Cooler temperatures are on their way starting next week, and that means one thing for me: flannel.
Yes, my inner-Elmer-Fudd will come out as I don my favorite flannel shirts once again, only to be way too warm for a few more weeks. This is that awkward time of year in Iowa when the furnace is on in the morning and the AC in the afternoon. I will take it, though, as we all know what the weeks ahead will bring — and that brings me back to flannel.
The origin of flannel can be traced back to 16th-century Wales, according to popular flannel-seller and one of my favorite clothing catalog publishers, Lands’ End. The early version of flannel was a “warmer and sturdier alternative to the wool garments that they wore at the time.
The same information says flannel made its way to France and Germany throughout the 17th and 18th centuries until finally showing up in the United States during the Industrial Revolution in 1869. We Americans are seemingly always late to the party — but we look good.
The expanding railway system apparently created a need for shirts made of a worthy fabric “for the harsh working conditions and long hours of the American laborer.” By the early 20th century, the logging, railroad and construction industries dominated the workforce in America. As such, men’s flannel shirts became synonymous with blue-collar workers.
By 1950, flannel shirts were “the working man’s shirt and considered a symbol of American hardworking ruggedness, which was only illustrated further by the introduction of the fictional character of Paul Bunyan.” And let’s not forget Elmer Fudd, who first graced cartoons in 1937.
Flannel found a newfound popularity in the 1990s with the grunge scene, led by bands Nirvana and Pearl Jam. As the grunge look faded, the hipster movement with “its earthy and artisanal feel” discovered flannel, too.
I wasn’t into the grunge scene, and I am certainly not a hipster, but I do appreciate the warmth of flannel in Iowa’s fall and winter seasons. Flannel shirts. Flannel-lined pants. Flannel sheets. Flannel-lined slippers. I can’t get enough flannel.
Lands’ End says the future of flannel is “looking soft and cozy,” and that sounds wonderful to me — as long as it’s not 80 degrees in October.
Have a fantastic Friday, and thanks for reading.
Shane Goodman
Editor and Publisher
Times Vedette digital editions
shane@gctimesnews.com
641-332-2707