Flannel Shirts Return to Fashion Forefront in 2026
Once relegated to gardening attire or winter layering, the thick, checked flannel shirt is experiencing a significant revival in 2026. This marks its first major fashion resurgence since the 1990s, transforming from a practical workwear staple into a symbol of laidback cool and style.
Celebrity and Designer Endorsements Fuel the Trend
High-profile figures are leading the charge in this fashion movement. Fashion editors, stylists on front rows, and models such as Adwoa Aboah and Emily Ratajkowski have been spotted sporting flannel shirts. Notably, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has garnered attention for his choice of a flannel shirt, which contrasts sharply with the tight-fitting outfits typically worn by his colleagues in the sports world.
Luxury brands are also embracing this trend. Marni, Chloé, and Chanel featured flannel shirt versions in their recent runway shows. A standout example is the Bottega Veneta "flannel" shirt made of leather, worn by Jacob Elordi's character in the new series of the Gen Z drama Euphoria. Originally from the spring/summer 2023 collection and modeled by Kate Moss, this high-end piece retails for approximately £4,600.
Vintage and Accessible Options Gain Popularity
While catwalk versions capture headlines, more accessible iterations are driving widespread adoption. Vintage sites like Depop report a 47% increase in searches for lumberjack shirts since last year. Affordable options, such as a £90 blue version by COS, became favorites at New York Fashion Week, often styled open or tied around the waist with slip dresses.
Hitanshi Kamdar, deputy commerce editor at Grazia, observes this styling approach. "What we've really been seeing in fashion lately is this dichotomy of laidback piece paired with more polished separates," she explains. "It makes you look fashion forward without really needing too much forethought."
Historical Roots and Modern Interpretations
The flannel shirt's fashion history dates back to the 1990s grunge era, with origins in American outdoor brands like Pendleton and Woolrich from the 19th century, which drew patterns from Scottish tartan and Indian madras. Andrew Groves, director of the menswear archive at Westminster University, notes, "What is happening now is that all those references are being collapsed together. A flannel shirt can suggest heritage, rebellion, and ordinariness at the same time."
Guardiola's shirt, a £270 piece by Swedish brand Our Legacy, exemplifies how flannel shirts are making a statement in men's wardrobes. Mahalia Chang, style editor at GQ, highlights its appeal: "I really like this look on Pep because it felt quite relaxed ... it made him look a little bit younger, a little bit cooler." She attributes this to the contrast with the typically snug attire of his peers.
Key Styling Tips for the Flannel Revival
The fit is crucial to mastering this trend. It should be loose, reminiscent of Kurt Cobain's 1990s grunge style, rather than a buttoned-up, preppy look. Chang views the lumberjack shirt as part of a broader workwear trend, describing it as "real, casual without being sloppy." Groves adds, "The checked shirt symbolises everyday masculinity. It may look ordinary, but it is interwoven with ideas of labour, rebellion and authenticity."
For an authentic touch, Chang recommends exploring existing wardrobes rather than purchasing new items. "Flannels are cool because they get better as they age and get more worn in. I think you can really tell when one's fresh off the rack," she advises. Kamdar shares a personal example, wearing a cherished Ralph Lauren shirt from her father's wardrobe, which she uses frequently.
This resurgence underscores how flannel shirts are being recast as versatile fashion pieces, blending historical significance with contemporary style for a timeless appeal.
