Flannel shirts are timeless, fuss-free, and a favorite throw-on-and-go choice for fashionable men. Whether you’re building confidence in your wardrobe or refining your style, men’s flannel outfits make it easy to showcase your personality.
Today, men’s long-sleeve flannel shirts are a versatile staple in closets worldwide. Offering comfort, style, and that classic rugged look the ladies love, every man should know their way around a flannel shirt.
So, if you've ever found yourself searching for how to style flannel or exploring new ways to wear it, you're in the right place. Let’s break down the best ways to wear it, from laid-back weekends to dressed-up nights out and everything in between.
How to Style a Flannel Shirt
There aren’t many occasions where a trusty flannel shirt doesn’t come in handy. Most have checkered or plaid patterns, although plain flannels are also an option. Knowing how to style a flannel is a must if you want to make the most of this classic, and look your best while doing it. Here’s a rundown of styling moves that will keep your flannel rotation on point.
Buttons and Sleeves – For the ultimate relaxed vibe when you’re chilling at home or out for a walk, leave the top couple of buttons undone and roll up the sleeves. On cooler days or when you want a more composed look, keep the sleeves down and all buttons fastened.
Tucked in or Out? – The beauty in how to style flannel is in its versatility. Tucked in, left out, or half-tucked can all work, depending on where you want to sit on the casual to casual-smart scale.
And if you really want to play around with your style, try wearing a flannel with different pants and shoe combinations. If the weather calls for it, you can even use your flannel shirt as an accessory by tying it around your waist.
Picking the Right Pants – Flannel shirts are usually the most adaptable piece of clothing in a man’s wardrobe, especially with the right pants. For example, as fall approaches, highlight men’s flannel outfits to capture the season’s vibe. Try popping one over a pair of ripped jeans or cargo pants for men for a grungy look, or go with a pair of nice pants for men to capture a smart but effortless appeal.
Footwear – There’s virtually no type of shoe that flannel shirts won’t look great with. Still, we recommend sticking with neutral tones like black, brown, or tan when pairing with boots or dress shoes. Sneakers and combat boots are also an option if you’re aiming for the casual side of the spectrum.
The Best Men’s Style Flannel Shirts
We can’t give you the lowdown on how to style a flannel men will love without tips on the best colors and combinations. When it comes to flannel outfits for guys, there are countless combinations to explore, whether for a casual hangout or a special occasion. The key to avoiding a fashion faux pas is staying clear of clashing colors. So, if you opt for a bright checkered pattern, keep the rest of your outfit neutral.
Red and black flannel is by far the most popular color combo. It makes a bold statement while being versatile enough to wear with various men’s pants and shoes to create a range of different looks. Black jeans look particularly good with a red and black flannel for a smarter casual look.
For a classic country or cowboy vibe, green flannels are your friend, especially when paired with brown and tan pants and a quilted jacket. For a more put-together style, plaid flannel is the best option, as it can be dressed up with smart pants, jackets, shoes, and accessories to achieve a classier yet still distinctly masculine style.
What to Wear Under a Flannel
When it comes to layering men's flannel outfits, you have two main choices:
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Flannel over a t-shirt - Layering a men’s t-shirt under your flannel adds an extra layer of warmth and gives you the flexibility to wear your shirt partly or fully unbuttoned. White is the most popular choice, but black could also be an option depending on the flannel color and the pants you choose.
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Flannel over a hoodie - If you’ve got a couple of oversized flannels in your collection, wearing them over a trendy hoodie works well on colder days for an ultra-casual but comfy look, as long as the colors are complementary.
How to Dress Up a Flannel Shirt
You’ve got the casual and casual-smart choices down now. But you may still be wondering how to style a flannel for a more formal look. Here are our top tips for a style that’s suitable for the office, a dinner date, or even a casual wedding.
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Pick a solid color rather than a checkered flannel.
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Make sure your sleeves are rolled down, and your shirt is fully buttoned.
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Combine with belted formal pants or chinos.
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Add a sharp blazer and a stylish tie.
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Layer with a V-neck sweater and a knit tie.
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Wear a leather jacket or a long woolen coat over the top.
Shop UNIONBAY for the Ultimate Flannel Looks
We hope we’ve inspired you with some great ideas on how to style flannel. This season, men’s fashion blends classic and trendy options, so there’s no reason to stick with a stale wardrobe — it’s time to make a style statement.
Shop the best selection of men’s fashion with UNIONBAY today for looks you’ll wear on repeat.
FAQs: How to Style Flannel for Men
Can you wear flannel year-round?
Yes, flannel works in every season, making it one of the most versatile flannel shirt outfits you can own. In spring or summer, try a lightweight, lighter-colored flannel shirt open over a graphic tee with sneakers. As fall and winter arrive, switch to thicker fabrics layered under a jacket with boots for warmth and durability.
What color flannel should I buy first?
A red-and-black check is the classic starting point when styling flannel shirts, with a neutral plaid close behind. Both pair well with denim or chinos. If you’re building your flannel collection, start with bolder patterns for a rugged casual outfit, then add a simpler plaid you can dress up with slacks and a leather belt for a smart-casual look.
Is flannel business casual?
Yes, flannel works as business casual. However, when it comes down to how to style flannels, the key is simplicity. Pick a solid or muted pattern, tuck it into chinos or slacks, and finish with a sweater or blazer. To make it office-ready, keep sleeves buttoned, add loafers or oxfords, and avoid overly bold prints for a professional trend that still feels comfortable.
Can you wear flannel with shorts?
Absolutely. Wearing a flannel with shorts is a simple way to create a relaxed summer outfit. Go with a lightweight fabric and roll the sleeves so the shoulders look balanced. Pair with neutral sneakers for everyday wear, or swap in casual loafers for a sharper outdoors look.
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