The Good Trade editors endorse products we’ve personally researched, tested, and genuinely love. Learn more about our methodology and business model here.

We’ve researched and lived in sustainable fashion for a decade — these are our favorite brands for soft and sustainable flannel shirts you can wear every season.

Flannel shirts aren’t just a fall trend. The style transcends seasons, and it’s easy to see why: These shirts are effortlessly cool, rugged, and comfortable. Flannels work anytime, anyplace. That’s why we’re stocking up on sustainable flannel shirts from our favorite brands. These shirts are created with eco-friendly materials like organic cotton and recycled materials. They’re perfect for throwing on whether you’re cozying up at home, or running a quick errand down the street!

What is sustainable flannel made from?

Sustainable flannel is typically made from eco-friendly materials like organic cotton, recycled cotton, or a blend of natural fibers that are grown and processed with minimal environmental impact. Unlike conventional cotton flannel, which relies on pesticides that harm farmers and our environment, organic cotton flannel is grown without harmful chemicals, making it a safer choice for both you and the planet. Some sustainable flannels also incorporate recycled polyester or other upcycled fibers to reduce waste and give new life to existing materials. Many brands prioritize ethical production, ensuring fair wages and responsible manufacturing practices. So, if you love the cozy feel of flannel but want to make a more conscious choice, read on for options that are organic, recycled, or certified by sustainability organizations like GOTS or OEKO-TEX!

Our criteria:

Our editors have worn, researched, and tested sustainable clothing for the past ten years. These flannel brands meet our rigorous qualifications outlined below. Note that we update this list frequently with emerging favorites so check back!

  • ETHICAL PRACTICES | These flannel shirts are made by brands that adhere to ethical and responsible labor practices, ensuring their employees receive fair wages and have safe working environments. We’ve also included brands that give back to their communities and prioritize size inclusivity in their clothing lines.
  • ECO-FRIENDLY/SUSTAINABLE | Each of these flannel shirts is made by a brand practicing sustainability throughout their manufacturing process, including using all natural and organic materials, low-impact processes, and recycled/upcycled materials in their pieces where possible.
  • COMFORT | Flannel should be soft and comfortable! These shirts are editor-tested and approved for summer nights, winter workdays, camping trips, and so much more.

Consider flannel shirts a sustainable staple for your wardrobe and a perfect pairing with your favorite American-made denim and ethical boots. For more sustainable fashion recs, check out our guides to fair trade fashion and eco-friendly clothing. 🌱


Best Overall | Most Affordable | Best For Cold Weather


1. tentree

B corp
Biodegradable
Budget friendly
Climate neutral
Eco friendly packaging
Fair trade
Gives back
Natural materials
Plant trees
Recycled materials
Second hand

Best For | Insulated flannels
Sustainable Materials | Organic cotton, kapok
Size Range | XS – XL
Price Range | $98 – $118

This certified B Corp puts the Earth first; tentree plants 10 trees with every purchase with more than 100,000,000 already rooted worldwide. (You can track your impact to see where your trees have been planted.) Here you’ll find sustainable flannels for all genders, which are thoughtfully designed in Canada and ethically made in India. Each shirt is made with organic cotton grown without synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, or herbicides, and is eligible for tentree’s take back program. Bonus: Their Fernwood Flannel Shirt is biodegradable once you remove the buttons!

Customer Review | “So soft and cozy! Such high quality! I bought this in two colors and then bought the men’s version for my husband. Washes beautifully.” – New Y. (Read all reviews.)


2. Outerknown

American made
Fair trade
GOTS certified
Natural materials
Second hand

Best For | Outdoor flannel shirts
Sustainable Materials | 100 percent organic cotton, Kelsun™ alginate fiber
Size Range | XS – XXL
Price Range | $128 – $298

Heading outdoors soon? Check out Outerknown’s flannels, which are sewn in safe, fair working conditions, sourced from eco-friendly or recycled materials, and are made to last. The Blanket Shirt flannel, in particular, is the perfect athleisure or hiking top, designed with a relaxed fit and coastal vibe. We especially love how wrinkle free the fabric is (perfect for taking with you when travelling!) and the natural corozo buttons that keep the shirt 100 percent plastic free. With eleven colors available, there’s a reason Outerknown’s flannels are best-sellers, with hundreds of positive reviews.

Customer Review | “A very finely made garment. I was in heaven the moment I put it on. As durable as wool but this soft cotton is far more comfortable. Looks great with Yoga pants. Thank you Outer Known!” – Sarah H. (Read all reviews.)


3. Quince

Budget friendly
Eco friendly packaging
Natural materials
OEKO-TEX® certified
Recycled materials

Best For | Flannel shirts in a variety of materials
Sustainable Materials | European linen, Tencel, mulberry silk, recycled polyester, organic cotton
Size Range | XS – XL
Price Range | $35 – $90

Quince is our go-to for sustainably-made luxury essentials at affordable prices. Their collection of button downs won’t disappoint: For a classic flannel design, your best bet is their Stretch Sweater Fleece Shirt made with GRS-certified recycled polyester – and for a more versatile option, their 100% Organic Cotton Gauze Long Sleeve Shirt is great for wear to both the office and the beach. You’ll also find button down shirts available in unique materials like OEKO-TEX certified washable mulberry silk and European linen! The majority of Quince’s collections are ethically produced BSCI-certified factories.

Customer Review | “This shirt far exceeded my expectations! I have never ordered anything from Quince before. I will definitely be ordering again. The shirt is exactly as described except it is even softer and cozier than the description to my delight! It’s warm and just a bit heavier than flannel which adds to the cozy. Love it!!” – Elizabeth R. (Read all reviews.)


4. Toad&Co

1% for the planet
FSC
Gives back
Natural materials
OEKO-TEX® certified
Recycled materials
Vegan
Woman owned

Best For | Flannel shirt dresses
Sustainable Materials | Recycled cotton & polyester
Size Range | XS – XL
Price Range | $150 – $250

Toad&Co is redefining what it means to be sustainable. The team takes recycled cotton and old plastic water bottles and turns them into innovative fabrics like “Re-Form herringbone” — the same material used in the brand’s cozy flannels. Toad&Co.’s Re-Form fabrics are OEKO-TEX certified ensuring they’re free from harmful substances. A portion of your order will also benefit 1% for the Planet, investing in environmental causes. Choose from a variety of flannel styles and colors, including shirt dresses, boxy shirts, western shirts, and shirt jackets!

Customer Review | “Love the form, quality, and softness of this shirt. Colors are very beautiful. Will order more!” – Svetla P. (Read all reviews.)


5. Patagonia

1% for the planet
B corp
Fair trade
Gives back
Natural materials
Recycled materials
Second hand

Best For | Flannel shirts for travel
Sustainable Materials | Organic cotton, recycled polyester
Size Range | XXS – XXL
Price Range | $119 – $199

Patagonia, a long-time sustainability leader, invites you to adventure and explore outside this season. The brand offers sustainable flannel shirts with dozens of color options and sizes up to XXL. Each one is also ethically made in Fair Trade certified factories with organic cotton or recycled polyester. For a classic flannel shirt, the Fjord Flannel will be your go-to, while the Fjord Loft Overshirt is a better bet if you’re on the hunt for something warmer. And if you prefer a flannel that’s quick-drying and travels well, you’ll want to pick up the Canyonite Flannel. As the first certified B Corp in California, Patagonia donates one percent of proceeds to environmental initiatives worldwide.

Customer Review | “This is absolutely the very best flannel shirt I’ve ever owned. Perfect fit, weight (soft, cozy and warm) and quality.” – Jan (Read all reviews.)


6. United By Blue

B corp
Budget friendly
Eco friendly packaging
FSC
Gives back
Natural materials
Recycled materials

Best For | Classic flannels
Sustainable Materials | Organic cotton, hemp
Size Range | XS – XL
Price Range | $49

United by Blue, a sustainable and ethical apparel brand for all genders, removes a pound of trash for every product sold — and to date, they’ve removed nearly 5.3 million pounds of waste. The brand runs multiple community cleanups throughout the year and you can stay up to date on their upcoming and past cleanups here. As a certified B Corp, the brand also has a zero-plastic policy and works with only eco-friendly materials, such as hemp and organic cotton. We love the super soft Responsible Flannel that offers a standard fit and gets softer with every wash. It’s a cozy essential you’ll never want to take off.

Customer Review | “I had already a United by Blue flannel shirt. It has aged beautifully, soft and is thicker and better quality than other similar brands, that end up piling and look stretched” – Luz H. (Read all reviews.)


7. Everlane

Budget friendly
GOTS certified
Natural materials
OEKO-TEX® certified
Recycled materials

Best For | Boyfriend flannels
Sustainable Materials | 100 percent cotton & organic cotton
Size Range | XXS – XXL
Price Range | $29 – $39

For the minimalist at heart, Everlane’s collection of single tone and classic flannel shirts are an essential staple piece for your wardrobe. Made from 100% cotton and organic cotton, these versatile flannels are not only flattering but are made for all season wear so you’ll never want to take them off. Choose from brushed, boxy and classic fit options! Everlane takes sustainability seriously through their three-pillar framework dedicated to prioritizing safe chemistry, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and promoting fair living wages.

Customer Review | “Oversized fit, can be worn over a tee! Heavy weight flannel! Very comfortable!” – Brenda B. (Read all reviews.)


8. KNOWN SUPPLY

B corp
Fair trade
GOTS certified
Gives back
Natural materials
Size inclusive

Best For | Unisex & size-inclusive flannels
Sustainable Materials | GOTS-certified organic cotton
Size Range | XS – 4XL
Price Range | $78 – $84

KNOWN SUPPLY started back in 2017 and is a major proponent of the slow fashion movement, focusing on ethically-made fashion and creating custom merchandise. The brand’s clothing is all Fair Trade or made in direct trade facilities, with over 90% of all items using GOTS-certified organic cotton (including their flannels). KNOWN’s unisex flannels are thick and durable, with sizes running up to 4XL. Choose from four different plaid shades, perfect for mixing and matching with any outfit of your choosing!

Customer Review | “So warm, thick, soft flannel. Very comfy, like a hug! 10 out of 10” – Jennifer T. (Read more reviews.)


9. Frank & Oak

B corp
Budget friendly
Circular fashion
Eco friendly packaging
GOTS certified
Natural materials
Recycled materials

Best For | Flannel shirts for work
Sustainable Materials | 100 percent organic cotton
Size Range | S – M
Price Range | $50

Frank & Oak makes quality basics at affordable prices, so it’s no feat they’ve crafted the perfect cozy flannel. Layer their Flannel Overshirt with a casual tee for a smart look, or pair with a pencil skirt and slingback heels for an elegant touch that’ll have heads turning. Sustainability is no afterthought with packaging and mailers made using eco-friendly processes. You’ll receive your order in a compostable polybag made with all recycled materials. 

Customer Review | “I find most overshirts aren’t very flattering on me, they tend to be too baggy or shapeless, but I was determined to find something I like. This is it! It’s very flattering, the material is nice and thick but not too heavy, and it has a good shape to it. Love it!” – Brianna K. (Read more reviews.)


Featured image is from Toad&Co