Flannel is a timeless, cozy fabric that instantly adds warmth and style to any outfit. Perfect for fall and winter, flannel shirts can be dressed up or down, making them a favorite for casual outings and even relaxed workdays. However, wearing flannel well takes a bit of know-how to avoid looking sloppy or overdone. Here are five common mistakes people make when wearing men’s flannels—and how to avoid them to look effortlessly stylish.
1. Choosing the Wrong Fit
One of the biggest mistakes people make with flannel is picking a shirt that’s either too tight or too baggy. Flannel is meant to be comfortable, but going too oversized can look shapeless, while a shirt that’s too tight may be uncomfortable and restrict movement.
How to Avoid It: Choose a flannel shirt that fits just right. It should have enough room to layer comfortably but still show your shape. If you’re unsure, go for a regular fit that allows you to move easily without being overly baggy.
2. Overdoing the Patterns
Flannel often comes in plaid or checkered patterns, which can be bold and eye-catching. However, mixing a plaid flannel with other patterned pieces can create a cluttered, overwhelming look. Wearing multiple patterns with flannel makes it hard for the eye to settle on one area, making the whole outfit feel busy.
How to Avoid It: Keep the rest of your outfit simple. If you’re wearing a patterned flannel, pair it with solid-colored jeans, chinos, or even plain skirts. This creates balance, allowing the flannel to be the main statement without competing with other patterns.
3. Ignoring Layers
Flannel shirts are perfect for layering, but many people either skip layering or overdo it, which can affect comfort and style. Wearing too many layers can make you feel hot and bulky, while skipping layers entirely may look too basic.
How to Avoid It: Find a middle ground. For example, wear a plain T-shirt underneath your flannel for a classic, layered look, or throw on a light jacket or denim vest over it for added style. This approach makes layering simple and gives you options to remove or add layers as needed.
4. Choosing Out-of-Season Colors
Wearing flannel in bright, summery colors or prints can look out of place. Since flannel is mostly worn in cooler months, pairing it with deep, seasonal colors works best. Bright colors or neon patterns can look off and clash with the cozy feel of flannel.
How to Avoid It: Stick to warm, earthy tones like deep reds, forest greens, navy, or muted grays. These colors fit well with the fall and winter vibe and make your flannel look seasonally appropriate. You can experiment with colors, but staying within rich, subdued tones works best for flannel.
5. Forgetting About Footwear
A flannel shirt is often styled casually, so pairing it with formal or flashy footwear can make the outfit look mismatched. Likewise, overly casual shoes can sometimes look too sloppy.
How to Avoid It: Choose footwear that matches the casual vibe of flannel. Boots, especially ankle or combat boots, work wonderfully with flannel for a rugged, seasonal look. Sneakers also work well, adding a relaxed feel to the outfit. Avoid dress shoes unless you’re going for a smart-casual look, and try to avoid overly sporty or brightly colored shoes, which may clash with the flannel’s cozy appeal.
Final Thoughts
Flannel is a versatile and stylish fabric that can elevate any outfit if worn well. By choosing the right fit, balancing patterns, layering smartly, picking seasonal colors, and pairing it with the right footwear, you can avoid these common mistakes and enjoy wearing flannel with confidence and style.
