If there’s one item of clothing that I stole the most from boyfriends of years past, it was flannel shirts. They’re comfortable, soft, and perfect to just throw on. Flannels are staples in many men’s wardrobes so picking the right one shouldn’t be taken lightly. Find the right shape, silhouette, and material and get a flannel shirt that you’ll never want to take off (or risk being stolen by a needy partner).
I love this flannel so much—it’s unbelievably soft, yet well fitting. It fits like a pair of pajamas, you never want to take it off. It works buttoned up or open, and is probably the most comfortable clothing item with buttons I own.
Buck Mason makes some of our favorite T-shirts, and their flannel is a can’t miss either. It’s a little slim, but that makes it a more stylish option. It’s made from high-quality Japanese cotton flannel, and includes a rounded shirttail hem.
Filson is one of my favorite outdoorsy brands, and their flannels are lumberjack-chic. This one is a little more rugged, has a double breasted pocket, but the fabric remains soft.
This is one of my favorite flannels, and I wear it pretty much every chance I get. It has chest pockets on both sides, which means it looks great both buttoned and unbuttoned.I also love the collar buttons, which, while rare for a flannel, help ensure this collar doesn’t get all wrinkled and crinkled.
This flannel definitely isn’t reinventing the wheel, but there’s no need to. The flannels are super-brushed meaning they are extra soft, have great details along the seams, and have one front chest pocket. Plus, there is a back pleat for a little extra range of motion.
Uniqlo’s brushed 100% cotton flannel is specifically designed to keep you warm. The front is a little shorter than the back, which makes the shirt look a little more balanced. This is a basic flannel you can wear with practically anything.
Not only is this flannel lined with a cotton thermal lining to keep you warm, it also has pockets for basically everything from your phone to a beer. It’s soft and completely machine washable, though you may want to take your time to empty out all of the special pockets before tossing it into the machine. Their women’s style is one of my personal favorites.
One of L.L.Bean’s best-selling items, this classic flannel has been around for more than 80 years. It’s made from 100% cotton and woven in Portugal. And the “Scotch” in the name isn’t just for show: all patterns are matched to historical tartans in the Scottish registry.
This best-selling Amazon option has unique features like corduroy-lined cuffs and collar and a chest pocket with a pencil slot. The double pleat in the back gives you more mobility, no matter the activity. It also comes in over 15 color options.
If you’re looking for a heavier-weight flannel, this is the one for you. It’s made with brushed fleece to keep you warm and comfortable. Layer it under a coat when it’s super cold or add it as a top layer once things start warming up a bit.
Carhartt is a classic workwear brand so you can only expect the best from their flannels. This option has a touch of spandex mixed with cotton to add some stretch and comfort to the streamlined flannel button-down. It’s also been garment washed to cut down on any potential shrinkage.
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