How to Style a Flannel: Fashion Advice for Short Men

With still a few months left of winter weather, flannel shirts will remain an integral part of the short man’s wardrobe for a while yet. Choosing a flannel that fits correctly, and knowing how to wear it properly, can make all the difference between looking your best, and feeling frumpy.

How Men’s Flannels Should Fit

Clothes for short men should, ideally, fit the body the same way as those for men of other shapes and sizes — the end result is a well-put-together style that is also comfortable for everyday wear. The trick is finding a flannel shirt that fits your body the way it should, but before getting to that, here are a few points to keep in mind.

1. When it comes to the shoulders, your flannel shirt’s seam should sit close to the beginning of your arm without going past that line. If it does fall past the shoulders and onto the arm, it will give the appearance of being too large, and if your shoulders are broader than the seam, it will give the impression that you’re wearing something a size too small. Neither option will inspire confidence in yourself, so start your hunt with a shirt that fits your shoulders perfectly.

2. The collar is another important element to pay attention to. It should sit close to your neck when buttoned, but not so close that it feels like it is chocking you. A good rule of thumb is the finger test — if you can fit a finger between your neck and the collar, then you’ve found the right fit. We recommend wearing our Everyday Shirts with either 1 or 2 buttons undone for that more casual look.

3. When it comes to the length, look for a flannel shirt that falls around the middle of your fly when untucked. There should be no bunching, and the shirt should fit close to the body to highlight your silhouette without being so tight that the buttons look like they are straining to close.

4. Finally, the sleeves should hit your wrist, but never go past it — too short will again look like you’re trying to wear sleeves that are too short, and too long will give the appearance of wearing someone else’s’ clothes.

How to Style a Flannel Shirt

When it comes to men’s style, there are a few basic rules to keep in mind. Here are a few examples of flannel shirts designed with short men’s fashion in mind, along with tips on what to pair them with to get the most out of them.

This Greenstone Plaid Shirt is the quintessential flannel shirt that every man should have in his wardrobe. The dark plaid looks great on everyone, and it is designed to keep you warm and cozy whether you’re working out around the house, or out enjoying a crisp day with the family. Pair it with a great pair of light wash jeans for a casual look that will feel effortless.

For a flannel that is a bit more business than casual, consider something like the Icehound Shirt. While still a warm option to grab, it can be paired with a darker-wash jean for a casual, but more put-together look, or even with a pair of khakis for an easy outfit that can easily blend into any office environment.

Finally, the Greyhound Shirt is the perfect example of a neutral flannel that can be worn almost anywhere — flannel doesn’t have to mean plaid, or even bold colors! Pair it with jeans, pair it with chinos, you could even pair it with dress slacks — this flannel’s neutral color is a perfect basic that is a go-to shirt for every occasion.

And these are just a few options — check out the full Winter Collection for a wide range of colors and patterns to choose from, all designed with the short man in mind, so you can be assured that it will fit your body the way it is supposed to, and not feel like it was designed for someone with completely different proportions in mind.

Once you have the basics, then you can start to mix and match. Wear a great t-shirt underneath your flannel in a complimentary color, with the first few buttons open when you want a more casual, less buttoned-up look. Pair it with a sweater or vest when you’re looking for something more formal without being too fussy.

Add a great bomber jacket for when you need a little extra protection from the elements. Wear your flannel untucked for casual occasions, but dress it up with a jacket or sport coat. All in all, a single flannel shirt that fits you perfectly can be dressed up or down to suit nearly any situation you might find yourself in.