When the occasion is too nice for a sweatshirt, but the weather is too chilly for a simple tee, the best flannel shirts for men come in supremely handy. As a cold weather staple, flannels are some of the most versatile types of shirts, acting as a standalone top or an essential layering piece. They come in all shapes, sizes, and colors, making them the one piece of clothing that every man should own.
If your old flannel is becoming a bit tattered, or you simply need a new pick for the cold months ahead, I’ve rounded up the eight best flannel shirts for men to carry you through the seasons with ease. From lightweight summer layers to warm winter overshirts, you’ll find the top options below, tried and tested from one flannel fanatic to another.
Key Takeaways
It’s hard to find a winter garment as classic as a good flannel shirt. To find the top picks, I scoured the internet high and low and read more customer reviews than flannel color combos. For the optimal pick, our top choice is the Forét Grip Check Flannel Shirt for a traditional look, super soft feel, and ease of styling. If you’re looking for a flannel that’s a bit more budget-friendly, the Wrangler Fleece Lined Flannel is one of the most affordable and warmest options on the list.
Keep reading to discover more of the best flannel shirts for men to round out any cold weather wardrobe.
Why it’s great: Pretty much as classic as they come, this is one of the best flannels for men who gravitate towards relaxed fits. It’s certainly roomy in case you want to throw on an extra layer underneath, but looks just as sharp on its own. Featuring an organic cotton construction made from unbrushed twill, it will lock in heat and keep you toasty warm through the frigid time of the year.
Who this is for: This flannel is for the stylish man who’s looking for a flannel that can do it all. Wear it around town, in the backcountry, or on your travels. It’ll be a dependable layer for as long as you own it.
How to style this shirt: Lean into the relaxed style of this flannel shirt by pairing it with cargo pants (our favorite modern trouser style) or baggier slacks. You can also achieve a New England look if you wear it with a chunky knit sweater, straight jeans, and duck boots.
Flaws but not deal breakers: The relaxed look is prime for layering but might swallow up smaller guys. If you’re worried about the flannel being too large, you can always size down. However, Forét’s garments tend to run true to size.
Material: 100% organic cotton | Sizes Available: S – XXL | Colors Available: 2
Why it’s great: Artfully crafted in Portugal from cotton and linen, this is one of the best flannel shirts for men looking for a lightweight option. It has all the softness of a classic flannel, minus the heavyweight feel, making it a wonderful choice for year-round wear, especially as a spring or summer layer.
Who this is for: This is for the guy seeking a breezy layer to wear with t-shirts, over a long sleeve, or on its own. The linen blend makes it thinner than traditional flannel shirts for men but that much more unique. The garment is finished with mother of pearl buttons and a curved hem to round out this high end top.
How to style this shirt: Wear this flannel open as a layer over your favorite white tee during spring, or buttoned up with navy slacks or dark-wash jeans. Don’t forget the Chelsea boots and beanie for a quintessential autumn look. You can even tuck it in and throw a cashmere sweater on top for extra warmth.
Flaws but not deal breakers: Since this shirt is more lightweight than a standard flannel, don’t expect it to keep you crazy warm. That said, it’s a choice piece for layering and a must-have staple for transitional seasons.
Material: 70% cotton, 30% linen | Sizes Available: XS – XXL | Colors Available: 2
Why it’s great: If you’re not sold on the checkered look, this Italian-made shirt is one of the best flannels for men. It has a sophisticated solid color (eight options to choose from) and a dense cotton flannel construction. This will easily replace your poplin or chambray shirts, especially for cold weather office wear.
Who this is for: Ideal for the man after an upgrade to his winter wardrobe, this flannel is highly versatile – more so than checkered versions.
How to style this shirt: Pair this cotton flannel with khakis, jeans, or even formal trousers. It’s easy to dress up, in fact, you can even wear it under a suit with a pair of polished derbies or wingtips. For more casual wear, stick with slacks, a vest or bomber jacket, and leather sneakers.
Flaws but not deal breakers: Flannel and check go hand in hand, so if you’d prefer a more classic pattered look, opt for Velasca’s Norica flannel.
Material: 100% cotton flannel | Sizes Available: XS – 3XL | Colors Available: 8
Why it’s great: For the ultimate dose of winter warmth, this Wrangler option is second to none. Made from double sided brushed fleece, this flannel traps heat against your body and looks good while doing it. It’s intended for layering and can be worn as an alternative to a sweatshirt if you’re looking to upgrade your wardrobe with a timeless winter piece.
Who this is for: This is for the guy who’s tired of feeling the wind whip through his lighter cotton shirts. Since this is made from fleece, it has a tighter weave that will keep the cold out and the warmth in.
How to style this shirt: Pair this shirt with a long sleeve underneath and some jeans for a casual look or chinos for a more dressy appearance. The flannel is a bit oversized, making it easy to squeeze in extra layers for autumn days when you may not want to wear a full-blown jacket.
Flaws but not deal breakers: Lined with a soft fleece, this flannel is more of a jacket than a shirt, designed to be worn on top of other layers rather than on its own. It’s also made from polyester rather than cotton, which is what flannel is generally made from.
Material: 100% polyester | Sizes Available: S – 3X | Colors Available: 20+
Why it’s great: If any brand knows a thing or two about durable clothing to keep you warm, it’s Carhartt. This is among the top flannel shirts for men searching for a rugged top that’s designed to last. Kitted out with a heavyweight construction and seven neutral colorways, this Carhartt flannel is for every guy, especially given the range of ‘big and tall’ size options (up to 4XL).
Who this is for: With triple stitched seams and a looser fit, this flannel is suitable for the job site and beyond. It’s especially useful for guys who work outside or men who can’t get enough of the great outdoors, even during the depths of winter.
How to style this shirt: Given the roomier construction, this flannel can be styled as a layer or a shirt on its own. Lean into the workwear look with jeans or cargos and a beanie, or wear it to dinner with a pair of khakis and high top sneakers.
Flaws but not deal breakers: If you’re after a more fitted look, it’s worth sizing down since this flannel is designed to run large.
Material: 100% ringspun cotton | Sizes Available: S – 4XL | Colors Available: 7
Why it’s great: Nothing screams classic American quite like Land’s End, so it’s no wonder they make one of the nicest flannel shirts for men. Dubbed the “Flagship Flannel,” this shirt is close to flawless, a standout choice for daily wear with the perfect weight, fit, and color options. It’s fitted but not too slim, warm but not overwhelmingly hot, and can easily be worn on its own or as a top layer.
Who this is for: For guys looking for an everyday flannel, this is by far the best option. It strikes a solid balance between style, comfort, and quality, fitting seamlessly into your cold weather rotation.
How to style this shirt: This flannel shirt for men is one of the easiest to style. It goes together with jeans and sneakers like Hawaiian shirts and cruises. Or make it more formal by tucking it into a pair of chinos with a wool blazer and leather Chelsea boots.
Flaws but not deal breakers: If you have a larger frame, you may find that this flannel is too short. Men over six feet may benefit from sizing up.
Material: 100% cotton | Sizes Available: S – 4XL | Colors Available: 14
Why it’s great: Featuring corduroy cuffs and a cozy fit, this is the best flannel shirt for men seeking a tried and true classic. The addition of the corduroy makes it unique, but at its core, this flannel is about as traditional as it gets, made by Legendary Whitetails, a brand known for its deer hunting equipment. While it won’t take the place of your oxford shirts for the office, this gives a laid back look for informal wear.
Who this is for: Great as a winter base layer, this shirt has all the best features of a flannel, like a pure cotton construction and a super soft feel, making it a wonderful choice for relaxed guys looking to keep warm.
How to style this shirt: Throw this flannel on under a hoodie, or dress it up with a sports coat on top. It comes in a range of colors, allowing you to choose a hue that matches the rest of your closet. Stellar for date nights, fall walks, or as an extra layer when skiing, you’ll always find yourself reaching for this well-fitting top.
Flaws but not deal breakers: This shirt can run a bit big, but is also prone to shrinking after the first wash so you may want to stick true to size, or size down and wash it in cold water only.
Material: 100% cotton | Sizes Available: S – 5XL | Colors Available: 35+
Why it’s great: With an oversized fit and a cozy construction, this is a top pick for one of the best flannels for men who are trying to stay warm through the winter. Due to the cut, it’s one of the top options for layering, with enough room for a long sleeve or even a hoodie underneath. Finished with a straight hem and a single chest pocket, it’s reminiscent of an overshirt minus the rigid construction.
Who this is for: Since this is a piece for layering, it’s an appropriate choice for any guy after a flannel for casual wear. While I wouldn’t sport it at the office, it’s a strong option for date nights, chilly afternoons at home, or weekend adventures.
How to style this shirt: Style this shirt with something underneath since the relaxed fit invites plenty of layers. This specific colorway looks awesome with dark washed jeans and a black or white tee. For a streetwear inspired look, throw a hoodie on underneath – don’t forget to pull the hood above the collar.
Flaws but not deal breakers: While flannels are often used for layering, this is more of an overshirt than a standalone top. You can definitely wear it on its own, but you’ll be more comfortable with something underneath.
Material: 100% organic cotton | Sizes Available: XS – 2XL | Colors Available: 6
Buying Considerations for the Best Flannel Shirts for Men
Material
The primary consideration when choosing flannel shirts is what they’re made from. Today, any “real” flannel shirt is made from 100% cotton, though traditionally, flannels were made from wool. Cotton flannels are some of the softest, warmest options, especially if they’re made from a tighter weave to keep cold air out.
However, you’ll find plenty of awesome flannels made from different materials, like the Wrangler Fleece Lined Flannel, which features a polyester construction for a fleecier feel.
Fit
The fit also factors in because different silhouettes offer different qualities. Many flannels have a slightly oversized or relaxed fit, which makes them suitable for layering. Since flannels are primarily for cold weather wear, having a bit of extra room is always appreciated to make space for anything you want to wear underneath.
On the other hand, if you plan to wear your flannel on its own or with less bulky layers like a t-shirt, opt for a slimmer, more fitted flannel. These are less like overshirts and more like a standalone top that you can wear tucked or untucked, on its own, or with a light shirt underneath. Fitted flannels may also have a curved hem for a stylish detail.
Color and Pattern
Finally, the color and pattern of your shirt are what truly make it a flannel. The most classic type of flannel has a checkered plaid pattern that derives from hunters, workwear, and English tradition, though there’s no hard rule that a flannel has to be plaid.
It’s also worth understanding the distinction between a flannel and a pattern. Flannel refers to the material, while the pattern is plaid or checkered.
Flannels come in all sorts of different colors, ranging from solid hues to a huge array of plaid combinations. For a truly timeless look, opt for a plaid flannel with blue, green, or reds.
Why Trust Us
FashionBeans’ Jane Elmets is a beacon of authority in the realm of men’s fashion, particularly known for her insightful takes on wardrobe essentials. Her seasoned eye for style shines through in her diverse articles, from the definitive guide to mod fashion to in-depth reviews on niche fragrances and essential shirt brands. Jane’s approach is deeply rooted in a commitment to quality and sustainability, ensuring that her selections for the best flannel shirts are not just about aesthetics but also about longevity and fabric integrity. By leveraging her extensive experience and passion for fashion, Jane meticulously curates a list of flannel shirts that promise to be both stylish and durable, reflecting a blend of timeless appeal and modern sensibility. Trust in her expertise to navigate the vast choices of flannel shirts, ensuring you invest in pieces that elevate your style while standing the test of time.
How I Chose the Best Flannel Shirts for Men
As an avid flannel wearer myself, I delved deep into the world of this winter staple, compiling top options from both well-known and smaller brands that all make quality products. The flannels you see on this list are derived from timeless companies known for their durable garments, like Carhartt, Wrangler, and Land’s End, for men searching for practical pieces. I also included several high-end options for men concerned with the appearance of the flannel, made from fine Italian and organic cottons. The options on this list span a range of budgets, fits, and styles, ensuring that there’s a pick for every man, no matter his personal preferences.
Final Verdict
While flannels are abundant, especially during the colder months of the year, it can be hard to tell which ones are actually worth throwing into your rotation. At the end of the day, the best flannel shirts for men include the Forét Grip Check Flannel Shirt for a timeless look and feel, and the Wrangler Fleece Lined Flannel if you’re hoping for something super warm without breaking the bank. However, any flannel on this list will serve you well for this fall, winter, and many seasons to come.
FAQ
-
-
Flannel shirts look great on guys and can even give off a hyper-masculine air. Just imagine stereotypical lumberjacks or construction workers who are always portrayed in burly flannel shirts. It doesn’t get much better looking than that.
-
A good flannel shirt will have a soft, durable construction made from cotton, a slightly oversized fit to accommodate layers, and a color that’s easy to pair with other winter wardrobe staples.
-
