So maybe you just nailed that job interview and they told you that attire around the office is business casual. Great but… what does that even mean? Can I wear some pants and a nice shirt or is the suit too much? 

There is no fine line when it comes to deciding what is business casual and what isn’t. The most important part is looking fresh and feeling comfortable in what you wear. No I’m not talking about pajamas or sweats to work, but what about something that everyone owns, like flannels?

You might own a ton, like me, and wondered if flannels are business casual or smart casual. The short answer is: it depends. Depending on the pattern and color, you can make it look more professional, or more casual depending on your personal style.

Let’s go over whether flannels are business casual for men and what to wear with your flannel shirt. 

(Pictured above: Nimble Made Blue and White Slim Fit Flannel Shirt)

What are Flannels?

Flannel shirts are more than just the cliche lumberjack shirt. Originally made from wool, and more recently cotton, or synthetic fibers, they provide warmth and comfort for colder weather and have a napped finish for a warm touch.

As you can probably guess, they can be worn anytime of the year, with some flannel shirts being more suited for different seasons, like fall outfits, than others. Though we can talk about fashion trends, we are here to talk business and whether or not flannels are right for work.

 

Business Casual Colors to Consider

What makes flannels fashionable are the varying color schemes and its ability to mix and match with different outfits. Sometimes they come in bold colors like red or green. Other times they are more mild coming in baby blue, or light brown.

The bolder colors are not as ideal unless worn with other pieces of clothing like a jean jacket with khaki or black pants. I would not recommend something too flamboyant like a yellow or lime color schemed flannel, but something more modest.

If I could write a list of colors I like, it would include: blue (most shades work), brown, and white and black flannel shirts for business casual. If you want to play it safe and wear something slightly dressier, try a gingham shirt.

Here is our favorite collection of slim fit flannel shirts for men. Now that we talked about color schemes, let’s talk about how to combine these flannels with other clothing accessories. 

Building Business Casual Attire with Flannel Shirts

Let me start with my favorite color: blue. A great combo I have seen was a blue with a red lining flannel worn with a black windbreakers and khaki pants.

You wear those light khaki pants to compliment the darker top half. Here’s my list of clothing pieces you can use to mix and match with flannels:

1. Black or Khaki Pants
2. Denim Jacket or a Windbreaker
3. Black, Brown, or Gray Loafers or Boots (this is our guide to the best business casual sneakers)
4. Black or Brown Belt
5. Nice Long Sleeve or V-Neck

 

Workplace Environment Matters

So there are different places you can get away with wearing a flannel shirt. If you are working in a corporate environment such as a law firm, bank, or consulting firm, then my answer is no.

You cannot wear a flannel for such a job. If you are working for a tech start-up or creative agency, however, then it’s definitely a yes.

From my experiences working both in DC and LA, I can tell you that location and your actual work has an impact on how strict the dress code could be. Like I said earlier, business casual shirts takes on many forms.

I recommend overdressing in the early stages of a new job and taking a good look at the office space before you leave to evaluate whether or not a flannel shirt has a place in your business casual wardrobe. Hey, better safe than sorry.

Conclusion

Bottom line: Flannel shirts can be considered business casual, but it depends on your work environment. To make flannel look more polished, consider layering it with a nice shirt underneath or a stylish jacket on top.

While flannel alone might not always be ideal for business casual, it can work with the right accessories and context.

 

Don’t be afraid to dress up and get creative with your style. Maybe try a business casual polo shirt instead. Just make sure you overdress the first day to assess what should/shouldn’t wear, and then determine if this is super business with a littler casual (no flannel), or truly a business casual setting. Check out our guide on how to wear a flannel shirt and the best flannel shirts for more recommendations.

 

FAQs about whether flannel shirts are business casual

Are flannels OK for business casual?

Yes, flannels can be acceptable in your business casual wardrobe, depending on how they are styled. For a business casual look, opt for a well-fitted flannel shirt in a more subdued color or pattern.

Pair it with chinos or dress pants and a blazer or sweater to elevate the overall appearance. Avoid overly casual or rugged flannel designs to maintain a professional appearance.

Are flannels considered formal?

No, flannels are generally not considered formal attire. They are typically associated with casual or smart casual dress codes. Formal attire usually requires more structured and polished clothing, such as suits and white dress shirts, rather than the relaxed, patterned fabric of a flannel shirt.

Is a flannel appropriate for an interview?

Whether a flannel is appropriate for an interview depends on the industry and the specific company culture. In more casual or creative fields, a well-chosen flannel shirt might be acceptable, especially if it is styled smartly with other professional pieces.

However, for traditional industries like law and accounting attire, it’s better to stick with more conventional business professional attire such as a suit and tie to ensure a polished and professional impression.

Is flannel ok for smart casual?

Yes, flannel is a good fit for smart casual attire. To achieve a smart casual look with flannel, choose a shirt with a more refined pattern and pair it with tailored trousers or chinos.

Layering it with a blazer or a cardigan can add sophistication and help balance the casual nature of the flannel. Avoid overly casual elements like distressed jeans to keep the look polished. Read our guide to "are jeans business casual?"