flannel shirt
Credit: Acne

I think we all remember our first recollection of the humble flannel shirt. Perhaps it was your father arriving home from work in construction, the shirt buttoned up to the collar with a jacket flung over the top, or maybe it was its revival in the ’90s when grunge and punk rock seeped into mainstream music, or perhaps simply worn by the indie barista down the street who wears it around his waist as he makes your half-strength, macadamia milk macchiato each morning. It’s true that the flannel shirt has long been loved by those who found comfort or culture within its checkered fabric, however as we move into a new era of dressing, the shirt as we once knew it has seen a high fashion treatment.

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Hamilton Carhartt was the first designer to popularise the flannel shirt following the founding of his namesake brand in 1889. Worn purely for its durability and warmth, the style was favoured by the working class and later in history favoured by soldiers during war for the same reasons. Now, as luxury houses look towards sub cultures of the street for a far more relaxed approach towards style, the flannel shirt has seen a massive resurgence among the elite and fashion affluent. Picked up by the likes of Balenciaga, Coach, Ralph Lauren and even Gucci in recent runway collections, the look has not only become more wearable, it’s on a trending trajectory.

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To get the look, ICON Fashion Director, Kim Payne, has curated the best buys and exactly how to wear each flannel shirt below.

for tHE OVERSIZEd LOOK

“Having chest pockets and side pockets means this Acne shirt doubles as a jacket and gives that strong oversized shape. You can wear this with everything.”

flannel shirt shop

Acne Checked Quilted Overshirt / $930 AUD SHOP NOW

FOR LAYERING

“Uniqlo has a perfect range of flannel shirts at a great price point which means you can use them to dress your layering styles. Over a tee or sweater under a knit or blazer, these look best more casual so think weekend wear.”

Uniqlo Men Flannel Check Long Sleeve Shirt / now $30 AUD SHOP NOW

FOR A JACKET ALTERNATIVE

“Buttoned up creates a look of the over shirt, so wear this instead of a jacket with a tee underneath. It is a more casual-inspired look but that also depends on what you pair it back with.”

APC John Checked Overshirt / $339 AUD SHOP NOW

FOR SIMPLICTY

“Sometimes it’s a matter of super simple, but just keeping that cosy winter texture feel. Ralph Lauren have done just that by adding the bear logo. This shirt is a must with everything from suits paired back with a traditional college tie or just buttoned up over denim.”

Polo Ralph Lauren Slim-Fit Button-Down Collar Logo Embroidered Cotton-Flannel Shirt available from Mr Porter / now $83 AUD SHOP NOW

FOR A STATEMENT

“Taking the traditional to a whole new level and making a shirt statement. It’s a cross between a flannel tux and a jacket. This one is for the man who likes to dress.”

Needles Rebuild Ribbon Flannel Shirt / now $269 AUD SHOP NOW