Flannel is a soft cotton fabric with an average weight with a napped or fuzzy finish on one or both sides. This napped finish on fabric comes in fabric either via brushing or from its typical loosely spun pile. The soft and cozy feel of this fabric makes it ideal to keep the user warm and comfortable throughout winter.
The flannel fabric is usually woven with patterns, especially tartan and plaid, and is a highly favorable fabric for sheets during winter as well.
This fabric was first made in the 17th century, and it was likely originated in Wales. Though flannel was once made of wool, and by the 20th century, this fabric started making with cotton, or with silk at times. But today, the calmest and softest flannel is made of 100% cotton.
When should I wear flannel?
Since flannel is warm and soft to the touch, it’s a cold-weather fabric, best to keep the user warm at all times. This fabric is used in both bedding and textile use; I mean a long-sleeve flannel button-down shirt with any color of jeans will give a classic Americana look.
This is the reason, there high demand for this fabric from cotton flannel suppliers in USA. However, women’s dresses are also made with flannel, besides one can wear flannel tops inserted into high-waisted pants or skirts.
How to Maintain Flannel Fabric?
The older the flannel fabric gets, the softer it becomes, this indicates it’s a low-maintenance fabric, so you don’t need to dry clean, iron, or replace it very often. If your flannel clothes or bedding is 100% cotton, it’ll wash cleaner and won’t hold odors, making it even easier to care for.
If someone asks, is cotton and flannel separate things, or its a single product? The answer is, cotton is a fiber that is taken from a cotton plant. Whereas, flannel is a fabric made from cotton, wool, or synthetic fiber. Accordingly, the primary contrast between cotton and wool is that cotton is a fiber while wool is a texture.
Numerous wool textures are made with plaids, and numerous individuals expect that wool comes in plaids designs. Indeed, a wool shirt alludes to any shirt with a plaid shirt. Notwithstanding, the wool may come in various tones and examples. Attire produced using wool texture help to keep the wearer warm in chilly conditions. Hence, they are regularly worn during winter, frequently as a nightgown.
Types of Flannel
Flannel has different types;
- Baby flannel is a light fabric used for children’s wear.
- Vegetable flannel is made using fibers from Scots pine rather than wool.
- Ceylon flannel is made using a mixture of cotton and wool.
- Cotton flannel is a cotton fabric napped on one side or two sides.
Top Features of Flannel Fabric
Flannel fabric is known for being:
Soft: The Flannel fabric is widely known as cozy and comfortable for its soft fibers (normally cotton flannel or wool), its free weave (regardless of whether plain or twill), and its brushed, snoozed surface. It’s a typical decision for everything from wool shirts to wool sheets.
Moisture-wicking: Because of the loose weave feature of flannel, this fabric is very breathable, which means it won’t trap in moisture and rather can wick it away. Additionally, the high-quality flannel is usually made of wool, a natural fabric that is popular for its moisture-wicking properties.
Warm: Lastly, the flannel fabric can maintain heat well, this is what makes it a demanded choice for winter pajamas, outdoor clothing, and blankets.
