How To Wear Flannel Shirts for Men in 2023

How are you doing, fashion enthusiasts? Today we will talk about the eternal classic: flannel shirts. I’m sure that everyone at least once in their life wore this kind of shirts. A lot of people absolutely LOVE them and wear every day. They match it with a whole bunch of diverse clothes and usually these shirts look pretty fashionable and eye-catching. That’s why I decided to write an article on this topic. Before we start out, check our 12 Unique Accessories Every Man Should Own blog post as well as 30 Awesome Aesthetic Outfits on The Internet post!

Flannel shirts have been a wardrobe essential for ages, and they're not going anywhere soon. With their cozy feel and versatile design, flannel shirts are a must-have item in 2023. In this article, we'll explore the fascinating history of flannel shirts, discuss different types of flannel shirts, and offer some style tips to help you rock the flannel shirt trend this year. Let's get started!

What's a Flannel Shirt, Anyway?A flannel shirt is a button-up shirt made from flannel fabric, which is typically made from wool, cotton, or synthetic fibers. It's characterized by its soft, warm, and slightly fuzzy texture, making it perfect for colder weather. Flannel shirts can come in various patterns or solid colors, but they are often associated with the plaid pattern.

Flannel vs. Plaid Shirts Comparison

Before we dive deeper into flannel shirts, it's important to clarify the difference between flannel and plaid shirts. Flannel refers to the fabric, which is typically made of wool, cotton, or a blend of both materials. Flannel is soft, warm, and cozy, making it perfect for colder months. On the other hand, plaid refers to the pattern that often adorns flannel shirts, characterized by crisscrossing horizontal and vertical lines in various colors. However, not all flannel shirts are plaid, and not all plaid shirts are made of flannel. Plaid shirts can be made from various materials, including cotton, linen, or even polyester.

The History of Flannel Shirts

Flannel shirts can trace their origins back to 17th-century Wales, where farmers and laborers wore flannel clothing to protect themselves from the cold and damp climate. The material provided warmth and comfort, making it an essential part of their work attire.

By the late 1800s, flannel shirts had made their way to North America, where they quickly became associated with lumberjacks and other outdoor workers. The shirts' warmth, durability, and practicality made them a popular choice for people working in harsh conditions.

In the 1990s, flannel shirts became a symbol of the grunge movement, with bands like Nirvana and Pearl Jam popularizing the look. The oversized, plaid flannel shirts worn by musicians and fans alike were a nod to the working-class roots of the garment and a rejection of the flashy, ostentatious fashion of the 1980s.

Today, flannel shirts continue to be popular for their practicality and timeless style. They can be worn by people of all ages and genders, and their versatility means they can be dressed up or down for a variety of occasions. From the fields of Wales to the streets of Seattle, flannel shirts have proven to be a wardrobe staple that transcends time and trends.

Different Types of Flannel Shirts & How to Style Them

Flannel shirts come in a variety of styles, patterns, and colors, making them incredibly versatile. Here are some popular flannel shirt styles and tips on how to style them:

Plaid Flannel Shirts:

Plaid flannel shirts are probably the most iconic style, featuring crisscrossing lines in multiple colors. They look great with jeans and boots for a rugged, outdoorsy look, or can be dressed up with tailored pants and loafers for a more polished outfit.

Here’re some options for you to check out:

• Legendary Whitetails Men's Buck Camp Flannel Shirt. Made out of 100% cotton, this shirt will be ideal for camping and going outside. It’s very authentic, so I recommend it!
• Alimens & Gentle Men's Plaid Flannel Casual Shirts. I’d buy a red one. A good classic that almost every person on this planet have. Looks stylish, but as I said it’s very popular and I’m not sure if it’s going to make you stand out. But it’s worth to check out!
• Amazon Essentials Men's Long-Sleeve Flannel Shirt. This shirt is a high-quality product from Amazon, nothing more to add. It’s pretty similar to the first two options above. But a huge amount of reviews tells that it’s good to buy it!

Solid Color Flannel Shirts:

Solid color flannel shirts offer a clean, minimalist look that can be easily dressed up or down. Pair a solid color flannel shirt with dark jeans or chinos for a casual yet stylish outfit, or layer it under a blazer for a more sophisticated look. Here I can reecommend you another 3 options:

• Legendary Whitetails Men's Buck Camp Flannel Shirt. A regular solid color thick flannel shirt, nothing special, but it’s very versatile.
• Gioberti Men's 100% Cotton Solid Color Flannel Shirt.
• Amazon Essentials Long-Sleeve Solid Color Shirt. Again, since it’s Amazon’s product, the quality should be good, so consider buying!

Oversized Flannel Shirts:

Oversized flannel shirts are perfect for creating a relaxed, laid-back vibe. Wear an oversized flannel shirt with leggings or skinny jeans, and add a pair of sneakers or ankle boots to complete the look. 3 options for you:

• Legendary Whitetails Men's Buck Camp Flannel Shirt. I really love the color and look of it. It’s big and good-looking. Plus the huge amount of good reviews makes this product very attractive.
• Dubinik Mens Flannel Shirts Long Sleeve
• Legendary Whitetails Men's Harbor Heavyweight Flannel Shirt

Fitted Flannel Shirts:

Fitted flannel shirts offer a more tailored, polished appearance. Pair a fitted flannel shirt with slacks or a pencil skirt for a chic office outfit, or wear it with dark-wash jeans for a night out. Last two options for you:

• Amazon Essentials Men's Slim-Fit Long-Sleeve Flannel Shirt. Worth buying due to its amount of good reviews and good look!
• MCEDAR Men’s Plaid Flannel Shirt. A bit less reviews amount than Amazon Slim-fit shirt has, but also looks stylish.

How to Match Your Flannel Shirt with Other Clothes

Flannel shirts are incredibly versatile and can be easily mixed and matched with various clothing items to create stylish outfits. Here are some tips on how to match your flannel shirt with other clothes:

• Layering: Flannel shirts are perfect for layering, as they provide warmth and style without adding too much bulk. Wear your flannel shirt over a t-shirt or tank top for a casual look, or layer it under a jacket or cardigan for extra warmth and a more polished appearance.
• Bottoms: Flannel shirts can be paired with a wide variety of bottoms, from jeans and chinos to skirts and leggings. For a classic, casual look, wear your flannel shirt with your favorite pair of jeans. If you prefer a dressier outfit, try pairing your flannel shirt with tailored pants or a pencil skirt.
• Footwear: The right shoes can complete your flannel shirt outfit. For a casual, laid-back look, opt for sneakers or ankle boots. If you're dressing up your flannel shirt, consider loafers, heels, or knee-high boots.
• Accessories: Accessories can help elevate your flannel shirt outfit and add some personality. Try wearing a statement necklace, a stylish belt, or a trendy hat to complement your flannel shirt.

Here are ten outfit examples incorporating flannel shirts:

• Casual and Cool: Pair a red and black plaid flannel shirt with distressed denim jeans and white sneakers for a laid-back, casual look. Add a beanie and a backpack to complete the outfit.
• Office-Ready: Choose a solid-colored flannel shirt and tuck it into tailored pants or a pencil skirt. Add a belt and a blazer for a professional appearance. Finish the look with loafers or pumps.
• Flirty Flannel: Wear an oversized flannel shirt as a dress, cinching it at the waist with a belt. Pair this look with leggings or tights and ankle boots or knee-high boots for an edgy, flirty vibe.
• Autumn Chic: Layer a green and navy plaid flannel shirt over a turtleneck sweater and pair it with corduroy pants or a suede skirt. Add a pair of ankle boots and a cozy scarf for a stylish, autumnal ensemble.
• Summer Breeze: For warmer weather, pair a lightweight flannel shirt with denim shorts and sandals or espadrilles. Add sunglasses and a floppy hat for a breezy, summertime look.
• Effortless Layering: Wear a flannel shirt open over a graphic tee, paired with black skinny jeans or leggings. Complete the look with combat boots or high-top sneakers for an effortlessly cool vibe.
• Western Influence: Embrace a western-inspired look by pairing your flannel shirt with dark wash denim jeans, a wide-brimmed hat, and cowboy boots. Add a statement belt buckle to enhance the theme.
• Sporty Flannel: For a sporty take on the flannel shirt, wear it with joggers or sweatpants and athletic sneakers. Layer a lightweight bomber jacket or a denim jacket over the flannel shirt for added warmth and style.
• Dapper Flannel: Elevate the flannel shirt for a more formal event by pairing it with chinos or dress pants, a tie, and a fitted blazer. Finish the look with dress shoes and a pocket square for added sophistication.
• Cozy Weekend: For a relaxed weekend outfit, wear your flannel shirt with leggings or joggers and a pair of cozy slippers or slip-on sneakers. Add a knitted cardigan or a soft hoodie for extra warmth and comfort.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I wear a flannel shirt to work?

Absolutely! Flannel shirts can be dressed up for a more professional look. Pair your flannel shirt with tailored pants or a pencil skirt, and consider adding a blazer or cardigan for an extra layer of sophistication.

2. How do I care for my flannel shirt?

To keep your flannel shirt looking and feeling its best, follow the care instructions on the garment's label. Generally, flannel shirts can be machine washed in cold water and tumble dried on low. However, some flannel shirts may require dry cleaning or special care, so it's essential to read the label before washing.

3. Are flannel shirts only for cold weather?

While flannel shirts are known for their warmth, they can be worn in various weather conditions. Lightweight flannel shirts are suitable for milder temperatures, while heavier flannel shirts are perfect for colder weather. The key is to choose the right fabric weight and layer your flannel shirt appropriately for the climate.

4. Can I wear a flannel shirt with a suit?

Yes, you can wear a flannel shirt with a suit, but it's important to choose the right style and fit. Opt for a fitted flannel shirt in a solid color or a subtle pattern, and make sure the shirt's fabric is not too thick, as it may add unwanted bulk under your suit jacket.

5. How do I choose the right size flannel shirt?

To find the perfect fit, consider your body type and personal style preferences. Fitted flannel shirts are more tailored and offer a polished look, while oversized flannel shirts provide a relaxed, laid-back vibe. When trying on flannel shirts, make sure the shoulders, chest, and waist fit comfortably without being too tight or too loose.

6. Are flannel shirts still in style in 2023?

Definitely! Flannel shirts are a timeless classic that continues to be popular in 2023. With their versatile design and cozy feel, flannel shirts remain a staple in many people's wardrobes, and they're an excellent addition to any outfit, whether you're going for a casual, laid-back look or a more polished, professional appearance.

In conclusion, flannel shirts are very powerful clothing type that will really give you an extremely good and stylish look. It’s ideal to wear during camping or just to wear outside as a regular shirt.

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