Men’s Guide on How to Wear a Flannel Shirt
A flannel shirt is one of the most versatile wardrobe staples that never seems to go out of style. Born from workwear, the classic checked shirt has found its way into modern menswear trends, to bring a simple clothing piece that offers endless styling opportunities. No matter the occasion or season, a flannel shirt provides a comfortable and effortlessly stylish garment that can work year-round when styled in the right way.
Bridging the gap between casual and more formal wear, the humble flannel shirt is both laid-back and polished depending on how you style it. Whether you’re using it as a functional layering piece for the winter months, or as a statement shirt to pair with shorts in the summer, there are many ways for you to style up a flannel shirt, both old and new. Keep reading as we break down our favourite styling options throughout the seasons so you can get the most out of this timeless clothing piece.
How to style a flannel shirt in autumn
Autumn is peak flannel shirt season, with this style of shirt globally synonymous with the fashion trends this time of year. As the air starts to cool, this layering piece is one of the best clothing items to bring into your everyday outfit rotation, with the textured fabric bringing a welcomed layer of warmth. There are so many varying colour combinations to choose from, with earthy tones like burgundy, forest green and mustard often reflected in the checked patterns, a flannel shirt blends seamlessly with an autumnal palette to make any outfit feel seasonal without trying too hard.
Superdry Longsleeved Cotton Lumberjack Shirt, Levi’s 501 Original Fit Jeans and Barbour Maxwell Chukka Leather Boots
The key to perfecting autumn style is layering, with a flannel shirt working as the perfect middle layer for any outfit. Whether you’re looking for a casual everyday look or a more formal outfit that is still on-theme with seasonal styles, this shirt is the piece you need. We suggest choosing a checked pattern that includes seasonal tones that will complement other pieces in your wardrobe. For everyday casualwear, style the shirt open and layered over a plain white t-shirt that contrasts the pattern to help it stand out. Pair with an interesting textured trouser such as a simple cord trouser, or keep it simple with dark denim and finish with a pair of boots or leather trainers.
If you’re looking to make this shirt suitable for more formal occasions, wear it buttoned up and tucked into a pair of chinos or suit trousers, and finish off with a leather belt and smart chelsea boot. Don’t be afraid to play with silhouettes and textures, incorporating leathers, wools and corduroy as this will keep your look on-trend with the season and tie the whole outfit together seamlessly.
How to style a flannel shirt in winter
Similar to autumn, a flannel shirt is another key styling piece that every man should have in his wardrobe this winter. This style of shirt becomes more than just an aesthetic choice as the temperature drops, as it acts as a practical layering piece to keep you warm in less-favourable weather conditions. The tartan pattern is also a prominent style that dominates the fashion scene in winter due to its festive connection with Christmas, with red and green checked patterns in particular giving a nostalgic vibe that also taps into the festive spirit.
Barbour Dunoon Tailored Tartan Shirt, Ted Baker Aldovie Peacoat Jacket and Caterpillar Practitioner Mid Leather Boots
For a foolproof stylish look that is sure to see you through many cold days, opt for a thick flannel buttoned up over a thermal base layer, and add a winter coat. A structured pea coat in a dark colourway will give you a more formal winter look whilst keeping the cold at bay and letting the pattern of the flannel shirt stand out. Another option would be to layer the flannel shirt underneath a knitted jumper or chunky cardigan that lets the collar and hem peek through for a subtle pop of pattern. Pair with either a dark denim jean or cargo trouser and a pair of leather boots that offer good traction and weather-resistant features.
Accessories are a man’s best friend when it comes to winter styling. To keep your look cohesive, pick out one of the colours from the pattern of your checked shirt and choose a beanie or scarf to match. This is a simple way to keep your look intentional and seasonally appropriate. Browse through our range of men’s designer accessories to find winter-ready essentials to complement your wardrobe.
How to style a flannel shirt in spring
Transitioning out of winter to slightly warmer spring days requires the perfect lightweight layer for unpredictable weather. Swap out the dark hued flannel shirts for more pastel-toned checked patterns like light blue, soft grey and pale greens that add a fresh, spring-time vibe. At this time of year, a flannel shirt can double as a lightweight jacket, for just that right amount of coverage when the clouds creep in. The versatility of the flannel shirt in spring means that it is lightweight enough to be worn solo on milder days and easy to layer up when needed.
Barbour Lewis Tailored Shirt, Carhartt WIP Sid Chino Trousers and Puma Clyde Mid Bball Rhuigi Hi Trainers
For an easy everyday spring look, try layering a light-coloured flannel open over a long-sleeve top or polo shirt, rolling up the sleeves for a laid-back touch once the sun comes out. Pair with slim-fitting jeans or chinos in a neutral tone to keep the colour palette cohesive. The key for making a checked pattern work in spring is to keep the colouring bright and in-line with the tones of the season.
Spring is the time to ditch your boots and bring out your favourite trainers. Adding a trainer that has a pop of colour to them that complements the tones in your flannel shirt helps to create a cohesive outfit and also injects a fun element into an everyday casual outfit.
How to style a flannel shirt in summer
Despite its association with the festive season and colder months, a flannel shirt can still earn its place in your wardrobe even in the summer. The key is to choose a short-sleeved silhouette in a lighter fabric to keep it breathable, and to stick to summer colours in the pattern to keep it on-trend for the season. This is also a great time to have fun with the pattern and stray from the typical heavy winter plaid look, opting for more abstract checked patterns and intriguing colour combinations.
Barbour Oakshore Shirt, Jack & Jones Rick Original Denim Shorts and Vans Ryland Suede Trainers
The easiest way to wear flannel in summer is as a light layer with your go-to pair of shorts. Whether you prefer a breathable chino short, or you’re more of a denim shorts guy in the summer, the versatility of this patterned shirt allows you to pair it with any style. A flannel shirt paired with denim shorts will keep the look more laidback and casual, whereas a chino short lends itself to more smart-casual styling. You can also opt to wear the flannel shirt open and layered with a vest or t-shirt, depending on the temperature.
For footwear, a canvas trainer in a neutral tone will work best to keep the shirt as the centrepiece of the outfit. If you’re going for a more formal look, a boat shoe or loafer will bring the look together whilst keeping the outfit seasonally appropriate.
Find the perfect flannel shirt at Standout
If you’re wanting to get your hands on one of these go-to wardrobe staples and reap the benefits of a full-year-round classic overshirt, simply head on over to our full collection of men’s designer checked shirts to find the perfect pattern and colourway for you. Featuring shirts from some of your favourite designers including Barbour, Superdry, Levi’s and many more.
