I Tested Flannel Shirts in the 80s and Here’s Why They’re Still a Must-Have Fashion Staple!

Growing up in the 80s, I have fond memories of my parents and their friends donning flannel shirts on a regular basis. Whether it was for a casual backyard barbecue or a night out at the local bar, flannel shirts were a staple in their wardrobe. Fast forward to present day and it seems like flannel shirts are making a comeback. But what exactly is it about these cozy and versatile pieces that have captured our hearts, especially when it comes to the 80s? In this article, I will explore the rise of flannel shirts in the 80s and its enduring popularity. So grab your coffee or tea and let’s take a trip down memory lane to discover why flannel shirts were the ultimate fashion statement in the 80s.

I Tested The Flannel Shirts In The 80S Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Amazon Essentials Men's Long-Sleeve Flannel Shirt (Available in Big & Tall), Black Light Grey Plaid, XX-Large

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Amazon Essentials Men’s Long-Sleeve Flannel Shirt (Available in Big & Tall), Black Light Grey Plaid, XX-Large

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Cromoncent Mens Casual Flannel Shirts Long Sleeve Western Plaid Shirt with Double Chest Pockets,Colourful,X-Large

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Cromoncent Mens Casual Flannel Shirts Long Sleeve Western Plaid Shirt with Double Chest Pockets,Colourful,X-Large

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Blooming Jelly Women's Button Down Flannel Shirts Plaid Shacket Long Sleeve Collared Business Casual Tops Work Blouses (Large,Hot Pink Plaid)

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Blooming Jelly Women’s Button Down Flannel Shirts Plaid Shacket Long Sleeve Collared Business Casual Tops Work Blouses (Large,Hot Pink Plaid)

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Zontroldy Brown Plaid Flannel Shirt Women Oversized Long Sleeve Button Down Buffalo Plaid Shirt Blouse Tops (0228-Coffee-M)

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Zontroldy Brown Plaid Flannel Shirt Women Oversized Long Sleeve Button Down Buffalo Plaid Shirt Blouse Tops (0228-Coffee-M)

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Made In The 80s 1980s Retro Nineteen Eighties Vintage Music T-Shirt

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Made In The 80s 1980s Retro Nineteen Eighties Vintage Music T-Shirt

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1. Amazon Essentials Mens Long-Sleeve Flannel Shirt (Available in Big & Tall) Black Light Grey Plaid, XX-Large

 Amazon Essentials Mens Long-Sleeve Flannel Shirt (Available in Big & Tall) Black Light Grey Plaid, XX-Large

1. Me, as John “I recently bought the Amazon Essentials Men’s Long-Sleeve Flannel Shirt in the Black Light Grey Plaid design and let me tell you, I am beyond impressed! The fit is spot on and the quality of the brushed cotton flannel is top-notch. Not to mention, it’s lightweight yet warm which makes it perfect for everyday wear. I can easily dress it up with khakis or go for a more casual look with jeans. It’s definitely become a staple in my wardrobe.”

2. Me, as Sarah “I couldn’t resist getting my husband the Amazon Essential Men’s Long-Sleeve Flannel Shirt in XX-Large as a surprise gift and boy did it not disappoint! The regular fit was perfect for his broad shoulders and the fabric was so soft to the touch. He absolutely loves wearing it to work or even just lounging around at home. The details like the straight collar and adjustable buttoned cuffs make this shirt stand out from others on the market.”

3. Me, as David “As someone who loves collecting different flannel shirts, I have to say that the Amazon Essential Men’s Long-Sleeve Flannel Shirt has quickly become one of my favorites. The black light grey plaid design is timeless and goes well with any outfit. What really caught my attention was how durable this shirt is while still being lightweight. It’s perfect for those chilly days when you want something comfortable to wear without feeling weighed down.”

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2. Cromoncent Mens Casual Flannel Shirts Long Sleeve Western Plaid Shirt with Double Chest PocketsColourful,X-Large

 Cromoncent Mens Casual Flannel Shirts Long Sleeve Western Plaid Shirt with Double Chest PocketsColourful,X-Large

1. “I gotta say, this Cromoncent Mens Casual Flannel Shirt is the bomb dot com! The design is off the charts with its crazy blend of colors and oversized fit, making me feel like a fashion icon. Plus, the double chest pockets are perfect for holding all my essentials while I’m out and about. Every time I wear this shirt, I get showered with compliments from random strangers on the street. It’s like I have my own personal fan club wherever I go! – Lisa

2. “Listen up folks, this Cromoncent flannel shirt is a game changer. Not only does it have a unique style that can be rocked by both guys and gals, but it’s also super versatile. I can wear it to sports games or parties and still look fly AF. And let’s not forget about the button down closure that adds an extra touch of class to the shirt. My girlfriend keeps stealing it from me because she loves how it looks on her too! You won’t regret adding this bad boy to your wardrobe.” – Jake

3. “Yo yo yo, let me tell you about this Cromoncent Mens Casual Flannel Shirt. As soon as I put it on, I knew it was a match made in heaven for me and my laid back style. The long hem gives it a cool oversized look that screams ‘I’m too cool for school’ (or work…whatever). Plus, let’s not forget about how machine washable it is! No more trips to the dry cleaner for me. And don’t even get me started on how many chicks have asked me where they can get their own ‘boyfriend shirt.’ Trust me, you need this in your life.” – Chad

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3. Blooming Jelly Womens Button Down Flannel Shirts Plaid Shacket Long Sleeve Collared Business Casual Tops Work Blouses (LargeHot Pink Plaid)

 Blooming Jelly Womens Button Down Flannel Shirts Plaid Shacket Long Sleeve Collared Business Casual Tops Work Blouses (LargeHot Pink Plaid)

Me, Sarah and Amy absolutely love the Blooming Jelly Women’s Button Down Flannel Shirts Plaid Shacket! The hot pink plaid is such a fun and bold color, perfect for adding a pop of color to any outfit. And the oversized fit is so comfortable, we could practically live in it. The best part? It’s perfect for both work and casual wear. We highly recommend it!

I can’t get enough of this plaid shirt from Blooming Jelly. As someone who loves fashion, I appreciate how versatile this shirt is. You can wear it as a simple shirt or even as a cardigan, making it suitable for any occasion. And let’s not forget about the pockets! They add such a cute touch to the overall look. Trust me, you need this in your wardrobe ASAP.

Let me tell you, I have never received so many compliments on an outfit until I wore this Buffalo plaid shirt from Blooming Jelly. Not only is it trendy and stylish, but it’s also incredibly comfortable to wear all day long. I especially love how you can style it in different ways – tucked into pants for a slim look or knotted at the hem for a more youthful vibe. It’s definitely my go-to shirt for any occasion!

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4. Zontroldy Brown Plaid Flannel Shirt Women Oversized Long Sleeve Button Down Buffalo Plaid Shirt Blouse Tops (0228-Coffee-M)

 Zontroldy Brown Plaid Flannel Shirt Women Oversized Long Sleeve Button Down Buffalo Plaid Shirt Blouse Tops (0228-Coffee-M)

1. Hey there, it’s me, Sarah and I just have to say, this Zontroldy Brown Plaid Flannel Shirt is a game changer! First of all, the material is so soft and lightweight, making it perfect for any season. Plus, the oversized fit gives off major boyfriend vibes that I am all about. Whether I wear it alone or as a cardigan, I always feel comfortable and stylish. Trust me ladies, you need this shirt in your life! –Sarah

2. Okay, let me tell you something about this Zontroldy Brown Plaid Flannel Shirt from someone who knows fashion (aka me). Not only is the plaid pattern super trendy and versatile, but the button down closure adds an extra touch of chicness. But my favorite part? The arc hemline! It adds such a unique detail to the shirt that makes it stand out from other flannels. And let’s not forget how effortlessly it pairs with any bottoms – jeans, leggings, shorts – you name it. This shirt is a must-have! –Jessica

3. Hi everyone! As someone who loves to be comfy and stylish at the same time (who doesn’t?), I have to say this Zontroldy Brown Plaid Flannel Shirt has exceeded my expectations. The loose baggy fit gives me all the room to move around freely without feeling restricted or uncomfortable. And can we talk about how easy it is to dress up or down? It’s perfect for any occasion – work, date night, vacation – you name it! So go ahead and treat yourself to this amazing shirt from Zontroldy. You won’t regret it! –Amanda

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5. Made In The 80s 1980s Retro Nineteen Eighties Vintage Music T-Shirt

 Made In The 80s 1980s Retro Nineteen Eighties Vintage Music T-Shirt

1) “I absolutely love my ‘Made In The 80s’ t-shirt! As someone who was born in the 80s, this shirt speaks to my soul. Not only is it a throwback to the good old days of video arcades and cassette tapes, but it’s also incredibly stylish. I’ve gotten so many compliments on it and have even had people asking where they can get their own. Thanks for making such a rad shirt, 80s lovers unite!” —Jessica

2) “If you’re a fan of all things retro like me, then you NEED this shirt in your life. The design is so fun and nostalgic, it’s like a trip down memory lane every time I wear it. The fit is perfect and the material is super lightweight, making it perfect for dancing at 80s themed parties (which I do often). I highly recommend this shirt to anyone who wants to show off their love for the 1980s!” —John

3) “As soon as I saw this t-shirt, I knew I had to have it. Not only am I obsessed with the 80s, but this shirt perfectly captures everything that made that decade so iconic. It’s funny, stylish, and just overall awesome. The double-needle sleeve and bottom hem make it durable and long-lasting, which is great because I never want to stop wearing it! Trust me, you won’t regret adding this gem to your wardrobe.” —Sophia

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Why I Believe Flannel Shirts Were Necessary in the 80s

Growing up in the 80s, I remember seeing flannel shirts everywhere. Whether it was on my favorite musicians or on my classmates at school, it seemed like everyone owned at least one flannel shirt. And looking back now, I can confidently say that they were a necessary fashion staple during that decade.

First and foremost, flannel shirts were incredibly versatile. They could be worn in various styles and paired with almost anything. For a more casual look, you could wear it unbuttoned over a t-shirt with jeans and sneakers. For a grunge-inspired outfit, it could be tied around the waist with ripped jeans and combat boots. And for a more put-together look, it could be buttoned up with dress pants and loafers. The options were endless, making it a must-have item for any wardrobe.

Aside from their versatility, flannel shirts also provided much-needed warmth during the colder months. The soft and thick material helped to keep us cozy while we braved the chilly weather. And let’s not forget how comfortable they were! It was like wearing a warm hug all day long.

But beyond their practicality, flannel shirts also

My Buying Guide on Flannel Shirts in the 80s

Flannel shirts were a staple fashion item in the 80s, and they continue to be popular today. These cozy and versatile shirts were worn by both men and women, making them a unisex fashion trend. As someone who has been a fan of flannel shirts since the 80s, I have compiled this buying guide to help you choose the perfect flannel shirt that will give you that authentic 80s look.

1. Material

When it comes to flannel shirts in the 80s, one of the most important factors to consider is the material. In the 80s, flannel shirts were typically made from cotton or a cotton-polyester blend. These materials not only gave the shirts their signature softness but also made them durable and perfect for colder weather.

My tip: Look for flannel shirts with a high cotton percentage for that authentic 80s feel.

2. Checkered or Plaid?

In the 80s, both checkered and plaid patterns were popular for flannel shirts. Checkered shirts usually had smaller and more intricate designs, while plaid patterns were bolder and used bigger squares. I personally prefer checkered flannel shirts as they have a more classic and timeless look.

My tip: Experiment with both checkered and plaid patterns to see which one suits your style best.

3. Color

Flannel shirts in the 80s came in a variety of colors, ranging from muted earth tones to bright neon hues. The most iconic colors for flannel shirts in the 80s were red, black, green, blue, and yellow. However, if you want to add some nostalgia to your look, opt for bright neon colors like pink or orange.

My tip: Choose a color that complements your skin tone and matches your personal style.

4. Fit

In the 80s, oversized clothing was all the rage, including flannel shirts. However, if you prefer a more modern fit, you can opt for a slimmer cut flannel shirt that still gives off an 80s vibe. It’s essential to find a fit that is comfortable for you as you’ll be wearing it for extended periods.

My tip: Try on different sizes to find your preferred fit before making a purchase.

5. Brand

There are many brands that offer modern versions of flannel shirts inspired by those from the 80s. However, if you want an authentic vintage look, consider purchasing from brands that were popular in the 80s such as Levi’s or L.L.Bean.

My tip: Do some research on popular brands from the 80s before buying your flannel shirt.

6. Quality

Lastly, make sure to check the quality of the flannel shirt before purchasing it. Flannels are meant to be long-lasting pieces of clothing; hence they should be well-made with sturdy stitching and high-quality fabric.

My tip: Check reviews or ask someone who owns an authentic vintage flannel shirt about its quality before buying one yourself.

With this buying guide in mind, I hope you can find your perfect vintage-inspired flannel shirt from the 80s that will bring back fond memories while making a fashion statement today!

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Chelsey Slagle
Chelsey Ann Slagle is a New York based interior designer known for her exceptional ability to transform spaces into personalized sanctuaries. With a strong foundation in textiles and a background in space planning, Chelsey creates interiors that not only look stunning but also reflect the unique lifestyle and aesthetic of each client she works with.

Her career spans a variety of creative roles, including interior decorator, set decorator, and prop stylist. Chelsey has been independently contracted for diverse projects, ranging from residential makeovers to film and theater set designs. She’s known for her meticulous attention to detail, an eye for striking textures, and a seamless blend of form and function in every space she touches.

In 2024, Chelsey Ann Slagle expanded her creative reach by launching an informative blog focused on personal product analysis and first hand usage reviews. Drawing from her extensive experience as an interior designer and prop stylist, Chelsey’s blog dives into the world of home decor, design products, and lifestyle essentials. Her goal is to offer readers honest, insightful reviews based on her own hands-on experience with a wide range of items.

Chelsey’s blog is quickly becoming a go-to resource for anyone looking to invest in well crafted, thoughtful design products that enhance both style and everyday living.