Flannel
Soft woven fabric, typically of cotton or wool, that is napped on one or both sides. Known for its warmth and cozy feel.
Material Score Breakdown
7-axis material rubric, not a garment verdict — see disclosure below.
How long the fabric lasts with regular use
Softness, feel against skin, wearability
Air flow and ventilation
Heat retention and insulation
Ability to pull sweat away from skin
Environmental impact of production and disposal
How easy it is to wash, dry, and maintain
Brands using flannel
2 brands have products in our catalog whose composition contains flannel. Sorted by how many garments they offer with this fiber.
Brand grade = average overall score across all of their products containing flannel.
Products with flannel
See all →Top-scored garments in our catalog whose composition contains flannel. Click through for the full quality + health + eco breakdown.
What this score doesn't measure
This is a material rating, not a verdict on any specific garment made from flannel. The axes above are research-backed averages for the fiber itself.
- ×Construction. Yarn staple length, weave / knit structure, stitch count, finishing. Identical fiber, very different garments.
- ×Fabric weight (GSM). A 140 GSM tee and a 220 GSM tee made of the same flannel feel and last very differently.
- ×Dye + finishing chemicals. Beyond the three we flag (PFAS, formaldehyde, antimony), dozens of textile finishes aren't modelled.
Best For
Excellent comfort (85) and easy care (70) for daily wear
Good warmth (80) for cold weather
Good durability (60) and comfort (85) for office wear
Good comfort (85) and breathability (65) for sleeping
Good sustainability score (60)
Detailed Use Case Scores
Pros
- ✓ Very soft and cozy
- ✓ Excellent warmth
- ✓ Affordable
- ✓ Easy to care for
Cons
- ✗ Can pill with wear
- ✗ Not moisture-wicking
- ✗ Can shrink
- ✗ Too warm for summer
Better alternatives
Higher-scored natural materials. Same category — what to consider instead.
+22 vs Flannel · 92/100
BiodegradableThe rarest and most expensive animal fiber in the world, from the vicuña of the Andes. Finer than cashmere, incredibly soft, warm, and lightweight. A single coat yields only 250g of usable fiber every 2-3 years.
+16 vs Flannel · 86/100
BiodegradableUltra-fine wool from Merino sheep. Softer and less itchy than regular wool, with excellent temperature regulation and moisture management.
+12 vs Flannel · 82/100
BiodegradableExtra-long-staple cotton historically grown in the West Indies (Barbados, Jamaica) and Sea Islands of Georgia/South Carolina. Among the rarest commercial fibers on earth — staple length up to 2.5", silky hand feel, intense color saturation when dyed. Used in heritage luxury shirting and bespoke menswear.
Care Guide
Special Notes
• Cold wash reduces pilling
• Avoid fabric softener — reduces softness over time
Additional Care Tips
- • Machine wash cold (30°C/85°F) on gentle cycle — cold water prevents shrinkage and preserves nap
- • Tumble dry on low heat and remove promptly — high heat causes excessive shrinkage and pilling
- • Iron on medium heat with steam if needed, but flannel's relaxed look often doesn't require ironing
- • Wash inside out to reduce pilling and preserve the soft brushed surface
- • Avoid bleach — it weakens the napped fibers; use oxygen-based alternatives for stains
- • Store folded; flannel is low-maintenance but should be kept away from moths if wool-based
Cost
$$$$$
Budget-friendly
Shrinkage
May shrink 2-5% — wash cold
Eco Rating
Moderate impact — consider eco alternatives