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Best Flannel Shirts for Men: 10 Warm and Stylish Options

Best Flannel Shirts for Men
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Our evaluations and opinions are not influenced by our advertising relationships, but we may earn a commission from our partnersโ€™ links. This content is created by TIME Stamped, under TIMEโ€™s direction and produced in accordance with TIMEโ€™s editorial guidelines and overseen by TIMEโ€™s editorial staff. Learn more about it.

updated: September 4, 2024
edited by Amber Katz

As the temperature continues to drop, itโ€™s time to bust out all the sweaters and winter jackets from the back of your closet, dig out your scarves, lace up your chunkiest boots, and put on your favorite flannel. Wait, you donโ€™t have a favorite? Well, that needs rectifying immediately. Take a look through our picks for the best flannel shirts for men and get ready to fall in love with something comfy.

Our top picks for the best flannel shirts for men

Best budget flannel shirt: Legendary Whitetails Men's Buck Camp Flannel Plaid Shirt

Legendary Whitetails Men's Buck Camp Flannel Plaid Shirt

Legendary Whitetails Men's Buck Camp Flannel Plaid Shirt

41% offSave $14

If your fall plans are more โ€œrolling around in leavesโ€ than โ€œlooking swanky in high-end restaurants,โ€ maybe spend a little less on the flannel. โ€œAmazon is great for basics, including traditional flannels,โ€ says LaGrone. โ€œThis option from Legendary Whitetails is 100% cotton, comes in over 30 colorways, and has thousands of five-star reviews. Most notably, the price tag only runs you about $25, making it an affordable option to get the classic flannel weight, style, and comfort.โ€

Specifications

  • Sizes: S-5XL
  • Material: 100% cotton
  • Color: 33 options
  • Price on publish: $27.45

Pros:

  • Inexpensive
  • Huge number of color options
  • Corduroy-lined collar and cuffs for durability

Cons:

  • A handful of customer reviews complain itโ€™s thinner and less soft than they would have liked

The bottom line:

A budget shirt thatโ€™s still 100% cotton and available in a fall forestโ€™s worth of colors.

Best everyday flannel shirt: Gap Organic Cotton Midweight Flannel Shirt

Gap Organic Cotton Midweight Flannel Shirt

Gap Organic Cotton Midweight Flannel Shirt

It could be argued the best part of fall is you can wear flannel every single day without raising any eyebrows. And if youโ€™re planning on doing that, youโ€™ll want to have a few more flannels in your closet. โ€œThis midweight flannel from Gap is an excellent everyday flannel,โ€ says LaGrone. โ€œMeant to be worn as a layer or fully buttoned as an indoor shirt, this option provides the classic flannel appearance and texture. Itโ€™s offered in over ten color patterns of plaid to suit everyone's taste and is fitted enough to be worn with jeans or slim joggers.โ€

Specifications

  • Sizes: XS-3XL
  • Material: 100% organic cotton
  • Color: 11 options
  • Price on publish: $29

Pros:

  • Inexpensive
  • Lots of color choices
  • Comfortable

Cons:

  • A few customer reviews complain that itโ€™s too long for them

The bottom line:

A reliable standby for when you just want to grab a flannel and go.

Best dressed-up flannel shirt: Eddie Bauer Flannel Classic Fit Shirt

Eddie Bauer Flannel Classic Fit Shirt

Eddie Bauer Flannel Classic Fit Shirt

31% offSave $25

Sometimes, youโ€™ll want the warmth of flannel, without necessarily having the casual look of plaid flannel, in which case, this might be the one for you. โ€œFor a dressier flannel, you may want to steer toward a solid color,โ€ advises LaGrone. โ€œThis shirt from Eddie Bauer comes in four different neutral colors, and is made from 100% ultrasoft cotton. The material composition makes it breathable and thin enough to tuck into jeans or slacks if needed. Additionally, the clean-cut cuffs and collar offer a more sophisticated look.โ€

Specifications

  • Sizes: S-3XL
  • Material: 100% cotton
  • Color: Gray, burgundy, coal, gray smoke
  • Price on publish: $80

Pros:

  • A dressier flannel
  • Soft, yet durable

Cons:

  • All color options are pretty neutral

The bottom line:

Flannel with a little more sophistication, designed to keep you warm while looking smart.

Best heavyweight flannel shirt: Pladra Menโ€™s Fireside Flannel

Pladra Menโ€™s Fireside Flannel

Pladra Menโ€™s Fireside Flannel

Warm enough to be worn as a shacket, but soft enough to be a regular shirt, this option from Pladra is made from 100% organic cotton. Triple stitching on the shoulders and back, with reinforced chest pockets, sleeves, and cuffs, mean itโ€™s also durable as hell. And just in case you were worried it doesnโ€™t scream โ€œfallโ€ loudly enough, the underside of both the collars and cuffs are lined with prints of various forest animals (deer, birds, etc., depending on your color choice).

Specifications

  • Sizes: S-3XL
  • Material: 100% organic cotton
  • Color: Acadia blue, goose white, woodland green, October orange
  • Price on publish: $149

Pros:

  • Warm and durable
  • Animal prints on the inside of collar and cuffs add a touch of autumnal charm

Cons:

  • On the pricier side

The bottom line:

A durable, super-warm, heavyweight flannel shirt that just screams autumn.

Best flannel work shirt: Filson Vintage Flannel Work Shirt

Filson Vintage Flannel Work Shirt

Filson Vintage Flannel Work Shirt

You might be tempted to spend less on a work shirt, and understandably so, but if youโ€™re looking for serious durability, that sometimes costs a little extra. โ€œFilson has been around since 1897 and has been making top quality flannels since early on,โ€ says Burch. โ€œTheir flannels are always a go-to for fall and winter and will last a lifetime. Built with thick and breathable cotton flannel, itโ€™s ideal for cold weatherโ€”the fabric is heavily brushed for outstanding softness and thermal retention. Virtually unbreakable buttons are used for the front closure and adjustable cuffs, to ensure long-term, durable service.โ€

Specifications

  • Sizes: S-2XL
  • Material: 8.1oz cotton twill
  • Color: Red oak ombre, navy ivory red, cobalt/black plaid, graystone/blue
  • Price on publish: $165

Pros:

  • Durable
  • Classic look

Cons:

  • Expensive

The bottom line:

A flannel work shirt thatโ€™s admittedly an investment, but will last you forever.

Most versatile flannel shirt: Duluth Menโ€™s Free Swinginโ€™ Flannel Untucked Shirt

Duluth Menโ€™s Free Swinginโ€™ Flannel Untucked Shirt

Duluth Menโ€™s Free Swinginโ€™ Flannel Untucked Shirt

50% offSave $27

โ€œThe Duluth flannel shirt has quickly become my favorite for several excellent reasons,โ€ enthuses LaGrone. โ€œIt skillfully combines classic style with modern refinement, a rarity in today's men's flannel shirts. Crafted from 100% cotton, it boasts a robust 5.6 ounce weight, ensuring both durability and comfort. The fabric is meticulously double-brushed to create a luxuriously soft feel and loft, and it's prewashed to resist shrinkage. Adding to its charm is the option to wear it under a sports jacket. The best part is that this exceptional flannel will be fine with your budget, which is incredibly important to me.โ€

Specifications

  • Sizes: M-3XL
  • Material: 100% cotton
  • Color: Bourbon brown bears, red classic holiday plaid, naval academy plaid, merchant marine plaid
  • Price on publish: $38.15

Pros:

  • Inexpensive
  • Durable
  • Soft

Cons:

  • A minority of customer reviews complain itโ€™s thinner than they expected

The bottom line:

A soft, durable shirt that looks as good under a sports coat as it does under a parka.

Most comfortable flannel shirt: Carhartt Relaxed Fit Flannel Sherpa-Lined Shirt Jacket

Carhartt Relaxed Fit Flannel Sherpa-Lined Shirt Jacket

Carhartt Relaxed Fit Flannel Sherpa-Lined Shirt Jacket

If putting on your favorite flannel doesnโ€™t feel like slipping under warm bed sheets, then why are you even wearing it? Upgrade to something comfier with this option. โ€œCarhartt, one of the longest producers of flannel, has their production down pat,โ€ says LaGrone. โ€œThis flannel is sherpa lined, with adjustable cuffs. Comfort and quality are two words to describe Carhartt's flannel products.โ€

Specifications

  • Sizes: S-4XL
  • Material: 100% ring spun cotton, sherpa lining
  • Color: 6 options
  • Price on publish: $89.99-$99.99, depending on size

Pros:

  • Super warm and cozy
  • Multiple color options

Cons:

  • Some customer reviews say they run a little large

The bottom line:

An incredibly warm and comfortable shirt that can easily double as a jacket.

Softest flannel shirt: Rails Lennox Shirt

Rails Lennox Shirt

Rails Lennox Shirt

Flannel is great for crunching about outside in crisp fall weather, but it can get too hot if youโ€™re planning on spending the day inside. Consider, then, a softer, thinner alternative for rainy, indoor days. โ€œRails makes a beautiful, soft, and lightweight flannel that is great for dressing up,โ€ says Burch. โ€œIt doesnโ€™t check all the boxes as far as having traditional, heavyweight, dense fabric, but it is amazingly soft, with gorgeous fabrics.โ€

Specifications

  • Sizes: S-2XL
  • Material: 55% cotton, 45% rayon
  • Color: 24 options
  • Price on publish: $148

Pros:

  • Lots of color choices
  • Soft

Cons:

  • Not designed to keep out the cold weather
  • Expensive

The bottom line:

A gorgeously soft, if thinner flannel thatโ€™ll work for dressing up if required.

Wrangler Riggs Workwear Long Sleeve Hooded Flannel Work Jacket: Wrangler Riggs Workwear Long Sleeve Hooded Flannel Work Jacket

Wrangler Riggs Workwear Long Sleeve Hooded Flannel Work Jacket

Wrangler Riggs Workwear Long Sleeve Hooded Flannel Work Jacket

Got some serious yard work to do? Stay warm while still keeping those fall colors flying with a durable flannel jacket thatโ€™s as comfortable as your favorite hoodie. โ€œWrangler offers excellent options for flannel jackets for men,โ€ says LaGrone. โ€œThe 50/50 cotton-polyester blend makes it durable for working outside in a variety of climates. Additionally, it features a zipper closure and hood for those classic 'jacket' functions.โ€

Specifications

  • Sizes: S-3XL
  • Material: 50% cotton, 50% polyester
  • Color: Green, navy orange, tan, gray black
  • Price on publish: $49.99

Pros:

  • Built-in hood
  • Quilted, insulated lining

Cons:

  • A minority of customer reviews say itโ€™s not warm enough for winter wear, only fall and spring

The bottom line:

A durable fall jacket with the stylings of a classic flannel shirt.

Best lined flannel shirt: L.L.Bean Men's Fleece-Lined Flannel Shirt

L.L.Bean Men's Fleece-Lined Flannel Shirt

L.L.Bean Men's Fleece-Lined Flannel Shirt

Flannel is warm, but you can always be warmer! To really keep out that autumnal chill, try a flannel with a fleece lining thatโ€™s as soft as your favorite sweatpants . โ€œFor lined flannel, this sherpa-lined fleece from L.L. Bean hits all the key markers of a good flannel,โ€ says LaGrone. โ€œThe outer shirt is 100% cotton, while the sherpa is 100% polyester. The two layers create just enough thickness that the shirt can be worn under a jacket but also keep you warm all by itself.โ€ Shopping tip: Love the feel of L.L.Beanโ€™s flannel? The retailer for all things outdoors also made our list of the best flannel sheets.

Specifications

  • Sizes: S-3XL
  • Material: 100% cotton outer, 100% polyester fleece lining
  • Color: 8 options
  • Price on publish: $89

Pros:

  • Warm
  • Multiple color options
  • Super soft

Cons:

  • Some customer reviews object to the lack of durability of the snaps

The bottom line:

A shirt whose warmth and softness will make you wonder if you actually got out of bed this morning.

How we chose the best flannel shirts for men

Our picks came from a mixture of expert advice, personal experience with wearing several of the entries, and ensuring the customer reviews section for each was universally positive.

How to choose a flannel shirt

Letโ€™s start with a little history lesson. โ€œFlannel has been around since the 16th Century and has morphed over time,โ€ says Patrick Burch, co-owner of Cave + Post Trading Co. menโ€™s boutique. โ€œMany people think of flannel as the same as โ€˜plaid,โ€™ but that just isnโ€™t the caseโ€”itโ€™s typically a dense, woven cotton fabric that is brushed on one side or both to โ€˜raiseโ€™ the fabric slightly. Itโ€™s often seen in plaid designs, but not alwaysโ€”there are solid color flannels as well.โ€

As to what to look for, consider the following.

Occasion

Roger LaGrone, founder of Alexander Noel, advises choosing a flannel shirt based on where youโ€™re planning to wear it. โ€œOccasion is a good guiding point for deciding on the thickness of the flannel,โ€ he says. โ€œSome will be lined with either fur, fleece or another material, while others will be made of more flimsy cotton material. Each can be good for various uses. Some may even have a hood sewn inside, making it a practical and casual piece of outerwear.โ€

Weight

โ€œFlannels are meant to be an essential piece in your fall/winter wardrobe and should age beautifully with you,โ€ says Burch. โ€œBecause of that, a good flannel should have some density and weight. Flannel shirts can be worn as a standalone piece, but often the weight of a good flannel will flirt with being an overshirt or โ€˜shacket.โ€™โ€

Material

โ€œThe more material the flannel uses, the higher the price point,โ€ warns LaGrone. โ€œAdditionally, if it uses unique materials such as real animal fur to line it, it will likely cost more.โ€

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What is high quality flannel?

โ€œMaterial, weight, and price can all help you decide if a flannel is of good quality,โ€ says LaGrone. โ€œHowever, just because flannel is a bit thinner or less pricey does not necessarily mean itโ€™s bad quality, as lightweight flannel is popular in moderate temperatures and for casual outfits outside of work.โ€

What is the best material for a flannel shirt?

โ€œA high-quality flannel is made from either 100% cotton or a combination of cotton and wool,โ€ emphasizes LaGrone. โ€œThey will be naturally thick and soft to the touch. A flannel generally should not be itchy on the skin, and since wool materials can sometimes itch, many may prefer 100% cotton material flannels. Polyester flannels are also quite popular and tend to be on the less expensive side. Usually, when looking for an outerwear flannel specifically, you will want to look for cotton and wool blends over polyester.โ€

In what weather should I wear flannel?

โ€œGiven the traditionally thick, dense fabric of high-quality flannel, as well as the typical plaid colorways, people associate flannel with fall and winter,โ€ says Burch. โ€œWear them as a shirt, shirt jacket, or as a layering piece under a jacket.โ€

What is the best color for flannel shirts?

โ€œColor is totally up to preference, although you may notice red plaid is a traditional choice for flannels,โ€ says LaGrone. โ€œBlues, browns, and greens are also becoming increasingly popularโ€”really, you can likely find a quality flannel in any color of your choosing, but it may be more challenging to find one thatโ€™s not a checkered or plaid pattern.โ€

โ€œThe red and black buffalo check is iconic and classic,โ€ adds Dimitry Loiseau, founder and chief editor of REGARD magazine. โ€œItโ€™s versatile, and can be worn for casual and some semi-formal settings. Grays, whites, and blues are always in style, especially if youโ€™re going for the minimalist style. And if you prefer a more natural or rustic look, you canโ€™t lose with earthy tones like greens, brown, and tans.โ€

โ€œI would stay away from trying to get too โ€˜outside the boxโ€™ with lighter spring/summer colors,โ€ warns Burch. โ€œStick to fall plaids or solids with reds, oranges, blues, and forest greens, with khaki, whites, and browns mixed in.โ€

How do I wash a flannel shirt?

โ€œFor 100% cotton flannels, you want to be wary of shrinking in the wash,โ€ advises LaGrone. โ€œItโ€™s best to use a low machine setting (i.e., delicates) and a mild detergent with no bleach. Hang to dry or use a light tumble setting with low to medium heat in the dryer.โ€

โ€œIf your flannel has a majority wool blend, you will want to use the wool setting if your washing machine has it,โ€ LaGrone continues. โ€œOtherwise, a cold water cycle, again on delicate, will work best. The same drying instructions apply to cotton blends. Polyester rarely shrinks, especially if youโ€™re washing in cold water, so a flannel of this material can likely be washed on any setting without causing harm.โ€

The information presented here is created by TIME Stamped and overseen by TIME editorial staff. To learn more, see our About Us page.

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