Thanks to the Olsen Twins and European It Girls, Everyone Is Suddenly Shopping This 30-Year-Old Shirt Trend for Winter
To be in the know in fashion is to be acutely aware of the fickle way trends fall subject to the passing of time. This is at least true in the case of the best flannel shirts—a style of top that was once exclusive to lumberjack types and field ranchers before breaking through to the mainstream courtesy of endorsements from Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain and Claire Danes in My So Called Life.
Ask anyone who grew up in the ‘90s, and they’ll tell you that plaid button-downs weren’t the quiet luxury dog whistle they’re revered as now. Now, with flannel shirts dominating runways, gaining co-signs from the celebrity style set and being rendered in expensive-looking high-street variations, how did they go from grunge staple to the pinnacle of sophistication?
(Image credit: Getty Images)
The History of Flannel Shirts
But first, a little history. The origins of modern flannel shirts, as we know them, trace back to 17th-century Celtic communities in Scotland and Wales. With tartan fabrics being a historically rich and culturally relevant print in these spheres, flannel offered a slightly modern interpretation thanks to the lighter wool weave. (Although it was still incredibly heavy-duty to keep up with the extreme climate demands.)
Crossing over to the US amid the Civil War, as the garment served as undershirts for military regalia, it would only take another hundred years for the style to reach the masses during the heroin chic era of the late 20th century. During this decade, flannel balanced two sides of the style spectrum—a bourgeoisie, buttoned-up and preppy style epitomised by Cher Horowitz’s iconic yellow skirt suit, or the anti-establishment and alternative aesthetic pioneered by bands like Pearl Jam and Soundgarden.
What is the Flannel Shirt Trend?
Thanks to some tactical endorsements by the luxury set, the best flannel shirts have shed these connotations. Instead, they’re now held up as a beacon of minimalist taste and refined sensibility. The first sign that the flannel shirt trend would skyrocket came when Kate Moss wore a trompe-l’œil leather iteration on Bottega Veneta’s spring/summer 2023 runway.
Then, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen further cemented the style’s relevance in The Row’s spring 2025 collection, with the first look from the range a bold declaration that, whether you like it or not, flannel shirts are now cool. That’s the power of the brand’s adherents—whether it’s a pair of jelly sandals, grosgrain ribbon flip-flops or an ornamental orange towel, its customers will lap it up.
(Image credit: The Row)
Why are Flannel Shirts Trending Again?
Of course, to the average shopper, it may come as a surprise to suddenly see that something you could easily purchase at any Primark be given the designer treatment and rendered with an exorbitant price tag. Still, it’s in the way that these industry titans subvert notions of what can and can’t be deemed elegant that has further propelled the piece’s appeal within fashion circles.
That being said, wearing one of the best flannel shirts doesn’t have to be this disruptive style choice that these brands have positioned it as. (Though the style’s early adopters, like Marc Jacobs during his Perry Ellis tenure, certainly would take great pleasure in knowing that this nonconforming silhouette has become conventionally accepted as elegant.)
Knowing the backstory about how this trend came to be is only half the story. The other is being written now, through all the contemporary street style offerings, cementing the best flannel shirts as a trending item that can elevate everything from pencil skirts to woollen trousers.
Versatile, unfussy and easy to layer, keep scrolling through for the 21 best flannel shirts to shop in 2025, plus everything you need to know about styling in a way that’s less nostalgic and more modern.
(Image credit: ImaxTree Launchmetrics Spotlight)
Shop the Best Flannel Shirts of 2025
Bottega Veneta
Checked Leather Shirt
Style Notes: Bottega Veneta is an Italian maison revered for craftsmanship. This flannel style is the epitome of this fact. While it appears to be a soft woollen fabric, it’s actually surreptitiously made of buttery leather. How’s that for luxury?
Material: 100% leather.
Colour/s: Multi-light blue.
Size: UK 4 – 12.
Style Notes: Doên’s dreamy staples extend far beyond their whimsical prairie dresses, as this collarless, half-length button style proves.
Material: 100% Organic Cotton.
Colour/s: Red.
Size: XXS – XXL
Miu Miu
Wool Tartan Shirt
Style Notes: Miu Miu is always sticking its head above the parapet when it comes to toying with the concept of luxury and subversion. This is an element that dates back to Miuccia Prada’s own style philosophy, but irrespective of where you stand, it’s in agreement that this piece is duly covetable.
Material: 100% virgin wool.
Colour/s: Camel brown.
Size: UK 4 – 18.
Style Notes: Though flannel shirts aren’t typically a style you’d associate with Parisian chic, French fashion brand ba&sh is proving that this utilitarian style can be expressed in a way that keeps up with the City of Light’s aesthetic.
Material: 89% cotton, 11% linen.
Colour/s: Chestnut brown.
Size: UK 6 – 16.
H&M
Cropped Checked Flannel Shirt
Style Notes: Ab-barring and cropped hemlines are such a throwback to the ’90s, and this trimmed style does it in a way that pairs well with high-waisted trousers and cool bootcut jeans.
Material: 100% cotton.
Colour/s: Chocolate brown.
Size: XS – XL.
Massimo Dutti
Flowing 100% Cupro Check Shirt
Style Notes: The colour palette of this wispy mint shirt, soft pink cardigan and white jeans feels so fitting for now.
Material: 100% cupro.
Colour/s: Grey.
Size: UK 8 – 14.
BURBERRY
Checked Cotton-Poplin Shirt
Style Notes: Look no further than Burberry’s iconic Nova Check print for elevated flannel styles.
Material: 100% cotton.
Colour/s: Taupe.
Size: UK 4 – 18.
COS
Checked Flannel Shirt
Style Notes: It’s not just you—this is the premier flannel shirt style of the season. I’m frankly surprised it hasn’t sold out yet.
Material: 51% Recycled polyester, 47% RWS Wool, 2% Elastane.
Colour/s: Blue.
Size: UK 4 – 16.
Style Notes: Such an affordable price point for a stylish, Scand-inspired interpretation.
Material: 100% Cotton.
Colour/s: White and grey check.
Size: XXS – L.
With Nothing Underneath
The Classic
Style Notes: Ask Alexa Chung and Catherine, The Princess of Wales—With Nothing Underneath’s shirting are some of the best in London.
Material: 80% Cotton, 20% Merino Wool.
Colour/s: Navy blue check, blue and red plaid, white and red plaid, chocolate gingham, caramel, dusty blue, dusty pink and navy blue.
Size: UK 6 – 18.
PROENZA SCHOULER
Bronwen Checked Twill Shirt
Style Notes: Crafted with a downtown darling edge that makes it perfect for emulating your inner Chloë Sevigny.
Material: 100% viscose.
Colour/s: White and brown check.
Size: UK 4 – 16.
COS
Checked Flannel Shirt
Style Notes: Pair with brown cotton trousers with a hefty weight and your favourite oversized leather bag to lean into the practical silhouette.
Material: 51% Recycled polyester, 47% RWS Wool, 2% Elastane.
Colour/s: Beige.
Size: UK 4 – 16.
SAINT LAURENT
Pussy-Bow Checked Silk-Chiffon Shirt
Style Notes: Ditch the functionality for this flirty and sensual Saint Laurent style.
Material: 100% silk.
Colour/s: Burgundy
Size: UK 6 – 12.
BURBERRY
Checked Cotton-Poplin Shirt
Style Notes: Plum tones are one of the biggest colour trends for autumn 2025, and I adore how the dark fruity hue offsets the more prim taupe pleated skirt.
Material: 100% cotton.
Colour/s: Purple
Size: UK 4 – 16.
ISABEL MARANT
Bruna Oversized Checked Cotton Shirt
Massimo Dutti
Flowing Linen Blend Check Shirt
Style Notes: An outfit made to be paired with a crisp glass of Chablis.
Material: Linen 79%, Cotton 21%.
Colour/s: Mustard yellow.
Size: UK 8 – 14.
RÓHE
Checked Crinkled Cotton-Blend Shirt
Style Notes: Waisted shirts are all the rage, and I love how this luxurious Amsterdam-based atelier brings an hourglass silhouette to a typically oversized shape.
Material: 75% cotton, 25% polyester.
Colour/s: Grey.
Size: UK 6 – 16.
ALIGNE
Taylor Flannel Checked Shirt
Style Notes: Quite similar in shade to the COS style, just at a more accessible price point.
Material: 86% EcoVero Viscose 14% Nylon.
Colour/s: Blue.
Size: UK 4 – 22.
H&M
Oversized Flannel Shirt
Style Notes: For that “borrowed from the boys” feeling.
Material: Polyester 64%, Viscose 32%, Elastane 4%.
Colour/s: Dark brown.
Size: XXS – XXL.
Boden
Velvet Collared Check Shirt-Red Check
Style Notes: The velvet collar trim brings such a textural intrigue to the trend.
Material: 64% polyester 34% viscose 2% elastane.
Colour/s: Red
Size: UK 6 – 22.
R13
Cropped Frayed Checked Cotton-Flannel Shirt
Style Notes: For a style that would earn Courtney Love’s tick of approval.
Material: 100% cotton
Colour/s: Red.
Size: XS – L.
What to Look Out for in the Best Flannel Shirts?
When looking for the best flannel shirts, it’s important to consider the fabric composition of the piece. As the style is traditionally made of wool, the shape has historically always been suited for cooler climates, which makes warming options made with natural fibres the superlative choice.
There are so many incredible options available that feature 100% cotton, including the viral check COS style, a chic collarless red iteration from Dôen and a gorgeous tailored style from Burberry.
What to Wear With a Flannel Shirt?
Given the deep-rooted languid shape that flannel shirts possess, keeping your overall ensemble roughly casual is the easiest way to style them. Think: Straight-leg jeans, asymmetrical linen skirts, like the ones Faithfull The Brand does so well, boxy leather jackets and even corduroy trousers. (On the latter, the viral M&S option and pieces from small brands like Friends with Frank are fab choices!)
(Image credit: Getty Images)
The Best Flannel Shirts, as Seen on the Runway
(Image credit: ImaxTree Launchmetrics Spotlight)
Style Notes: Bottega Veneta’s spring/summer 2023 runway.
(Image credit: ImaxTree Launchmetrics Spotlight)
Style Notes: Burberry’s autumn/winter 2025 runway.
(Image credit: ImaxTree Launchmetrics Spotlight)
Style Notes: Isabel Marant‘s autumn/winter 2025 runway.
(Image credit: ImaxTree Launchmetrics Spotlight)
Style Notes: Dior‘s Resort 2025 runway.
(Image credit: ImaxTree Launchmetrics Spotlight)
Style Notes: Kallmeyer’s spring/summer 2025 runway.
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