11 Flannel-Lined Jeans That’ll Keep You Warm Even in the Coldest Climes
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It gets cold in winter. That’s a no-brainer, of course, but if you live in an area where the Fahrenheit scale falls below zero, dropping temperatures take on a different meaning. The season can be perilous and lingering outdoors unadvisable. In the event that you must, extra precaution needs to be practiced. Standard wares just won’t cut it. This means that fits need to have more than one layer, several if need be. And as far as denim goes, flannel-lined jeans are the best option.
Flannel, the woven material beloved by Brooklyn hipsters and citizens of Maine, Washington, and Oregon, is unquestionably warm, retaining any heat that might escape your body. It’s also a lot thinner than, say, lambswool and mohair and less costly than cashmere, which is why it makes for the best lining. You can also opt for synthetic fleece, but if organic fibers are more to your liking, flannel is for you.
Admittedly, jeans with this underlayer are pretty scarce; only a handful of brands offer them regularly, and they are usually billed as workwear or styles for the great outdoors. Also, the silhouettes are often large and the density of the denim thick. But if you plan on visiting a tundra sometime soon, or just want to keep your legs warm and cozy in tundra-like city streets, make sure to check out the selection below.
Flannel-Lined Relaxed-Fit Straight-Leg Jeans
Flannel-lined jeans are often bulky, but Lee offers a straight-leg option that's one of the most stylish of the bunch. This mid-rise style has an elasticated waistband for extra comfort, and a stretchy fabric that moves with you.
One buyer says: "Bought these for my son as he despises being cold. These are the perfect weight. They aren't too heavy, yet they are warm enough so the wind doesn't go through the jeans. Fit is perfect and no problems washing and drying them. Overall a great purchase!"
Flannel-Lined Flex Jeans
Washington-based Eddie Bauer fully understand the need for an extra layer, which is why it offers an assortment of washes with different flannel linings. This stretchy style is ruggedly handsome, with a brushed lining for extra softness and a five-pocket construction.
Relaxed-Fit Straight-Leg Flannel-Lined Jean
It's not a surprise that the brand synonymous with workwear offers flannel-lined denim perfectly suited for working outdoors. Made from heavyweight, 15-ounce cotton, these are tough yet soft, thanks to the flannel lining and relaxed fit.
One buyer says: "I get a pair or two of these pants every 2-3 years. They hold up great and are perfect for the cold we get up here in the north east. If you haven’t tried these for working and having fun in the cold weather, you’re really missing out. They have been a must have for me for years."
Ballroom Double-Flex Standard-Fit Lined Jeans
Based in Minnesota, Duluth Trading Co. offers all the kinds of fits meant to withstand the bitter chill around the Great Lakes, including these flannel-lined jeans. They're extra-stretchy and designed for flexibility, with added bonuses like a hidden crotch gusset, six pockets, and a versatile look that you can dress up or down with ease.
One buyer says: "Bought my first pair of lined jeans from Duluth. Excellent workmanship. Good fit (standard). Lining around boot cuff is securely stitched. Looks good. Very comfortable. Warm. Sale price makes a sweet deal. You won't regret getting these."
Flannel-Lined Cowboy Cut Jean
For cowboys and would-be cowboys (*raises hand*) that need to field cattle in the cold. Our editors love Wrangler 'cause its tough as hell and fits like a charm, and these jeans just have the added bonus of being perfectly warm, too.
Warming Temp-IQ Denim Carpenter Jean
Like Carhartt, Dickies is a go-to purveyor of workwear, and its selection of flannel-lined jeans will definitely get the job done. These have Temp-iQ technology to ensure you don't get too warm, and a comfortable, just-below-the-waist fit that allows for plenty of mobility.
One buyer says: "These carpenter pants are awesome. Highly recommend them for anyone working in a cold workshop or garage. They keep me warm and toasty while I do my woodworking in the winter."
Flannel-Lined Classic Fit Double L Jeans
Of course the Maine-based crew at L.L.Bean knows a thing or two about keeping your legs warm. These are fully-lined, so feel free to play in the snow for as long as you please.
One buyer says: "Classic style offers great fit and durability. This is my third pair. I use these instead of thermal underwear and stay comfortably warm plowing snow and hiking."
Fireside Denim
These aren't technically flannel-lined, but they'll still do the job. That's because, instead of a lining, the fleecy material is woven in with the the denim for warmth without any added bulk.
Rugged Wear Woodland Thermal Jean
If those Cowboy Cut Wranglers aren't quite your jam, how about a straight-leg pair with ruggedness to spare? (Hey, it's right there in the name.) These have a relaxed fit, W-stitched back pockets, and soft, quilted thermal lining.
One buyer says: "Ordered my reg pant size they fit perfect. Legs are a little long which keeps them from riding up while on motorcycle rides. Very warm and the inside is soft."
5-Pocket Flannel Lined Jeans
If you're a light wash type of guy, you're in luck: Full Blue has a pair of flannel-lined, five-pocket jeans for you. These are versatile enough to go with anything, and warm enough to get you through even the bleakest winter days. Plus, you won't find affordability like this elsewhere.
One buyer says: "I’ve had 3 or 4 different brands of flannel lined jeans over the years and these are the nicest ones I’ve ever purchased, plus they were the best price too! They’re very well made and are true to size. I highly recommend them. If you’re in the market for some flannel lined jeans get these, you won’t regret it."
Relaxed Fit Flannel Lined Jeans
Another pair of relaxed-fit jeans, these have all the comfort and style of your favorite worn-in pair of vintage pants. They have the added bonus of brand-new, super-warm flannel, though—best of both worlds.
How to Care For Your Jeans
I've listed out general care instructions for each pair of jeans above, but as per usual, refer to the manufacturer's instructions for the best results. Some "machine washable" pants have to be washed inside-out, on warm or on cold. If you want your jeans to last, care for them well.
How We Selected
There are thousands upon thousands of flannel-lined jeans out there, so how did we possibly narrow it down to the best 11?
Well—we're hard to impress. Because our standards are high, the options here had to jump through some hoops to make it onto this list. We've done our due diligence in trying and researching all of these to ensure that they're worth it in every way. Every pick you see here is editor tried, tested, and approved, in terms of style, comfort, and durability.
Why You Can Trust Esquire
Every pick on this list (and our other lists!) comes from years of wearing different things, seeing what we love and what we don't, and going from there. No two tastes are the same, and no two men are the same. Your proverbial mileage may vary. But if you're looking for the right place to start, with advice from folks who care (possibly too much!) about this sort of stuff, this is the place to be.
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