First, let鈥檚 be clear about something. Flannel is a fabric, not a pattern颅鈥攍ike, say, plaid. (Plaid just happens to be one of the more popular patterns used in flannel apparel.) Semantics aside, there鈥檚 a reason everyone鈥檚 wearing flannel shirts again: they look good and are more functional (and comfortable) than your average button-up.
Columbia Flare Gun Stretch ($65)
Take Columbia鈥檚 Flare Gun Stretch, a cotton-blend classic: loose fitting, super soft, and cut long for maximum comfort. We found ourselves wanting to wear it a few days in a row. So we did.
Filson鈥檚 Women鈥檚 Western ($135)
The brushed-cotton twill of Filson鈥檚 Women鈥檚 Western is butter soft against your skin, and it has just enough structure鈥攑articularly in the cuffs and collar鈥攖o offer a tailored look without sacrificing comfort. Style points for the pearl snaps.
Stio Dovetail Cabin ($109)
Stio鈥檚 Dovetail Cabin is equal parts snug鈥攎ade of brushed cotton鈥攁nd lightweight. It features a longer, more feminine cut and a roomy fit without looking frumpy.
Mountain Hardwear Moiry ($95)
The handsome navy and yellow buffalo check sets the Mountain Hardwear Moiry apart. Its tight cotton weave provides durability and unrestricting structure, and the cropped cut is stylish.
Fj盲llr盲ven Canada LS W ($150)
Made of 70 percent antimicrobial, temperature-regulating wool, the Fj盲llr盲ven Canada LS W is a little on the heavy side, but it鈥檚 supremely functional. The other 30 percent is polyester, lending the shirt a bit of stretch, making it possibly the perfect shirt for actual lumberjacks.
Hugh and Crye Swanson ($85)
Despite being a menswear brand, Hugh and Crye received praise from both men and women for its all-cotton Swanson. The flannel is soft and the fit options plenty, so you can get one worthy of dressing up.