Flannel is Forever

Classics, they say, never go out of fashion, and flannel is the perfect example of this adage.

It has been more than three centuries since Welsh farmers first wore flannel to face the weather while working in fields, and it has been a couple of decades since Jim Morrison and Nirvana, sported it on-stage as millions of starry-eyed youngsters watched and idolized them. But now in 2018, everyone from lumberjacks to business executives and rock stars to hipsters still swear by flannel as the fabric of their choice, especially for winters.

The reasons for this continuing popularity are not difficult to see: flannel is comfy, warm, easy-to-match with other pieces in your wardrobe, and comes in virtually every possible color. Also, at the same time, it is not that flannel is good only for casual dressing. Simon Crompton, the well-known British sartorial blogger and the patron saint of fashionable men everywhere, calls flannel the ideal choice for formal-wear if you want a change from regular worsted-wool suits and trousers.

From the classic red-and-black plaid flannel shirt the quintessential grey flannel pants required in every man’s wardrobe, and the flannel suit best-suited for a solid, gentlemanly look, there are a number of styles to decide how you wear your flannel.

• Keep things casual with a polo shirt or a simple t-shirt. For this look you could also choose a pair of clean trainers over smart shoes.

In addition to styles, there are a number of ‘types’ of flannel available to choose from, based on various parameters like weight of the fabric, the milling process, the weaving process and most importantly, the use you have in mind for it.

Generally, the cloth is beaten about and broken during the milling process and that produces the fuzzy effect we love in linen fabric. Worsted flannel, however, will react differently to the milling process. Similarly, flannel enthusiasts are happier with heavier flannels (like these amazing trousers here) than with lighter ones because they lose their crease more quickly, and may even start bagging at the knees or elbows if the wearer is not careful or the fabric quality is sub-standard. That said, lighter flannels from good-quality, trusted manufacturers like these are more practical for casual wear.

The choice ultimately depends on personal preference and common sense, for example Crompton suggests a 11-oz fabric for flannel trousers because “your legs don’t have as much blood flow as your upper body and don’t get hot nearly as easily. Your creases will thank you.”

There are other types also, like flannelette or cotton-flannel bocking flannel and linsey-woolsey flannel. The important thing, however, is to not get bogged down too much into technicalities because the bottom line is still your preference, comfort and the statement you want to make with your unique dressing sense.

Flannel is your best choice for achieving the perfect combination of great looks, classic style, and utility, all at the same time.

We hope you have fun with flannel this winter!