Flannel is Forever
Classics, they say, never go out of fashion, and flannels are 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 welcome to the present day and everyone from lumberjacks to business executives and rock stars to hipsters still swear by Flannel as the fabric of their choice, especially for winters. Here’s a link to some fun flannel trivia, and its evolution through the ages <<hyperlink>>
The reasons for this continuing popularity are not difficult to see: flannels are comfy, warm, easy-to-match with other pieces in your wardrobe, and come in a wide variety of colors. At the same time, it is not that flannel is good only for casual dressing. Samuel 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.
The reasons for preferring flannels especially in winters are two-fold: flannel works exceedingly well to insulate your body and doesn’t let the precious heat escape because of the brushing process to which the fabric has been treated. Also, being water-resistant, it acts as protection against mild showers and light snowfall.
From the quintessential grey flannel pants required in every man’s wardrobe <<hyperlink>> ,the flannel suit best-suited for a solid, gentlemanly look <<hyperlink>>, and the classic red-and-black plaid flannel shirt <<hyperlink>>, there are a number of styles to decide how you wear your flannel.
For flannel pants, you can
- Try darker shades with a sky-blue shirt for formal looks.
- Pair your trousers with sleek and elegant materials like cashmere roll-necks for a sophisticated look.
- 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.
Some tried and trusted ways to sport a flannel shirt are to
- Go casual with a plaid shirt and wear them with denim jeans.
- Wear a plain flannel shirt with a suit for a more formal look.
- Wear your flannel shirt as an open jacket of sorts on a warmer day.
- Go for the grunge look and don a lumberjack check plaid shirt over a graphic t-shirt.
In addition to styles, there are a number of ‘types’ of flannel available to choose from, based on various parameters like the 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<<hyperlink>>) 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 <<hyperlink>> 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.”
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!