What Is a Flannel Shirt? Fabric, Weight and Why Aussies Wear It Year-Round

Despite what many people think, flannel is a fabric, not an actual pattern. So, what is a flannel shirt then, and why are they such a staple in Australia? Essentially, they’re a shirt made from a soft woven fabric, usually cotton, with a raised finish that gives them that soft, cosy feeling.

There are also different types of flannel. The fibre, weight and finish can all change their warmth, how it wears and what it costs. This is what to know before you pick your next flannel shirt, or the classic Aussie flanno.

What Are Flannel Shirts Made Of?

Cotton is the most common type of flannel shirt material that Aussies wear, although traditional flannel can be made of wool. Some flannos are often made from a cotton-synthetic blend. The fabric may also be brushed on one side or both.

• Single-brushed flannel fabric has a soft feeling on one side and is typically on the lighter side.
• Double-brushed fabric is raised on both sides, giving it a fuller, cosier feel.
• Unbrushed flannel has a smooth, crisp feeling that’s a little firm, more like a standard cotton than that fuzzy feeling.

So, what material are flannel shirts made of the most often? Cotton is usually the fabric you’ll see used the most as it’s soft, breathable and can generally just be thrown in the wash.

Flannel or Flannelette? What Australians Actually Mean

When Aussies refer to flannelette, or more commonly a flanno, we’re usually referring to a lightweight cotton flannel that’s often brushed on both sides. It has the same soft feel as winter flannel, but is generally not as heavy.

Why Are Flannel Shirts Plaid?

Flannel shirts are not always plaid, but it is the most common style. It actually stems back to woollen mills and workwear, when repeating a number of dyed yarns created a practical, recognisable cloth.

How Warm Is a Flannel Shirt, and Can You Wear One in Summer?

How warm you feel in a flanno depends on how heavy it is, its weave, the brushing and if it’s lined. Research says how insulated it is largely comes down to the fabric and how much air is inside it too, although GSM plays a part too.

Higher GSM, or grams per square metre, means there is more fabric mass. This can make the fabric feel heavier, so finding out which fabric weight you prefer can help you make a pick.

Picking a flannel for Australian weather

The Australian climate varies a lot, so the same flannel that keeps you warm in Queensland may only work as a light layer in Victoria. This is why picking a flannel that matches when and where you’re wearing it can make a big difference in your comfort.

If it’s not as cold, a lighter flannel may be all you need. You can also wear it open over a tee for layering, although heavy brushing can get hot really fast in the sun. For colder mornings and nights, you may need to reach for a heavier or sherpa-lined flannel shirt for some added warmth.

Ringers Western men’s flannels and women’s flannel shirts also come in different fits and levels of warmth, so read the fabric details before you add to cart.

Why Some Flannel Shirts Cost More Than Others

But why are flannel shirts so expensive? While not all options are on the higher cost side, there are some design choices that can improve the wear but also increase the price. This may be because of:

• More fibre or cloth being needed to achieve the level of warmth or comfort.
• Better quality yarns that improve softness, strength and how the shirt feels even after a dozen washes.
• Brushing, such as double brushing that adds another finishing stage.
• Yarn-dyed checks, where the yarn is dyed before weaving, rather than having the pattern printed over the finished cloth.
• Any seams, buttons, pockets and reinforced areas.
• Pre-shrinking, which helps the fabric keep its shape after washing.

For example, a lot of Ringers Western’s current flanno range are made with 170 GSM, 100% cotton, with yarn-dyed checks and pre-shrunk fabric. This can really make a difference when you wash and wear them, making your flannos as much a staple on the farm as your work shirts.

Choosing the Right Flanno

To pick out a great flanno, keep an eye out for these key things:

• Choose a lighter cotton or flannelette for mild weather or if you plan on layering.
• Go for heavier or lined fabric if you need more warmth.
• Check the GSM, fibre content and brushing instead of judging by the check alone.
• Look for pre-shrunk fabric for a shirt that stays the size and shape after each wash.
• Select a fit with enough room to move, especially for work.

Shop all of our flannel shirts, or head straight to the men’s and women’s ranges to find the right weight for the weather you’ll be wearing it in.