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 selvage denim and work boots, but in 2021, flannel shirts have a new identity. Stylish celebrities 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 15 of the best men’s flannel shirts for every style and purpose below.
1. Filson Alaskan Guide 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 heather grey, black plaid option 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 masculinity to your outfit.
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2. Legendary Whitetails Buck Camp Flannel Shirt
RUNNER UP
Look handsome in a flannel that will ultimately step your style up a few notches. Confused? Don’t be, check out this electric blue detailed flannel shirt below and see exactly what we mean. This flannel shirt will add a handsome pop of color to your fall and winter wardrobe without looking too out there in the process. It’s made from 100% cotton and has a contrasting corduroy collar and cuffs to add a bit of extra pizazz. Not sold on the color? Don’t worry, there are 20 more to choose from.
3. 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 just over $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).
4. Amazon Essentials Slim-Fit Long-Sleeve Plaid Flannel Shirt
BEST FROM AMAZON
Let’s be real for a minute. Shopping on Amazon is way, way too easy. We know your cart’s already full of face creams, toilet paper, game consoles — the whole nine yards. Why not add an easy flannel shirt to your cart while you’re at it? This plaid flannel shirt from Amazon Essentials is an easy cold-weather go-to when it comes to style. Wear it on its own or pair it with a graphic or solid tee underneath. It’s perfectly casual and under $20, so just about everyone can afford it.
5. Uniqlo Flannel Checked Long-Sleeve Shirt
MOST RELIABLE
It’s safe to say that you simply can’t go wrong with Uniqlo. Not only do they have a great selection of clothes that range from outdoor must-haves to socks to sweats to glasses, they ensure that everything they put out for sale is durable and well-made. Plus, they’re relatively affordable. Check out this flannel and get an understanding of what we’re talking about. Handsome, warm, well-made — what else could you need?
6. Patagonia Lightweight Fjord Flannel Shirt
HEAVY DUTY
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 and 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 $50 since it’s on sale.
ON SALE!
7. Alimens & Gentle Men’s Button Down
MOST ICONIC
Flannel shirts don’t get much more tried and true than this one from Amazon. I mean come on, this red plaid overshirt should be a staple in any man’s closet. It’s tough, it’s burly, it’s manly and it’s an overall sexy way to rock the lumberjack look even if it isn’t Halloween. But hey, if it is, this is a pretty great shirt to own for a last-minute costume.
Related: Red Flannel Shirts for Men
8. L.L.Bean Scotch Plaid Flannel Shirt
EASIEST PICK
This classic, easy to wear flannel is the no-brainer type of shirt to add to your cold-weather wardrobe this season. You can pair it with just about anything and it looks effortlessly good on all shapes and sizes. Rock it with a pair of jeans and work boots or spice it up a little and throw on a pair of chinos to solidify your look. This blue style ain’t for you? No worries, there are a number of other colors to choose from.
9. ASOS DESIGN 90s Oversized Brushed Flannel Check Shirt
BEST OVERSIZED
The oversized look in terms of men’s shirts has been trending for a few years at this point due to pop culture and the hip-hop scene, and to be honest, we’re loving it. Just check out this oversized lilac flannel from ASOS. It’s effortless in its design, featuring just about everything you’d expect from a regular, ‘ol flannel, but it’s larger to serve more of a baggy look instead of a classic fit. Pairing an oversized shirt with a skinnier pair of jeans is always the move, so be sure to do that. Add a pair of high-tops to the look and you’re just about golden.
10. Filson Vintage Flannel Work 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 Filson because of its heavy-duty construction with a soft brushed-twill interior. Seriously, this is the coziest flannel you’ll wear all season long. It’s perfect for chilly mornings or evenings while camping, but it also works great for commuting to work on a brisk day. Plus, it doesn’t sacrifice style at all. It’s out of stock right now, but Filson insists that a new drop of these bad boys is coming very soon.
RESTOCK SOON
11. Urban Outfitters Vintage Half-Bleach Flannel Shirt
BEST TIE-DYE
Ditch the classic plaid or solid-colored flannel you know so well for a style that’ll help you stand out. This half-bleached flannel shirt will put your style on another level and keep you cozy while doing so. It’s cut with an oversized design so it will feel really loose on the body, making it large enough to allow for a tee to be worn underneath if chosen. Pair this with your go-to ripped blue jeans and a pair of brown boots this season to spice up your fall look a little.
12. Everlane Modern Flannel Shirt
BEST WORK APPROPRIATE
Although flannels shirts are button-ups, they’re probably the most casual button-ups around. This makes them perfect for casual offices (when were finally back in them, that is) because they still look sharp but aren’t too rigid and old-school. If you plan on rocking a flannel at work when we all get back in 2021, this modern flannel shirt from Everlane is probably is your best bet. The solid color is more professional than typical flannel plaid, but the deep blue 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. Blue ain’t your style? Don’t worry, Everlane has a multitude of colors to choose from in this style.
BACK IN STOCK!
13. H&M Cotton Flannel Shirt
BEST FOR DATE NIGHT
Another skill in the flannel shirt’s extensive repertoire is acting as a killer 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 H&M is definitely on the more inexpensive side when it comes to flannels so you can spend a little more on that extra appetizer or that third round of drinks.
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.
14. Standard Cloth Flannel Camp Collar 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 vintage faded flannel from Urban Outfitters. We’re kind of obsessed with the color and won’t be shocked to hear if you are too.
15. L.L.Bean Scotch Plaid Flannel Hooded Shirt
BEST HOODED
Ready to ditch the look and make of your traditional flannel? Dope — check out this hooded option from L.L.Bean. This flannel took some tips from your favorite winter hoodie to provide that cozy feeling you get when swaddled in a sweatshirt. It has an ultra-relaxed fit to keep you looking more casual than put-together and even comes in a few colors to choose from. Tied together with a drawstring hood, this baby is perfect for any kind of day you wear it on.
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