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.
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The Best Men’s Flannel Shirts of 2023
There’s nothing quite as disappointing as falling in love with a shirt during its first wear to find that it’s shrunk when it comes out of the wash. That won’t happen with this top Relwen flannel shirt for men. Pre-shrunk, this 100% cotton flannel shirt is cut for modern tastes with a slightly tapered waist that accentuates the best muscles in every man. Choose from one of three lumberjack-worthy plaid colorways and pair it with Pedro Pascal’s iconic jacket from The Last of Us for a zombie-proof aesthetic.
[$198; huckberry.com]
Lands’ End Flagship Flannel Shirt 
A sub-$50 flannel from a quintessential American outdoor brand? Sign us up. This Lands’ End flagship is 100-percent brushed cotton and comes in a traditional fit for additional comfort. Adjustable cuffs make rolling up the sleeves easy, and the wide variety of plaids and solids and low price point make it a great flannel to stock up on.
[$39; amazon.com]
L.L. Bean Plaid Slim Fit Signature 1933 Chamois Flannel Button-Up Shirt 
Maine-based mainstay L.L. Bean knows a thing or two about cozy basics, and this cotton chamois shirt is a prime example. Brushed for maximum softness, it’s heavy enough to almost qualify as a shirt jacket. And for those who already have a closet full of plaid flannel shirts, this vintage-inspired style might be the only one worthy of a spot among the printed pile.
[$89; nordstrom.com]
Patagonia Long-Sleeve Midweight Fjord Flannel Shirt 
A future favorite shirt for brisk hikes and holiday light peeping, Patagonia’s take on the flannel shirt is unsurprisingly useful. The cotton is 6.5 ounces and organically grown. There are two chest pockets with flaps and button enclosures to keep small, important things secure on the trail. Opt outside with the “Guides/Superior Blue” colorway to bring a 3D-looking print to a 2D-looking view from high up in the mountains.
[$99; rei.com]
Todd Snyder Wool Cashmere Military Shirt 
Todd Snyder’s latest take on a men’s flannel exudes real luxury with the warmth of wool, the softness of cashmere, and the classic cut of a military shirt. Modeled after vintage field clothing, the metal snaps further the military vibe, standing out in the best way. It’s not a cheap shirt, but the quality of the materials and the unique take on the everyday flannel shirt make it worth the investment.
[$298; toddsnyder.com]
Filson Alaskan Guide Shirt 
Filson’s Alaskan Guide Shirt is a tried and true staple designed for the working man. Its tightly woven brushed cotton fabric effectively blocks wind while providing exceptional softness and warmth. The pleated rear shoulders allow for an enhanced range of motion that’s ideal for casting a line out during chilly fishing trips (or an afternoon of yard work).
[$145; filson.com]
American Giant Vintage Flannel 
At 5.5 ounces per square yard, the cotton that makes up this flannel falls squarely in the midweight range, so it’s great on its own during the fall and spring or as one of multiple layers during the winter. The brand says it sources that fabric from the last fabric mill in the US and makes its classic plaid shirts in New York City, a sign of the care that goes into each garment.
[$168; american-giant.com]
J.Crew Midweight Flannel Workshirt 
It hasn’t reached the iconic heights of the Ludlow suit or J.Crew Oxford, but the American brand’s flannel workshirts deserve their place in the pantheon. Available in a wide variety of plaids, from classic buffalo check to new-school takes on tartan, in both slim and traditional cuts. All of the cotton is sourced from an agricultural program that encourages biodiversity, lower emissions, and the health of the people who harvest it, so it’s a shirt you can feel good about buying.
[$118; jcrew.com]
Schott Plaid Cotton Flannel Shirt 
It should come as no surprise that Schott, maker of the original leather motorcycle jacket, also came up with a fantastic take on the everyday flannel shirt. It’s made of seven-ounce midweight cotton and is available in five different dark plaids that emphasize natural tones. It looks great on its own, but it is best paired with a Schott leather jacket for a maximal Americana look.
[$52 (was $80); huckberry.com]
Bonobos Fireside Flannel Shirt 
This shirt is 98% cotton, but it’s the 2% touch of spandex that makes the difference. The resulting garment is plenty soft and warm, but one that also has enough stretch to stay in place, and stay comfortable, should it be worn during more active pursuits, from running to catch the bus to walking a mile when you miss said..
