How to Style a Men’s Button-Down Flannel Shirt (2024)

There’s something special about men’s flannel shirts that gives them a timeless appeal that never goes out of style. Durable, cozy, attractive, easy to care for, and highly versatile — a flannel shirt that fits just right is a closet staple year-round. Want to know how to style the flannels men love to make it even more versatile? Here are our favorite ways to wear a flannel button-down to make it work for almost any occasion.

Plain or Plaid: Which One Should You Wear?

Although plaid is often associated with flannel, this shirt’s signature soft fabric also comes in solid colors. This makes it possible to wear flannel practically anywhere — from a work party to a hangout with friends. A solid-colored flannel shirt looks like a men’s dress shirt, especially if it’s worn with other business casual clothing. Think form-fitting black dress pants or khakis, blazers, and even a cuff link. You’ll also want some nice leather dress shoes and funky socks for just a little bit of color.

If you want to keep it casual, stick to tried-and-true plaid. Leave it untucked with some well-loved jeans, or even pair it with some slacks for casual Friday. With so much variety, it’s hard to go wrong with flannel.

Wear It Over Your Favorite Screen T-Shirt

It might be paper-thin after years of wear and tear and have a few little holes in it, but it’s a part of you. Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t wear your favorite screen T-shirt. Whether one of your favorite men’s t-shirts was acquired at an incredible concert or has images from your favorite movie, this shirt embodies some of your personality. When you want to feel more casual, you don’t even have to button it up. Just let it peek through a bit to show your musical loyalty.

Should You Tuck in a Flannel Shirt?

Whether you choose to tuck in your flannel shirt or not is up to you. The good news is that no matter what you do, your flannel shirt will be on-trend. Some looks never go out of style, and there’s nothing wrong tucked in flannel. If you go for this look, leave your shirt fully buttoned or keep the top few buttons unfastened. It’s up to you whether you want to tuck it in with a belt or leave it loose over your men’s jeans.

Rolling up the sleeves to your flannel can not only be more comfortable and offer a more casual look, but it can also help you show off your timepiece. Loosen those cuffs and roll them up to just below your elbows for an effortlessly cool and casual look. One great thing about flannel is that it doesn’t even wrinkle, so you can roll and unroll it all day long. This is especially useful when the weather can fluctuate during transitional seasons like spring and fall.

Match It With the Right Pants

Choose the right pants for the season to make sure you feel confident and comfortable. After all, that’s what flannel’s all about. This means that a cool pair of lightweight jeans can be just right for the late spring and early summer, but heavier fabrics are necessary for the cooler months. For instance, wearing a flannel button-down with men’s corduroy pants is great during wintertime.

Flannel: Buttoned or Unbuttoned?

When it comes to buttoning your flannel, first ask yourself how formal you want to feel. Keeping the shirt buttoned up to the neck achieves a more formal look. If you choose to unbutton the top two buttons, you get a relaxed business-casual style. Adding a belt also creates more definition at the waist and an extra business casual element — just make sure the belt matches your shoes. Leaving your flannel shirt fully unbuttoned like a cardigan is also a popular look that transforms any outfit into something fun and nostalgic!

Dress in Layers for Seasonal Comfort

Layers are the norm, especially when the weather can be unpredictable. In this case, a spare flannel shirt can become your best friend. Wear it under a form-fitting, shorter sweater or over another long-sleeved shirt with the cuffs rolled up. There are no rules as long as you find out what looks and feels good on you. Of course, you can wrap it around your waist when it gets too warm as well. This retro look is still just as stylish as it is functional.

Choose the Right Shoes

Yes, a flannel shirt can be worn with practically any type of shoe, but keep in mind that opposites attract, so your favorite sneakers may feel good, but they might not be doing your favorite comfy flannel any justice. Ironically, dressy leather shoes look great with flannel button-downs, and so do leather sandals. Don’t forget about leather ankle boots. Pair those with some rolled-up jeans with your flannel tucked in.

Wear It Under a Sweater or Vest

There’s something nice about a simple, plain sweater, but it could use a little help now and then. Flannels look great under a V-neck or a men’s cardigan sweater as it looks a little less stuffy and formal. It can look especially put together when worn under a blazer and tucked into jeans or dress pants with a belt. This classic business casual look is a go-to outfit for those days when you don’t know what to wear.

A flannel shirt can also be worn under a solid-colored quilted or fleece vest. This is where flannel button-downs perhaps do their best work. Granted, it doesn’t quite work during the summer months, but it’s a great look for spring and fall or any time there’s a bit of chill in the air.

These fresh ideas will help you style your flannel shirts in countless ways to keep your outfits interesting all year long. Which way do you want to wear your flannel shirt?


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