flannel

Flannel is a soft, warm woven fabric with a napped surface that is produced by brushing or raising fibers. It is commonly made from wool, cotton, or synthetic blends, and can be woven in plain weave, twill, or other structures. The brushing creates a fuzzy, velvety feel and improves insulation, making flannel well suited to cool-weather clothing and bedding. Flannel fabrics may be patterned, with plaids and checks being particularly common.

Historically, wool flannel was the most common form, with origins in Europe in the early modern period. Cotton flannel became widespread in the 18th and 19th centuries and later expanded into blends with synthetic fibers. The name flannel is thought to derive from a term in Welsh or from early European woolen cloth names, though the exact etymology is not certain.

Regional terminology varies. In North America, flannel often refers to wool or cotton fabrics used for shirts and babies’ clothing, while in parts of the United Kingdom and Australasia, the term flannelette is commonly used for brushed cotton varieties intended for bedding and nightwear; in other places the terms can be used interchangeably. Care instructions depend on material: cotton flannel is typically machine washable, while wool flannel may require gentler washing or dry cleaning, and all flannels are prone to shrinking if exposed to high heat.

Common applications include casual shirts, pajamas, bed sheets, blankets, and other warm-weather or lounge wear. The fabric’s softness, warmth, and breathability continue to make it a staple in both fashion and home textiles.