Our Favorite Flannel Shirts Aren’t Plaid: 9 Solid Flannels for Fall Style

Our Favorite Flannel Shirts Aren’t Plaid: 9 Solid Flannels for Fall Style
Soft, warm, and solid – when these flannel shirts lose their stripes they can carry you beyond casual.

When you read the word “flannel,” your mind doesn’t have to travel far to think of big plaid shirts that seem better suited for woodsy duties or grunge band Halloween costumes than for casual office attire.

But flannel isn’t a pattern. Instead, it’s a style of material that originated with wool but is currently typically made from cotton, in either a twill or plain weave with one or both sides napped for softness.

Flannel material makes for the perfect fall shirt because it feels soft and warm against the skin and adds another dimension to cotton fabric. Solid flannel shirts are a great alternative to the more casual plaid flannel versions, and more trim cuts mean they help your outfit look crisper and more put together.

We present you with some great selections for solid flannel shirts to ensure warmth and style in the coming months. And every single one of these shirts can properly pair with each one of these.

best flannel shirts for men

Amazon Essentials Flannel Shirt

Amazon, $26

You don’t have to drop 50 bucks to get a easy-to-style solid flannel. Amazon’s Essential apparel line now has one that’s actually slim cut for a tidy look that won’t make you look barrel-chested when you’re actually not. The medium-weight flannel is thick enough to keep you warm but thin enough to roll up your sleeves. Two chest button flap pockets and a spread collar round out the look, and it comes in four great colors. Throw on a great chore coat over it, and you’re ready for those falling temps.

Also available in regular fit and big and tall sizes.

image of a long sleeve brown button down flannel shirt

Madewell Sunday Flannel Shirt

Nordstrom Rack, $85

This one’s thick enough to double as a shirt jacket, so it makes a great layering option when the temps aren’t frigid, and you don’t want to put on a coat. The cotton flannel is soft and warm for days when things are bitter outside.

What’s more, the straight hem provides ideal untucked wear, and the pleated back allows reach without the rip.

everlane modern flannel

Everlane Modern Flannel Shirt

Everlane, $68

Everlane makes quality clothing that’s timeless and simple but built on transparent pricing. Their flannel shirt is no exception, and it cuts out the bulk for a more contemporary look. The button-down collar means you can throw a casual blazer over it to dress things up a bit, and both sides of the 5.8-ounce cotton flannel are napped for softness. Pair it with dark jeans and some leather-soled military-style boots, and you’re put together ever so easily.

image of a grey long sleeve button down flannel shirt

Legendary Whitetails Buck Camp Flannel Shirt

Amazon, $33

The soft brushed flannel of the Buck Camp shirt features a relaxed fit for effortless comfort. The signature corduroy details add durability to this traditional style, and the weight is perfect to wear alone or layered over a t-shirt.

lands end flagship flannel

Lands' End Traditional Fit Flagship Flannel Shirt

Lands’ End, $55

The Flagship actually comes in three cuts, so you can choose the fit you prefer. Its ringspun combed cotton is brushed on both sides, and it’s midweight for indoor and outdoor comfort. The single patch pocket is buttonless making it a tad dressier, and the button-down collar keeps your look cleaner than other point-collar versions. Its perfect office mate for those surprise client visits can be found right here.

image of a black long sleeve flannel shirt

Rag & Bone Flannel Shirt

Nordstrom, $117

This solid flannel shirt from Rag & Bone blends classic tailoring in a slim-fit brushed cotton flannel. The 100% cotton flannel it cut trim and tailored for a classic, versatile style, with the perfect amount of warmth to wear alone or layered. It might seem like a lot to pay for a flannel shirt, but this one is worth it because you’ll never want to take it off.

image of a grey long sleeve button down flannel shirt

Amazon Essentials Two-Pocket Flannel Shirt

Amazon, $25

This mid-weight soft-yet-sturdy classic flannel from Amazon Essentials is a perfect staple for your wardrobe. The relaxed fit is easy through the chest and tapered through the waist for a fit that is traditional without being sloppy. Large button-flap chest pockets balance the look nicely, and the shirt looks great tucked or untucked.

buck mason resin flannel

Resin Brushed Flannel Two Pocket Shirt

Buck Mason, $105

Made with long and regular wear in mind, the Resin Brushed Flannel shirt is thick, warm, and gets a full but not oversized cut for layering without a bulky look. The 100% cotton is brushed on both sides, and the twin chest pockets get angled flaps with polished buttons. This solid flannel stands out thanks to its trimmed collar, button board, and pocket flap undersides for reinforcement in high-friction areas. This is one shirt that will last for years, straddling days at the office and weekend camping trips.

llbean chamois shirt

Men's Chamois Shirt

L.L. Bean, $60

L.L. Bean’s Chamois Shirt is legendary for its construction and softness, and it’s been a staple in the Maine outfitter’s lineup for decades. This version gets thicker 7.5-ounce Portuguese cotton chamois fabric in a generous, more traditional cut that’s anything but billowy, though it surely leans more to the outdoor environment than office meetings. All seams are double-stitched, and the shirttail hem means it’s ideal for untucked wear. The button-flap chest pockets are ever-so-slightly angled for a touch of character. It just might make you want to swing an axe.

Amos Kwon

Amos is an aficionado of cars, cigars, watches, whisky, tech, and style. He's written for Gear Patrol, Askmen, Inside Hook, and Fatherly. He's based in the Chicago area and lives with his wife and three children. Follow him on Instagram @wrathofkwon.