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When it comes to versatile, travel-friendly clothing, a flannel shirt is hard to beat. Having lived my entire life in the Pacific Northwest, where the lumberjack-turned-grunge style was born, this time-tested layering piece is a personal favorite.
Made of a somewhat thick, brushed twill fabric, these button-downs can be layered over a T-shirt, long-sleeve, or undershirt or buttoned up and worn on their own for optimal styling on the go. Though plaid and buffalo check are most often associated with flannel, I’m also a fan of solids, stripes, and twill.
From seasonless overshirts, lightweight layers, and cozy shackets to casual oversized cuts and slim-fit shirts suitable for professional settings, there’s something here for everyone and every outing, no matter where you’re headed.
Best Warm
Flannel is typically brushed on both sides, which does more than make the fabric super-soft. By fluffing up the fibers, the technique enhances the fabric’s insulation. Having said that, some flannel shirts are warmer than others, so if you’re looking for a cozy layer, you’ll want to opt for a medium or heavyweight design.
For instance, L.L.Bean’s Chamois Plaid Shirt is made of Portuguese cotton chamois, a thick, weighty, and durable fabric. Then there’s the Mack Weldon WarmKnit Flannel (a favorite of my husband), which has insulating Thermolite and a small amount of merino wool woven in. The Thermolite component traps heat to keep you warm when the temperatures drop while releasing moisture to prevent you from getting sweaty.
The Prana Happy Camp Flannel is crafted from heavyweight organic cotton to help you stay toasty indoors or outside. I also like this women’s style from Quince. As the name suggests, the Stretch Sweater Fleece Shirt is a sweater-like button-down designed with cozy comfort in mind.
Best Shackets
Looking for something that leans more toward outerwear? Think about getting a shacket — a portmanteau for shirt jacket. These versatile pieces are ideal for traveling, especially in in-between weather when you’re unsure if you’ll need a proper coat.
The Levi’s Flannel Shacket has a button-down front and zipper closure, while the slightly boxier cut is perfect for layering over a sweater or hoodie. My husband has the Brightside Flannel Lined Workwear Jacket from The Normal Brand, which has a sturdy wool shell and double-brushed flannel lining. He likes that he can wear it with work attire and street clothes, indoors or out.
The Lululemon Gridliner Fleece Overshirt is another good option for men, especially those who may not prefer traditional plaid. With a structured feel, extra room for layering, and button details, it looks like a shirt but functions as a lightweight jacket. As far as women’s styles go, I’d wear Vuori’s Mackenzie Shirt Jacket on a plane or pack it for a trip. I like the longer length and shirttail hem, which work well with leggings, and the oversized fit layers over pretty much anything.
Best 100 Percent Cotton
Some of the best flannel shirts are 100 percent cotton, a naturally breathable textile that draws sweat away from your body and dries quickly. And while cotton is prone to wrinkling, this isn’t really the case when it’s loomed into thicker flannel — so all in all, the material is a prime choice for travel.
The Organic Cotton Flannel Shirt from Gap is woven from organically grown cotton fibers. Not too heavy or too thin, featuring a classic straight fit, it’s just right for a seasonless button-down. Also made of organic cotton, the Faherty Surf Flannel is exceptionally soft with a relaxed fit meant for layering.
Buck Mason’s Pacific Twill One Pocket Shirt is made of double-brushed cotton that’s garment-washed for an immediately soft, lived-in feel. I love that the all-cotton Classic Flannel Button-down Shirt from Old Navy can be worn unbuttoned as a top layer or tucked in like a regular shirt. And it comes in an inclusive range of sizes.
Best Lightweight
Lightweight flannels are really nice to have when traveling to warmer climates and throughout the spring and summer. The slightly thinner fabric won’t make you overheat and takes up less space in your suitcase or carry-on bag. I’ll often throw on this light layer in the evening after the sun sets or in the early morning when I want just a little more coverage and warmth.
Woven from organic cotton, Patagonia’s Lightweight Fjord Flannel Shirt is lightweight yet durable and exceptionally soft. My golf-loving husband has this TravisMathew Cloud Flannel Stripe Button-up. Notably breathable and not at all bulky, it’s a prime choice for après-golf and travel days for his frequent work trips (which also often involve golf).
Amazon makes a great budget option with its Slim-fit Plaid Flannel Shirt. The airy cotton fabric is brushed for softness without adding weight or trapping warmth. My personal pick is the easy-breezy Soft Flannel Skipper Shirt from Uniqlo. It blends synthetic fibers with bamboo-derived lyocell, plant-sourced rayon, and cotton to create a smooth fabric with a silky-soft feel and a slinky drape.
Tips for Buying a Flannel Shirt
Consider the weight
Due to its twill weave, flannel is a relatively thick material. It’s often slightly heavier than other shirt fabrics, though some options are lighter or warmer than others.
If you plan to wear your flannel shirt in the spring or summer or when traveling to a warmer climate, a lighter-weight option might be ideal. But if you’re looking for an insulating winter layer for a cold-weather trip, a heavyweight design could be a better choice. All that said, a medium-weight shirt will provide the most versatility by allowing you to wear it year-round with varying layers.
Pay attention to the materials
You’ll want to note the material as well. Many flannel shirts are made of 100 percent cotton, which is generally soft and breathable. Some feature a small amount of spandex or elastane to add a bit of stretch and flexibility. But even without stretch, cotton flannel generally doesn’t wrinkle due to the thickness and twill texture. This means you can roll or fold it tightly into your suitcase without worrying about creases.
Other flannels are made of synthetic materials like polyester or acrylic. Though these fibers usually aren’t as breathable as natural fabrics, they’re sometimes sourced from recycled plastic. And some synthetic textiles may have sweat-wicking, quick-drying, insulating, or anti-wrinkle technology, which is useful when you’re away from home and without laundry access.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Should I size up for a flannel shirt?
Many people order a size larger than they typically wear when buying flannel shirts. Since the style is often worn over other shirts, this allows a bit more room for layering. That said, some flannels already feature a relaxed or oversized fit, in which case you can just go with your normal size.
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How do I wash a flannel shirt?
Most flannel shirts are machine washable and dryer-friendly. But in terms of what cycle, water temperature, and heat level to use, it’s best to check the brand’s care instructions. To cut down on your energy use and prevent the material from pilling, you can always hang up the shirt or lay it flat to air dry.
Why Trust Travel + Leisure
Travel + Leisure contributor Theresa Holland is a writer and online shopping expert who knows how to find the best garments, lifestyle products, and travel essentials. As a Pacific Northwest native, she’s keenly familiar with the history, versatility, and evolving aesthetic of flannel shirts. She’s personally tried button-downs and layering pieces from several brands on this list, including Lululemon, Quince, the Gap, Amazon Essentials, Uniqlo, and Buck Mason. Her husband owns the specific styles featured from TravisMathew, The Normal Brand, and Mack Weldon.
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