A Field Guide to Autumn Flannel: Why a Brae Flannel Shirt Should Be in Your Kit

November 6, 2025

There’s a point in the year when the mornings take on a chill, the light drops earlier, and you instinctively reach for something heavier than a summer shirt but not as serious as a jacket. That’s flannel weather.

For generations, flannel shirts have been worn by anglers, keepers, farmers and anyone who spends long days outside. They’re warm without being bulky, soft without feeling fragile, and smart enough to take you from the field to an evening with friends. At Ghillie, the Brae Flannel Shirt is our answer to that tradition – built with autumn firmly in mind.

In this guide, we’ll look at why a good flannel shirt deserves a permanent place in your kit, what to look for when choosing one, and how the Brae has been designed to work with the way you actually live and move.

Why Flannel Works So Well in Autumn

Flannel has earned its reputation the simple way: by working.

Warmth without weight

A brushed flannel fabric traps air between the fibres, giving you gentle insulation without feeling like you’ve layered up too heavily. On early autumn days, it’s often all you need over a T-shirt. As the temperature drops, it becomes a reliable mid layer under a fleece or gilet.

Soft, lived-in comfort

Unlike some crisp shirtings that can feel stiff until they’re broken in, flannel starts soft and only gets better with time. When you’re driving long distances, having a drink into front of the fire, or stood waist-deep in a river, that comfort matters.

Quiet, unobtrusive fabric

Autumn is often when the countryside is at its busiest – fields being worked, deer being stalked. Flannel has a naturally quiet hand feel. It doesn’t rustle or shine in low light, making it a good fit for those who like to move without drawing attention. The Brae Flannel in Rifle green is particularly camouflaged, if that's what you're after.

What to Look For in a Proper Outdoor Flannel Shirt

Not all flannel shirts are equal. If you’re going to rely on one across the season, it needs to earn its place.

1. Fabric weight and handle

A good autumn flannel should feel reassuring without being clumsy. You want a fabric that has enough weight to cut the chill, yet still layers easily under a jacket. The Brae Flannel has been chosen with that balance in mind – substantial, but not overbearing.

2. Fit that moves with you

Whether you’re shouldering a rifle, casting a fly or hoisting bags in and out of the boot, the shirt needs to move cleanly through the shoulders and upper back. We’ve cut the Brae with enough room where you need it, while maintaining a clean line so it still looks considered when you’re working in the field or meeting friends.

3. Thoughtful details

Small touches make a difference over time:

Collar that sits neatly whether buttoned or open
Cuffs that roll and fasten easily
Pockets that are useful but not bulky
Hidden glasses or screen cleaner in the hem

These details help the shirt feel as at home over a weekend breakfast as it does during a long day in mixed weather.

4. Colours that work with the landscape

Autumn brings muted greens, browns and softer light. Our Brae Flannel colour palette is built around those tones, so it sits naturally against the countryside rather than shouting over it. It also means the shirt pairs easily with denim, canvas, wool and whatever else you already own.

Explore the Brae Flannel Shirt colour range

How to Wear the Brae Flannel Shirt Through Autumn

One of the reasons the Brae has become a favourite with our customers is that it doesn’t live in a single context. It adapts.

Early mornings in the field

On cooler mornings, wear the Brae Flannel over a simple base layer. If the forecast is uncertain, keep a lightweight outer layer or gilet in the truck. As the day warms, the shirt can be worn open over a T-shirt, or buttoned as the main layer.

Base: light tee or merino top
Mid: Brae Flannel Shirt
Outer (if needed): gilet, fleece or light jacket

By the water

Autumn fishing can mean bright intervals followed by biting wind. The Brae works well beneath a wind-resistant shell or a Kinloch Fleece on colder days. The soft flannel is comfortable against the skin if you prefer to wear your sleeves rolled up.

Base: technical or cotton tee
Mid: Brae Flannel Shirt
Outer: fleece or waterproof shell

Evenings with friends

This is where the shirt really proves its worth. Once the day’s work or sport is done, you don’t need to change to look presentable. The Brae looks at home around the BBQ, on a walk with friends, or an evening down at the pub. Pair it with jeans or chinos and boots and you’re done.

Brae Flannel in a darker colourway
Well-worn denim or chinos if you want something smarter
Boots and a simple leather or canvas belt

Looking After Your Flannel Shirt

A good flannel is built to last, and with a bit of care, it will only improve with age.

Wash cool – 30°C is more than enough for everyday wear
Avoid tumble drying – air dry out of direct sunlight to preserve softness
Skip heavy ironing – let the fabric keep a bit of its natural character
Brush off mud and debris before washing to reduce abrasion in the drum
Air it when you can - cotton is a natural material, so always consider if airing it might be all you need before you throw it straight into the washing machine

These small habits keep the fibres in good condition and help your shirt hold its colour and shape.

Read our full garment care guide

Why the Brae Flannel Belongs in Your Kit

For us, the Brae Flannel Shirt is about more than a pattern or a fabric. It’s about having a reliable piece you reach for without thinking – something that feels right whether you’re heading to the woods at first light or catching up with friends later.

It’s cut for movement, built in a weight that suits the UK autumn, and designed to sit naturally within a life spent between landscapes: rivers, fields, small towns and everything in between.

If you’re building an autumn wardrobe around a few key pieces rather than endless options, a well-made flannel shirt is a sensible starting point. And we’ve designed the Brae to be exactly that.

Explore the Brae Flannel Shirt here →