The word flannel defines a fabric that has been felted in order to give it a soft and downy touch.
Originally made in carded wool, it owed its heathered aspect to the hues and asperities of natural wool. This fabric and the first mechanical weaving looms appeared simultaneously at the XVIIIth century, in Flanders as well as in Wales. As a matter of fact, a possible etymology of the word flannel comes from "Wool" in Welsh.
Traditionnally, the woven fabric is pressed, wrung, and crushed in a hot water bath. This operation enables to felt the fabric by suppressing the gaps between the warp and the weft yarns. In order to enhance that effect, the fabric is slightly combed to bring out the fibers. This technique can be used to make cotton flannels, for instance.
Our selection of cotton flannel shirts for this fall and winter are made from japanese fabrics in a subtle palette of washed blues, greys, and beiges. we also introduce a green tartan check.
