At Brixton, flannel is deeply rooted in our DNA. In honor of National Flannel Day on February 10th, we’re featuring our original Bowery Flannel against a backdrop of different eras, inspired by the popularity of plaid flannel shirts with everyone from cowboys and factory workers to ‘50s mods and grunge rockers.

The design inspiration for our iconic Bowery Flannel springs from a classic 1940’s silhouette, retooled in our soft, anti-scratch vegan wool in a range of signature colors and prints. It’s versatile, durable and made for the long haul, with a design philosophy that aligns perfectly with flannel’s origins.

Flannel dates back to 17th-century Wales when carded wool was brushed and woven to create a fabric that could stand up to cold, wet weather. Plaid is the pattern most closely linked with flannel, dating all the way back to 3rd-century tartans worn by Scots to identify their clans—but it wasn’t until the 19th century, thanks to American and British manufacturing, that flannel shirting featuring modern plaids became popular for everyday work and leisure.

Decade after decade, flannel’s rugged style has made it the shirt of choice for exploring, laboring and beyond. From cowboys in the Old West to railroad workers during the Industrial Revolution, steel workers in the mid-20th century, and makers and adventurers today, flannel has proven itself as a wardrobe mainstay.

While flannel’s must-have status has remained constant, the fabrication has evolved over the years. Made with greater comfort in mind, our soft, vegan tri-blend takes flannel to a new level by eliminating itchy wool, making the Bowery feel like a favorite shirt from day one.

Beyond associations with labor, flannel shirts have their place in important cultural moments, like London’s early mod scene beginning in the late ‘50s and during the heyday of grunge in the Pacific Northwest. For the artists, musicians and rebels of these subcultures, flannel was the perfect symbol of rebellion, adding a just-right edge for everyday dressing.

A common thread over the eras, the flannel shirt is timeless, versatile and perfectly suited to reflect the spirit and style of the person wearing it. Flannel shirts are true wardrobe staples, and our wide range of colors and heritage-inspired plaids make it easy to integrate our shirts—like the Bowery—into easy outfits for relaxed occasions. Explore our options in rich combinations of moonlit ocean and grey, earthy pairings of light brown and burnt henna, and vibrant duos like mahogany and dark orange. You’ll find an equally impressive selection of colors throughout our entire flannel collection, including our Heavy Weight Bowery Flannel, our Bowery Stretch Utility Flannel and our Bowery Boyfriend Flannel for women.

Whether you’re layering a flannel button-up over a tee, wearing flannel as an overshirt or tying it around your waist, you can’t go wrong. More than just an item of clothing, a flannel shirt is a celebration of personal style—and our look back over the decades in honor of National Flannel Day is just a taste of what’s still to come for this tried and true essential.