The 8 Best Flannel Shirts for Men in 2024, Tested by Style Editors

Outerknown’s Transitional Slub Flannel is hands down the best one we’ve tested, beating out competition. It’s lighter than the brand’s Blanket Shirt, which we crowned the best shacket, so you know this one’s special. As the name suggests, it’s flexible enough to wear across changing seasons and those in-between weather days. The blue plaid pattern mixed with earthy tones feels like a nod to coastal vibes, making it versatile for anything from casual weekends to outdoor adventures. This design strikes the perfect balance between classic and laid-back, ensuring it doesn’t just feel great—it looks sharp, too.

What really makes it pop is how it complements the slub texture. The slight variations in the fabric adds character without trying too hard. Plus, you won’t see a wrinkle in sight. With its classic fit, it’s neither too slim nor too loose, so you’ll be comfortable at all times. For a little functionality, there’s a single chest pocket to stash your credit cards or keys as you’re on the move. We found the flannel looks great paired with jeans and tossed over a t-shirt for casual days. And when things cool down during those fall nights, you can layer it under a jacket to stay extra cozy.

Read More: Best Shackets for Men

It’s easy to find an affordable flannel that delivers on warmth, comfort and style without the hefty price tag. Enter Uniqlo’s version. Designed with the iconic lumberjack buffalo plaid that’s been popular for decades, this shirt has a rugged aesthetic that fits just about any casual outing. Our fashion editors prefer to wear them with black jeans to keep it simple in colors, while still nailing that outdoorsy look.

We found that it’s made to sit comfortably on the body without being too tight or too loose. It offers the right amount of room for easy movement, which makes it a versatile option for everyday wear. The brushed cotton finish is another notable feature. This process softens the fabric, giving it a smooth velvety texture on the outside and maintaining a snug, toasty feel inside.

Carhartt is synonymous with durable, outdoorsy apparel—ideal for anyone who thrives in nature and values tough, reliable gear. Take the brand’s flannel shirt. It’s blended with cotton and rugged stretch flex technology, which means the material offers breathability and moves with you yet feels comfortable at the same time. We found it’s perfect for the days where you might need more freedom of movement in your daily adventures. Not to mention, the triple-stitched seams add an extra layer of durability, making sure this piece can withstand whatever you throw at it.

You can wear it tucked in for a more polished look or leave it hanging out for that relaxed vibe. It’s versatile enough to fit your style no matter the occasion. And let’s not forget the two chest pockets—one of them has a panel and pen stall, so you can store your phone or keep a pen handy.

When a flannel can work solo or as a layering piece, it’s doing its job. That’s why we love Faherty’s offering that can handle that double duty. Crafted from an ultra-soft fabric with 4-way stretch, this shirt feels like your favorite sweater. The spread collar creates a cleaner, sophisticated silhouette, offering a more elevated vibe than the standard flannel. It’s a detail that makes this shirt easy to dress up for semi-formal settings; think art gallery opening, dinner date, or rooftop soirée.

The fit is thoughtfully designed—relaxed through the chest for extra comfort, with a slight taper at the waist that gives it a more flattering look without being restrictive. As for the weight, it’s on the mid-to-heavy side of things. In addition to the rose blue check pattern, which is a beauty, the black buttons add a cool touch. Pair it with black chinos or tailored trousers and you have a refined look that works just about anywhere.

Huckberry’s in-house label Flint and Tinder makes a flannel that’s perfectly balanced, providing warmth outdoors and a comfy feel at home. With the cotton fabric weighing in at 260 GSM (grams per square meter), the fit is sturdy and thick, but not too heavy that you’ll feel overheated. There’s enough room in the body where layering is possible. We found the material feels soft and smooth against the skin, versus being all itchy like a lot of the others we’ve tried on.

In terms of durability, the shirt has triple-needle reinforcement at the armhole, sides, and yoke to make sure this bad boy lasts for winters to come. It looks neat paired with dark trousers or denim for drinks at the beer hall or outdoor picnic in the park.

An oversized cut flannel provides a laid-back look that’s comfortable and easy to wear. Hence why Abercombie’s offering made the cut. The shirt itself captures the classic ‘90s era, making it a trendy piece that nods to retro fashion, convenient for anyone looking to channel that nostalgic aesthetic. Its corduroy collar introduces a different texture that contrasts seamlessly with the flannel, which is a detail that most flannels don’t incorporate often. In other words, it will help you stand out amongst the crowd.

You can style it in multiple ways—wear it buttoned up, open over a tee or sweater, or tied around your waist for a throwback look. We love how it goes with light or dark denim for days at the office or weekends on the town. Plus, the fit provides extra coverage when there’s a chill in the air without looking baggy.

Not every flannel is decked out with a bold pattern or colorful plaid, so it’s refreshing that Banana Republic switched it up with this solid style. The simplicity allows for a clean and versatile look that can easily transition from the office to casual settings. It has a more refined appearance that feels a lot less casual than others on the list. Arriving in a muted green tone, this version can be paired with a sleek pair of pants and dress shoes.

We found the relaxed silhouette, combined with its standard fit, comfortable without being oversized, so it’s flattering on various body types. It ensures you have enough room to move while still maintaining an ensemble that looks put-together.

How to Style a Flannel

The best part about flannels are their versatility. Up top, you can wear a flannel standalone or layered over an undershirt. With pants, you can wear with jeans or chinos.

If you decide to wear a flannel as your standalone shirt it’s worth upgraded to one made with more high quality materials, that way you can avoid any scratching or unpleasant feelings of cotton rubbing on your skin. For those who plan on layering your flannels over a t-shirt, you can get away with a flannel made with regular cotton and save some bucks.

And if it really starts getting cold out, you can size up your flannel and wear a neutral colored hoodie underneath (like grey) for an ultra warm and stylish look.

How Do I Know if My Flannel Is Good Quality?

If you’re looking at a flannel in person to possibly buy it, you can tell more by feeling it than looking at it. High quality flannel will have some heft to it and feel thicker to the touch, but still soft. It should feel like felt. If the flannel feels thin like a regular cotton shirt then it is not good quality.

As for the flannel you already own, your washer and dryer can tell you a lot. If you start to see fading, warping in size and shape, and little hairy fibers start to pop up after a few washes, then you’ve got a sub-par flannel. Good quality flannel will hold its shape and color and will not pill even after years of use. Above all: if it feels soft, fits right, and keeps you warm, then your flannel is doing its job.