flanelle

Flanelle, commonly anglicized as flannel, is a soft, warm woven fabric with a nap created by brushing the surface fibers. It can be made from wool, cotton, or blends, and its weight ranges from lightweight shirting to heavy suiting weights. Wool flannels are warm and dense; cotton flannel is lighter and more breathable and is widely used for casual shirts and bedding.

Construction and finishes: Flannel is produced by weaving yarns in a plain, twill, or sometimes herringbone weave, then finishing by napping (brushing) to raise the short fibers. The nap can be present on one or both sides. Wool flannels may be brushed differently and sometimes brushed more for warmth. The resulting texture is soft and fuzzy, which helps trap air for insulation.

Usage and regional terminology: Flannel fabrics are used for shirts, nightwear, bedding, and blankets. In British English, the cotton version used for bed sheets is often called flannelette or flannelette sheets, whereas American usage typically refers to these as flannel sheets. The term flanelle also exists as a French variant used to describe the same class of fabrics.

Care and durability: Flannel fabrics can shrink modestly, so pre-washing or purchasing pre-shrunk versions is common. Laundering is typically at cool to warm temperatures, with a gentle cycle for delicate weaves. To preserve the nap, avoid high heat in drying; iron on a low to medium setting if needed.

See also: flannel, flannelette, wool flannel.