Flannel shirts are a classic staple for men. They're soft and warm, but they can also be dressed up or down in many different ways. Here are some of our favorite ways to style flannel shirts:
The Flannel Shirt
Flannel shirts are a classic, and for good reason. They're made from cotton flannel, which is soft but also durable. The material can absorb moisture from the skin and wick away sweat so you don't feel clammy under your shirt—but it also means that this type of clothing will need some special care.
Flannel shirts have been part of our wardrobe since long before we had access to dry cleaners or washers with high heat settings on clothes racks in department stores (although those things have their own benefits). They're easy to style: just throw one on over anything—a button-down shirt or even jeans! You'll instantly look cooler than ever before thanks to how comfortable they make you feel when wearing them around town every day...or at least until someone questions why you always wear flannel every day (this could happen).
1. Wear it alone with jeans and sneakers
Wear it alone with jeans and sneakers
Wear it with a pair of sneakers
Wear it with a pair of sneakers and a tee
If you're feeling like mixing things up, try wearing your flannel shirt with jeans and sneakers for an extra casual look. If you're feeling more dressed up than usual, go ahead and wear your flannel shirt over another t-shirt or button-down shirt so that it doesn't get wrinkled by sweat while working out.
2. Wear it under a vest and over a tee
If you want to wear your flannel shirt over a T-shirt, try this combination:
Wear your flannel shirt with a vest underneath. A denim vest is ideal for this look because of its ruggedness and ability to pair well with any outfit. The leather vest is more formal, but also very stylish and versatile; it works especially well when paired with jeans or chinos (or even khakis). You can find both styles at most department stores like JCPenney or Sears!
3. Wear it open over a long-sleeved tee
Wear it open over a long-sleeved tee
This is the most basic way to wear flannel shirts, but it's still one of the most popular looks. You can pair your flannel shirt with any type of pants or shorts—even jeans! However, if you want to make this outfit more casual, we recommend wearing your shirt untucked and unbuttoned (or buttoned all the way up).
4. Wear it under a half-zip
Wear it under a half-zip
If you have a flannel shirt that's too long, try wearing it with a half-zip or button-down shirt underneath. This will give the outfit more of an "off the shoulder" look and make your mane look even bigger, if that's possible!
You can also wear this style over any other piece of clothing that isn't too dressy (like jeans), but if you're going to be dressing up in formal clothes, consider going all out and adding some cuff links or suspenders to go along with your outfit.
5. Wear it under a sweater or hoodie
Flannel shirts are great for layering, and when you wear a flannel shirt under another layer of clothing, it can be warmer than your t-shirt. For example, if you're wearing a sweater or hoodie, try wearing a flannel shirt underneath that. If it's cold outside and you don't want to get too hot when running errands in the mall, then consider adding this layer on top of everything else.
Flannel shirts are also great for layering because they're so versatile: they can go with jeans and sneakers or dress shoes—they'll look just as good whether you're going out to brunch with friends after work or heading into town for shopping!
6. Wear it with a henley
If you're looking for a way to wear your flannel shirt, try wearing it with a henley. You can dress up the look by adding a button-down or polo shirt underneath your henley, or keep things casual and wear the two together. If you want to add some style points, consider wearing your new button-up in front of an open collar shirt like the one below:
If that doesn't sound like something at all comfortable in real life but still super awesome on Instagram (you know who I'm talking about), then try pairing this look with another stylish item—like an oversized jacket!
7. Wear it under a sports jacket with jeans or chinos
If you're looking for a more casual look, wearing your flannel shirt over a sport jacket with jeans or chinos is an excellent option. It'll give the outfit some pop and make it feel like you can be comfortable while still looking good in your favorite pair of jeans.
If you want to take things up a notch, consider pairing your flannel shirt with other pieces that are less formal or dressy. A button-down shirt will give it added warmth and personality—especially if you wear it open at the collar so that it hangs down over one shoulder (like this guy).
8. With trousers and loafers, open
If you're looking for an easy and casual look, flannel shirts are a great choice. They're comfortable, warm and can be worn with jeans or chinos, as well as trousers.
Flannel shirts look good buttoned up or left open at the top for a more relaxed feel. You'll want to find out what kind of collar you prefer: a rounded one that is left open or a flat one that buttons down all the way around your neck (this will depend on how formal of an outfit you plan on wearing).
If you're feeling extra-cute in your flannel shirt this weekend—and we know how much fun it can be to pull off some edgy style—go ahead and pair it with some boots!
9. With trousers and loafers, buttoned up to the top
This look is the epitome of casual, but it's also very versatile. If you're looking to dress up your flannel shirt a bit, pair it with trousers and loafers (or even sneakers). Or wear this outfit with a tie around your neck in place of pants—buttons can be cuffed high on the shirt's sleeves if desired!
10. Worn as a jacket with dressier trousers
Worn as a jacket with dressier trousers
Flannel shirts make for great outerwear, whether you’re going out for dinner or just hanging around the house. But if you want to add some extra style points to your look, try styling it with more formal attire like chinos and loafers.
The key here is that the flannel shirt should be paired with dressier trousers instead of jeans or jeans-style pants; otherwise, it will look too casual (and potentially even uncomfortable). If you have one of these in your wardrobe already—or if it's what came with the last pair of pants ordered from J. Crew—then all you need are some nice shoes and socks so that everything matches up!
11. Just throw on some shorts and be done with it
If you're looking for a way to get your flannel shirt style on and off the beaten path, consider wearing it with shorts. It's an easy way to keep things casual but still give off some rugged vibes. The best thing about this look? You can do it in any season—not just summertime! In fact, if you're looking for something more laid-back than what we've shown above (which is exactly what we recommend), try pairing your flannel shirt with jeans or even sweatpants instead of shorts. This will let you add more texture without making it look like an outfit from another decade entirely!
You can wear your flannel shirts in lots of different ways
You can wear your flannel shirts in lots of different ways. Here are some examples:
Open over a long-sleeved tee and jeans.
Under a half-zip or sports jacket with jeans or chinos.
With a henley over it for a casual look, or under that henley for something more dressy (and maybe even just throw on some boots if you want to take things up another notch).
Conclusion
We hope you’ve enjoyed our guide to styling men’s flannel shirts. We know that it can be a challenge to find the right look for your own style, but we encourage you to try out some of these different options and see what works best for you. You may even discover one or two new ways to wear your flannel shirt that we didn’t mention here!