Quick answer: Wear a flannel shirt or overshirt open over a tee or buttoned on its own, and a cardigan open over a dress or blouse; choose a fit with room to layer, wash both cold on a gentle cycle and dry them flat or on a hanger.
The layers you reach for
When the mornings turn cool and the evenings drop off quickly, two pieces earn their place in every closet: the flannel shirt and the cardigan. Both are easy to throw on, easy to take off when the afternoon warms up, and comfortable all day. They work at home, at work, at a ballgame and on a weekend drive, which is why they are year-round favorites.
Choosing a flannel shirt
Good flannel is brushed cotton that feels soft on the first wear and softer after every wash. A flannel shirt in a classic plaid works with jeans, chinos and work pants alike. Look for a fit with room through the chest and shoulders so you can wear a tee underneath, and sleeves that reach the wrist bone when your arms are relaxed.
Shirt or overshirt?
A regular flannel shirt is worn on its own or under a jacket. An overshirt, sometimes called a shirt jacket, is heavier and cut a little roomier so it can be worn as a light outer layer over a tee or a thin sweater. On mild fall days an overshirt is often all the jacket you need. Check the chest measurement in the size guide to pick the right fit.
Choosing a cardigan
A cardigan is the most flexible layer a woman can own. Worn open, it goes over dresses, blouses and tees; buttoned, it becomes a top of its own. A soft cardigan in oatmeal, gray or navy matches almost everything. Mid-weight knits are the most useful, warm enough for a cold office yet light enough to carry in a bag.
How to layer
For him: a flannel open over a plain tee with jeans, or buttoned under a vest or a canvas jacket when it gets colder. For her: a cardigan over a linen dress with ankle boots, or over a blouse with slim pants. The trick is to keep the bottom layer fitted and the top layer relaxed, so the outfit does not feel bulky.
Colors that work
Classic plaids in red, green, blue and brown never go out of style and hide everyday wear. Solid flannels in charcoal or olive look a little dressier. For cardigans, neutrals are the most versatile, while a deep green, rust or burgundy adds warmth to fall outfits. Choose one neutral and one color, and you will always have a layer that matches.
Washing flannel
Wash flannel shirts inside out in cold water on a gentle cycle. Heat is the enemy: it shrinks cotton and flattens the soft brushed surface. Tumble dry on low only if the care label allows it, or better, hang the shirt to dry. Button the shirt before washing to help it keep its shape, and skip bleach, which fades plaid colors.
Washing knits
Cardigans do not need washing after every wear; airing them overnight is often enough. When you do wash, turn them inside out and use cool water with a gentle detergent, by hand or on a wool cycle. Never wring a knit — press out the water, roll it in a towel and dry it flat. Fold knits rather than hanging them so the shoulders do not stretch.
Ready for cool days
One flannel and one cardigan per person, in colors you love, will cover most cool days from October to April. Add a scarf and you are ready for the first real cold snap. Browse our men's and women's clothing departments for flannels, overshirts and cardigans in a full range of sizes, all with free U.S. shipping.
Frequently asked questions
Should a flannel shirt fit loose?
Relaxed through the chest and shoulders, with room to layer a tee underneath.
How do I keep flannel soft?
Wash cold, inside out, and hang to dry; avoid high dryer heat.
Should cardigans be hung or folded?
Folded — hangers stretch the shoulders of knitwear over time.
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