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Well, it’s flannel season (at least in Michigan), and Duluth Trading Company is helping to celebrate the oncoming of the fall and winter seasons with promotion of its array of flannel options for both men and women. The brand recently sent me one to review for ActionHub, and as a huge flannel fan, I was pumped.
I think it’s safe to say I developed my love of flannel from my dad, who has been wearing the same uniform of work boots, worn-out jeans, a white T-shirt, and a flannel for more than 25 years. He works in construction, so this outfit makes sense, but he was pleased to hear that flannel is “super trendy right now,” and then proceeded to take full credit for the current fashion statement.
I’ve been wearing the Women’s Free Swingin’ Flannel Shirt in Classic Red Plaid for a little more than a month, and it’s safe to say I’ve found a new go-to in my wardrobe. I can’t say this is something I’ve worn while hiking, but it more so fits in the category of outdoor lifestyle apparel—although I’m sure it would suffice on the trail too. It’s a mid-weight flannel that will keep you warm on mild fall days, but isn’t as heavy as the flannels that tend to function as a jacket more than a shirt.
The first time I wore it, I noticed how well made it was. The shirt runs a bit large, but was still structured enough to show it was obviously a women’s shirt rather than something I bought from the men’s section of apparel. I ordered a medium, but a small would have worked a little better. Try to keep this in mind if you’re considering a purchase.
Despite being more structured than flannels I’ve worn in the past, the shirt is labeled as a “relaxed fit” and I found it easy to move around in the shirt—rolling up the sleeves was no problem. The shirt is made of 100-percent cotton flannel and includes hidden underarm gussets, as well as a bi-swing back for restriction-free reaching. It’s machine wash, and the shirt was still in perfect condition after three or four washes. I also noticed how it didn’t really wrinkle—despite leaving a load of laundry in the dryer for too long, and my other clothes needing to be ironed, the flannel was wrinkle-free. This feature was one of the best, as it’s great for those of us who are short on time, or just a little lazy.
At $44.50, this shirt is well priced, making it an easy gift for a loved one around the holidays this year. There are plaid options that range in color and pattern, with Duluth also offering the Crosscut Performance Flannel Shirt (additional moisture-wicking features), the Cross-Cut Flannel Tunic (a little dressier), the Armachillo Long Sleeve Plaid Shirt (lightweight, moisture-wicking), and finally the Flapjack Flannel Shirt Jac (a heavier flannel option).
Now, the only thing for me to do is buy it in more colors.