THE ALMIGHTY HISTORY OF THE FLANNEL SHIRT | Nostalgia Prov (2024)

FAQs

What is the history of the flannel shirt? ›

Flannel has been made since the 17th century, gradually replacing the older Welsh plains, some of which were finished as "cottons" or friezes, coarse woolen cloth that was the local textile product. In the 19th century, flannel was made particularly in towns such as Newtown, Montgomeryshire, Hay on Wye, and Llanidloes.

Popular culture celebrated the heroics of Paul Bunyan, the mythical giant perpetually clad in a red plaid flannel shirt with an ax in one hand and an ox by his side. Flannel shirts symbolized manly pride and independence, chopping wood and building fires, self respect and an honest day's work.

The pattern, in its tartan variation, is prominent in Scottish garment designs and gained notoriety from the 16th century onwards among Scottish Highlanders. The design was introduced by the Celts before it became a staple of highland dress.

(US, countable) A flannel shirt. (slang, uncountable) Soothing, plausible untruth or half-truth; claptrap. Don't talk flannel!

Every kind of working class man began to wear flannel clothing, but as underwear (their union jacks), not as shirts in the way we do now. Hamilton Carharrt, founder of the now famous Carhartt clothing company, is supposedly credited with inventing the modern-day flannel shirt in 1889.

Historically, flannel shirts were worn by workers and lumberjacks due to their durability and warmth. However, in modern times, flannel shirts have become popular among a wider range of people for their comfort and style. I wear flannel shirts because they're warm and so save on my heating bills.

The fabric has become synonymous with honest physical work, no matter who wears it. The flannel shirt was, along with blue jeans and plain white tees, a classically American garment. It spoke to the rugged independence and hardworking values of the country.

Flannel is a soft, medium-weight cotton fabric that has a napped, fuzzy, finish on one or both sides. This napped finish either comes from brushing or from its characteristic loose weave. Its soft, cozy feel makes it the perfect fabric to keep you warm and comfortable all winter long.

Bolder flannel shirts would best be paired with more casual looks incorporating items such as classic blue jeans. Of course, more conservative flannel shirts pair best with smarter pants and slacks, and those in the middle could be worn with corduroys, khakis, or chinos.

From 1991 until 1996, flannel shirts became very popular in the US and Australia, due to their use among the skater subculture and grunge bands including Nirvana or Mudhoney.

Why are flannel shirts always plaid? ›

There's no “hard answer” to this question, but the simple explanation is that flannel shirts look good in plaid, and plaid patterns look good on flannel. There's also some historical precedence, as flannel is a fabric associated with Scotland and England, where plaid has been popular for centuries.

Slip dresses, bomber jackets, scrunchies and plaid flannel shirts were all the rage during the '90s — and many of these fashion trends are working their way back into vogue (although some of these pieces may have never left your closet).

British English has the same meaning for flannel clothing as American English. Flannel shirt, flannel trousers (or simply “flannels"). Additional meanings in the UK are a) a washcloth for the face and b) nonsense or hogwash, spin.

The popularity of flannel in cold climates can be attributed to its warmth, comfort, and versatility. Flannel is a soft, warm fabric made from wool or cotton. It is thick enough to provide insulation but light enough to be comfortable even in the coldest of weather.

The origins of flannel fabric can be traced back to late seventeenth-century Wales, when Welsh textile workers began using leftover sheep's wool to create a fabric that was comfortable, warm, and moisture-wicking.

It's often woven with patterns, especially plaid and tartan, and is a favorite fabric for sheets during the winter. Flannel has been made since the 17th century and likely originated in Wales. Though it was once made of wool, by the 20th century, flannel was more commonly made with cotton, sometimes mixed with silk.

Why is Flannel Associated with Lumberjacks? This association dates back to the 19th century when flannel, known for its warmth and durability, became the go-to fabric for outdoor workers, including lumberjacks. Its ability to provide insulation and comfort in harsh conditions made it a practical choice.

Briefly, flannel cloth was not an American invention. Its source is 16th or 17th century Wales, and in the 17th century it was made in Britain and on the European continent. It was introduced and sold in America by Hamilton Carhartt for workers in mines, factories and farms.