22 best womens flannel shirts for cozy comfort in fall 2023

September 2024 · 11 minute read
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There’s something about wearing a flannel in the fall that we can’t help but love. With your favorite pair of denim jeans (oh, and some boots to match), you’ll be dressed to the nines — much like your Pinterest board.

What’s more, flannels come in many picture-perfect plaid options and hues that’ll bring your fall festivities fête into full gear. They’re versatile, too, allowing you to layer one over a white T-shirt or to tie it around your waist for that autumnal touch that’s perfect for pumpkin picking this year. (Related: Best men’s flannels).

To help you snatch one before the season begins, we rounded up the best women’s flannel shirts that are cozy, cute and bound to be one of your most-worn as the chillier months approach. Even better, we detail size options and how to style each one — consider us your personal stylists — so you can check out without a worry.

Who makes the best women’s flannel shirts?

There’s a variety of brands that offer high quality flannel shirts for women. Although the best truly comes down to personal preference, here are a few retailers worth checking out:

  • L.L. Bean
  • Amazon
  • Columbia
  • Carhartt
  • Woolrich
  • Eddie Bauer
  • The North Face
  • What is the best material for a flannel shirt?

    Cotton and wool are the most common materials used in women’s flannel shirts. However, they can be made from a variety of fabrics. Here’s a quick breakdown:

    Cotton FlannelWool FlannelBlended Flannel
    – Soft, lightweight and breathable
    – Good for mild temperatures, layering or indoors
    – Easy to care for
    – Warm and heat insulating
    – Good for cold temperatures or outdoor activities
    – Durable and moisture-wicking
    – Tend to be more affordable
    – Can include cotton, wool or both
    – Depending on material used, may not be as breathable.

    Like any piece of clothing, it all comes down to what makes you comfortable and how much you want to spend. There are many high quality women’s flannel shirts to choose from, so options shouldn’t be an issue.

    One of our favorite picks is Amazon Essentials Women’s Classic Flannel Shirt ( $28.50). It’s made from 100% cotton, is easy to layer and comes in lots of different colors. We also love the Scotch Plaid Flannel Shirt (starting at $49.99) from L.L. Bean. It has that quintessential flannel shirt look, plus is super soft.

    While you’re shopping, be sure to browse through our top selections of puffer coats, too, for that sought-after bubble and fuzzy exterior we can’t help but love.

    Best Women’s Flannel Shirts

    This looks like a traditional flannel top but feels like your softest sweater. Made of viscose yarn, it’s fuzzy to the touch, stretchy and has a vintage style that we like pairing with distressed jeans or fleece-lined leggings. It’s available in a variety of colors and has a 4.8 star rating on Faherty.

    Almost 5,000 happy customers on Amazon give this women’s flannel shirt a five star rating! It’s made from 100 cotton, comes in lots of different colors and has a classic collar and breast pocket. Wear beneath a vest or use like a jacket on warmer fall days. Add a skull cap into the mix and you’ll have a look that’s very 90s.

    We can’t have a guide to the best women’s flannels without a mention of L.L.Bean. Simply put, they make some of the best, high-quality tops that are picturesque for autumn. Its Scotch Plaid Flannel Shirt is a top-seller is said to be the brand’s “softest, long-lasting flannel” and, as owners, we wholeheartedly agree.

    Along with adding this style your online shopping cart, throw the brand’s Everyday Jeans ($89) and — drumroll please — signature 8″ Bean Boots ($119) into the mix.

    If you like this look but need something a touch warmer for outside, try the Scotch Plaid Flannel Shirt Hoodie ($80).

    Lots of us like the slouchy look of a long flannel sweater but have difficulty finding one that’s drapes without overpowering our silhouette. Fortunately, that shouldn’t be an issue with this pick from Free People. It has drop shoulders and a relaxed fit, so it still highlights the frame. Made of 100% cotton, it’s lightweight and soft. Available in six different colors, it’s a must for anyone’s fall wardrobe.

    One of our most cherished fashion pieces is the tried and true shacket (aka, the “sweater jacket). With the best-selling AUTOMET Casual Flannel Plaid Shacket, you’ll be ready to take on any fall festivity in style. Even better, there are a multitude of color options to choose from — fuzzy knit fabric aside.

    For a supreme outfit, consider pairing this flannel with the SPANX Faux Leather Leggings ($98) and the Vepose 936 Lug Sole Platform Chelsea Ankle Boots (starting at $33).

    We’re big fans of Urban Outfitters’ Urban Renewal line (in fact, we wrote all about it). The Vintage Acid Wash Flannel Shirt is both eco-friendly, unisex and fits more like a jacket — something we appreciate in this all-around comfy pick that’s just shy of $50.

    To match, grab the BDG Bella Baggy Jean ($49) for a boxy and loose fit and the Palladium Revolt Hi TX Boot ($120) for some military style inspo.

    Prepare to have this women’s flannel shirt in your wardrobe’s weekly rotation. It’s standard fit makes it simple to layer or enjoy as a stand-alone top, plus it has adjustable cuffs and invisible chest pocket buttons. An elastic key loop in the right breast pocket is a place to stash your car key, and the raglan sleeves are extra flexible.

    The HangNiFang Oversized Button-Up Flannel is the perfect loose option that we dub the “ideal layering flannel.” In essence, it’s a great $20 pick, complete with relaxed sleeves and a slightly oversized fit. Plus, multiple shade varieties are available.

    To match, style the flannel with the Artfish Ribbed Knit Cami ($20) and SweatyRocks Ripped Straight Leg Jeans (starting at $39). You’ll be rocking in pure comfort.

    The Blooming Jelly Button-Down Flannel is a more fitted flannel option if you love tying your over-shirts in a bow above your waist. With a signature auburn and chocolate brown duo that signal “spooky season,” we don’t think you should pass this style up for less than $30.

    To match, we love how it would look with the Signature by Levi Strauss & Co. Skinny Jeans ($28) and the Tommy Hilfiger Shyenne Equestrian Boot ($100) for a flattering, to-the-body outfit.

    The corduroy elbow patches and shoulder yolk insets on this flannel shirt has us obsessed! It’s a little MOD meets college professor, and we are here for it! It’s a smidgen oversized, so it works well as a shirt jacket, easily edging up a flouncy skirt or dress. Made of 100% cotton, it only comes in one color. However, we still like it.

    Vineyard Vines spans further than just the whale and the nautical, beach-themed wear. Its Blackwatch Plaid Button-Up Shirt is a prime example, offering a stylish, blouse-like fit with delicate button detailing. We’re also all about this royal blue and emerald pair.

    Plus, we recommend the brand’s Skinny Jamie Jeans ($178) for some contrasting, light-wash bottoms, along with the Dolce Vita Lunar Cowboy Boot ($120) to rein in some Western style.

    Talk about luxury flannels. The Polo Ralph Lauren Classic Fit Distressed Long Sleeve Shirt is a splurge worth making. Stunning baby blue, rust and navy colors aside, it’s a top-tier pick that will stand the test of time. With a preppy collar, it’s surely a hallmark of the brand’s homage to the classics.

    Polo Ralph Lauren’s High-Rise Relaxed Straight Jean ($298) complement the flannel well, along with its Tilton Wellington Burnished Bootie ($1,150) — the latter the only boots you’ll need in this lifetime.

    The fact that this sweater is from Forever 21 and costs just one Benjamin is bringing us back to our middle school days. Well, spoiler alert: this brand’s still got it, especially with this baseball-inspired pick that we want to live in on the regular.

    To match, consider the brand’s Basic High-Rise Leggings ($13) and Reebok Club C Double Shoes ($85) for a back-to-school outfit from head to toe.

    The Cotton On Boyfriend Flannel Shirt, in our eyes, wins the award for “best flannel that doubles as loungewear.” Seriously, it’s the epitome of the layering piece we’d sleep in, drive in and do just about anything in.

    Cotton On, as its name suggests, boasts adoring, soft-to-the-touch fabrics, and would pair exceptionally well with Abercrombie’s Curve Love High Rise Mom Jean ($90) and Keds Center 2 Sneaker ($42).

    SHEIN is known for being budget-friendly and, when chosen right, its apparel can be some of your favorite, unique pieces. Its LUNE Plaid Print Drop Shoulder Shirt is less than $10, is offered in several hot colors and has a fit we know and love. That said, you’ll want to pick up a few colorways to keep you fully stocked for fall.

    Also, we recommend adding the SXY Flap Pocket Side Cargo Jeans ($30) and Star Pattern Lace-Up Front Skate Shoes ($25) to your cart for two traditional pieces that’ll match beautifully.

    Hello, Free People. We love you for your colorful flannels that add some peppy flair to your fall outfits. The We The Free So Long Summer Plaid Top is one of our favorites on this list, with more than 2,000 satisfied shoppers loving it, too. Its relaxed, slouchy fit and exaggerated sleeves make it well worth the investment, too.

    If you’re like us and can’t get enough Free People (#iykyk), grab the We The Free Tinsley Baggy High-Rise Cord Jeans ($98) — pretty in pink for the chillier months — and the After Riding Mules ($138) — a country-inspired, trusty pair.

    While flannels are meant to be slightly oversized and more relaxed, petite-style flannels are flattering and ideal for autumn, too. One of our favorite picks? The Croft & Barrow Petite The Extra Soft Plaid Flannel Shirt is less than $30, comes in a wealth of classic shades and has a soft twill construction that’s incredible for the price.

    Even better, the Levi’s 721 High Rise Skinny Jeans ($60) and Easy Street Leilani Ornament Block Heel Ankle Boots ($60) will make for a polished, head-to-toe outfit.

    It’s not just any flannel – it’s a cropped flannel. And we love it just as much.

    Adding a school-ish touch to your fall outfit, the Self Esteem Juniors’ Plaid Cropped Shirt is one of the nicest to layer and will look as good. Thinking about a larger shopping spree? The Dollhouse Curvy High Rise Double Button Skinny Jeans ($20) and UGG Dakota Moccasin Slippers ($110) are two options that are calm, cool and collected (and classic) for school, especially.

    For a flannel that fits more like a hoodie, the White Mark Lightweight and Soft Plaid Flannel is one you can’t go wrong with. We’re thinking about wearing it 24 hours, seven days a week. Doesn’t that sound like comfy to the max?

    To go with the marshmallow-soft aesthetic, pick up the All in Motion Rib Flare Leggings ($30) and — of course — the Dearfoams Fireside New Castle Genuine Shearling Cross-Band Slide Slippers ($30).

    Target $49.99

    Fall fashion never looked so chic. The SHEWIN Plaid Lapel Collar Shacket is ready to be your autumnal uniform for apple picking, a haunted house trip and everything else you have in store for the season. For less than $35, we’re colored impressed by the quality and overall look.

    Don’t stop there — the Sidefeel Raw Hem Jeans ($37) and Charles Albert Modern Western Boot ($35) are other hot picks to add to your cart as well.

    Oh Abercrombie, how we love you. Not only did we interview the brand’s higher-ups for a full brand review, but we can’t stop raving about (and shopping from) the moose-logo’ed retailer.

    Its Relaxed Flannel Shirt is one of its finest, the ideal pick to style with its Vegan Leather Blazer ($140) and Lace-Up Dad Sneaker ($120). Classic, yet elevated.

    The ASOS DESIGN Brushed Boyfriend Shirt has some of the most fall-esque colors we’ve seen — and we’re not at all complaining about it. Complete with the brand’s COLLUSION Puddle Flare Jeans ($53) and Pyra Square Toe Block Heeled Shoes ($53), you’re golden.

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