Fall 21 trend: the ubiquitous flannel shirt – Fashion Men

The ubiquitous flannel shirt promises to be a flagship piece of fall wardrobes, a unisex style with a touch that is rarely lacking.

From Isabel Marant to Marc Jacobs, flannel shirts are an essential utility piece, with new details and lasting updates to make it relevant for the Fall 21 season.

A key part of any workwear lineup plan, comfort clothing and all things retro remain post-pandemic wardrobe staples. Details such as contrasting topstitching, chest pockets – traditionally flap or buttoned – and even side pockets to make it a shirt jacket, underline the versatile aspects of this versatile model.

Worn oversized, flannel shirts pair well over knits or casually with a t-shirt and classic jeans. Ultimately, it’s the control of the fabric that defines the aesthetic.

Traditionally known as the lumberjack shirt, flannel is multifunctional, providing warmth, comfort, and a heavy dose of fashion.

According to the Dictionary of Fashion and Fashion Designers, flannel fabric was originally made from carded wool or combed yarn. Carding is a process that breaks wool fibers so that they are more or less parallel to each other.

Modern flannels are usually made from cotton, wool, or synthetic fibers.

Flannel dates back to 17th century Wales, where farmers wore flannel shirts to protect themselves from the elements. This tradition would continue for other blue collar workers as the prevalence of flannel increased. The word “flannel” most likely comes from the Welsh word gwlanen, which means “article of wool”.

While the grunge scene of the 1990s may forever be associated with flannel shirts, think of Seattle bands and Marc Jacobs’ infamous Perry Ellis collection, a 2015 New York Times article summed up its enduring value: ” The universal appeal of something as familiar as a flannel shirt comes down to the quality of its fabric, usually made from woven wool. Like a favorite pair of jeans, a plaid flannel can withstand years of wear and tear.

Despite the British origins of flannel, American designers may have mastered the rugged and comfortable look adopted by hip hop artists, California surfers, and even Wyoming ranchers.

American textile makers set about making shirts by hand in the country, from yarn-dyed fabrics woven on a loom or on a loom to obtain the famous checks. Softness is achieved through a process called napping. The cool factor, however, depends on the wearer.