Flannels aren’t going anywhere. They stay in style year after year because they look great on almost everyone. You just need to style them right so you don’t look like you just walked out of a logging camp.
I have worn these shirts in every scenario you can imagine. They anchor a wardrobe better than almost anything else. You get a rugged aesthetic and genuine comfort in a single piece.
There are ways to pull this look off without appearing like a farmer. Success depends on the fit and how you build your layers. Here are five reliable formulas for wearing a flannel today.
Browse through these options to spot your next go-to outfit. Start by checking your own closet for a few versatile colors.
Herringbone Flannel Jacket + Dark Brown Leather Trousers
The textured pattern on the jacket keeps the deep, solid colors from feeling flat. Since the leather trousers are smooth, they offer a nice contrast to the softness of the woven fabric.
Blue Plaid Shirt + Navy Coated Jeans
Coated denim provides a little bit of shine that plays well with the darker tones in a textured overshirt. If you wear white sneakers, the whole outfit feels grounded and prevents the dark shades from becoming too heavy.
Plaid Button-up + Brown Corduroy Trousers
A cream turtleneck creates a clean anchor for the busy shirt pattern. Because the brown corduroy picks up the warm tones in the plaid, the outfit feels cohesive and intentional.
Purple Plaid Shirt + Beige Trousers
Those soft beige trousers do a great job of balancing out the cool purple hues of the shirt. The relaxed fit keeps things comfortable enough for running errands on the weekend.
Black Plaid Button Down + Grey Sweatpants
Light grey sweatpants neutralize the intensity of the black plaid. This pairing works because the structured pattern of the shirt plays off the soft, casual texture of the pants.
Red Plaid Button-Down + Washed Black Jeans
Burgundy tones add some much-needed warmth to faded black denim. Wearing an open shirt over a fitted dark tee results in a look that feels casual but sharp.
Plaid Shirt + Black Denim Jeans
Dark, wide-leg jeans serve as a solid foundation for a busy plaid pattern. Adding a white base layer provides a crisp visual break between the deep colors of the shirt and the bottom half of the look.
Blue Plaid Shirt + Grey Carpenter Jeans
Thermal sleeves in white create a striking contrast against the dark checked print. Those relaxed grey jeans offer a durable, workwear vibe that complements the shorter cut of the overshirt.
Multi-Colored Check Shirt + Washed Black Jeans
Earth tones in the plaid pattern anchor the brightness of a white tee. Because the black jeans are loose, the cropped jacket has space to stand out.
Red Plaid Overshirt + Black Cargo Pants
A grey hoodie adds real warmth underneath the heavy wool shirt. White sneakers offer a sharp finish and balance out the darker trousers.
Red Plaid Flannel + Olive Green Trousers
The red hues in the button-down tame the muted olive of the trousers. Throwing on a pair of leather boots grounds the layers and makes the outfit ready for the workday.
Yellow Plaid Button-up + Light Wash Denim Jeans
Pale blue denim keeps those bright yellow tones grounded for a daytime aesthetic. Fitted black boots provide a sharp contrast that structures the loose shirt and jeans combination.
Black and White Check Zip-up + Wide-Leg Black Trousers
Full-length trousers provide a clean foundation for the boxy plaid top. The zip-up style creates a modern silhouette that layers perfectly over a white shirt.
Green Plaid Shirt + Khaki Chinos
Tan trousers prevent an oversized, dark top from feeling too heavy. A pair of white sneakers finishes the look with a simple, clean contrast.
Green Plaid Shirt + Light Wash Distressed Jeans
Light denim breaks up the darkness of the shirt while introducing a relaxed vibe. The loose fit of the jeans plays nicely against the structured layering of the open button-down.
Blue Plaid Shirt + Grey Baggy Jeans
Grey denim anchors the bright blue shirt and adds a relaxed shape to the bottom half. Structured leather loafers ensure the baggy pants don’t look sloppy.
Black and White Patterned Button Down + Charcoal Wide Leg Jeans
Rhinestone details on the shirt add a bit of unexpected texture to the monochromatic plaid. Baggy charcoal denim balances the shirt’s structured fit while keeping the silhouette relaxed.
Red Plaid Shirt + Dark Denim Jeans
Raw denim gives the bright red pattern a solid, balanced base. A white tank top acts as a crisp layer that separates the bold colors.
Red Plaid Shirt + Black Wide-Leg Jeans
Red plaid stops a simple black jeans and tee combo from feeling boring. Tan boots help tie in the lighter squares of the fabric, pulling the outfit together.
Grey Plaid Short Sleeve + Black Wide Leg Jeans
A white tank top creates a clean break under dark patterns. Wide-leg denim balances the boxy cut of the shirt for a casual, relaxed profile.
Grey Plaid Shirt + Distressed Denim Jeans
Distressed denim offers a lived-in feel that softens the sharp lines of the plaid. Dark leather boots pull the lighter colors of the jeans and the white base layer together.
Plaid Button-Up + Denim Shorts
Blue and yellow plaid colors pop nicely against a plain white shirt. Knee-length denim shorts counter the loose fit of the top, perfect for a beach day.
Brown Plaid Zip-up + Black Wide-Leg Jeans
Layering white underneath breaks up the heavy brown tones of the top. The oversized fit of the jeans effectively grounds the lighter fabric above.