plaid pattern or using it to stay warm under a coat. Here is our guide to the seven best flannel shirts for men.
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Flannel Outfits
There are a ton of different ways to wear flannels, from an oversized and 90’s vintage way, to a slim fitting K-style, or even a lumberjack vibe with a pair of sturdy boots. The following outfits will give you a decent idea on how to pull off a flannel.
Flannel Styles
There is of course many different styles of flannels, and you should take this into account when buying one. First you have to determine what kind of weather you’ll be wearing your flannel in. If it’s very cold, you’ll want a flannel that’s lined with something on the inside and is more heavy duty, if it’s purely for style you can opt for a thinner more flowy flannel.
There is also tight fit flannels which are the classic lumberjack red and black flannels, and there are more modern cuts that are boxy and looser, often called shackets that give a more streetwear or 90s look.
Flannel Brands
Some of my favorite brands that make Flannels are modern clothing brands that focus on the shacket style. We’ve also listed some classic Americana brands in our best flannels section, so whatever your type of flannel is, we’ve got you covered.
- WAX London (My Favorite)
- Wrangler (Classic)
- Legendary Whitetails
Best Flannels For Men – Our Top Picks of All Time
Amazon’s Wrangler Authentics Men’s Long Sleeve Fleece Shirt is a great, sturdy option for a flannel shirt. It comes in a relaxed fit, which makes it easy for the wearer to move around in. Of course, the shirt has a row of buttons down the front, along with two pockets on the chest that both have button closure.
It’s made with 100% polyester, and is a brushed fleece design, ensuring warmth and comfort. This material makes the shirt soft yet durable for many washes. The collar is lined with additional polyester to keep out the cold, and the sleeves are cuffed, locking in warmth.
This shirt is a great option for staying warm and looking good while doing it. Amazon’s flannel option comes in a huge variety of patterns and colors, making it one of the best flannels on the market.
Amazon has another one of the best plaid shirts for men, called the Legendary Whitetails Men’s Buck Camp Flannel Shirt. This flannel also comes in a relaxed fit, making it comfortable and roomy.
The back is double pleated, so the wearer can easily move their arms for any kind of activity. The weight of this shirt is also thoughtfully designed: it comes in at 5.1 ounces, which is perfect for layering without becoming too bulky.
This style of flannel shirt has one pocket on the breast with a pencil slot within the pocket for practicality. It’s made with 100% cotton, and one interesting feature is the corduroy collar. This shirt comes in a wide range of colors and patterns, giving you plenty of versatility.
Amazon strikes again with another great style of flannel shirt — their Shaka Wear Quilted Lined Jacket. This is a unique style of flannel, as it’s a thicker jacket rather than just a button down shirt.
This jacket is a very relaxed fit, giving you the option to wear multiple layers underneath and making sure you stay comfortable. It comes with two pockets on the chest and two pockets on the side, along with sturdy sleeve cuffs.
The outer material is a cotton and polyester blend, and the inner material is 100% polyester. This will keep you warm, especially as the jacket is much thicker than other flannel shirts and has a quilted exterior.
It’s an extremely versatile and classic style, making it possible to wear for a variety of different activities and occasions. The jacket comes in a multitude of colors.
Land’s End offers another one of the best flannel shirts on the market with their Men’s Traditional Fit Pattern Flagship Flannel Shirt. The beauty of this shirt is that as the shopper, you have the option of picking your own fit and length.
Land’s End offers a traditional fit, which is a bit looser; a tailored fit, which is brought in at a few flattering points on the shirt; and a slim fit, which is a tighter option. You can also choose regular or tall length, making this shirt very customizable.
The shirt has one chest pocket, and the back is pleated for maximum movement. It’s made with 100% cotton, a typical flannel material, and is extremely soft to the touch.
Uniqlo has another great flannel shirt option with their Flannel Checked Long Sleeve Shirt. This shirt stays true to size with a regular fit and has many stylish features. It is slightly longer in front, giving you a balanced look if you choose to keep it untucked.
It has a subtle pocket on the chest and has been designed for comfortable arm movement. It’s made with 100% cotton that is soft and lightweight, but still keeps the wearer warm and cozy. It comes in four classic colors, making it a great plaid shirt.
J. Crew provides a great option for a flannel shirt with their Midweight Flannel Worksheet. You have the option of choosing either a classic or slim fit. The classic fit is a more relaxed cut, giving you plenty of room to move around while wearing the flannel.
The slim fit is much more tailored. This shirt has two pockets on the chest, and is made with 100% midweight cotton, which ensures an incredibly soft feel without being too heavy.
This is a perfect flannel shirt for several activities. It comes in a variety of fun plaid patterns, so you can pick and choose which one works for your style.
L.L. Bean’s Men’s Scotch Plaid Flannel Shirt is another great option for a flannel. You have the option between regular and tall length, and the shirt comes in a slightly slimmer fit which can elevate any outfit you pair this with.
The chest and sleeves are fairly relaxed, with the waist tapered in. The shirt has a subtle chest pocket that is initially hard to see, which gives it a more sophisticated air instead of a work shirt feel. It’s made with 100% Portuguese cotton flannel.
The cotton is longer-staple, which makes the fabric stronger. Additionally, the shirt is incredibly soft. It comes in a wide range of fun colors for any style you want.