There is an exact moment when you know that autumn has really arrived. It’s not a date on the calendar, it’s a feeling: the air gets cooler, you feel like a hot coffee, and suddenly you feel the almost biological need to put on an fringed shirt. This garment, halfway between a lumberjack uniform and an icon of grunge culture, has transcended its origins to become the undisputed queen of the autumn wardrobe, especially in its checked version.

Far from being a simple outerwear garment, the checked shirt has become a generational symbol, a key piece in building a new generation’s sense of identity. look “aesthetic” that mixes comfort, nostalgia and a touch of rebelliousness. And this is not just a simple perception. Google Trends confirms it: every year, coinciding with the return to the routine and the first drop in temperatures, the search for “camisa de cuadros hombre” is quadrupling in Spain. Right now, at the beginning of September, we are at the epicentre of this phenomenon.

Brands like Uniqlo have understood this devotion perfectly. Every season they launch their collection of flannel shirts and, like a ritual, they become an immediate sales success, establishing themselves as the reference in terms of quality-price in the market. But what is it about this garment that makes us so obsessed with it? And more importantly, how can we make the most of it?

Why are we obsessed with the plaid shirt every autumn?

The answer lies in a perfect blend of comfort, history and versatility.

• Comfort and warmth: Flannel is a brushed cotton fabric, which gives it that incredibly soft feel and the ability to be warm without being heavy. It’s like wearing a hug.

• A cultural icon: Before reaching the catwalks, the men’s checked shirt was the clothing of the workers. In the 1990s, the Seattle grunge scene, led by Kurt Cobain, adopted it as an anti-fashion symbol. That legacy of authenticity and rebellion is still present every time you wear one.

• Infinite versatility: It works as a main garment, as a lightweight jacket or as a simple accessory. It suits almost any style and is the perfect solution for the unpredictable autumn weather.

3 ways to wear your flannel shirt (and get it right every time)

Here are three infallible formulas that demonstrate the versatility of this garment and answer the eternal question of how to combine a checked shirt.

1. Open, like an overshirt

This is undoubtedly the look with a lumberjack shirt most popular and versatile shirt of the moment. Wearing the flannel shirt open, as if it were a light jacket, allows you to play with layering and create a outfit con sobrecamisa relaxed and with a lot of fun.

• How to create it: The base is a T-shirt. It can be a basic white one for a clean look or a printed one (from your favourite band, for example) for a more personal touch. Wear the flannel shirt over it, completely unbuttoned. Complete the look with baggy jeans, cargo trousers and skate shoes. It’s the ultimate urban uniform.

2. Closed, as the main part

Wearing the flannel shirt buttoned up gives it the spotlight and creates a sharper, neater look without losing its casual essence.

• How to create it: You have two options. Fasten it up to the last button on the collar for an air of indie o preppyOr leave the top unbuttoned for a more classic look. Works great with straight-cut black jeans or a pair of black jeans. slimAnd on your feet, a pair of Dr. Martens boots or black Converse are the perfect choice. If you want a more formal touch, you can even tuck it into your trousers.

3. Tied at the waist, the urban touch of the 90s.

This gesture, inherited directly from the grunge and skate culture of the nineties, is back with a vengeance. It’s both a style decision and a practical solution to temperature changes.

• How to create it: It’s the perfect way to add a point of colour and texture to a simple look. It works great with a monochrome base, such as a black T-shirt and black jeans. Simply tie the shirt at the sleeves at the waist. When it cools down, you can wear it. It’s a detail that breaks up the silhouette and shows you’ve taken care of the details.

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Conclusion: More than a shirt, an autumn symbol

La fringed shirt is much more than a seasonal trendIt’s a piece with history, character and amazing adaptability. Whether worn open as your trusty jacket, closed as a style statement or tied at the waist as a nod to the 90s, this garment is the perfect tool for expressing your personality during the colder months. It’s comfortable, it’s versatile and it simply never goes out of style.

How are you going to wear your plaid shirt this autumn? Let us know your favourite combination in the comments!