The Origin Of Flannel
Flannel originated in the 17th century as a Welsh innovation to replace plain wool clothing. Crafted from worsted yarn and featuring a nap on one or both sides, the fabric was sourced from the abundant sheep herds in the region, offering improved protection against harsh Welsh winters. The origin of its name “flannel” remains unknown, as the French called it flanelle, and the Germans called it Flanell.
Its popularity soared across Europe due to its durability, affordability, and warmth.
The fabric’s widespread adoption led to the establishment of wool factories in England and France. During the 19th century, the Industrial Revolution further propelled flannel production, with mills throughout Britain adopting the more efficient mechanical “carding” process. This historical evolution solidified flannel as a staple textile, widely appreciated for its practical qualities.
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860,29 €Introducing our Moss Green Heavy Flannel Suit, a standout piece in the Heavy Flannels Collection. With a weight of 340g per meter, it promises excellent drape, durability, and warmth in colder weather.
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860,29 €Meet our navy suit, a standout piece in the Heavy Flannels Collection. Weighing 340g per meter, it promises excellent drape, durability, and warmth in colder weather.
The flannels in this collection are produced by the renowned VBC mill, and we believe they should be a staple for all suit owners. They are perfect for semi-formal and formal use and can easily be worn as separates. We have selected a handful of different colors that we think will complement the wardrobe of the busy gentleman.
Flannel is a soft and warm fabric often characterized by its slightly fuzzy surface. It is commonly used for trousers, jackets, and other cold-weather clothing. If Vitale Barberis Canonico produces flannel, you can expect their flannel fabrics to be of high quality, with attention to detail and craftsmanship. The choice of fibers, weaving techniques, and finishing processes in their flannel fabrics all contribute to a luxurious and comfortable feel, which is the reason we choose to work with them. -
860,29 €Introducing our Sand Heavy Flannel Suit, a standout piece in the Heavy Flannels Collection. With a weight of 340g per meter, it promises excellent drape, durability, and warmth in colder weather.
The Woollen Flannel Suit
Woollen flannel is characterized by its soft and fuzzy texture, crafted from short and varied-diameter wool fibers. It offers warmth and bulkiness due to loosely twisted fibers, making it suitable for colder climates.
Woollens flannel gives you the true vibe and look of the flannel that we all have learned to love.
We’ve recently launched our new collection of heavy flannels, woven by the renowned Vitale Barberis Canonico mill, which are ideal for designing a suit, a pair of trousers, or just a versatile jacket that can keep you warm during the cold months.
The Worsted Flannel Suit
Worsted flannel is made from combed long-staple wool fibers, resulting in a smoother and finer yarn. It has a more refined texture, better drape, and versatility for year-round wear, making it suitable for a range of climates and garment styles. The choice between the worsted or woollen flannel depends on the desired aesthetics, formality, and intended use.
The Grey Flannel Suit
The grey flannel suit is often the archetype that comes to mind when people think about a flannel suit. Its association with timeless elegance, versatility, and refined style has cemented its status as a classic in the menswear realm. The grey flannel suit’s popularity makes it a go-to choice for various occasions, from formal events to professional settings.
Pinstripes add an elegant and sophisticated touch, ideal for a striking business suit, as you can see in the pictures of Andreas above. Medium to light greys offer versatility, suitable for both formal and semi-formal occasions. Keep in mind that lighter shades are often viewed as less formal compared to their darker counterparts.
Colors
This year we are introducing five new color ways in our flannel collection – Sand, Brown, Moss Green, Grey and Navy.
These colours give you endless options when putting together your perfect winter attire. Flannel is your best companion when creating an casual outfit. The trousers being your go-to throughout the colder month with shirts and knitwear. The jacket paring perfectly with jeans for the semi-formal events.
Styling options
For the day-to-day office look, the flannel suit pairs seamlessly with an Oxford shirt with its distinctive basket-weave texture.
In terms of colors, classics like Offwhite or a light blue Oxford shirt are a great option for most occasions. This pairing creates a harmonious balance of textures – between the rugged warmth of flannel and the crisp elegance of the Oxford shirt.
You can also pair your flannel suit with a light blue striped shirt similar to how Andreas styled it in the pictures above, featuring the charcoal grey suit. It’s a fantastic combination, especially suitable for the office.
Another excellent option could be knitwear of your choice. A rollneck, for instance, lends a casual flair while offering extra warmth on chilly winter days, creating a look that is both relaxed and refined.
Questions about flannel
What is a flannel suit?
The definition of a flannel suit is related to the fabric it is made of. A flannel suit is a suit made of flannel fabrics. The fabrics can be recognized by their fuzzy appearance which is typically the result of applying a napping finish to a fabric.
Flannel suits are renowned for their less formal appearance, bringing warmth and texture to your outfit for an interesting look.
When to wear a flannel suit?
Due to the insulating attributes of a flannel fabric, a suit made in this fabric is normally recommended for wear in the colder months. From fall, over winter to late spring, a flannel suit will help keep you warm and comfortable during wear.
How durable is a flannel suit?
Flannel suits are considered normal in terms of durability. On the negative side, the “nap” on the fabric is actually caused by loose ends of fibers. These fibers would have been stronger if they were tightly spun and interlocked. But on the other hand, flannel fabrics tends to be thicker in volume and have a higher weight, compared to their plain woven counterparts. The added weight and volume means there’s more material to wear through.
