What Is Flannel
According to Webster’s dictionary, flannel fabric was originally made from either carded wool or worsted yarn. Carding is a process that breaks up the wool fibers so they lay more or less parallel to one another.
Modern-day flannels are usually made with cotton, wool, or synthetic fibers.
Flannel Goes Back a LONG Time
Flannel can be traced back to 17th century Wales, where farmers wore flannel shirts to protect themselves from the elements. This tradition would continue for other blue-collar workers as the prevalence of flannel grew.
The word “flannel” most likely comes from the Welsh word gwlanen, meaning “woolen article.”
You can thank Hamilton Carhartt for flannel in the states
One man who is often credited for popularizing the flannel shirt in the United States is Hamilton Carhartt.
He founded his namesake company in 1889. Wanting his clothes to be specially made for the working class, he visited railroad workers all over the country to determine the best tactics for creating top-notch utility products, including flannel shirts.
He sought to set a standard of excellence, which he believed was reflected in every article he produced. Soon, men everywhere were wearing flannel as part of their workwear.
There’s a big difference between flannel and plaid
A few of you may be wondering, what’s the difference between flannel and plaid shirts? At its most basic, plaid is a pattern that is believed to have originated in Scotland, whereas flannel is a fabric, as we’ve learned.
So why the confusion? As tartan plaid looks so at home on flannel, the print and fabric were often used together and quickly became synonymous in the discussion. The perfect example of this is the stereotype of the lumberjack, who in the 20th century popular culture was always depicted with a pair of boots and the ubiquitous plaid flannel shirt.