Are Flannel Shirts Business Casual For Men and Women

The business casual dress code is confusing for many people. The line between what is and isn’t appropriate in a work setting isn’t very clear.

Since business casual suggests a comfortable way of dressing, many men and women wonder if flannel shirts fit the dress code. After all, you still want to have a professional appearance when you’re wearing business casual clothing.

Which raises the question…

Are Flannel Shirts Business Casual?

Yes, flannels are business casual. Men and women can wear flannels with khakis, chinos, dress pants, skirts, jeans, and dresses. Flannel shirts are popular in professional settings and a wardrobe staple for many people.

In this post, I share if you can wear flannel to the office, if flannel is appropriate for job interviews, and how to build a flannel outfit.

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Can I Wear Flannel to the Office?

Plaid and tartan flannel shirts can be worn in a professional setting. However, this depends on the formality of the workplace. If the dress code is business casual, then plaid shirts are appropriate. If the dress code is formal, avoiding wearing a flannel top is best.

If you’re starting a new job, you may want to see what other employees are wearing before you show up in flannel clothing. When it comes to business casual attire, there are a lot of grey areas, so it can be hard to tell if a flannel top is appropriate in your workplace.

Oftentimes, flannel tops are casual wardrobe essentials for many professionals. However, you should avoid wearing flannels on formal occasions.

Industries that May Not Allow Flannels at Work:

The dress code and acceptability of wearing flannel shirts in the workplace can vary based on the industry, company policies, specific positions, or roles within the company. Generally, most industries that require formal or professional attire will not allow formal shirts as a part of the dress code.

Here are examples of industries where wearing flannel shirts are inappropriate.

• Law
• Finance
• Certain Corporations
• Healthcare
• Hospitality and Fine Dining

*Please note that flannel dress shirts and sweaters are not appropriate for formal events.

Is a Flannel Shirt Appropriate For An Interview?

Wearing a flannel top for a job interview is not a good idea because you can appear too casual. Instead, try wearing a dress shirt or a button shirt to look more professional. Dressing formally for a job interview is a great way to make a solid first impression.

When it comes to job interviews, always dress for the job you want. This means that the way you will dress for a job interview at an office will be different from how you would dress for a restaurant.

If you need help with how to dress, search for the business in advance. You should get a good idea of how to dress by looking at the pictures that are posted of the business online.

How to Build a Flannel Outfit:

Here are the tops, bottoms and shoes that look good with flannel. We also take a look at the clothing that you should never wear with a flannel shirt.

What Tops Look Good with Flannel?

When putting together flannel shirt outfits, it all starts with the top that you are wearing. A flannel shirt can be worn as a base or top layer.

You’ll want to stick to neutral colors when wearing a flannel top. This way, the flannel will be the focal point of your outfit, and your other top will add depth to your look.

Here are the tops that look good with flannel:

• Black / white T-shirt
• White long sleeve shirt
• Crewneck sweater
• Turtleneck sweater
• Black vest
• Denim jacket
• Leather jacket

What Bottoms Look Good With Flannel?

The good thing about wearing a plaid shirt is that they are easy to match with different styles of pants. For a casual setting, wearing pants that are solid colors will look great.

Avoid pants with patterns when wearing a flannel top, as they will clash with your shirt.

Here are the bottoms that look good with flannel:

• Black jeans
• Khaki pants
• Chino pants
• Leather pants
• Corduroy pants
• Dress pants
• Joggers

What Shoes Look Good With Flannel?

Depending on the overall look you’re trying to achieve, flannel shirts can be paired with various shoe styles. Here are shoe options that look great with flannel shirts.

Shoes that look good with flannel:

• Leather sneakers
• Dress shoes
• Loafers
• Chelsea boots
• Combat boots

What Should You Never Wear with a Flannel Top?

If you’re going for a smart casual look, it’s a good idea to avoid wearing certain clothing items with a flannel top. Wearing the wrong clothing with flannel will ruin the rest of the outfit.

Clothes that don’t go with a flannel top:

• A tie
• Sweatpants
• Clothing with patterns
• More flannel with a different plaid pattern
• Shorts
• Linen pants
• Sport coat

Is Flannel Casual or Formal?

Flannels are known as a casual working man’s shirt, which means they are appropriate for everyday occasions. However, flannels can be too casual for formal events and certain business offices. Wearing a flannel is an excellent option if you work outside in the cold weather.

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Final Thoughts on Whether Flannel Shirts Are Business Casual

Flannels can be considered business casual for men and women, depending on your work environment. If you’re still unsure, you can always ask around the office or pay attention to your colleague’s outfits.

Wearing a flannel over a white t-shirt or as a base layer is a nice look for a casual workplace. However, wearing a flannel on it’s own will be too casual for an office, so it’s best to accessorize and layer your outfit.

As long as you are comfortable and following your company’s dress codes, adding a flannel top to your wardrobe is a great idea!

In this post, I shared if you can wear flannel tops to the office, if flannel is appropriate for job interviews, and how to build a flannel outfit.