Flannel Fabric Guide

Flannel is a fabric with a softly brushed or milled surface. It can be made from wool, cotton or blends, although traditional tailored flannel is usually wool.

Wool flannel

Wool flannel is used for trousers, suits and jackets. Its soft surface gives colours greater depth and makes grey flannel trousers especially easy to combine with tweed, navy blazers and knitwear. The cloth drapes comfortably and feels warmer than a smooth worsted wool of similar weight.

Cotton flannel

Cotton flannel is commonly used for casual shirts and nightwear. The brushing raises fine fibres from the surface, creating warmth and softness. Checked cotton flannel shirts work naturally with denim, moleskin and boots.

Main benefits

• Warmth: the raised surface traps air.
• Softness: comfortable for trousers, shirts and relaxed tailoring.
• Depth of colour: the nap softens the appearance of plain shades and checks.
• Versatility: grey wool flannel is one of the most adaptable trouser cloths in menswear.

Livingston recommendations

Flannel works particularly well with tweed jackets, wool knitwear and smart leather footwear. For made-to-measure flannel trousers or suits, see the Livingston Cloth & Tailoring Guide and Made to Measure Suits Scotland.

Care

Brush wool flannel after wear and allow trousers to rest so creases and moisture can recover. Avoid over-cleaning. Cotton flannel shirts should be washed according to the label and reshaped while damp.

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