Best Flannel Lined Pants – 2024 Edition
Yes, it’s true… these pants look like jeans or simple khakis but are lined with flannel and will keep you warm and comfortable while still looking professional. While we at GWA can’t help you call in a ‘snow day’ from work, we can certainly help you get there feeling more comfortable and toasty warm.
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Fit
As far as fit goes when you’re selecting your flannel-lined pants, the most popular fit is the relaxed style because it offers plenty of space and freedom to move.
However, that doesn’t mean that you might not like some of the classic slim-fit design pants, because much of this depends on the brand, fabric flexibility, and personal preference. When figuring out what fit works best for you, you’ll need to look at the fabrics in the flannel-lined pants to see their flexibility levels, and it also is a great idea to go to the store and try on a few different types of fits with varying brands to see what is most comfortable for you. Flannel pants come in three different fit categories, which are classic, relaxed, and slim. We’ll cover each one below.
Classic Fit
Flannel-lined pants designed with the classic fit are usually what we’d call an average, or standard fit. They are a bit snugger than some of the other fit categories, which can restrict movement unless the pants are designed with flexible materials.
Relaxed Fit
Flannel-lined pants made with the relaxed fit style usually provide you with a lot of extra room in the pants, which you’ll find in the seat and thigh area. You get a roomier type of pant with this fit, and plenty of freedom to move with or without flexible material designed into the flannel-lined pants.
Slim Fit
Slim-fit pants are more contemporary and designed with slimmer legs when compared to classic and relaxed fit pants, but also don’t fit too tight in important areas. With slim fit flannel lined pants, the pants are still designed to include leg openings that will fit over work boots.
Style
The cut and fit of the pants have already been discussed, but we haven't explored the style of the pants.
Whether the pants will be primarily used for work, or as your go-to winter pants, chances are that you want to look good doing it. Pants are offered in many different styles, colors, and fabrics.
For the style, we focused on researching the shape of the bottom of the pant, such as skinny, boot cut, or flared. Additionally, when talking about style, of course, we need to mention the colors. Luckily, most of these pants are available in neutral colors that can be easily matched with any shirt. However, if you are specifically looking for a black pant, it's good to know if the fit and style you have fallen in love with are offered in black.
Materials
Most flannel-lined pants are made out of one of the two standard fabrics: cotton duck or denim.
Remember, the cotton duck fabric has no relation to ducks and is actually a name for a durable type of cotton. What can you expect if you buy either denim or cotton duck flannel pants? We’ll break that down for you in more detail below.
Denim Pants
With denim, you get pants that are known to “break-in” to fit well as you work. Basically, the more often you wear and wash denim pants, the more comfortable you’ll experience, and the better they will fit you. Denim work flannel lined pants are designed with thicker materials than your standard, casual jeans. Also, many denim work pants come with flannel-lined material to help keep you warm while you work outside. Denim pants don’t tend to be as durable, strong, and long-lasting as duck cotton pants, but are usually more comfortable.
Cotton Duck Pants
Cotton duck flannel lined pants tend to be more durable than denim, and since they have a smooth surface of the material on the exterior of the pants, they won’t snag and tear as often as denim will when you are working outside. Also, most cotton duck pants aren’t flame-resistant, but they work better than denim will in high-heat situations, like welding or other activities. Cotton duck pants can also work like denim and become more comfortable as you wear and wash them, but overall, they tend to not fit as comfortably as denim.
Comfort
Some brands also make special fabric blends, like cotton combined with nylon to add flexibility or a cotton duck fabric that can resist flames.
Typically, brand-specific fabrics still include some kind of cotton or denim on the exterior of the pants. So, when you’re trying to decide if you want denim or cotton flannel pants, what do you need to think about? Really, focus on whether or not you’ll be around fire or flames, and if so, then you’re probably better off with cotton duck flannel lined pants. The other major factor you’ll have to decide is whether you want flannel lined pants that are more durable, or pants that are more comfortable, because depending on the material you pick, you may have to sacrifice one or the other.
If comfort is a major feature for you, then you’ll want to go with denim flannel-lined pants, since they do tend to feel much cozier when you’re working. However, if durability is your main priority, the duck cotton pants will be the better option for you.
Also, you’ll need to know a little bit about fabric weights, as that’s another feature of fabric that could factor into your decision. Most manufacturers of flannel pants will list the weight of the fabric in the description—so knowing what that means can help you make your decision easier. Heavier fabric weights, like 14 ounces in fabric, are usually found on heavy-duty work clothes and work better in colder temperatures. Lighter fabric weights can be less durable, and usually works better for warmer weather. Since you’ll want to focus on warmth when working outside in the winter, a heavier fabric is probably the better option, and will also offer a lot of durabilities.
Top 10 Picks
1. Carhartt Men's Washed-Duck Dungarees
Carhartt’s dungarees are made to be durable so that they can handle outdoor activities while still looking casual. Comprised out of a heavy-duty 12-ounce layer of cotton duck, these flannel lined pants are made to handle a lot of abuse while their flannel lining will help keep you warm outdoors even when the temperature drops.
Read moreFit
Designed to have a natural, traditional fit, these flannel lined pants sit naturally at your waist and are made with a full seat and thigh area. Also, they feature multiple tools and utility pockets and loops along with reinforced back pockets so they are designed to work as you work.
Style
The pants have a straight leg that looks great with just about any shoe. It comes designed with 19-inch leg openings, so you can fit them easily over any work boots or footwear you need to wear. As for the colors of the pant, it is available in a variety of neutral colors, including black, brown, moss, gravel, and navy blue.
Materials
They have excellent construction behind their design, as well as reinforced stress points built-in throughout the pants, creating an extra level of durability. Plus, they have an interior lining that’s made from 100% cotton flannel, so they’ll keep you warm all day long.
Comfort
Across the board, it has been agreed that this is a comfortable pair of pants. Plus, they are also machine washable, so it’s very easy to throw them in your washing machine to keep them clean no matter how much grime you encounter while outdoors.
2. Jessie Kidden Women's Fleece Travel Pant
If you are in the market for something that is insanely affordable and effective, this design from Jessie Kidden is one of your best options.
Read moreFit
Women’s pants often have a reputation of being too tight, which is not helpful or wanted on the trails. If you find that you are drawn to men’s pants because they boast a looser fit, you will want to give this design a whirl. Women love them because they boast a loose fit with a bit to stretch in all the right places.
Style
This design is made for women that need something weather-resistant and warm that comes in at one of the most affordable prices out there on the market. Plus, it boasts a comfy fit that women of all sizes really appreciate.
Materials
The lining on this design runs from the bottoms to the cuffs and is composed of a material that is resistant to pilling when washed. The outside shell is made from a slightly stretchy polyester shell that wicks away moisture while protecting your legs from wind and holding in heat.
Comfort
For women in the market for a comfortable design that boasts stretchy panels that accommodate your wonderful curves, this option is one of your best choices. The best part? It comes in at an affordable price point so that you can buy one in each of the unique color options offered.
3. Carhartt Men's Twill
Carhartt’s Twill dungarees offer a comfortable, relaxed fit option for flannel lined pants that are both durable and made to work as you work. They are made with a straight-leg cut that will fit well over any pair of work boots and features several pockets and loops that will help you easily carry your tools.
Read moreFit
These flannel lined pants also fall slightly below the waist and are made to have a relaxed fit over the seat and thigh area. Overall, they tend to fit true to size. There has only been a handful of customers who say the pants run slightly small.
Style
Made with comfort and style in mind, these pants also have a lot of tools and utility features, including a hammer loop and two reinforced back pockets. The leg openings on these flannel lined pants are made to be straight and fit well over any footwear. They are available in two colors, dark khaki, and army green.
Materials
Designed to be both tough and warm, Carhartt’s pants are durable 9.25-ounce, 100% cotton ring-spun peached twill on the outside, and on the inside of the pants, there is a 4.5-ounce liner of 100% cotton flannel offering superior warmth.
Comfort
These include a button closure and are also machine washable so that you’ll be able to clean them easily. With their relaxed fit, comfort, warmth, style, and utility features, they offer everything you’ll probably need to have in a pair of flannel pants.
4. Mountain Khakis Men's Original
This option offers a tough and rugged style and design that’s made to keep you warm when you’re working outside during the colder months. The flannel lined pants are very warm and soft and made of high-quality materials that won’t bunch up as you work.
Read moreFit
They are also designed with the usual Mountain Khaki brand features and made to have a classic and relaxed fit. Mountain Khakis Flannel Original Mountain Jean also comes with five fully functional pockets, so that you can hold all the items you need as you work. Made to be durable and comfortable, these flannel lined pants will help you stay warm even while the temperature is dropping outside.
Style
These pants have a versatile style that looks great on a job site, at a party or even running errands. They are available in three different colors, including, gunmetal, ranch (khaki), and terra.
Materials
This option is made of 100% cotton on the exterior, and on the interior of the pants, there is a full lining of the manufacturer’s flannel.
Comfort
These flannel lined pants are designed with a diamond-shaped action gusset, and designed to fit snug and well, adding a feeling of coziness. Also, these flannel pants, made to keep you warm, are still breathable enough to ensure you won’t overheat and get too hot while you’re active outside.
5. Guide Gear Men's Cargo
These are made for work outside on colder days and come with high-quality materials and plenty of pockets. The flannel lined pants are designed to keep you heated but not overheated, and offer a lot of protection while you work.
Read moreFit
They are designed with a classic fit and sit well at your waist so that you feel comfortable and are able to easily move while you work.
Style
If you are a fan of cargo-style pants, these are a great pair. They are versatile and available in five neutral colors. They are available in khaki, camo, olive, brown, gray.
Materials
They come with an interior of warm, built-in brushed-cotton flannel that helps to keep warmth in while pushing the cold out. The exterior is made from 100% cotton canvas.
Comfort
Plus, the flannel lined pants are also machine washable, so they are easy to clean and maintain even if you get plenty of grime and dirt on them as you work. Also, you get a wide variety of pockets with these pants to help you hold all the tools and items you need within reach.
6. Carhartt Women's Blaine
Another women's addition, the Carhartt Blaine is a rugged pair of jeans that are great for the wintertime. They can be used around town or even hiking and climbing. They have rugged flex technology that provides mobility and reinforced durability in all of the right places.
Read moreFit
These mid-rise Carhartt jeans sit just below the waist. The waist of the jeans is contoured to prevent gapping. Additionally, the back is pitched to provide extra coverage when climbing or leaning over. They are available in many sizes and lengths as well.
Style
They feature a straight leg style that fits well with many different styles of shoes. The opening of the pant leg is 17-inches. They are available in three colors, midnight sky, midnight sky/gray, and dark bluestone.
Materials
As far as durability, these jeans are strong. The rugged flex technology adds strength and flexibility in all of the right places. These jeans are great for working outdoors, or even a winter climb. They are made from a blend of cotton, polyester, and spandex. They can be easily thrown in the washing machine to clean them.
Comfort
There have been mixed reviews about the comfort of these jeans. Starting with the good, these jeans feature rugged flex technology that allows for mobility in all directions. They are a bit tougher than some of our other options. They are flexible but don’t have the yoga-pant feeling that some of the others possess. As far as the complaints, some reviewers mentioned that the interior flannel could be softer and that some of the interior stitching causes chafing.
7. Eddie Bauer Women's Polar Fleece
What we liked most about this design from Eddie Bauer is that it boasts a fit that is made for comfort and movement. The cut of this design is made specifically for women that need a full range of motion that works to keep them warm and dry when out on winter adventures.
Read moreFit
The very first thing that we noticed about this design is the smart fit. It boasts a high elastic waistband that provides a flexible and comfortable fit that is perfect for any outdoor activity that requires a lot of movement. It even boasts a curved back yoke that eliminates that annoying back gap that occurs on some designs of women’s pants.
Style
The style of this design is great for casual errands but it is designed for working and playing in some pretty chilly conditions.
Materials
The fleece lining feels great against the skin, and it is designed to keep your legs nice and warm as the temperatures drop. To hold in heat, it boasts out exterior shell that is composed of Flexion polyester and spandex, This shell works to wick away water and window while offering a full range of motion.
Comfort
If you are in the market for something that comes from a trusted brand and is made of quality materials that hold up well over the years, this option is a great choice. Women love that it boasts a fit designed for their curves, and has excellent stretch to keep you active and warm at the same time.
8. Dickies Men's Relaxed Straight Carpenter
Dickies made their jeans to be warm and tough, providing a durable look and feel that also helps keep you warm while you work outside in the cold weather. These are made to look good while you stay protected and feel warm every day you work when the temperature drops.
Read moreFit
These jeans are also styled with a relaxed fit, so you get a lot of room in the seat and thigh area, and won’t feel restricted as you move.
Style
This is a great looking pair of pants that can be worn anywhere. No one else has to know how comfortable you feel underneath these pants. They are available in two neutral colors, brown duck and timber.
Materials
They come with a strong 13.75-ounce denim fabric on the exterior, and a soft, comfortable 100% cotton flannel fabric on the interior for extra comfort and warmth. Additionally, these jeans are made to be machine washable, so they are easy to maintain no matter how much muck you might encounter while working outside.
Comfort
These flannel lined pants also have rivets at all stress points, triple-stitched seams and a heavy-duty brass zipper for extra durability. They come with dual tool pockets and a hammer loop, so you can carry your tools and items with you anywhere you need to take them.
9. Lee Women's Relaxed Pants
Do you feel a slight twinge of sadness as you pack away your beloved blue jeans for the winter? If you want to maintain a stylish look while still keeping warm this winter, Lee has you covered.
Read moreFit
What makes this design different from many of the other designs on our list is that it boasts a casual style while packed with features to keep you nice and warm. The denim is woven with stretchy materials that move with you, and provide a more comfortable fit for all sizes and shapes of women. Plus, a higher waist works to keep your lower body warm as well.
Style
The lining of this design runs from the buttons all the way down to the cuffs. It boasts a bright flannel design that can add a pop of color when the cuffs are rolled up. This straight leg design is easily tucked into boots without bunching or slipped over high tops or hiking boots as well.
Materials
This design is composed of stretchy denim so that you can maintain a full range of motion and comfortable fit that you will want to wear all day with a light and cozy flannel lining.
Comfort
Users love this versatile design because it is perfect for any occasion where you need to face the cold weather. It’s great for walking the dog or running errands on cold days, and it is made from materials that work well for women on the move. Plus, it comes from a trusted brand which means that they will hold up quite well over the years of continued washes.
10. Arctix Women's Lumi
This design from Artix is designed for women engaged in a myriad of outdoor activities. It’s a great option for simply walking the dog or running errands, but it is tough enough for skiing, building snowmen with the kids, or long hikes in the woods as the snow flies. Plus, they come in a myriad of sizes to fit all shapes of women.
Read moreFit
This design is built tough and is packed with features to keep you comfortable. Women love the high elastic drawstring waist that fits comfortably and accommodates for holiday overindulgence! It boasts a looser fit in the legs and hips for a full range of motion and is packed with fleece-lined pockets to keep your gear or your hands warm and dry as well.
Style
We love that it comes in a wide array of sizes to ensure that you select a design that fits your frame perfectly.
Materials
While the soft fleece lining feels great against your skin and works to keep you warm, the outside shell is where the Lumi really shines. It is composed of ThermaLock which works to wick away moisture and wind to keep your legs high and dry even as you make delicate snow angels.
Comfort
If you are in the market for something that is made from quality materials that are designed to keep you warm and active as the temperature drop, this option from Artix is an excellent choice.
Sources
- We Tested Five of the Most Popular Flannel Lined Jeans, Buying Guide ,