The 13 Best Flannel Shirts for Men From Filson, L.L. Bean, Patagonia & More

Flannel shirts have earned a place in men’s cold-weather wardrobes because they’re incredibly soft, warm, and nice-looking. But the best men’s flannels offer something more than the average button-up shirt. A flannel is sartorially flexible, straddling the line between casual style and workwear, making it one of the most versatile layers to be worn on its own, over a lightweight hoodie, or under a winter jacket during the colder months.

They also come with a pedigree for reliability, toughness, and practicality that continue to define the category today. This stems from the garment’s origins as workwear in 16th-century Wales as well as its legacy as one of the most chosen garments for working-class Americans.

Much like the iconic Western shirt, men's flannels are still used as workwear. And though most are now cut for modern tastes, the best flannels are still woven, milled, and sewn to last a long time without pilling.

Men’s Journal aims to feature only the best products and services. We update when possible, but deals expire and prices can change. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

The Best Men's Flannel Shirts of 2023

Frequently Asked Questions About Men’s Flannel Shirts

What makes a shirt a flannel shirt?

Today's top flannel shirts for men are button-down style shirts made from brushed cotton. Originally made of wool, most flannels produced today are made of loosely woven brushed cotton that yields its iconic soft-to-the-touch feel.

Are all flannel shirts plaid?

A plaid pattern is probably what most people think of when they think of a flannel shirt, but they're also widely available in solid colors and even some graphic prints. It’s the qualities of the fabric rather than the design that make a flannel a flannel.

When should you wear a flannel shirt?

One of the great virtues of men’s flannel shirts is its stylish versatility. Flannel shirts can look great in the middle of the mountains, but they’re just as well-suited at home or in offices with smart-casual dress codes. It’s hard to think of an autumnal or winter scene that a flannel wouldn’t look great in, which is part of why they’ve become a staple in so many men’s wardrobes.