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Flannel? For summer? What might seem like the quintessential fall garment is surprisingly versatile across all seasons. Let me explain. First of all, flannel is exceptionally comfortable. Made from cotton or wool, the fabric is lightweight and cozy at the same time. The natural fibres also make it surprisingly breathable, meaning they can keep you cool while cottaging in Muskoka or warm you up in the frigid AC at the office. Plus, there’s something about the checkered pattern that is undeniably nostalgic and, dare we say, cool? Gaining popularity in the ’90s, flannel was once the uniform of grunge, its ties to indie sleaze and bands like Nirvana a symbol of anti-establishment cool. In the 2010s, the archetype shifted to the hipster, man-bun-wearing, vinyl-loving man who made vintage band tees and 500 Days of Summer his entire personality. As the 2020s rolled in (or honestly, a bit before), hipster fatigue hit and flannel all but disappeared—aside from the occasional Hozier or Coldplay concert. While many millennials still carry flannel-related trauma, a wave of designers and celebs are giving the look a stylish new life.
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On Spring 2026 runways, Bluemarble styled the piece with classic trousers and a T-shirt while IFM Paris reimagined it as a dress. Craig Green wasn’t afraid to mix and match different plaids in abstract flannel pants and jackets. Even Taylor Swift has co-signed the garment’s return, spotted in a full-flannel look. It would appear that in 2025, flannel shirts can be fashionable—that is, when done right. Style it wrong, however, and you risk cosplaying a Canadian stereotype. If you want to keep your outfit looking more luxe than lumberjack, here are three styling hacks to wear flannel this summer.
The classic flannel
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How do you improve on a classic? By giving it a modern upgrade, of course. Look to this street style star in Milan and add a pop of colour to your plain white tee with two matching flannels. The key to this look is having the same shirt, worn two different ways. We especially love how the one around the waist matches the boxer shorts. [content_module id=”1″]
The unique flannel
Photography via Launchmetrics/Spotlight
If you’re looking to level up your flannel game, a unique silhouette is the way to go. Tartan tops, dresses and even hoodies can switch up your stylistic expectations while still paying homage to the trend. Sure, you could wear it with jeans but contrasting prints, as seen here, will add more oomph to your outfit. [content_module id=”2″]
The flannel skirt
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Turn the trend on its head with an overtly feminine piece, like a skirt. As seen on content creator Maya Adele, the look will give you the same effortless essence but with a polished twist. Style it with a tiny tank for those extra hot days to stay cool (both in temperature and vibe). [content_module id=”3″] Continue Reading
