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  4. 10 Best Flannel Shirts for Men UK 2024 | Carhartt, Patagonia and More
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10 Best Flannel Shirts for Men UK 2024 | Carhartt, Patagonia and More

Flannel shirts are made from textured fabric with a soft, slightly fuzzy or rough finish. They may have become an iconic fashion piece since their rise to popularity in the 1990s Grunge music scene, but their durability and warmth is what has made flannel shirts a staple for working men for hundreds of years. 


The term flannel is often confused with plaid, which is the name of the signature check pattern they're associated with. Whether you're a fan of plaid or not, there are plenty of flannel shirts to choose from in a range of colours and styles. In this article, we've compiled a top 10 ranking of our favourite flannel shirts available in the UK. Plus, links on where to buy them online from Amazon, eBay and John Lewis. Enjoy!

Last updated 28/03/2024
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Table of Contents

How to Choose a Flannel Shirt for Men in the UK – Buying Guide

Whether you want a durable and warm flannel shirt to work outdoors in or a shirt you can simply layer over a tee for a classic fashion look - we've got you covered! In this guide, we help you understand which flannel shirts are best suited for which purposes, and why.

1

How Will You Wear Your Shirt?

How Will You Wear Your Shirt?

There's a reason flannel shirts are a staple of working class culture both here and across the pond in the USA. Flannel shirts' thick and coarse finish means they're more durable than your standard cotton shirt. They're simply less likely to snag, rip or stain during tough outdoor or manual work. They'll also keep you warmer in changeable conditions, without the need for a bulky coat. 


However, their working class roots have been appropriated by both alternative and high-fashion over the years. Today you can find flannel shirts that are less focused on how suitable they are for work and more about looking good. 


Although they still have the traditional flannel feel, they're just not as tough as their predecessors. On the flip side, that means you'll get smart additions like button-down collars and label branding, for those of you who want to flex on your mates with the latest addition to your wardrobe!

2

Consider the Materials for Fashion and Warmth

For hundreds of years flannel shirts were made of pure wool, but these days they can be made from various different fabrics that are treated and brushed for the flannel effect. We've run through some of the most common textiles on the market today to help you spot the difference. Easy!

Brushed Cotton and Fleece Make for a Good Work Shirt

Brushed Cotton and Fleece Make for a Good Work Shirt

Flannel shirts were originally made from loosely spun wool yarn, for a soft textured finish. You'd think this would be the best option for flannel work shirts, but not so. Modern flannel shirts are usually made from cotton, which is brushed over to give a similarly textured finish called a 'nap'. 


If you're looking to keep warm your new flannel work shirt, choose thick cotton with a fleece lining. These shirts will be a little bulkier on your frame, but they'll be more resistant to every day snags and tears all while keeping you insulated during changeable Autumn or Spring weather. 

Choose Elastane Blends for a Tighter Fit, or Organic Cotton for Eco-Credentials

Choose Elastane Blends for a Tighter Fit, or Organic Cotton for Eco-Credentials

If you prefer looking good over practical concerns, pick a cotton shirt with a small percentage of elastane. This gives them a slightly tighter, less bulky fit - perfect for wear with a pair of slim fit jeans for that classic alternative look. If you're an urbanite without a lot of outdoor space for janging laundry, elastane also makes them easier to wash and quicker to dry!


Another consideration for many is the eco-friendliness of your clothes. You might want to seek out a non-GMO organic cotton shirt that's been made without intensive pesticides. That way you can feel good about your new purchase and it's impact on the environment. Some brands use fair trade and even locally made cotton too. 

3

Think About What Design Features You May Need

Think About What Design Features You May Need
Flannel shirts are usually quite simple garments, which you can trace back to their working man's roots. But they'll still have some variation when it comes to features. You'll need to think carefully about which ones you will need before you buy.

If you're planning on working or taking trips through the great outdoors with your new flannel shirt, you'll probably want one or two pockets. Maybe even with buttons to ensure things don't fall out. You might also want a standard collar, rather than a button up, to ensure breathability and adaptability in all conditions. 

On the other hand, if you just want a fashion statement piece, then a button down collar is usually smarter. When it comes to working-inspired flannel shirts, there are plenty of heritage brands. So if you want to let everyone know exactly what lovely make of shirt you've got on, you might prefer one with designer branding


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10 Best Flannel Shirts for Men in the UK

So, now you know exactly what a flannel shirt is, and what kind of shirt will best suit your needs - let's get into our recommendations. In ranking order, here are the top 10 flannel shirts for men in the UK! 
Popularity
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Price
Key features
1

Patagonia

Men's Fjord Flannel Shirt

Patagonia Men's Fjord Flannel Shirt 1

£80.00

High Mid

Thick Flannel Work Shirt from an Ethical Outdoors Clothing Brand

2

Champion

Milton Fleece-Lined Shirt

Champion Milton Fleece-Lined Shirt 1

£20.00

Low

No Nonsense Work Shirt for Cold Winter Shifts

3

Dickies

Portland Padded Shirt

Dickies Portland Padded Shirt 1

£35.00

Low Mid

Super-Warm 90s Classic from the Work Wear Masters

4

BOSS

Mens Riou Regular Fit

BOSS Mens Riou Regular Fit 1

£85.00

High Mid

Smart Flannel Dress Shirt from the German Suit Makers

5

Carharrt

Men's Rugged Flex Hamilton Flannel Shirt

Carharrt Men's Rugged Flex Hamilton Flannel Shirt 1

£40.00

Low Mid

Fashionable Workwear from the Company that Popularised Flannel

6

Barbour

Highland Check Stripe 35 Tailored Shirt

Barbour Highland Check Stripe 35 Tailored Shirt 1

£70.00

High Mid

Quality British Style from the Gentry's Outfitters of Choice

7

Fjällräven

Ovik Flannel Shirt

Fjällräven Ovik Flannel Shirt 1

£80.00

High Mid

Understated Norwegian Design

8

Vans

Men's Elm Long Sleeve Flannel

Vans Men's Elm Long Sleeve Flannel 1

£35.00

Low Mid

Street Style from the Skateboarding Brand of the Moment

9

Woolrich

Men's Plaid Flannel Button Down Shirt

Woolrich Men's Plaid Flannel Button Down Shirt 1

£30.00

Low Mid

Soft Cotton Flannel From America's Oldest Outdoor Clothing Company

10

NAPAPIJRI

Gillys Shirt

NAPAPIJRI Gillys Shirt 1

£70.00

High Mid

Smart Style from an Italian Fashion House

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

PatagoniaMen's Fjord Flannel Shirt

Men's Fjord Flannel Shirt 1
Source:ebay.co.uk
Reference price
£80.00
High Mid
Reference price
£80.00
High Mid

Thick Flannel Work Shirt from an Ethical Outdoors Clothing Brand

You're unlikely to find a brand with much more outdoor credibility than Patagonia! Following the company's trademark commitment to ethical production and sourcing, each Fjord shirt is made from thick 100% organic cotton. 


It's absolutely perfect for manual and outdoor work, with a double placket for reinforced front fastening, and two button-up chest pockets. Thank said, the subtle charm of the Fjord shirt will look just as great in an office setting, as it will during a Winter stroll!

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No.2

ChampionMilton Fleece-Lined Shirt

Milton Fleece-Lined Shirt 1
Source:ebay.co.uk
Reference price
£20.00
Low
Reference price
£20.00
Low

No Nonsense Work Shirt for Cold Winter Shifts

No, this isn't by the sportswear company Champion. It's actually an older British outfitter, whose focus is on rugged outdoor clothing and work wear


Their understated Milton range may not set the fashion world alight with their distinctive branding or style, but their longer fit, fleece-lined design will certainly keep you warm while you work. And really, as more affordable options go, we think they look fantastic!

No.3

DickiesPortland Padded Shirt

Portland Padded Shirt 1
Source:ebay.co.uk
Reference price
£35.00
Low Mid
Reference price
£35.00
Low Mid

Super-Warm 90s Classic from the Work Wear Masters

If you remember the 90s, you've probably seen these about. Although they've been a work wear brand since the 1930s, Dickies shirts were crazily popular among all kinds of alternative cultures in the 1990s. 


Dickie's Portland range is actually best at what is was designed for - working in! The super-thick flannel outer, fleece-lined inner and padded shoulders make the Portland a great outdoors shirt. It's also got four pockets, so you won't have to worry about losing things while you work!

No.4

BOSSMens Riou Regular Fit

Reference price
£85.00
High Mid

Smart Flannel Dress Shirt from the German Suit Makers

Flannel shirts may have become synonymous with check patterns, but there is alway an exception to the rule! For those who prefer a block colour, this subtle number from tailoring specialists BOSS probably won't be suitable for work on a farm - but will look great at the dinner table in a swanky restaurant. 


For what is mostly a fashion piece, the Riou is surprisingly thick and warm thanks to the flannel material. So you can easily wear it out without an undershirt or tee, even on a chilly British day.

No.5

CarharrtMen's Rugged Flex Hamilton Flannel Shirt

Men's Rugged Flex Hamilton Flannel Shirt 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£40.00
Low Mid
Reference price
£40.00
Low Mid

Fashionable Workwear from the Company that Popularised Flannel

No list of flannel shirts would be complete without a shirt from the American pioneer Carharrt. One of the most recognizable work wear brands out there, Carharrt was founded in 1889 and is still under the same family ownership today.


Their Rugged Flex range of flannel shirts is designed to fit in the middle ground between workwear and fashion. Their standard thick cotton and double pockets mean they're good work shirts, but the button down collars and the subtle branding also make them stylish dress pieces too! 

No.6

BarbourHighland Check Stripe 35 Tailored Shirt

Reference price
£70.00
High Mid

Quality British Style from the Gentry's Outfitters of Choice

Flannel first appeared as a material on our very own British Isles, so it's only right we include a Great British outfitter on this list. Enter Barbour, founded in 1984 and one of the only clothing makers blessed with a Royal Charter


This beautiful highland check pattern flannel shirt is a nod to their cultural heritage, whilst remaining resolutely modern, with a tighter fit and durable, machine washable cotton blend for easy care. 

No.7

FjällrävenOvik Flannel Shirt

Reference price
£80.00
High Mid

Understated Norwegian Design

You'll probably be familiar with Fjällräven for their iconic Kånken backpack, beloved by hipsters everywhere. However, they're much more than that - as this gorgeously understated flannel proves. 


Although more of a dress-shirt than a work shirt, with it's button down collar and singular open pocket, the Ovik's lovely selection of patterns and low key branding make it a great fit with almost any outfit

No.8

VansMen's Elm Long Sleeve Flannel

Men's Elm Long Sleeve Flannel 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Men's Elm Long Sleeve Flannel 2
Source:ebay.co.uk
Reference price
£35.00
Low Mid
Reference price
£35.00
Low Mid

Street Style from the Skateboarding Brand of the Moment

Since the late 90s, skateboarding and flannel shirts have always had a bit of a connection. That's because the tougher material is great for when things get a bit rough and tumble. 


There's no bigger skateboarding brand than Vans, and in recent years they've proved highly fashionable even among those who don't skate. This lovely range of check shirts is casual enough to chill in, but equally at home shredding a board with its double placket and button up pockets. Vans life!

No.9

WoolrichMen's Plaid Flannel Button Down Shirt

Men's Plaid Flannel Button Down Shirt 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£30.00
Low Mid
Reference price
£30.00
Low Mid

Soft Cotton Flannel From America's Oldest Outdoor Clothing Company

If you know flannel shirts, you'll know the name Woolrich. This absolute classic American company has been making flannel shirts for true outdoors-men and women out of Pennsylvania, USA, since the 1830s


Their range of plaid flannel button down shirts won't break the bank, but you know you'll be getting quality that will last you a long time. Perfect for an understated alternative look. There is however, only one open chest pocket on their standard design - which isn't great for working in. 

No.10

NAPAPIJRIGillys Shirt

Gillys Shirt 1
Source:ebay.co.uk
Reference price
£70.00
High Mid
Reference price
£70.00
High Mid

Smart Style from an Italian Fashion House

You'd be forgiven for thinking the Napapijri brand, usually known for their Winter coats and fleeces, were from one of the Nordic countries. Actually though they're from near Turin, in Italy.


This lovely looking check flannel from Napapijri is more of a dress-style shirt than you'd expect from a company named after the Norwegian for 'Arctic Circle'. Although it doesn't have a button down collar as you might expect from a dress shirt, it will still do you nicely with almost any casual outfit. 

Complete the Look With More Essential Pieces for Men

Complete the Look With More Essential Pieces for Men

The best mens fashion combines practicality and style for clothing that feels comfortable, looks good and is made to last! To save you time shopping online, we've lined up a few more articles on the best apparel for men in the UK.

Summary

Whether you want a rugged outdoor work shirt, a big name brand or something to suit an alternative style - we reckon we've covered at least one flannel shirt you'll be keen on. So next time someone says "flannel" when they meant plaid, you can show off your new shirt while you tell them what's up!


Author: David Weir

Top 5 Flannel Shirts

No. 1: PatagoniaMen's Fjord Flannel Shirt

No. 2: ChampionMilton Fleece-Lined Shirt

No. 3: DickiesPortland Padded Shirt

No. 4: BOSSMens Riou Regular Fit

No. 5: CarharrtMen's Rugged Flex Hamilton Flannel Shirt

View Full Ranking
The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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