Introduction to Flannel vs Plaid

The weather’s getting colder, and it’s time to grab your plaid or flannel. But which is it? Does the word really matter if they’re the same thing? Actually, it does. That’s because, contrary to popular belief, and misconception, plaid and flannel aren’t the same thing. When it comes down to flannel vs plaid, we have the answers you need to understand the true differences between plaid and flannel.

Flannel vs Plaid: What is Flannel?

Flannel Materials

Understanding the difference between flannel vs plaid starts with understanding the materials. Flannel can be made from different materials, although wool and cotton are the most popular options. However, flannel is sometimes also made from other natural or vegetable fibers. 

The Construction of Flannel Shirts 

What really makes flannel unique among other fabrics is how it’s made, and how the end result feels. We all know flannel has that warm, cozy feeling that gets you ready for cold weather. The reason it does is that it has a bit of a nap to it. Basically, it has fibers raised from the main cloth that give it the end feeling. 

Whether it’s cotton, wool, or another fiber, all flannel goes through the same process more or less. Specialized metal brushes are drawn across the fabric, which raises some of the smaller fibrous bits. That’s what creates the ‘nap’ or fuzziness that people recognize flannel by. When it comes to flannel vs plaid, you can generally expect the same feel from most flannel materials.

Flannel vs. Plaid Patterns

Here’s where a lot of people get flannel and plaid confused. The reason why it’s so confusing is that the vast majority of flannel shirts also happen to come in a plaid pattern. That said, flannel is a material, and it can be made with any color or pattern, and still be flannel. Here is a guide to our favorite flannel shirts.

These days, you’ll see just about any clothing item made in flannel if you look for it, especially those made for colder weather and a plaid pattern is one of the most popular patterns for flannel fabric shirts. This is the most common misconception when it comes to flannel vs plaid: one is a fabric type and the other is a pattern.

The Origins of Flannel

While historians can debate about the exact date flannel came about, it’s generally accepted that it showed up around the 1600s. It’s even speculated that some of the first flannel fabrics were made to create blankets that shepherds used for the sheep in their flock. 

More common use began in Wales, although within a century it progressed to becoming a popular material for Scottish kilts. By the 1800s flannel became common in the United States, especially among workers. In the 1900s flannel turned into a national icon in some areas, even earning its own festival in Michigan. 

Of course, it’s also hard to ignore the massive popularity plaid and flannel shirts gained during the grunge movement. While plaid and flannel isn’t the only way to wear the material, it’s undoubtedly become an integral part of cultures around the world. 

Plaid vs Flannel: What is Plaid?

Plaid and Flannel Design

Plaid is really more about design and pattern than fabric and material. It’s essentially a pattern that has both horizontal and vertical lines (up and down, and sideways) that cross over each other. Plaid is an iconic, and unmistakable pattern. Not all the striping is the same width, no matter which direction it goes in.

These criss crossing horizontal and vertical lines create boxy figures of all different shapes and sizes throughout the pattern. While the term plaid is often associated with, or used interchangeably with, the term tartan, there are a few distinctions, depending on who you ask, of course. 

More often than not, it comes down to whether or not it’s a traditional Scottish pattern. There are similarities between the designs, although they may be slightly differently, with the same appeal.  Plaid patterns very common with professional dress shirts.

Plaid Materials

Here’s another huge difference between plaid and flannel. It comes down to the materials used to create either. Flannel is strictly a textile, typically made with wool or cotton, with cotton flannel being more popular. Plaid can go on basically any materials, and you’ll even see it on non textile items, but plaid shirts are the most popular form. You might see plaid on a sticker, a poster, wrapping paper, and much more. 

Because plaid is a pattern, it isn’t limited to a certain material. However, when you do see it on clothing, the fabric is commonly flannel. That’s because flannel is a sturdy material that holds up well to all the different weaves needed to create plaid patterns.  

The Origins of Plaid vs Flannel

Contrary to popular belief, plaid and flannel didn’t necessarily emerge at the same time. However, it didn’t take long for plaid to come into use after flannel did. It’s commonly accepted that plaid was used as early as the 1700s in Scotland. 

The Scots didn’t call it "plaid" though. Back then, and even now, they refer to it as "tartan". As we mentioned however, there are a few differences between flannel and plaid, and it really depends on the culture of the person you’re asking. 

Even so, plaid got a huge rival in the grunge era as it was paired with flannel, of course. The appeal and popularity continues today. The wide range of applications for a pattern associated with not only tradition, but also rebellion, is too much for most of us to resist.

The Main Difference Between Flannel vs Plaid 

As we’ve discussed, plaid vs flannel aren’t really one in the same. However, most people struggle with this distinction because we see both paired together so often. While they both have their own place in clothing and culture, flannel and plaid really from entirely different categories. 

Plaid is a pattern. It doesn’t dictate methods or materials used to make a fabric. It can be printed or woven, regardless of the medium, and whether or not it’s on clothing or blankets. 

Flannel is a material, often used for clothing such as these popular flannel shirts. However, it can also be used for nearly any other textile. Flannel is not a pattern. You’ll see it paired with plaid as a typical pattern, but that doesn’t define it. What really defines flannel is the fibers (typically wool or cotton), and brushing technique used to create the end material. 

Plaid vs Flannel Comparison Table and Conclusion

As you can see, plaid and flannel aren’t the same. Plaid is a pattern and flannel is a material: the ultimate difference between plaid vs flannel. However, knowing the difference between plaid and flannel can change how you buy clothes (or give you an edge at trivia night).

Frequently asked questions about Flannel vs Plaid

1. Are plaid and flannel the same?

Since most flannel shirts come in a plaid pattern, there is often confusion between flannel vs plaid. No plaid and flannel are not the same and the terms can not be used interchangeably. 

1. Are flannel shirts always plaid?

Most of the time, flannel shirts come in a plaid pattern. However, the main difference between plaid and flannel is that plaid is a pattern type and flannel is a material type.

1. What is considered a flannel?

Clothes made of flannel material are considered a flannel. The flannel material is usually made from wool, cotton, or cotton blend.

1. What's the difference between flannel and plaid?

The difference between flannel and plaid is that the term flannel refers to a type of cloth generally made of wool or cotton that has been brushed -- that is, rubbed with metal brushes to create extremely fine fibers -- for increased warmth and softness. Flannel is a woven fabric, and plaid is a pattern.