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If we’re talking about casual wardrobe staples, flannel shirts make the list. And like all essentials, it’s crucial to find something that is high quality and versatile.
But, before we talk about how to choose the best flannel and where to shop, it’s important to consider how to wear flannel.
Most classic styles are easy to wear and pair with an abundance of different pieces, but flannels tend to be a little bit of a bolder choice. With plenty of patterns and colors to choose from, it can be difficult to create a stylish and cohesive look.
Thankfully, our guide on how to wear flannel is here to help. From styling tips to outfit ideas and where to shop, we’ve got you covered on all fronts. With that being said, here’s a breakdown of all the things you’ll learn from this guide:
- How to style a flannel
- When to wear a flannel
- How to wear a flannel with a hoodie
- How to wear a flannel girl’s edition
- How to wear a flannel guys edition
- How to wear oversized flannel girls and guys styles
What is Flannel
While we’ve said that a flannel is a wardrobe staple, you may be wondering about what exactly the classic top looks like.
Essentially, a flannel shirt is a men’s and women’s button-up top that is made from a soft woven fabric, such as wool or cotton. They usually come with a plaid or checkered pattern with an abundance of color combinations to choose from.
Flannel is also a type of material, commonly used for a flannel shirt. It is a medium-weight cotton fabric that has an ultra-soft finish that results when the loose weave is gently brushed. It’s ideal for winter wear, though there are plenty of lightweight, breathable options on the market.
History of Flannel
Before we really get into how to wear flannel, let’s talk about its history for a second.
Flannel is more than just a trendy piece of clothing for today–it actually dates back to the 17th century. It was commonly worn because of its warmth and wasn’t considered a fashionable item until more recent years.
The button-downs were traditionally worn by farmers and lumberjacks, as well as other outdoor workers who needed a few extra layers to keep toasty. Later, it was adopted by grunge fashion and became synonymous with icons like Nirvana and Pearl Jam.
Now, flannel is worn across a variety of different styles and can be paired with numerous other pieces to create a unique, stylish look. It’s still a functional, cozy layer, but it’s also a versatile addition to your wardrobe.
When to Wear Flannel
The great thing about flannel shirts is that they are super versatile. Of course, we’ve already mentioned that they’re best in cold weather.
So, a flannel is ideal winter wear, but can also be a great option for layering in the fall or spring, as well as throwing over shorts and a tank to stay cozy on cooler summer nights.
A flannel is definitely a more casual addition to your wardrobe, so it’s not the best choice for a more formal event. Otherwise, you can dress flannels up or down, wearing them with your best jeans to a winery or apple picking date, and pairing with a pair of leggings as you head out on a camping trip.
How to Wear Flannel
Now that we have established that a flannel is a classic casual piece of clothing, you may be wondering how to wear flannel everyday.
Depending on how you accessorize your flannel, it can range from smart to casual to rugged and grunge to chic.
You can wear a flannel over your shoulders, tied around your waist, off one shoulder, over a hoodie, and more. It’s a great way to add a relaxed, informal feel to your look and is versatile enough to throw on over just about anything.
10 Outfit Ideas with Flannel
With all that being said, it’s time to delve into our top 10 outfit ideas with a flannel shirt. Check out our list below.
- Comfy and casual
Featuring an oversized fitting flannel, sweatshorts, and a sports bra, this look is the epitome of fashionable comfort.
If you’re looking for more inspiration on how to wear flannel, you can also try playing with color palettes here, swapping the neutral shades for bright blues and purples.
- Grunge
Ideal for a concert or fall day, this look features a tomato red flannel and oversized band tee.
The fishnet leggings add a grunge touch, but you can trade them for a classic pair of sheer tights. The combat boots make the flannel feel a little more punk-rock and edgy.
- Flannel jacket
A little more elevated, this look pairs a brushed flannel shacket with leather pants.
This look is all about color coordination, as the green hues from the flannel match the green purse and the white tee also pulls shades from the shacket.
The chunky leather boots are an ideal option for fall, but they also elongate the leg for a mile-high look since they’re the same fabric as the pants.
- Street style
A blend of edgy and casual, this look features a blue and beige colored flannel with black accents. The black coloring is brought throughout the rest of the outfit, featuring a rolled black beanie, black jeans, chunky combat boots, and a black bag.
- Vintage vibes
Cool and colorful, this look mixes a vintage 70s color palette for a unique style. The orange and blue tones in the flannel feel soft and simple, while the pastel yellows and floral graphic on the tee complement the colors in the flannel.
The green corduroy jeans and the brown suede loafers add an earthy touch, keeping things colorful while grounding the bright colors up top.
- Oversized
If you’re wondering how to wear oversized flannel, the answer is pretty simple: buttoned over a pair of your favorite blue denim. While this look features a muted purple flannel, you can swap it for any option in your closet.
The chunky boots add an edgy touch while the black leather purse keeps things cool and casual. Top it off with a pair of oversized sunnies to match the flannel and you’ll be good to go!
- Buffalo plaid
This look pairs neutrals with the classic bold buffalo plaid, featuring a red and black checkered print. The soft khakis and light gray hoodie are simple and casual, allowing the flannel to do all the talking.
Plus, the gray Chuck’s match seamlessly with the hoodie for a cohesive look.
- Winter chic
The thing about cold weather is that our outfits often get lost under all the layers, but this look is a little different. The oversized flannel adds a simple, casual touch, but the neutral shades and slim fit create a more elevated look.
The white tones continue throughout the chunky knit turtleneck dress, creating a dressy look ideal for a visit to the pumpkin patch or morning brunch. If it’s extra chilly, we recommend opting for a pair of sheer nude tights and an oversized, brightly colored scarf.
- Cropped flannel
The cropped flannel is the perfect option for showing off your favorite new pair of jeans. This look features a more unique top with two flannel tones for extra visual interest.
The black wide-leg jeans and purse keep things casual and simple, while the white platform sneakers add a bright touch.
- Tied flannel
You didn’t think our guide on how to wear flannel would be complete without the classic tied flannel, did you? This ensemble keeps things simple and summary, featuring a fitted little black dress and suede booties.
The flannel tied around the waist is a casual and convenient touch, ideal for throwing over your shoulders when the wind picks up around the evening.
What Type of Flannel Outfits Can You Get?
As it turns out, there is a broad variety to choose from for men and women when it comes to how to wear flannel.
This means there’s something for everyone in terms of colors, designs, and wearability. Let’s take a look at a few different styles and how they will affect your overall look.
First of all, classic flannel shirts usually have a looser or more oversized fit, ideal for layering and casual settings.
Tighter-fitting flannels are best for a more styled look, while flannel hoodies are the ideal option for an extra cozy and relaxed touch.
Flannel patterns are usually plaid or checked, but there are thousands of different color combinations out there.
Black and white is super easy to style, while buffalo plaid is best worn in the winter months. Colorful options are great for adding a little extra visual interest to your look, while neutrals are great for versatility.
How to Choose The Best Flannel Outfits
Since you’re reading this guide on how to wear flannel, you may also be looking for some pointers when it comes to choosing the right one for you. Below, we’ve rounded up a few of the top things to consider when shopping around.
The quality and brand are one of the most important things to consider, especially if you’re looking to wear your flannel every day. Is the company known for producing long-lasting pieces? What do shoppers have to say about their purchase?
The next thing to consider is the material, which should be durable and warm–two things synonymous with flannel. That being said, it should also line up with your personal needs. If you want something lightweight, consider the finish and cut.
By the same token, the style of your flannel should be in line with your personal aesthetic. If you love an oversized look, a larger flannel is the way to go. But if you want something simple and sophisticated, try a slim-fit. The same goes for colors and patterns.
Finally, consider the price of your flannel. We’ve established it’s a wardrobe essential, so if you think you’ll wear it often, it may be worth investing in.
That being said, there are tons of places to shop where you can find quality at a great price. But we’ll talk more about where you can buy a flannel soon!
How to Style Flannel Outfits
Now that we’ve covered a bunch of different outfit ideas, tips for finding the right flannel, and more, you may be wondering about the final styling details. Fortunately, there’s an abundance of different ways to wear a flannel and make it work with your own aesthetic.
To start, we have one word for you: layers, layers, layers. Okay, maybe that was three, but it’s important to drive the idea home. Flannels are the best way to add a natural touch to your ensemble, but they also create dimension.
Layering them over things like hoodies, sweaters, and more is the best way to create a cohesive, styled look. Plus, you can put a personal spin on things, opting for an extra collar or mixing textures.
Another great way to add dimension? By tying the flannel around your waist or shoulders. This is also ideal for functionality since you can actually wear the flannel when you need a little extra warmth.
You can also dress your flannel up or down with different accessories. Try a bold gold chain for a more chic look or opt for a baseball cap to keep things cool and casual. You should also pair your flannel with similar colors, opting for solids underneath.
Your choice of bottoms can also affect the overall look. Denim is a classic, casual look, leather is a great way to add a more elevated flair, a dress or skirt is a great way to add femininity, khakis feel farmer chic, and tights add a grunge touch.
An oversized flannel looks great worn over a plain t-shirt or dress, and it’s ideal for more casual wear. Tucked-in and fitted flannels are ideal for a more sophisticated look, especially if you roll the sleeves or pair them with nice trousers.
Fashion Tips to Avoid With Flannel Outfits
Now that you’ve leafed through our guide on how to wear flannel, as well as a few outfit ideas and styling tips, you may be wondering about how not to wear a flannel.
That being said, it’s important to remember that fashion is subjective and you should wear whatever you feel comfortable with, so take this section with a grain of salt.
Mixing patterns can be a no-no. Plaid is already a bold option, and if you choose brighter colors it can look really awkward if you go for a floral print or something along those lines. With flannel, it’s best to work with solid colors and try to choose a cohesive or harmonious color palette.
Unless you’re going for a country look, avoid Western boots, cowboy hats, and too much leather. Try to opt for darker tones of leather and boots and choose more casual hats to keep things simple and laid-back.
If it’s really hot outside, a flannel probably isn’t the best option in terms of wardrobe. If you think it may get cooler at night, maybe tie the flannel around your waist or toss it in your backpack. Otherwise, keep the flannel reserved for cool weather.
A flannel is definitely not designed to be worn with formal attire. If you’re in a fancier dress or nice pair of pants, try a more formal or sophisticated jacket or sweater instead. Flannels are a casual option and can be great for dressing things down, though!
How To Take Care Of Flannels
Since flannels are an everyday piece of clothing, it’s important to keep them clean. While you should follow the washing instructions for your specific piece, we’ve compiled some general directions to help you take care of flannels:
- Wash in warm or cool soapy water with a mild detergent
- Use a gentle cycle and wash with light colors, or hand wash
- Lay them flat to dry, avoiding direct heat or sunlight
- Hang in your closet once dry
Best Places to Buy Flannel Outfits
Another great thing about flannels? They’re available at almost any store! Below, we’ve compiled a list of all the best places to shop so you can stop worrying about looking for quality tops and start testing our tips on how to wear flannel:
- Urban Outfitters
- Gap
- LL Bean
- H&M
- Banana Republic
- Dickies
- Frank and Oak
Final Thoughts
Overall, a flannel shirt is a simple addition to make any outfit more laid back and casual. It’s a versatile option and is a great way to stay warm, no matter what you’re wearing.
Whether you’ve got a wardrobe chock full of flannel shirts or are on the hunt for a new piece to add to your collection of closet essentials, we hope that this guide on how to wear a flannel shirt has given you plenty of inspiration and styling tips.
Looking to up your fashion game? We’ve got you covered: