By That Girl Whitney Team
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The first cool morning of fall is basically an invitation to put on a flannel. Soft and endlessly easy to wear, a flannel shirt is the unofficial uniform of pumpkin patches, football games, and cozy weekends. Its heavier cousin, the shacket (part shirt, part jacket), has become one of the most popular fall layers around.
For plus size women, the challenge is finding flannels that fit across the bust and through the arms without looking boxy. Buttons that pull and sleeves that stop short can ruin an otherwise perfect fall layer.
This guide covers what makes a great plus size flannel, the difference between flannels and shackets, how to style them, and a few shopping secrets (including one from the men’s section). Grab your apple cider and let’s go.
What Makes a Great Plus Size Flannel
Look for these details when you shop.
Soft, brushed cotton. True flannel is brushed on one or both sides, which makes it soft and warm. Heavier flannel is warmer and holds its shape better.
Room across the bust. Buttons should close without pulling or gaping. If they pull, size up and wear it open or knotted.
Enough body length. A flannel that covers your hips works for wearing open over leggings and tucked into jeans.
Comfortable arm room. Raise your arms when you try one on. Tight armholes make a flannel uncomfortable to layer.
Pre-washed fabric. Cotton flannel can shrink. Pre-washed or pre-shrunk styles keep their size better.
Check reviews for comments about shrinking and button pulling.
Pay attention to the buttons, too. A flannel should button smoothly across your bust without gaps between the buttons. If it gaps, size up or wear it open over a tee.
Flannels vs. Shackets
They look similar, but they serve different purposes.
Flannel shirts are lighter and work as a top or a layer. Wear them buttoned or tied at your waist.
Shackets are heavier and work as a light jacket. They’re perfect for early fall when it’s too warm for a coat but too cool for just a sweater.
A good fall wardrobe has one of each. The flannel works for layering and casual outfits, while the shacket replaces a jacket on cool days.
Both come in classic plaids and fun prints. Buffalo check and soft neutrals are the most versatile.
If you live somewhere with mild winters, a shacket can work as your main jacket for much of the season. In colder climates, think of it as a layer that goes under a heavier coat on the coldest days.
Shop Whitney’s storefront: plus size flannel shirt or plus size plaid shacket
How to Style Flannels and Shackets
These pieces work with so many fall outfits.
Open over a tee. A flannel worn open over a white or black tee with jeans and sneakers is classic fall casual.
Knotted at the waist. Tie the front tails of a flannel over a dress or a tank to define your waist.
Under a sweater. Wear a flannel under a crewneck sweater and let the collar and hem peek out.
As a jacket. Wear a shacket over a sweater dress or a hoodie with leggings and boots. Our wide calf boots guide has styles that zip.
Around your waist. Tie a flannel around your hips for an easy extra layer at a football game.
With a puffer vest. A puffer vest over a flannel adds warmth to your core and looks cozy at pumpkin patches and football games. Our plus size puffer jackets guide covers vests too.
For more fall outfit formulas, see our guide to plus size fall outfits for the early transition.
The Men’s Section Secret
Some of the best flannels for plus size women are in the men’s section.
Men’s flannels are cut longer in the body and sleeves, which makes them perfect for tall women and for oversized styling. They’re often made of heavier fabric and can be less expensive than women’s styles.
Men’s sizes run by chest measurement, so compare your bust measurement to the chest measurement on the size chart. Since men’s shirts are straighter through the hips, you may want to size up for an oversized fit.
Men’s tall sizes add even more length. Our post on tall girl problems explains why that extra length makes such a difference.
Keep in mind that men’s shirts are cut straighter through the body, so they won’t follow your waist. That’s part of their relaxed look. If you want more shape, knot the front or wear the shirt open over a fitted top.
Shop Whitney’s storefront: men’s flannel shirt
Fall’s Coziest Layer
Plus size flannels and shackets are some of the easiest fall pieces to wear. Look for soft, brushed cotton with room across the bust and arms, own one lightweight flannel and one heavier shacket, and style them open, knotted, or as a jacket. Don’t forget the men’s section for longer lengths and extra coziness.
Shop Whitney’s favorite fall finds on her Amazon storefront, and follow @thatgirlwhitney on Instagram for more plus size outfit ideas.