In numerous closets, the thick, plaid shirt often resides alongside gardening attire or serves as an additional layer during frigid weather. However, in 2026, this garment is re-emerging as a legitimate fashion staple for the first time since the 1990s.
Recently, flannel shirts have made appearances on the runway, donned by fashion editors, stylists, models like Adwoa Aboah and Emily Ratajkowski, and even Manchester City’s manager, Pep Guardiola. Notable fashion houses such as Marni, Chloé, and Chanel showcased their own interpretations in recent collections. Adding to the excitement, this week marks the premiere of the much-anticipated new season of the Gen Z series Euphoria, featuring Jacob Elordi’s character, Nate Jacobs, in a striking leather “flannel” shirt by Bottega Veneta. Originally from the spring/summer 2023 lineup and previously worn by Kate Moss, this piece retails for £4,600.
It’s important to note that the average consumer isn’t typically purchasing the high-fashion variant of the checked shirt. Vintage options are thriving, with Depop reporting a 47% increase in searches for lumberjack shirts compared to last year. A blue variant priced at £90 from COS gained popularity during New York Fashion Week last year, styled in various ways, including worn open or tied around the waist with a slip dress.
Hitanshi Kamdar, the deputy commerce editor at Grazia, has observed this styling phenomenon. “Lately, we’ve been witnessing a blend of casual pieces paired with more refined items,” she explains. “This combination allows one to appear fashion-forward with minimal effort.”
This trend is not the first time the lumberjack shirt has made waves in the fashion realm. Its popularity surged during the grunge movement of the 1990s, and its origins can be traced back to American outdoor brands like Pendleton and Woolrich, which drew inspiration from Scottish tartans and Indian madras patterns in the 19th century. “What we are seeing now is a fusion of all these influences,” remarks Andrew Groves, director of the menswear archive at Westminster University. “A flannel shirt can evoke feelings of heritage, rebellion, and everyday life simultaneously.”
Guardiola’s flannel shirt, priced at £270 and designed by the Swedish brand Our Legacy, makes a compelling argument for the shirt as a standout item in men’s wardrobes. Mahalia Chang, style editor at GQ, posits that its appeal lies in its contrast to the typically form-fitting attire of his peers. “I appreciate this look on Pep because it feels quite relaxed… it gives him a younger, cooler vibe,” she notes.
A key aspect of this trend—and the modern interpretation of the flannel shirt—lies in its fit; it should be loose and relaxed, reminiscent of Kurt Cobain’s 1990s style, rather than tailored and preppy.
Chang identifies the lumberjack shirt as part of a broader trend towards workwear. “It presents a genuine look that is casual without being careless,” she states.
Groves adds, “The checked shirt represents everyday masculinity. While it may seem ordinary, it embodies themes of labor, rebellion, and authenticity.”
To achieve a more authentic look, Chang suggests digging into one’s own closet instead of purchasing new items: “Flannels gain character as they age and become worn. You can easily spot a shirt that is fresh off the rack.”
Kamdar, on the other hand, treasures a particular piece. “One of my favorite checked shirts is an old Ralph Lauren from my father’s collection,” she shares. “I wear it constantly.”
