The 19 Best Men’s Flannel Shirts

Rather than risking spending an entire day overheating, or ruining that formal jacket that needs to last until next laundry day, why not just carry a good flannel shirt?

Flannel or plaid shirts are not just a throwback to the simpler, grungy days of the early 90s. Notoriously comfy, warm, and quick to dry, flannel shirts are not likely to ever go out of style. They fold neatly and can be hidden in any small backpack, and they’re low-maintenance – which makes them almost perfect for everyday wear.

Here are the 19 best flannel shirts for men.

The Best Men’s Flannel Shirt

Check Flannel Shirt by Corridor NYC

Corridor NYC is the quintessential Big Apple brand: high-quality, quietly daring, and ideal to jump between fast-paced deals and leisurely coffees. This flannel shirt is thick enough to keep you cozy throughout the fall and winter without any of the hassles of carrying a jacket. Its gray-on-black plaid pattern will look relaxed with a pair of jeans, but won’t attract too many unwelcome stares.

The super-soft, supple cotton will remain wrinkle-free and shapely for several hours in a row. This speaks highly of the effort placed when sourcing their materials. Not only is the color durable, but all manufacturing processes were checked to ensure they were socially responsible. In addition, the front pocket will easily fit anything from a fancy pen to a small multi-tool.

Checked Flannel by Knowledge Cotton

Fast fashion often makes it seem like no piece of clothing needs to last more than the mandatory three wears, but brands like Knowledge Cotton, who are fiercely resisting this unsustainable trend, ought to be celebrated. In keeping with their certified organic, 100%-vegan philosophy, they have now launched the quintessential “lifelong purchase” shirt.

Their checked flannel shirt follows a timeless style and improves upon it with quality materials and an elegant (if a bit uncommon) color combination. The fabric has all been carefully treated to ensure it’s soft, but not weakened, from the first wear. The cut is kept wide, which can allow for freshness or layering, depending on what the weather demands.

Stretch Flannel by Proof

The strong association between flannel and the grunge scene has earned this style a place in the annals of rock history, but it has also harmed its reputation as office wear. Forever associated with baggy and unkempt styles, flannel shirts are rarely the kind of clothes used to flaunt one’s weight loss or style. Fortunately, Proof’s Stretchy creation now has a vested interest in changing this.

This shirt includes several additions that immediately improve its overall silhouette. The first one is the fabric, naturally: the cotton was reinforced with just enough spandex to ensure the fabric hugs a well-built body the right way. In addition, the shirt also has a shock cord hanger loop, which will help cinch the wait discreetly. It’s available in four different color combinations.

For some super versatile pieces of clothes you must have in your wardrobe, check out our selection of the best Oxford shirts.

Mendo Flannel Shirt by Wellen

Fashion arthouse Wellen loves to imbue even their basic pieces with a deeper spirit that honors its native Southern California. A great example of this is their new Mendo Flannel shirt collection. Made from a light cotton blend and rich, sea-worthy colors, these shirts are the ideal beach companions for those who have earned the right to relax and don’t need to flaunt it.

This shirt is lined with twill tape around the collar and cuffs, which prevent its softness from becoming weak points. The cuffs themselves have two fisheye buttons for adjustment, which will allow you to transition easily from a rolled-back style to a more polished look. Finally, there is also a reinforced woven tape hanger at the back. This shirt is available in four different color schemes, based in blue, green, grey, and red.

High Sierra Shirt by California Cowboy

The High Sierra model by California Cowboy brings flannel back to its oldest, most primal roots – those of the 1890s, where a good layer of fabric could stand between you and the elements for weeks at a time. The overall look may be classic and vintage, but that doesn’t mean they haven’t incorporated a few improvements. In addition to old-school, life-lasting cotton, these shirts come with a special phone pocket and side chest flaps that will hold a bottle opener, your keys, and other essential accessories.

This shirt is available in seven different color combinations, which range from green tartan, blue and yellow, red, and blue, and classic all-black.

Our guide to the top undershirts features some basic wardrobe items you can’t go wrong with.

Buffalo Check Wool Shirt by Woolrich

Combining softness with sturdiness is no easy task; rarely do truly soft fabrics resist the ravages of time and intensive wash cycles. However, Woolrich has been perfecting this combination since 1850, and the fruits of this history can be felt all around your skin.

The Buffalo Check Wool Shirt is one of the brand’s oldest models. The fact that it has required very few adjustments ever since should say enough about its versatility. Some improvements have been made over the years, naturally. There is now a soft, sweat-free poly-cotton lining around the collar, and several key parts have been double-stitched for better resistance. This short is available in red, red and black, and black and navy blue patterns. Sizes range from Small to XX-Large.

Buck Camp Flannel Shirt by Legendary Whitetails

This budget-friendly flannel shirt is not just comfortable; it also hides several high-quality details that will ensure it keeps its shape through dozens of washes. For example, although the fabric is primarily made from quality Egyptian cotton, the collar and cuffs have been lies with a smooth layer of corduroy. This goes a long way in ensuring the main structure holds itself neatly, even during a long and hectic day. In addition to instantly helping it look classier, it also makes these delicate parts easier to wash (no more soaking in baking soda).

This shirt comes in black, black and red, and gray and blue patterns. All the models are equipped with a discreet pencil pocket and a double-pleat back.

Here are some casual polo shirts for everyday wear. Don’t forget to check them out.

Checked by Uniqlo

Uniqlo is probably now widely recognized as one of the best “basic suppliers” for anyone who is looking for versatile, high-quality cotton clothes. Their checked shirt brings a minimalist candor to an already timeless model. However, don’t confuse minimalism with lack of attention for details: the triple-brushed interior and carefully double-stitched edges presented the Checked shirt provide a tasteful and subdued look.

The classic button-down collar and the straight lines offered by this shirt will allow the marvelous fabric to stand out. With a total thread count of 40 and fully made from a single ply, this shirt provides a statement on elegance and economy. It’s available in dark green and purple.

Vintage Flannel Work Shirt by Filson

Filson dates back to the old Gold Rush days, and therefore have been in the flannel business since before their soulmates (denim jeans) were originally invented. This is why the details behind this high-quality shirt almost need no presentation. They stick to the basic, necessary, and well-loved requirements of comfortable, warm clothes.

The fabric is mostly made from a twill and cotton blend, which makes it fit snugly and helps it keeps its shape. The buttons are precisely tailored to their clasps and carefully placed to ensure they blend in with their background color. This shirt comes in four different color patterns: brown and black, red and black, blue and gray, and black and green.

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Trail Shirt by Pendleton

Pendleton is both one of the oldest families in the state of Oregon, in addition to one of the country’s fashion pioneers. Just like many other quintessential American pieces, Pendleton flannel shirts date back to the days of the Gold Rush and were specifically created to endure rugged work outdoors.

The virgin wool used in these shirts is made for mountain weather, although it resists repeated washing and dries relatively quickly. The color patterns have remained earthy, but they are not drab: the company continues to weave and dye all their fabrics on U.S. soil to better guarantee its quality. The corduroy patches near the elbows look stylish, yet remain functional.

Transitional Popover by Outerknown

Outerknown loves to rehash old classics in a quirky way, complete with odd names and unusual details. This is why its Transitional Popover shirt is surprising and unusual. The name says a lot about the shirt’s intentions, but the end result is still sober and classy.

The remarkably soft and rich cotton fabric is tender enough to be worn without an undershirt. Nevertheless, it stays shapely and fresh throughout a long day. It will rarely require ironing (occasionally, a cold iron may be needed to smooth out the cuffs). It comes in two different, sleek whole colors: deep blue and rye.

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Highland Flannel Shirt by Barbour

A wide variety of color patterns and details will become completely unnecessary once you finally run into the ideal piece of clothing: a classic, wide-fit blue and red flannel shirt that appears ready to last until the next 90s revival. Quality organic cotton was dyed in rich red and blue hues, and the carefully softened to ensure superb comfort.

The long sleeves provide an air of formality and readiness to this otherwise relaxed fit. The small, shiny buttons peek their head just a little bit more than usual – not so much to make a statement, but just visible enough not to appear as if they’re hiding. This shirt is available in sizes Small through XX-Large.

Flannagan Slim Flannel Shirt by Toad&Co

Toad&Co specialized in low-impact, high-quality everyday wear, the kind that is meant to last a lifetime and leave almost no trace on our carbon emissions. In addition to exacting sustainability practices, the Flannagan shirt was created with versatility in mind. After all, nothing generates as much waste as fast fashion, so the creators wanted to ensure this shirt will be viable through most of the year.

The edges are all double-stitched with resilient thread, keeping the organic cotton bright and shapely no matter how many times it’s washed, tumble-dried, and thrashed. The shirt is also equipped with two front pockets and adjustable button-clasped cuffs. It’s available in charcoal, blue, orange, and forest green.

It would look great with your favorite chinos.

Patagonia Fjord

If you leave in one of the colder states and there’s nobody behind you forcing you to don a tie, then there’s a good chance that a good, snow-worthy flannel shirt is one of your go-to pieces. In such cases, it pays off to rely on one of the top names in outdoor wear, such as Patagonia. Whether you choose the classic long-sleeved Fjord shirt or its short-sleeved cousin, you will find that this carefully weaved cotton will snugly keep all the warmth inside, protected by a thick layer of style.

Two front pockets, a discreetly reinforced collar and upper neck slit, and classic think cuffs finish up this modern classic. The Patagonia Fjord is available in over eight different colors.

Harker’s Flannel by Howler Brothers

Howler Brothers has quietly become a head-turner in the cold weather wear scene over the past five years. They have achieved this by combining supple, high-quality fabrics with no-fail designs and durable colors. Their Harker’s Flannel line is a great example of all the things that have made this brand great. Not only do they stay true to the “function first” spirit of all proper flannel shirts, but they also provide a superb amount of warmth and resilience.

The elbow patches are reinforced, and the hems are equipped with hidden microfiber sunglass to help it keep its shape. The metal buttons are secure and easy to operate. This shirt is available in pigeon grey and marksman green.

Be sure to pick your favorite stylish pocket tees from our list, too!

Anton’s Brushed Flannel by Norse Projects

Sure, a named shirt speaks of a creator who is not afraid to stand for their product and its quality. This is the first (but not the only) way in which the Anton Shirt impresses and dazzles. Norse Project has cut no corners in their luxurious outtake of this All-American classic.

Made almost entirely from organic, high-quality, supple cotton, this soft shirt is warm and deserving of a delicate touch. The fabric was weaved to ensure it stays classy and sleek, and it won’t stretch even after long hours of wear. The slightly curved hem helps the wearer’s silhouette remain slim. As for warmth, the protection provided by this shirt is just what you’d expect from Norse Project: remarkable.

Mountain Shirt by Topo Designs

At first glance, the bold color combinations and slightly unorthodox patterns of these Mountain Shirts will appear positively urban. However, the adventurous design is only the outer layer of an otherwise very warm shirt. Tope Designs has ensured to reinforce their organic cotton with enough twill to ensure full coverage and isolation from the elements, just in case you’re eager for actual Mountain Time.

The nostalgic neo-cowboy esthetic provided by this shirt will be further enhanced by the presence of double-stitched front pockets, an extra thick front flap, and oversized BDU buttons. Thanks to its wide hemline, the shirt will need no elastic or synthetic reinforcements. This will ensure it is ready to be worn again as soon as it’s dry.

To stay warm in winter, be sure to purchase some of these stylish sweaters you can’t go wrong with.

Ovik Re-Wool Shirt by Fjallraven

Sometimes, the worship for organic materials makes us forget about the benefits of synthetic fabrics: while they may be a bit rough on our skin, they offer a superior degree of insulation from the elements, and they tend to require less ironing (if any).

Naturally, this is often offset by the perception of synthetic fabric as cheap-looking. True to its innovative tendencies, Fjallraven has defied expectations with their wool-poly blend flannel shirt. The craftsmanship is precise and neat. The solid colors make it appear minimalistic and much more elegant than it feels – just like one would expect from one of the largest names in Scandinavian design. It’s available in black, dark gray, and olive.

Red Cotton Fleece by Gitman Vintage

Gitman Vintage specializes in urban wear with a deliberate old-school appeal. In their latest winter collection, they have ensured to remain relevant and wearable even during the coldest depths of the season. This was achieved by adapting the ever-traditional flannel shirt for extreme temperatures, adding an extra layer of fleece on the inside. The result is a warmer shirt that hides its power from both outsiders and your own skin.

The cut was made slightly wider towards the bottom, which ensures the heavy fabric falls elegantly and still appears modern. Combined with its own weight, it will appear straight whenever you need to meet a stricter dress code but will still pair with a pair of snow boots and well-worn jeans.

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