History of the Trend: Flannel Shirts
Flannel in fall is love at first sight! | Photo by Brandon C. Warren
How’s the weather where you are? Indianapolis is still going through some warm days and cooler days, but every morning when I wake up I’m wishing for a solid forecast of fall breezes and clear skies.
This time of year is made for apple cider, popcorn, goofy nights in with your girls, and the coziest of all clothing: flannel shirts. A little rustic, a little soft in the sleeves, and packed with easy-to-throw-on comfort, flannels are the epitome of casual yet cute fall attire. Want to know more about these comfy shirts? Keep reading!
Below, I’ve compiled a history of flannel as a fabric for apparel, with a focus on flannel shirts in particular, where appropriate.
History of Flannel Shirts
Flannel fashion courtesy of Urban Outfitters | Photo Credits: 1, 2
- According to this fashion dictionary, flannel fabric was originally made from either carded wool or worsted yarn. Carding is a process that breaks up the wool fibers so they lay more or less parallel to one another. Modern day flannels are usually made with cotton, wool, or synthetic fibers.
- Flannel can be traced back to 17th century Wales, where farmers wore flannel shirts to protect themselves from the elements. This tradition would continue for other blue collar workers as the prevalence of flannel grew. The word “flannel” most likely comes from the Welsh word gwlanen, meaning “woolen article.”
- One man who is often credited for popularizing the flannel shirt in the United States is Hamilton Carhartt. He founded his namesake company in 1889. Wanting his clothes to be specially made for the working class, he visited railroad workers all over the country to determine the best tactics for creating top-notch utility products, including flannel shirts. He sought to set a standard of excellence, which he believed was reflected in every article he produced.
- A few of you may be wondering, what’s the difference between flannel and plaid shirts? At its most basic, plaid is a pattern which is believed to have originated in Scotland, whereas flannel is a fabric, as we’ve learned. So why the confusion? As tartan plaid looks so at home on flannel, the the print and fabric were often used together and quickly became synonymous in discussion. The perfect example of this is the stereotype of the lumberjack, who in 20th century popular culture was always depicted with a pair of boots and the ubiquitous plaid flannel shirt.
- Some associate flannel with the grunge look of the 1990s, but this article from T Magazine, the style mag of the New York Times, disagrees. It argues that by the time flannel was introduced as “grunge,” the look was a watered-down version of its original self.
- Flannel shirts today are often linked to hipster culture. Of hipsters, TIME notes, “Everything about them is exactingly constructed to give off the vibe that they just don’t care.” While hipsters may pretend not to care, I know that if they’re rocking flannel, they understand the true significance of comfort and style, something we can all appreciate!
Why We Still Love This Trend
Now that you’ve read the history behind flannel and plaid flannel shirts, here are a few reasons to keep them in your wardrobe rotation this season:
- They’re warm. Seems simple, but this trait is one of the best things that flannel shirts have going for them. We’ve seen how difficult it is to dress well for unpredictable weather, and the flannel shirt could be your fall fashion lifesaver. A rugged alternative to a classic cardigan, throw it on over your everyday outfit to stay toasty and stylish.
- They’re easy to wear. If your schedule is anything like mine, you’re always running to something! Whether you’re heading to class, meetings, or study sessions at Starbucks, you’re going to be happy in a flannel shirt. This trusty item will be just as functional for your busy days as it is on your relaxed days, and you’ll always look cute!
- They come in lots of colors! Looking for a flannel in your favorite hues? Old Navy, Urban Outfitters, H&M, and American Eagle all have a variety of flannels out right now, one of which is bound to speak to your style!
Your Turn!
Do you love flannel shirts? How do you like to style them? What’s your number one reason for wearing them? Any other trends you’d like to see featured? Leave a comment and let’s chat!
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Posted on on November 12, 2011 / Filed Under: Trends / Tags: Basics, Fall 2011, Fashion History, Flannel, history, Plaid, Shirts
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Brittany Michelle
I love flannel because you can wear them a ton of different ways. You can style em up with some boots or heels or you can wear them comfortable with some sneaker or combat boots.
Lauren
I love flannel. It’s warm and cozy and if you find out what works for you, it looks amazing.
Ashley
I like flannel for a nightgown, but not for outerwear. On the other hand though, I LOVE plaid. I’ve been looking for my families Scottish tartan to make into a skirt, but it’s so expensive! A post on wearing plaid in ways other than a shirt would be nice: )
Chanelle
I do not like flannel shirts. Like Ashley, I love plaid skirts. I watch too much anime and Japanese dramas to not like them. lol
Patti
I’m amazed that you managed to write such a long article about plaid shirts without mentioning us lady lesbians once! :D Dating has gotten so much harder now that hipsters everywhere are sporting short, shaggy haircuts and plaid flannel shirts. Still, I wear them because they’re comfortable and they go with my laid-back wardrobe…not just because I’m gay.
Blair
Flannel shirts remind me of a farm. :/
Tali
Flannel is the best! I love to buy men’s flannel, cause I love to wear it over-sized with a belt and leggings!
Amanda
Great post! I love how cozy flannels are, and it’s nice to see that they can still look stylish :)
Stari
I love my flannel shirt! It’s purple and white plaid and I wear with a black cami underneth and oh it’s so warm and comfy <3 :)
alice
I absolutely love flannel shirts (with the right color and pattern of course). So comfortable and cozy and just perfect.
I was actually excited to see this post cause in my most recent thrifting adventure (yesterday haha) I got this great flannel button up. *squeal*
:)
Tarynn
Oh, good ole Carhartt. ;)
Emily
I can’t bring myself to like flannel! I think it looks okay on some people, but for the most part I just think of lumberjacks, which is not associated with fashion in my mind. I also think they look lazy and thrown on with whatever…but maybe some people wear them well with cute accessories? I just don’t like them.
shaina
i really like this series–and flannel shirts, duh, i’m kind of surprised there’s anyone who doesn’t wear them out there–but could you include a few sample outfits at the end? like, how flannel used to be worn vs how it’s worn today?
Joyce
I love flannel shirts because they can easily be used to dress down an outfit. Great post!
Aliya
I really LOVE flannel shirts and would love to see a post on different ways to style them!! Please make a post on different and unique ways to style them!! X
Ella
I love flannel because it’s a clutch part of the comfy-cute look, which I do on a regular basis haha.
Aleks
Nice. I like it!
Nathan
Cymru am byth! Wales forever!
Ruthies
I love to wear my flannels with my rights and my combat boots (: they r great for just throwing and looking good at the same time (:
Nathan
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