The Best Men’s Flannels

Buying Guide

It’s probably fair to say that women plan their outfits more than men do, and generally care more about clothes. But even the least fashion conscious guy has probably got at least one favorite flannel shirt.

And why not? There’s a lot to like about well-made flannel. Thicker shirts of this type can keep you cozy in wind or cold weather, and they’re relatively easy to wash. Thin flannel shirts can be worn open over a favorite t-shirt, and the combo has a casual vibe that can’t be beat.

It’s important to note that flannel is not a material in and of itself. It’s a fabric that can be woven out of many different textiles, though cotton and wool are the most common. The fibers are typically napped, or slightly raised on one side to create a soft and fuzzy feel. And while many flannel shirts seem to come in plaid patterns, that’s more of a tradition than a requirement.

When it comes to what kind of material you want, think about where you’re going to be wearing it. Flannel shirts worn unbuttoned can be perfectly comfortable in the summer months, even in the south, but you’d better be wearing the cotton or polyester variety. Flannel shirts made out of cotton can be thick or thin, and either way they’re usually easier to care for.

If you’re going for wool, keep in mind that it’s going to trap your body heat much more effectively — especially when it’s buttoned up. That can be ideal for Canadian winters, but not so great for hiking in Florida. Wool is also very durable, but will require a little more care when laundering. Try not to wear it for extended period out in the rain, since all that water will soak in.

Next, consider your personal style. Since flannel shirts are often worn untucked and unbuttoned, too many guys don’t give much thought to the fit. Don’t make that mistake, especially if you’re shelling out extra for flannel that will last. If you want that shirt to be versatile, make sure that it can be worn buttoned up without being too tight. When you’re wearing it over a tee, the bottom of the shirt shouldn’t hang past your crotch.

Now, about those fasteners. Even if you don’t use them, buttons or snaps can be a really good indicator of quality. Buttons should be evenly spaced, and you should look for a couple of extra buttons sewn on near the bottom in case you need a spare. Snap fasteners are much easier to deal with, but lower quality ones can rust after too many runs through the laundry.

One of the great things about most flannel shirts is that they’re easy to care for. In fact, you might be able to get away with wearing them as an overshirt for days without having to worry about the laundry.

When laundry day does come, however, do yourself a favor and read the tag. Cotton or polyester blends don’t usually require a lot of extra TLC. To retain the color, you may want to wash them in cold water, especially the first few times. Flannel made from wool is another story. For 100% wool, you may want to wash the shirt by hand to preserve it’s cozy feel. For the most part, though, you can run it through the wash on a gentle, lukewarm cycle with a mild detergent.