Cold Weather Means It’s Time To Break Out These Best Flannel Shirts
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Get cozy in picks from Everlane, Patagonia, Burberry, and more.
InStyle / Alli Waataja
The arrival of chilly weather signals the need to break out the coziest pieces tucked away in your closet. Among those essentials is the flannel shirt, a versatile staple that can be used for layering, in place of a jacket, or just be worn alone. The multitude of colors available (mostly in signature plaids, but a few monochromatic options as well) mean that minimalists and bold dressers alike can find a little something flannel to add to their fall wardrobes.
Flannel as a fabric has been around since the 17th century, but most recently, it’s most often associated with lumberjack-inspired looks, complete with work boots and perhaps a pair of Carhartt pants. But, no need to saw logs, celebs like Hailey Bieber and Kendall Jenner have made flannel shirts an essential layering piece in their everyday wardrobe, throwing one on over a workout set or with jeans and a cropped tee. We spoke to styling experts to find the best flannels on the market right now and suggest a few ideas for styling them.
Related: The 10 Best Fleece-Lined Pants to Stay Extra Snug This Winter
Best Overall: Everlane The Classic Cotton Flannel Shirt
What We Love: It's soft to the touch and boasts a comfortable but not-too-baggy fit that makes it a great layering piece for work or weekends.
What We Don’t Love: Some wearers report the arms can be too short.
Of all of the flannel shirts we looked at, Everlane’s take was our favorite. It's made from mid-weight cotton that has been brushed on both sides, making it ultra-soft to the touch, but still durable. Because it’s not the thickest shirt included on our list, it can be worn as a layering piece — or even in place of a jacket — when temperatures are warmer.
In part, what we love about this shirt is its adaptability. You can wear it buttoned up for a classic, put-together look, or layer it over a T-shirt for a more relaxed vibe. The slightly-relaxed fit provides comfort, without being so baggy that you can’t tuck it in. The color options skew more neutral, making it easy to pair with what’s already in your closet. For the office, try styling it with a skirt, ankle boots, and statement accessories. For more casual occasions, opt for relaxed jeans and a sleek pair of sneakers. It's a must-have addition for anyone looking for a timeless, versatile piece in their closet.
Size: XS–XL | Colors: 5 | Material: Cotton
Best Classic: Eddie Bauer Ballard Flannel
What We Love: Purchasers love the heavy, cozy feel of this flannel and note that it's great for hiking or leisure.
What We Don’t Love: The color options aren’t our favorites as compared to other shirts in this story.
We’re often hunting for great vintage flannels from Eddie Bauer, of which there are plenty to stumble upon online, but buying new makes it easy to find exactly what you’re looking for. “Our new Ballard flannel is a heavier weight than our classic flannels but is still soft and flexible,” says Eddie Bauer’s Vice President of Product Management and Design Kelly Fujikawa. “It is great as a layering piece worn as a shirt jacket, or on its own. It has an oversized fit giving it a relaxed vibe.”
Since it’s both warm and cozy, consider swapping out your usual weekend sweatshirt for when you’re lounging at home and using a flannel instead. This heavier flannel is also great for hiking on chilly days, especially when worn under a down vest. It will help warm you up, but if you happen to get too hot, it’s easy to tie around your waist.
Size: XS–3X | Colors: 4 | Material: Cotton
Best Unisex: Alex Mill Chore Shirt
What We Love: The style comes in bold, fun colors and a thick fabric.
What We Don’t Love: Sizing may be hard to nail since it’s technically a men’s shirt.
Great design doesn’t have to be complicated. Part of the reason we love Alex Mill so much is that the brand is able to make great quality staples with a playful and preppy touch. The Chore Shirt embodies that, practically designed in classic plaid, but offered in bold color options that make getting dressed fun.
This unisex shirt is designed with a vintage feel, complete with contrast cotton twill details and Corozo buttons. It hits below the hip with a heavier-weight flannel, which means it can be styled as a shirt or worn more like a jacket. Its relaxed fit and durable build make it ideal for everyday wear. Since the fit is based on men’s sizes, you’ll want to opt for something smaller than you might usually go for.
Size: XS–XXL | Colors: 3 | Material: Cotton
Best Budget: Wild Fable Plaid Shirt
What We Love: It comes in a wide range of sizes.
What We Don’t Love: The cotton blend includes polyester.
Casual, lightweight, and relaxed, Target’s take on the flannel shirt is a comfortable everyday option that’s the ideal layering piece for fall. “Target is a great store to grab a cute and cost-friendly flannel,” says stylist Aisya Washington. With a fit that hits below the waist, it’s begging to be worn open with high-waisted jeans and a fitted tee worn underneath.
We love that this shirt is affordable at only $25 and it’s also available in a wide range of sizes up to a 4X, making it the most inclusive option included on our list. One downside of this flannel shirt is that it is the only one on our list that’s made with a blend that includes synthetic fabric (polyester). Traditionally, flannel shirts are made of cotton or wool, so if you prefer those fabrics it may be better to choose something else on the list.
Size: XXS–4X | Colors: 6 | Material: Cotton blend
Best Oversized: Gap Flannel Big Shirt
What We Love: It comes in regular, tall, and petite options.
What We Don’t Love: The oversized fit can be shapeless.
The Gap is known for its comfortable everyday classics, and the flannel is no different.’“ It’s the perfect balance of oversized and minimal. It’s something that you can easily dress up or down,” says stylist Kemi Ajibare. The shirt’s straight fit and curved hem are great for tucking into a favorite pair of jeans or trousers. Plus, we love that it comes in a range of subdued hues that are easy to coordinate with fall staples and interchange as needed.
For a fun ensemble, Ajibare suggests styling this shirt in a simple yet not-quite-casual way with a pair of black leather leggings and chunky boots. There’s something a little bit rock n’ roll about the combination, even though it's low-effort to pull together. If you don’t have leather leggings, a simple spandex pair will work too.
Size: XXS–XL | Colors: 8 | Material: Cotton
Best Outdoorsy: Patagonia Fjord Flannel Shirt
What We Love: These shirts are made in a Fair Trade-certified factory.
What We Don't: It has a narrow fit.
If you’re planning to do some leaf-peeping or hiking, a breathable cotton flannel is a great shirt for layering and Patagonia’s take is our top pick. If you’ve ever hit the trails outside of Denver, Santa Barbara, or any other outdoorsy city, odds are you’ve already seen this top in action.
The slimmer fit can still be worn over a tee but isn’t so bulky that you can’t add a rain-resistant jacket or a fleece over the top. The range of classic color options has an outdoorsy bent (their plaids have names like Vista, Fields, and Sun Rays if you had any doubt these were meant for the outdoors). We love that Patagonia uses organic cotton and produces these shirts in Fair Trade factories. Additionally, the brand donates 1 percent of sales to environmental causes. It’s a purchase you can feel good about.
Size: XS–XL | Colors: 8 | Material: Organic cotton
Best Shacket: Marine Layer Bailey Shirt Jacket
What We Love: It’s machine washable.
What We Don't Love: The length may leave it peeking out under cropped jackets if you want to add on additional layers.
A “shacket,” its name a portmanteau for shirt and jacket, is a silhouette that’s ideal for the in-between seasons when you need a cozy outer layer, but don’t quite require a heavy coat. Marine Layer’s chunky cotton design is the kind of easy weekend layering piece we imagine the wearer styling back to casual jeans and western-inspired accessories (bonus points for a cowboy hat).
The one downside of this shacket is the fact that since it’s designed to replace the need for an outer layer, it can be tricky to pull off in cooler months. You’ll need a roomy coat on top that doesn’t add extra bulk or have a competing hemline. Something like an oversized cocoon coat would pair with this style nicely, especially in a neutral shade like camel or ivory.
Size: XS–XL | Colors: 1 | Material: Cotton
Best Relaxed Fit: We The Free So Long Summer Top
What We Love: The slouchy, relaxed fit is great for layering.
What We Don’t Love: Some buyers report that the fit is too oversized.
A top recommendation of Ajibare’s, this We The Free top fits right in with Free People’s casual-meets-Bohemian vibe. “I love the pop of color mixed with the slouchy relaxed fit,” she says. “Perfect for a grab-and-go style moment.” Because of this top’s longer hemline, one fun way to style it, as suggested by Ajibare, is with a pair of knee-high boots. Try a pair of shorts or a mini-skirt that hides just beneath the shirt’s hemline, and feel free to add tights if it’s especially cold out. The great thing about this outfit is that it works for cooler days in the summer too, giving you an excuse to break your flannel out year round.
One thing worth noting with this shirt: its slouchy fit makes it great for layering over tops and fitted dresses, but if you’re petite, it may be a bit too oversized. While the baggy look can be cool, you definitely don’t want to be swimming in your top.
Size: XS–XL | Colors: 5 | Material: Cotton
Best Splurge: Burberry Check Wool Cotton Flannel
What We Love: The classic Burberry design will make any outfit feel fancy.
What We Don’t Love: It’s recommended to use a specialist dry cleaner.
If you’re looking to make an investment, why not make it iconic? A flannel decked in Burberry’s signature plaid is one you’ll hold onto for years to come. “I’ve been investing more into my pieces and I’d heavily consider getting this flannel,” says Ajibare. “I love Burberry’s classic colors.” The browns, tans, and subtle pop of red are a particularly versatile combination that can be styled with luxe, minimalist pieces or as the dressy flourish on more casual staples like jeans and sporty sneakers. We love the idea of styling this top with black trousers and loafers.
It’s worth noting that this is the only shirt on our list that’s made with both wool and cotton, meaning you can expect it to be a bit warmer than other options for how lightweight it is. The downside: it’s delicate and should only be dry cleaned by someone who knows how to handle the materials. If you’re planning to get your flannel dirty, this may not be the one for you.
Size: 0–16 | Colors: 1 | Material: Wool, cotton
Best Cropped: L.L. Bean Heritage Textured Flannel Shirt
What We Love: The twill texture is extra cozy on the skin.
What We Don’t Love: Limited options are available for those interested in different colors.
Another classic outdoors brand, L.L. Bean’s flannels are meant to stand up to time on the trails. But, this cropped edition is also easy to throw on post-yoga class or while you run out for coffee. Hitting just above the hips, it works well with high-cut pants or skirts, allowing a hint of skin to peek out (if that’s your thing). We also love that relaxed fit and super soft fabric mean you never have to worry about this shirt itching or rubbing uncomfortably.
As for styling, Washington suggests a casual ensemble: wearing the cropped flannel with a fitted bodysuit and relaxed jeans. It’s the kind of look that you can easily imagine wearing around L.A. as you run to Erewhon for a smoothie or run errands post pilates.
Size: XS–XL | Colors: 2 | Material: Slub cotton
What to Keep in Mind
Warmth
Depending on how warm you need your shirt to be, consider the weight of your flannel when purchasing. A heavier flannel like Alex Mill’s uses more material per square inch, leading to an overall warmer fabric. If you plan to wear your shirt as outerwear, you may want a style with a bit more heft, while if you’re hoping to wear it as part of a layered look, something lightweight like the Gap’s oversized style may be more appropriate.
Fit
Flannel shirts come in a wide variety of fits, it’s not one-size-fits-all. Looser, relaxed designs like We The Free’s are great if you’re looking for a layering piece to throw on over your workout clothes or a casual jeans and T-shirt combo. For outfits where you plan on wearing the flannel shirt on its own, a fitted flannel like Patagonia’s is great because you can wear a jacket or cardigan over the top without worrying about extra bulk.
Care
If you’re purchasing your flannel with the intention of wearing it outdoors for hiking or other activities, odds are at some point it will need to be cleaned. Make sure you’re purchasing a shirt that won’t create more hassle for you. “Most flannels are machine washable and dryable which makes them very easy to care for,” says Fujikawa. “While there is a risk of shrinkage, generally following the care instructions should avoid significant changes to the fit.”
Your Questions, Answered
What is flannel?
“The original flannel shirts were wool which provided comfort, warmth, and were naturally moisture-wicking,” says Fujikawa. “It was thought that the double brushing [brushing the fabric on both sides to create a soft feel] also made the fabric more durable.” Today, the fabric is commonly made in cotton, wool, and polyester and comes in a range of weights.
Can you shrink a flannel shirt?
It is possible to shrink cotton flannel if you wash it in hot water. Always follow the instructions listed on the garment, but as a general rule, wash in cold water and avoid heat altogether. If you put your shirt in the dryer, make sure the temperature is low.
Why Shop With Us
Aemilia Madden is a writer covering fashion for InStyle. For this roundup, she researched a wide range of flannel styles and consulted with three experts, stylists Kemi Ajibare and Aisya Washington along with Kelly Fujikawa, Vice President of Product Management and Design at Eddie Bauer.
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