Why checked flannel shirts are men's best casualwear friend
The checked flannel shirt’s heyday was the 1990s, when it was inextricably linked to the music scene coming out of Seattle. I was in my 20s then, but my love for this colourful, masculine, wholesome staple has never wavered.
I divide my own flannel shirts into those that speak to my inner Springsteen, which I wear over a white T-shirt with a pair of vintage denims, and those that can work with a tie. That look can venture into Corbyn territory, so must only be attempted with subtle checks and neutral colours.
In my opinion, French sustainable-basics brand Octobre Editions offers the finest, flatteringly cut designs without being too bicep-stretching. Their Charlie shirt in marine, with real mother of pearl buttons that would look great with a preppy knitted tie, is an absolute winner.
There is debate over whether a button-down collar belongs on the smarter side of your closet. I would say yes. Originally designed to keep Ivy League polo players’ collars from flapping up into their face, button-downs do the same job today for city boys’ ties. Mango, Cos and Ben Sherman have some great examples.
My one piece of advice on a casual flannel shirt is not to over-iron it. Flannel has a brushed and tactile texture, so the well-loved, worn-in look is already there. Keep it that way.
Gap’s original soft flannel shirt is a classic and will never go out of fashion, but other high-street chains, such as Zara and H&M, are giving them a run for the money. A couple of trend pointers: yellow is the colour of 2021 and upscaled gingham checks – Peregrine’s Preston shirt springs to mind – are the new tartan.
Flannel Panel
Back River heavy flannel shirt £40 by Timberland
Checked flannel shirt £55 by COS
Trek overshirt €190 (£165 approx) by APC
Checked flannel shirt £29.99 by ZARA
Twill shirt jacket £24.99 by H&M
Preston shirt £95 by Peregrine
Brushed flannel check shirt £35 by Next
Regular-fit check flannel shirt £19.99 by Mango
L/S Irvin twill flannel shirt £80 by Carhartt-Wip
Heavy brush check overshirt £63 by Ben Sherman
