These Are The Flannel Shirts We’re Buying Right Now
Flannel shirts are back – and that’s worth getting excited about.
The lumberjack staple had a brief moment back in the early 2000s when hipsters were rocking flannels with selvedge denim and work boots, but in 2019, flannel shirts have a new identity. Stylish celebrities like Justin Bieber are rocking flannels with streetwear outfits, while fashion-conscious normal dudes are wearing low-key flannels to work or the bar. The new look draws on the flannel trend of the 90s (the shirt has had many appearances in the spotlight), and is being worn with chinos, joggers, hype sneakers and other modern staples.
But style isn’t the only talent of flannel shirts. The shirt was originally intended for chilly evenings by the campfire or similar outdoor activities, and it’s still great for that sort of thing too.
If you’re looking to upgrade your wardrobe with a killer flannel (for fashion or outdoor function), read on. We’ve rounded up ten of the best flannel shirts for every style and purpose below.
1. Filson Vintage Flannel Shirt
BEST OVERALL
The ideal flannel updates the classic lumberjack look, introducing some rugged campfire class to your wardrobe without looking too, well, lumberjack-y. This Filson flannel shirt does just that, and boasts some outdoor-ready quality as well. It comes in a few different colors, but we think this black and charcoal is the most modern of the bunch, and works best with a wide range of outfits.
Rock it with black chinos and a pair of retro sneakers when you hit the town, or with jeans and boots while camping. Either way, it’ll add some comfy warmth and masculine style to your outfit.
Courtesy of Nordstrom
2. CQR Men’s Flannel
VALUE PICK
Designers are now selling flannel shirts for hundreds, but you don’t have to shell out that much for a good flannel. If you’re looking to save some coin, opt for this flannel from CQR. It comes in at under $20, but features quality touches like a corduroy collar and cuffs. Plus, with several color options, the shirt provides an impressive style upgrade for very little dough. Just be sure to order a size up and wash on cold, as reviewers say the shirt shrinks a bit (even though it says pre-shrunk).
Courtesy of Amazon
3. Stoic Thermal Lined Flannel Shirt
WARMEST
Flannel was originally utilized for its warmth, and it’s still a great option for fending off the cold. If you’re using your flannel shirt to stay warm, we suggest this one from Stoic for best results. It features a thermal waffle lining that traps body heat to keep you warm and a thick flannel construction. It’s perfect for chilly mornings or evenings while camping, but it also works great for commuting to work on a brisk day.
Courtesy of Backcountry
4. Patagonia Lightweight Fjord Flannel Shirt
BEST LIGHTWEIGHT
While thermal-lined flannels are great for staying warm, lightweight flannels like this Patagonia are incredibly versatile layering tools that you can wear year-round. During the cold months, wear it over a T-shirt under your winter jacket, or wear it solo as a comfy evening shirt during the summer. This kind of shirt also makes a versatile travel companion, as you can wear it on a hike or to the bar – a skill that few shirts can claim. We love this one from Patagonia because it’s very high-quality (like everything from the adventure brand), but the price tag is reasonable at under $60 while it’s on sale right now.
Courtesy of Backcountry
5. Woolrich Oxbow Bend Flannel Shirt
HERITAGE PICK
Flannel shirts don’t get much more iconic than this one from Woolrich. They’re the oldest manufacturer of outdoor wear in the States (founded in 1830), and their flannel shirt reflects this with a tried-and-true build and a classic look. The shirt comes in several timeless colors, such as the quintessential Old Red Buffalo colorway shown below. When breaking this shirt out of the closet, we suggest going classic (boots, jeans and maybe even a beanie) or getting modern with statement-making shoes and baggy pants.
Courtesy of Amazon
6. Backcountry Deer Creek Flannel
BEST FOR OUTDOORS
For a go-to outdoor flannel, we recommend this Backcountry Deer Creek shirt. The fabric is heavyweight to keep you warm in the cold, but it’s not lined so you can still utilize it during spring and fall. It has a regular fit that allows you to layer tees or thermal shirts underneath, and a stretchy fabric for easy movement while hiking or working at the campsite.
Courtesy of Backcountry
7. Naked & Famous Easy Shirt
WORK APPROPRIATE
Although flannels shirts are button-up, they’re probably the most casual button-up around. This makes them perfect for casual offices in 2019 because they still look sharp but not too rigid and old-school. If you plan on rocking a flannel at work, this Naked & Famous Easy Shirt is your best bet. The solid color is more professional than typical flannel plaid, but the honey tone adds some lightness and vintage style. For a killer office outfit, wear it with brown or grey chinos, a white undershirt, and minimal premium leather sneakers.
Courtesy of East Dane
8. PS by Paul Smith Flannel
DESIGNER PICK
While classic flannels from iconic brands are always a good purchase, modern flannels from designers are currently taking most of our attention (and money). Because flannel shirts are traditionally so rugged, a good designer touch typically turns out something very unique and versatile in a modern wardrobe. We like this one from Paul Smith because it retains the timeless plaid pattern, but uses an 80s-inspired black, yellow and blue palette. And at $175, it’s actually well-priced for a designer piece that you’ll end up wearing very often.
Courtesy of SSENSE
9. Officine Générale Flannel Shirt
DATE NIGHT
Another skill in flannel shirts’ extensive repertoire is date night piece. As mentioned, flannels are a good balance of rugged and sophisticated, making them a smart move for grabbing drinks or a casual dinner on a date. This one from Officine Générale is on the pricier side for flannels, but the upgrade in quality is well worth it (your date will notice the difference).
It has a flattering trim fit and a neutral colorway that will work with most of the clothes in your closet. For best results, wear the shirt open over a logo tee with high-quality sneakers and black or grey chinos.
Courtesy of Nordstrom
10. Off-White Skull Zip Check Shirt
STREETWEAR PICK
In an unlikely turn of events, streetwear brands have fallen in love with the lumberjack shirt. Hot new brands have taken the flannel shirt, tweaked it, and produced some truly unique modern pieces, such as this zip-up flannel from Off-white. On the back you’ll find a fiery skull and the signature Off-White diagonal line graphic, which is sure to turn heads (in a good way). If you have the money, the shirt makes an unbeatable statement piece for hitting the town.
Courtesy of Nordstrom