A plaid flannel shirt was basically THE uniform from my small rural farming town in Canada. I never would have imagined that years later, fall flannel would be trending on the haute couture catwalks – and yet, here we are! The outdoor piece, loved for its cozy warmth, especially when worn while camping, has been given a luxurious new treatment, with brands like The Row and Bottega Veneta making it a streamlined wardrobe staple. So yes: lumberjack chic is officially in fashion this season. Listen to me.

Over the past fashion month, the modest flannel shirt made an appearance on many Spring 2025 runways. At Bottega, a red, black, and white plaid top was actually crafted in leather, while The Row has launched a red and black tartan flannel that you just created. know was knitted from the finest cashmere available. HAS Comme des Garconsflannels were even worn over plaid buttons, doubling the plaid print.

Bottega Veneta spring 2025

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The Row spring 2025

Photo: Courtesy of The Row

I remember first realizing how cool a flannel shirt was in the 2000s. Back then, sleazy indie was all the rage – a trend that borrowed heavily from ’90s grunge – and plaid and flannels were part of both fashion movements. I was obsessed with how stars like Mary-Kate Olsen, before The Row, would pair their plaids with leggings and the hottest It bags of the moment. The look seemed so simple and nonchalant. In fact, I was so taken with the aesthetic that I got an editorial from VogueThe December 1992 issue plastered on my walls: a Steven Meisel photo shoot highlighting Marc Jacobs’ iconic grunge collection for Perry Ellis. In it, models Naomi Campbell and Kristen McMenamy modeled her flannels with T-shirts and combat boots. Can you say cool?

Mary-Kate Olsen in the 2000s

Photo: Getty Images

Today, the flannel look is just as appealing, though its style has certainly evolved: this season, it was less about moving toward grunge and more about paring things down. Flannel appeared with black suit pants or classic straight jeans, the argument being that if you’ve opted for a cashmere or fine wool style, it should be a piece you can wear with everyday basics for years. And if you think about it, flannels really are a smart investment. Wearing one on a cool fall day is like receiving a warm hug, and who doesn’t want that?

Below, shop 12 fresh flannels for the fall season.