Flannel has a reputation problem
Somewhere along the way, flannel got boxed into one very specific lane: weekends, bonfires, and jeans that have seen better days. And look — we love that version of flannel. At MuskOx, we’ve built an entire brand around flannel that’s tough, timeless, and built for the outdoors.
But a great flannel can do more than that.
With the right choices, a flannel shirt can absolutely hold its own in a more polished, put-together setting — whether that’s a nice dinner, a casual office, or a night out where you still want to feel like yourself — and maybe make sure a certain someone notices you.
Here’s how to dress up a flannel without trying too hard or losing what makes flannel great in the first place.
Man Wearing Camel Grand Flannel With Green Pants
1. Skip the Jeans (We Know, We Know)
Yes, We get it
There might not be a better combo on earth than a flannel and a great pair of jeans. But if you’re trying to dress up a flannel, this is the first rule to break.
Go ahead — put your favorite denim to the side and reach for a pair of solid-color pants instead. Think:
- Tailored chinos in navy, olive, or charcoal
- A clean, modern pant with a little structure
- A well-cut five-pocket pant that isn’t denim
And no — your old, baggy khakis from 2009 won’t cut it. To elevate a flannel shirt, you need clean lines, a better fit, and a more intentional look.
Why it works: Pants with structure immediately elevate the outfit and signal that this flannel isn’t just along for a casual ride.
Grand Flannel in Dark Blue Mini Check
2. Choose a Solid or a Simple Pattern
We love plaid patterns as much as anyone — but when it comes to dressing up a flannel shirt, restraint wins.
Stick to:
These styles read cleaner, sharper, and more refined — while still delivering the warmth and texture flannel is known for.
A few MuskOx favorites that work especially well here:
- Dark Blue Mini Check, Grand Flannel – unique, subtle pattern, big payoff
- Navy Blue, Grand Flannel – solid, classic, versatile, and easy to dress up
-
Camel, Grand Flannel – solid, warm, elevated, and quietly confident
- Checkered Blue, Grand Flannel – structured without feeling stiff
Why it works: Simpler patterns let the fabric, fit, and overall outfit do the talking — rather than overpowering the look.
3. Wear a Watch (This Is Its Moment)
If you’re a flannel guy, there’s a decent chance you’ve got a watch sitting in a drawer somewhere — maybe one gifted from your dad or uncle that doesn’t get enough wrist time. This is the moment.
A classic, timeless watch instantly elevates a flannel outfit. Leather strap or clean metal — either works. What matters is that it feels intentional, not flashy. Oh — and skip the Apple Watch here. We get that you’re fit (and that’s part of what makes you great), but when it comes to dressing up a flannel, leave the sport watch at home.
If you’re in the market for something new, pieces like the Shinola Runwell are a great reference point: simple, well-made, and built to last.
Why it works: A watch adds just enough formality to balance the ruggedness of flannel.
4. Skip the Hat (Just This Once)
We love hats. Truly.
But if you’re aiming for a more polished look, go ahead and leave the hat at home. A flannel already brings texture and personality — adding a hat often tips the scale back toward casual.
And if you’re like most men who rock flannel, you’re wearing hats all the time — so give them a nice surprise here and let your full face shine.
Why it works: Clean lines from head to toe help the flannel feel intentional instead of thrown on.
5. Experiment With the Cuffs
This is a small detail that makes a big difference.
Depending on the setting:
- Fold the cuffs back once for a relaxed-but-refined look
- Roll them up cleanly if the environment allows
- Keep them buttoned for the sharpest silhouette
There’s no single “right” answer here — just be aware of the situation and do what feels natural.
Why it works: Thoughtful cuffing adds personality without sacrificing polish.
6. Add a Simple, Monochromatic Vest (When Needed)
When temperatures drop — or when you want to add another layer of intention—a simple, monochromatic vest can do wonders.
Adding a vest gives the outfit a more complete look — and if you’re really pushing the envelope with a flannel, this layer does a lot of the heavy lifting. Stick to neutral colors (navy, gray, black, brown) and clean lines. Avoid anything overly puffy or technical if your goal is dressing things up.
Why it works: A vest adds structure and depth while keeping the flannel front and center.
7. Don’t Forget the Boots (They Matter More Than You Think)
What you put on your feet quietly does a lot of work when you’re trying to dress up a flannel.
You can wear cowboy boots — but the key is intention. Make sure they’re clean, well-kept, and not the pair you actually use for work. The same rule applies across the board: when your boots look like they were chosen for this outfit, everything else levels up.
If you want an easy win, styles like:
- Chelsea boots, on the more rugged side
- Simple suede or leather ankle boots
- Clean, refined lace-up boots
This is to strike the right balance. Suede, in particular, pairs beautifully with flannel — it softens the look while still feeling elevated.
This isn’t about strict rules or buying something new. It’s about avoiding boots that feel overly work-centered or beaten into the ground. A clean, understated boot signals that the flannel is part of a considered outfit — not just something you grabbed on the way out the door.
Why it works: Polished boots anchor the outfit and subtly push the flannel into “put-together” territory without making it feel formal.
Final Thought: Flannel, Elevated
Dressing up a flannel isn’t about turning it into something it’s not.
It’s about choosing better fits, cleaner pairings, and a few thoughtful details that let a high-quality flannel — like the ones we make at MuskOx — do what it’s built to do: look great, feel great, and last for years.
Because the best flannel shouldn’t be limited to weekends — or the outdoors.
