Nothing says casual Christmas and winter-wear in America like a red plaid flannel shirt. In fact, this winter-weather staple is so popular that it borders on a style cliche, but it’s a classic for a reason, damn it.
But what exactly makes this wardrobe essential so special? Plaid originates from the Gaelic word Plaide, which means blanket. Originally, these rough garments were worn by the Scottish to keep them warm during the winter. Now, the term just means generally anything tartan inspired, so crossed horizontal and vertical bands in two or more colors.
The construction of the shirt, flannel, is a thick and loose weave of either cotton, synthetics, or wool, creating a more durable and warmer fabric than that of other traditional weaves. And, of course, red is a color.
Fashion lesson over, let’s get you to the fun part: finding the best red flannel shirts on the market. The classic red-and-black flannel is a staple in many guys’ fashion rotation, but some men avoid this look for that exact reason. No matter your personal sense of style, we’re confident you’ll like something on our list of the best red flannel shirts for men.
1. BRIXTON Plaid Button-Up Flannel Shirt
BEST OVERALL
This shirt epitomises the excellent qualities of the plaid flannel shirt. It’s laidback, slightly faded, and the conventional pattern has been given a welcome shake-up on the breast pockets. It’s constructed of good quality cotton-flannel (which means it’s super soft) and it’s affordable. What more could you ask for?
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2. FILSON Red Checked Cotton-Flannel Shirt
BEST LAIDBACK
If you like your red plaid flannel shirts with a little muddy, dusty, or chocolatey hue, see below. This Filson shirt is constructed using a durable double-needle technique and flat-felled seams. This is a piece built to withstand heavy use.
3. O’NEILL Redmond Standard Fit Plaid Button-Up Flannel Shirt
THIRD BEST RED PLAID FLANNEL SHIRT
Put this shirt on and you will instantly feel a craving for a ‘witches brew IPA’ or suddenly find yourself chopping wood. What will it be: lumberjack or hipster? This O’Neill’s shirt is made from softly peached cotton twill, meaning it’s incredibly soft to the touch.
4. LUCKY BRAND Plaid Western Shirt
COOLEST RED PLAID FLANNEL SHIRT
This Western-style shirt from Lucky Brand offers a modern spin on the classic red flannel shirt. Where the red and black check patterns meet the lines go out of focus. Combined with the classic Western-style, this plaid shirt is the perfect mix of modern and retro.
5. 1901 Trim Fit Plaid Flannel Button-Up Shirt
BEST FOR SIMPLICITY
When wearing a wardrobe staple such as the red plaid shirt, it’s best not to over complicate things. If you want to keep the red plaid shirt within the realms of normality, then this shirt by 1901 typifies the simple success of this smart-casual winner.
6. ENGINEERED GARMENTS Classic Plaid Shirt in Navy/Red/Green
BEST RELAXED SHIRT
There is so much in this shirt that contributes to its ineffable coolness. There’s the impeccable choice of colors, the camp, relaxed collar and the straight back yoke with box pleat, giving a billowing but manageable silhouette. There’s the oversized shape, the twill, thick textured plaid, and the fact it is made in the USA. Glorious.
7. LEVI’S Red Check Flannel Worker Shirt
BEST CLASSIC RED-AND-BLACK FLANNEL
Get a classic from a classic. Iconic denim company Levi’s doesn’t just make incredible jeans. From time to time, the brand also puts out some decent button-ups, sweaters, and jackets. This classic red-and-black check design is the standard red flannel shirt. And with the name Levi’s behind it, you can’t go wrong adding this men’s shirt to your closet.
8. RRL Checked Cotton-Flannel Shirt
BEST AMERICANA-INSPIRED
RRL is a brand famed for the inspiration they take from the Americana style. This flannel shirt is patterned by a yarn-dyed ombre check and comes with Western-inspired patch pockets, a metal concho button, and snap fastenings. Now, reach for the cowboy hat… you know you want to.
9. AMI Button Down Shirt With Chest Shirt
BEST FORMAL
Another cool classic by the indomitable Parisian brand AMI. It is designed with a clean check, giving it as much formality as a red plaid flannel shirt can muster. It is made from 100% high-quality cotton and is a dry clean only shirt — so treat it with the respect it so clearly deserves.
10. JOHN ELLIOTT Straight Hem Flannel Shirt
BEST GRUNGE SHIRT
The spirit of Kurt Cobain just became that much closer. With the nineties coming back around (and seemingly sticking around), this grungy flannel shirt is a welcome style update for your wardrobe. It comes in brushed flannel giving a wonderful texture and a soft, comforting feel.
11. L.L. BEAN Scotch Plaid Flannel Shirt
BEST CLASSIC LOOK
The legendary L.L. Bean flannel is never a bad addition to your wardrobe. Made from soft cotton, this is a cozy classic that’s perfect for the office, your next Christmas party, or sitting by the fire with a good book. It has a relaxed fit through the chest and sleeves, and it’s a durable flannel that should last for several winters to come. Even better, L.L. Bean matches their plaids to historical tartans in the Scottish historic registry. So when we say it’s a classic, we mean it.