Once October rolls around and the temperature starts to dip, it’s time to put the shorts away for good and break out your fall wardrobe. That means corduroy, brown leather boots, trucker jackets, and above all, a flannel. Our favorite flannel shirts embody everything that a prototypical option should They all offer a great, laidback style that’s ideal for both backyard football games and indoor football watching. Most of all, they’re all durable enough to handle some real work in case you’ve got wood to chop and campsites to build. So get ready to fill your autumn wardrobe with some brushed plaid (or, if you prefer, brushed solids) with our picks for the best men’s flannel shirts to buy.
l.l.bean scotch plaid flannel shirt
If you’re from New England, you are legally obligated to own at least one flannel from L.L.Bean. OK, that’s not true, but it sure seems like it sometimes. The heritage brand has been producing its trademark Scotch Plaid flannel shirt for over 80 years, and you’d best believe they know what they’re doing. Made from an exclusive-to-the-Bean Portuguese long-staple cotton that’s been brushed eight times and woven in authentic Tartan patterns, this is as classic as flannel gets.
Levi’s Classic worker Overshirt
Levi’s is another American heritage brand that’s impossible to overlook when looking for such a prototypical garment. The famed jean maker’s cozy checkered overshirt pulls no gimmicks, sticking to the traditional script with a casual, relaxed fit that’s ready to ready to be thrown over a simple t-shirt or buttoned up for a more Western look. Regardless, your best bet is to wear it with a pair of 501s.
EVERLANE THE BRUSHED FLANNEL SHIRT
Not everyone wants to go for the Al Borland look when it comes to their flannel. So if you’re looking to ditch the plaid and go with a more versatile flannel, then have a look at this offering from affordable favorite Everlane. This cult-favorite shirt is executed in solid colors for a more casual look, but it’s still flannel through and through. The thick 5.8 oz. cotton is brushed on both sides for softness, but it’s also beefy enough to provide abrasion resistance — not to mention plenty of warmth.
Flint and tinder jackson shirt
When the need arises for a cozy and durable flannel that works in any situation, you should reach for Flint and Tinder’s Jackson. The trademark flannel from Huckberry’s popular house brand is made from a mid-weight cotton that works in multiple seasons and in various situations, meaning you’ll be wearing this shirt more often than not. And thanks to its rugged construction, it won’t look any worse for wear when you do.
taylor stitch the Yosemite flannel shirt
There are two things you can say about every Taylor Stitch garment: they’re made responsibly, and they’re made to last. The Yosemite Shirt is the brand’s signature flannel shirt, and it’s a perfect embodiment of the Taylor Stitch identity. Made from an exclusive 9 oz. organic cotton chamois with real horn buttons — including on the two flap chest pockets — this shirt is buttery soft, incredibly durable, and handsome as all get-out.
lululemon soft knit overshirt
Leave it to lululemon to craft the space’s best technical option. The Canadian clothier’s Soft Knit Overshirt is composed of a flannel-knit fabric with four-way stretch properties, deeming it one of the more versatile and comfortable options our guide has to offer. What’s more is lululemon’s No Stink Zinc tech, which prevents the growth of odor-causing bacteria from deteriorating what’s bound to become one of your new favorite shirts.
filson Alaskan guide shirt
Filson knows the outdoors. The Seattle-based brand has been a favorite of outdoor enthusiasts since 1897, and their iconic Alaskan Guide Shirt has been worn by sportsmen and tradesmen for decades. That’s because they know the shirt’s 8 oz. cotton fabric and tight 2-ply x 2-ply weave will keep them warm and protected from the wind while remaining mobile enough to allow them to get their work done without slowing them down.
woolrich traditional cotton flannel shirt
A handful of brands in this guide are strongly identified with flannel shirts, but it’s hard to think of any company that’s more associated with the form than Woolrich. Established in Pennsylvania in 1830, Woolrich calls itself “The Original Outdoor Clothing Company,” and it’s tough to argue with them. They’ve been making their iconic red and black Buffalo Check flannels since 1850, and the style looks as timeless as ever in their brushed cotton Traditional Flannel Shirt.
outerknown BLANKET SHIRT
Like anything Outerknown churns out, the Flannel Blanket shirt is fit for beach dwellers and fans of sustainability — so, in a perfect world, it’s the right choice for anyone. The colorful piece is cut and sewn using nothing but organic cotton that undergoes no harmful chemicals, deeming it a safer choice for farmers and the planet overall. For style’s sake, it’s finished with a set of natural chorizo buttons straight from the seeds of an ivory palm.
TODD SNYDER BRUSHED FLANNEL BUTTON DOWN SHIRT
If you’re looking for a flannel shirt that’s a little more luxurious, something that’s as at home in Central Park as it is in Yellowstone National Park, then take a peek at this shirt from Todd Snyder. Made from a mix of cotton and super-soft, anti-odor Tencel, this shirt boasts a modern tailored fit and a brushed finish that’s so soft it feels like cashmere. And if you think a cashmere flannel sounds awesome, you’re not alone.
PENDLETON PLAID board SHiRT
Another absolute legend in the flannel game is Pendleton, and their best-selling Board Shirt is the reason why. A favorite among California surfers since the 1960s — including, famously, the Beach Boys — this classic is still made the same way it always has been: with 100% American virgin wool that’s woven in the Oregan brand’s American mills. The rugged fabric is water, odor, and stain-resistant, while the styling, with its large camp collar and dual flap pockets, is retro in the best way.
BUCK MASON CHARCOAL BLANKET FLANNEL FIELD JACKET
Oozing utilitarian chic from every angle, the L.A. boutique’s double-brushed spin on the beloved field jacket silhouette is one we can’t ignore. The overskirt takes full inspiration from the inimitable military design, boasting all the genuine details from the mitered pockets to double-needle top-stitching for maximum strength and longevity. What’s best is it’s available in a trio of colors fit for any occasion, including a blacked-out look and the pictured blue-and-white palette.
WAX LONDON WHITING BEATNIK OVERSHIRT
Wax London’s latest seasonal collection was highlighted by several items, but this Yankee-colored flannel is sleek, functional, and one of the best layering pieces we’ve seen since September started. The thickly-woven top is composed of a cozy cotton and polyester blend and a sure-fire fashion statement that proves keeping things simple doesn’t mean boring.
FAHERTY LEGEND SWEATER SHIRT
There’s an awful lot of heritage involved when it comes to flannel shirts, with traditional fabrics and patterns appearing throughout this list. But what if you want a more modern take on flannel? That’s where Faherty’s popular Legend Sweater Shirt comes in. The flannel substitute is made from a blend of technical fabrics — 62% polyester, 33% viscose, and 5% spandex — that make it absurdly soft and stretchy so it moves with you and keeps you comfortable in all situations.
ONE OF THESE DAYS HOMETOWN HERO FLANNEL
Using fabric imported from Japan, SoCal-based boutique One of These Days crafted this handsome flannel that garners a suitably fitting name. The brand finishes the Hometown Hero a cotton canvas print woven into the garment and a hand-numbered woven label, giving fans of the brand some insight regarding which particular iteration they have, adding an extra sense of personality to an already stellar top.
NEEDLES CHECKED RIBBON FLANNEL SHIRT
Like their track pants and cardigans, Needles’ rebuilt flannels have become a grail in the fashion world, and this season’s option is one of the coolest yet. By using several different shirts to compile one unique, Etsy-esque piece, the Japanese streetwear label turns the typical flannel on its head, managing to fuse traditional fashion with an unapologetically unique look.
CARHARTT WIP BOWMAN STRIPE SHIRT
This option from Carhartt WIP throws the typical flannel for a whirl. Nevertheless, the striped top is soft to the touch, incredibly stylish, and is a perfect look for this time of year. Sticking to the standard silhouette, the workwear brand offshoot implemented a pair of chest pockets to stow your gear, be it tools, headphones, or pens. Most importantly, its yarn-dyed fabric guarantees its fall-ready color palette is built to last.
PERCIVAL FLANNEL WORKSHIRT
East London-based clothier has constantly been reimagining classic designs since setting up shop, and this handsome, Italian wool-crafted option is a perfect pick for crisp winter nights. The brand claims that whether it’s considered a shirt or jacket is up to the owner’s discretion, labeling the upscale piece as a “shacket.” All in all, it’s ready for virtually any scenario from working remotely to going camping.
The Best Fall Jackets for Men
Yes, flannels are a fall essentials, but they aren’t as vital to a wardrobe than a good fall jacket. Luckily for you, we’ve laid out a guide to the best seasonal jackets on the market.
