The flannel shirt is a bonafide autumnal staple. A hardwearing wardrobe workhorse—the very definition of a “layering piece” for colder weather. Something of a sartorial contradiction, the shirts are rugged and durable, and yet soothingly soft and warm at the same time. And while they've always come in ranges of color and checked patterns, right now we're seeing a resurgence in the ombré plaids popular in Western shirts and vintage flannels from the 1990s. Also known as “shadow plaids”, they come in a range of colors but all share the same hazy gradients that give them a soft, laid-back vibe.

Let us just try to count all the ways you can wear one. Buttoned all the way up for a sleek, modern vibe? Sure. Tucked into your favorite worn-in jeans? Of course. Pulled over a loose T-shirt or thermal, with a pair of Dickies or cargo pants? Why the hell not? There are all sorts of styles to try, from hardwearing chore shirts to more tailored button-downs. The best ones right now are unapologetically flannel—with warm, nubby woolen textures and slightly roomier cuts that make them ideal for layering. Here are a few of our favorites.