A Brief History of Flannel Fabrics

A Brief History of Flannel Fabrics

The origins of flannel fabric can be traced back to Wales in the late 17th century, when Welsh weavers began to use leftover wool to create a fabric that was comfortable, warm and moisture-wicking. Thanks to the cool and cloudy climate, these original flannel shirts soon became the work uniforms of Welsh farmers and eventually the rest of the working class. Flannel fabric soon made its way into England and France, where it became the fabric of choice for the working class during the Industrial Revolution.

Flannel then crossed the pond and became popular during World War I in the 20th century, when the United States added layers of flannel to soldiers' uniforms for extra warmth.

The rise of the now-popular plaid flannel emerged in the early 1990s when grunge bands began incorporating plaid flannel into their stage outfits, making plaid flannel a grunge fashion staple. In the 2000s, flannel became the fashion statement of the hipster movement, and plaid flannel shirts became a popular addition to outdoor and camping looks. Flannel is now a widely worn and versatile fabric commonly found in grunge, outdoor and fall and winter clothing.