Flannel is a cozy and soft fabric that is used for a variety of outfits. So are flannel shirts warm?
The short answer is “yes“. The brushed texture of flannel produces a similar sense of coziness. The raised fibers in a flannel shirt will trap the heat that your body naturally produces and keep it close to your body instead of letting it constantly escape.
Rather than ending things there, we’re going to take a deeper dive into precisely what flannel is and how it manages to keep wearers feeling warm and cozy.
What is Flannel? Are Flannel Shirts Warm?
Contrary to popular opinion, flannel doesn’t refer to a single type of fabric. Wool or cotton can be used to make flannel fabrics, but the latter is much more likely to be used to make flannel shirts.
Flannel’s unique quality—which also gives it its warmth—sets it apart from other wool or cotton fabrics. Flannel has a “nap,” meaning that the yarns that have been spun into the fabric are slightly raised, which is what gives flannel its highly textural feeling and soft hand.
Usually, to raise the fibers of the thick fabric, a fine metal brush is used to create this nap. Some flannels are brushed on just one side, but the flannels that rank among the warmest are more often brushed on both sides.
Also Read: Are Flannels Business Casual?
How Do Flannel Shirts Keep You Warm?
Let’s cut to the chase and talk about the warmth of flannel shirts. Because of lightness and warmth of the flannel shirts, they’re so popular in fall and winter but why is flannel warm?
Wool is used to make a lot of flannel shirts frequently, and sheep are to thank for the warmth that wool provides.
Because both wool and cotton have extremely low thermal conductivities, heat is transferred very slowly. For early spring and fall, thin flannel shirts are also available, but thick flannel shirts are more common.
Wool has air pockets between its fibers as well, and as you might have guessed, air doesn’t conduct heat well either. Therefore, don’t wait to purchase a wool flannel shirt if you had planned to do so for this fall.
Read More: Does Flannel Shrink?
When is the Flannel Season?
As we mentioned, flannel shirts and flannel clothes, in general, are appropriate for fall and winter. The best material for these seasons is this one, which is frequently made of wool and is warm.
But during the spring and summer, no one can stop you from wearing flannel shirts, especially in the early spring. In a strict sense, wool is warmer than cotton. The best material for spring and summer is cotton.
In the summer, wearing a white T-shirt underneath your flannel shirt is the best option. For your spring and summer wardrobe, chinos and light jeans are your best bets. Even flannel shirts can be worn as a waistband.
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Takeaway: Are Flannel Shirts Warm
During the shoulder season, a flannel shirt can be worn as a versatile layer of outerwear over a simple tee or blouse.
When the weather starts to get chilly, consider layering your flannel shirt under a sweater or fleece jacket for women.
Additionally, you can wear it as a base layer under a turtleneck or cardigan with a shawl collar when the temperature really drops.
FAQs
Is Flannel Warmer Than Fleece?
Flannel is warmer than fleece, to put it bluntly.
Is Flannel Good for Summer?
Even though a light flannel might be acceptable, it’s probably best to save them for cool summer nights or the fall and winter months.
What is Flannel Made Of?
Cotton and occasionally silk were used to make flannel more frequently.
