From trusted heritage styles to new takes on the cold-weather classic, the best flannels make braving the cold easier.
Flannel shirts have earned a place in men’s cold-weather wardrobes because they’re incredibly soft, warm, and nice-looking. But the best men’s flannels offer something more than the average button-up shirt. A flannel is sartorially flexible, straddling the line between casual style and workwear, making it one of the most versatile layers to be worn on its own, over a lightweight hoodie, or under a winter jacket during the colder months.
They also come with a pedigree for reliability, toughness, and practicality that continue to define the category today. This stems from the garment’s origins as workwear in 16th-century Wales as well as its legacy as one of the most chosen garments for working-class Americans.
Much like the iconic Western shirt, men's flannels are still used as workwear. And though most are now cut for modern tastes, the best flannels are still woven, milled, and sewn to last a long time without pilling.
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There’s nothing quite as disappointing as falling in love with a shirt during its first wear to find that it’s shrunk when it comes out of the wash. That won’t happen with this top Relwen flannel shirt for men. Pre-shrunk, this 100% cotton flannel shirt is cut for modern tastes with a slightly tapered waist that accentuates the best muscles in every man. Choose from one of three lumberjack-worthy plaid colorways and pair it with Pedro Pascal’s iconic jacket from The Last of Us for a zombie-proof aesthetic.
[$198; huckberry.com]
A sub-$50 flannel from a quintessential American outdoor brand? Sign us up. This Lands’ End flagship is 100-percent brushed cotton and comes in a traditional fit for additional comfort. Adjustable cuffs make rolling up the sleeves easy, and the wide variety of plaids and solids and low price point make it a great flannel to stock up on.
[$39; amazon.com]
Maine-based mainstay L.L. Bean knows a thing or two about cozy basics, and this cotton chamois shirt is a prime example. Brushed for maximum softness, it’s heavy enough to almost qualify as a shirt jacket. And for those who already have a closet full of plaid flannel shirts, this vintage-inspired style might be the only one worthy of a spot among the printed pile.
[$89; nordstrom.com]
A future favorite shirt for brisk hikes and holiday light peeping, Patagonia’s take on the flannel shirt is unsurprisingly useful. The cotton is 6.5 ounces and organically grown. There are two chest pockets with flaps and button enclosures to keep small, important things secure on the trail. Opt outside with the "Guides/Superior Blue" colorway to bring a 3D-looking print to a 2D-looking view from high up in the mountains.
[$99; rei.com]
Todd Snyder's latest take on a men's flannel exudes real luxury with the warmth of wool, the softness of cashmere, and the classic cut of a military shirt. Modeled after vintage field clothing, the metal snaps further the military vibe, standing out in the best way. It’s not a cheap shirt, but the quality of the materials and the unique take on the everyday flannel shirt make it worth the investment.
[$298; toddsnyder.com]
Filson’s Alaskan Guide Shirt is a tried and true staple designed for the working man. Its tightly woven brushed cotton fabric effectively blocks wind while providing exceptional softness and warmth. The pleated rear shoulders allow for an enhanced range of motion that’s ideal for casting a line out during chilly fishing trips (or an afternoon of yard work).
[$145; filson.com]
At 5.5 ounces per square yard, the cotton that makes up this flannel falls squarely in the midweight range, so it’s great on its own during the fall and spring or as one of multiple layers during the winter. The brand says it sources that fabric from the last fabric mill in the US and makes its classic plaid shirts in New York City, a sign of the care that goes into each garment.
[$168; american-giant.com]
It hasn’t reached the iconic heights of the Ludlow suit or J.Crew Oxford, but the American brand’s flannel workshirts deserve their place in the pantheon. Available in a wide variety of plaids, from classic buffalo check to new-school takes on tartan, in both slim and traditional cuts. All of the cotton is sourced from an agricultural program that encourages biodiversity, lower emissions, and the health of the people who harvest it, so it’s a shirt you can feel good about buying.
[$118; jcrew.com]
It should come as no surprise that Schott, maker of the original leather motorcycle jacket, also came up with a fantastic take on the everyday flannel shirt. It’s made of seven-ounce midweight cotton and is available in five different dark plaids that emphasize natural tones. It looks great on its own, but it is best paired with a Schott leather jacket for a maximal Americana look.
[$52 (was $80); huckberry.com]
This shirt is 98% cotton, but it’s the 2% touch of spandex that makes the difference. The resulting garment is plenty soft and warm, but one that also has enough stretch to stay in place, and stay comfortable, should it be worn during more active pursuits, from running to catch the bus to walking a mile when you miss said bus.
[$110; bonobos.com]
The Oxbow flannel from heritage brand Woolrich is made with pride in the US. It's the type of shirt that'll confidently take you from the rugged backcountry trails to the city streets for a night out with friends or family. Available in five distinct plaid patterns, this shirt features a mid-weight wool blend sourced from Italy that offers top-tier comfort and quality.
[$209 (was $260); woolrich.com]
The secret behind this Faherty bestseller is the fabric—a blend of recycled polyester, viscose, and elastane that’s brushed for softness. It all adds up to a shirt that’s soft and exceptionally stretchy. Available in a slew of colors and, uniquely, in both one- and two-pocket varieties, the fit is generous with a slight taper at the waist that prevents it from looking sloppy.
[$178; faherty.com]
Pop a Phantom Planet record on the turn table because California was the inspiration behind this relaxed flannel from San Francisco-based Taylor Stitch. Its cotton is organic, its fit is pleatless to require less ironing, and it’s cut to look great when worn untucked. Then there’s the California collar, a special one-piece design that was initially popularized in the ‘40s by Hollywood icon Gary Cooper.
[$102 (was $128); taylorstitch.com]
What makes a shirt a flannel shirt?
Today's top flannel shirts for men are button-down style shirts made from brushed cotton. Originally made of wool, most flannels produced today are made of loosely woven brushed cotton that yields its iconic soft-to-the-touch feel.
Are all flannel shirts plaid?
A plaid pattern is probably what most people think of when they think of a flannel shirt, but they're also widely available in solid colors and even some graphic prints. It’s the qualities of the fabric rather than the design that make a flannel a flannel.
When should you wear a flannel shirt?
One of the great virtues of men’s flannel shirts is its stylish versatility. Flannel shirts can look great in the middle of the mountains, but they’re just as well-suited at home or in offices with smart-casual dress codes. It’s hard to think of an autumnal or winter scene that a flannel wouldn’t look great in, which is part of why they’ve become a staple in so many men’s wardrobes.
