Get It Right, Folks: Flannel Is Not Plaid

As winter approaches, we feel the need to correct a common misconception in the style world.

When temperatures drop, we love to cozy up in flannel shirts. But it has come to our attention that many of you misinterpret the meaning of the word "flannel" as "plaid" instead. Per Merriam Webster:

flan·nel noun \ˈfla-nəl\: a soft cloth made of wool or cotton.

Note there is no mention of color or pattern. How about the word "plaid"?

plaid noun \ˈplad\: a pattern on cloth of stripes with different widths that cross each other to form squares.

These two words are not synonymous, friends.

Here's proof:

This is flannel.

Stine's Favorite Flannel Shirt, Eddie Bauer

This is plaid.

BDG Viscose Waterfall Tunic, Urban Outfitters

This is a plaid flannel.

Claire Danes as Angela Chase in "My So-Called Life"

This is not flannel.

Boy Shirt in Tropical Plaid, J.Crew

This is not plaid.

Unisex Flannel Long Sleeve Button-Up With Pocket in Bark Flannel, American Apparel

Does that make sense?

Cool. Let us know if you have any more questions.

Here's how our high fashion friends stay warm:

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