The 10 Best Women's Flannel Shirts That Are So Soft & Warm

Whether you're shopping for comfort, style, or both, the best women's flannel shirts will be made from soft materials in a silhouette you love. If you're looking for a warm, cozy, traditional flannel, opt for a shirt made of cotton or wool. Alternatively, a shirt made with synthetic fabrics like polyester and elastane is a better choice if you prefer thinner or stretchier materials. Either way, both types are widely available online — so much so that it can be challenging to narrow down your options.

Before you begin shopping, you should determine if you're specifically looking for a traditional flannel or a lightweight shirt with a plaid pattern. Flannel was originally made from wool, using specific weaving and brushing techniques to create soft, durable, and warm fabrics; it also often featured the now-recognizable tartan, gingham, or checkered patterns. A fuzzy, thick flannel made with wool or brushed cotton (a popular alternative to wool) will keep you feeling cozy and warm — however, if you enjoy the look of a classic flannel but not the weight of it, consider purchasing a thinner shirt that is made with polyester. And if you like for your shirts to have a bit of stretch, choose one that incorporates elastane (aka spandex), too.

Also consider your preferred fit and features: Do you want a loose fit or a tighter silhouette? Do you prefer sleeves that securely roll up? What is your favorite color, and do you like plaid, checkered, or solid fabrics best? Do you like chest pockets?

Whether you're looking for a warm, cozy flannel or a more lightweight version, the best flannel shirts for women are well-reviewed, stylish, and available in a variety of color and size options.

1. The Fan-Favorite Flannel For Women

Material: 100% cotton

If you're looking for a soft, classic flannel, look no further than the Cottage Escape from Legendary Whitetails. It has more than 5,000 ratings (nearly 70% of which are a perfect five stars), and it's made from thick brushed cotton and comes in 12 classic plaid colors, all of which also feature a chambray collar and cuffs, dual chest pockets, and branded detail buttons.

One reviewer wrote: "This shirt is beautiful! The colors are just amazing and the denim at the cuffs and collar really adds a richness to the shirt that makes it feel much more expensive. The fabric is so soft and has a nice weight to it. It isn't a cheap lightweight flannel, but it isn't a thick heavyweight that you get overheated in or feels too stiff either."

• Available sizes: X-Small — 3X
• Available colors and styles: 12

2. A Flannel Shirt Jacket That’s So Versatile

Material: 100% polyester

Wear it as a shirt or wear it as a jacket — either way, this “shacket” is equal parts cozy and stylish. Made from durable and machine-washable polyester, it features a boxy fit, drop shoulders, and two welt pockets on either side to keep hands warm. Plus, the medium-weight shirt features dual chest pockets for that classic flannel aesthetic. This pick is also available as a vest — perfect for warmer weather.

One reviewer wrote: "So much cuter than I expected! It fits loose and boxy, as you’d expect a jacket to be. Layers over t’s great. The fabric is thicker than a flannel, but still very soft."

• Available sizes: X-Small — XX-Large
• Available colors and styles: 11

3. The Basic Flannel That Comes At A Budget-Friendly Price

Material: 100% cotton

If you’re on a budget — or looking to stock up on a few shirts — this Amazon Essentials women’s flannel shirt comes at a price that won’t put a dent in your wallet. Made from breathable 100% cotton, the mid-weight button-down offers a close but comfortable fit, and comes in a great range of styles, including traditional traditional tartans and buffalo plaids.

One reviewer wrote: "Great colors, good fit for medium size allowing room to wear something underneath, so comfortable and soft — a classic flannel shirt!"

• Available sizes: X-Small — XX-Large
• Available colors and styles: 22

4. The Flannel Shirt With Stretch

Material: 95% polyester, 5% elastane

Many flannel shirts are made without added stretch-enhancing material, but if you'd prefer a little flexibility, the DJT button-down plaid shirt will give you the look of a classic flannel without the constriction. It has some elastane so that it moves with you, but it still features a classic large-scale gingham pattern, button closure, and optional dual pockets of a traditional flannel — plus, it has roll-up sleeves with tabs that keep them in place. Boasting a 4.6-star overall rating after 8,000 reviews, it’s on the thinner side, but reviewers still say it's still "soft and warm."

One reviewer wrote: "This shirt is so wonderfully soft!! Love the slight stretch to the fabric without losing its shape."

• Available sizes: Small — X-Large
• Available colors and styles: 27

5. The Longest Flannel Option

Material: 65% cotton, 35% polyester

For those who prefer to wear their flannel long with leggings or tights, or even as loungewear shirts, there's this casual boyfriend flannel. This one is made with a poly-cotton blend and is longer than most flannels on the market, hitting mid-thigh instead of at the hip on most. It also has dual pockets (without the flap) where you can keep your phone or keys. It comes in more than two dozen checkered patterns.

One reviewer wrote: "Just what I wanted! Great length, works well with leggings or jeans. Warm, cozy, soft. Not too heavy even with a T-shirt underneath. Love the pockets!!!!"

• Available sizes: Small — 3X-Large
• Available colors and styles: 28

6. The Low-Maintenance Flannel That Resists Wrinkles

Material: 100% polyester

For camping, hiking, or vacations, you'll want something that's as low-maintenance as it is comfortable. Cue the Riders by Lee Indigo fleece shirt. It's made from 100% polyester, so it's more resistant to shrinking, fading, and wrinkling than cotton. That said, the fleece material is still soft and warm. It doesn't feature pockets, but it does have a plaid pattern (in five different colors), collar, and button-up front.

One reviewer wrote: “I love everything about these shirts. I buy 3 or 4 more every winter. I wear one every day over a long-sleeve t-shirt in the winter. I iron everything, but not these shirts. They wash, dry, and hang beautifully. In fact, you could fold and pack and they wouldn't wrinkle. They also last."

• Available sizes: Small — 3X-Large
• Available colors and styles: 5

7. A Cotton Flannel Lined In Warm & Cozy Fleece

Material: 100% cotton shell, polyester fleece lining

Looking for something extra warm and cozy? This 100% cotton flannel is lined in cozy poly fleece, so it's designed to keep you comfortable in chillier weather. Ideal as a layering piece, it’s the thickest flannel shirt on the list and features quilted satin sleeves, twin chest pockets, and side-seam pockets to warm your hands.

One reviewer wrote: "The polyester fleece liner is AMAZINGLY SOFT. I would characterize the cotton outer layer as quality flannel that maintains its durability while remaining pleasant to the touch. The ample double stitching around the four pockets, both cuffs and all the way down the length of button-row provides plenty of strength in those high traffic areas.”

• Available sizes: X-Small — 3X
• Available colors and styles: 4

8. The Mid-Length Flannel That Comes In 36 Colors

Material: 65% polyester, 35% cotton

If you want a wide range of color options, look no further than this long-sleeve women’s flannel shirt that comes in colors like royal blue, forest green, black, and light pink. Made from a breathable and wrinkle-resistant blend of cotton and polyester, it features a relaxed fit with a curved hem that pairs well with leggings, but you can also tie it in a knot at the waist.

One reviewer wrote: "I love the oversize look of this soft flannel shirt. It washes up great,wrinkle free. I usually just tuck the very front portion loosely into the front of my waistband & let the sides & back hang out. Comfy without looking sloppy.”

• Available sizes: 16 Plus — 28 Plus
• Available colors and styles: 36

9. The Columbia Flannel With A Flexible Fit

• Material: 98% cotton, 2% elastane

If you plan to be moving in your flannel — or simply want to maximize comfort — the Columbia Pine Street shirt is a great pick. The brushed cotton shirt is blended with 2% elastane, so you get a flexible fit that offers full range of motion, and the addition of Columbia’s Omni-Wick technology lifts sweat away from your body while ensuring the shirt dries quickly. The mid-weight shirt features dual chest pockets and a shirttail hem that can be tucked or left untucked.

One reviewer wrote: “Loved this one so much I’m back to buy another. True to size soft and the sleeves are long enough.”

• Available sizes: X-Small — XX-Large
• Available colors and styles: 13

10. A Lightweight Alternative To Traditional Flannel

Material: 95% polyester, 5% spandex

If you're looking for a plaid top with a streamlined, contemporary tunic vibe, there's the St. Jubileens tunic. It is thinner than a standard cotton or wool flannel and has some added stretch, and this shirt skips out on the classic buttons, collar, and pockets of a traditional style. However, you do get roll-up sleeves, a collared neck, and checkered pattern that hints at the flannel style without the heat.

One reviewer wrote: "This top is absolutely adorable, and truly a steal! Good quality material, the color is vibrant and it fits perfectly. [...] The material doesn't cling, either, which is great. Lighter than wearing flannel but heavy enough to feel substantial."

• Available sizes: Small — XX-Large
• Available colors and styles: 40