The Best Flannel Shirt for Men

This Filson flannel will become the favorite shirt you'll make excuses to wear

By Sandra Nygaard, Men's Heath

When you think flannel shirts, images of lumberjacks. rustic guys, or Kurt Cobain and '90s grunge may come to mind. But the very practical flannel shirt should be your go-to layer when the air is chilly.
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The best flannel shirts are soft, not too stiff, and feel comfortable enough to wear the entire weekend. And depending on your job, maybe even to work come Monday. That’s because they’re made from thick, brushed cotton that feels plush to the touch, like a favorite pair of pajamas.

Let’s be clear: There’s no dressing up a flannel shirt, so don’t even try it. Unlike regular plaid shirts, the thick fabric renders them casual. These rugged tops are made to pair with denim or chinos. Adds some leather boots or anything with a lug sole, and you are staying true to their original intentions. Wear them alone or as a layer—the thicker ones function well as a thin jacket when temperatures fluctuate.

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If you want to keep the heritage vibe intact, some of the best flannel shirts are made by plenty of heritage brands, like Filson, L.L. Bean, Duluth Trading Company, and Eddie Bauer. They never swayed from killer flannel shirts while the rest of us were busy jumping on trend bandwagons. Brands like Abercrombie + Fitch, Huckberry, and J. Crew offer their own take with updated shapes and patterns. Regardless of the style, understated earth tones or dark colors will make them more versatile and easy to match.
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While we’re big fans of many of these traditional iterations, the Filson Alaskan Guide Shirt gets us every time. Not only is the plaid easy to like, but details, such as adjustable button-closure cuffs and a pleated back makes it easy to move in. The fabric is durable but still soft, made with brushed cotton that only gets comfier the more it’s washed. It will become the favorite shirt you’ll make excuses to wear.

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