Flannel

The fabric we know as flannel dates back to the 17th century when Welshman created it as a replacement for solid colored wool. The fabric was sourced from sheep and proved to be better in the wet and windy Welsh winters. The fabric was quickly adopted across Europe and in 1889, Hamilton Carhartt of Carhartt brought the fabric stateside. Flannel became a part of American history when a red and black buffalo plaid flannel became the shirt of choice for literal folklore giant Paul Bunyan. The shirts went on to become the symbol for outdoorsmen and loggers in particular. After being a major player in ’90s grunge style, flannel came back in a big way towards the end of the ’00s and are still perceived as a menswear staple. Today, the shirts are still the most common place to find flannel being used but many brands have started to make jackets with the fabric as well.

What is the difference between flannel and plaid?
Flannel is a fabric, plaid is a pattern.

What is flannel called in the UK?
The fabric is also called flannel in the UK.

Where is flannel from?
Flannel fabric originally came from Wales.