Flannel vs Tweed vs Brushed Cotton
Our Harris Tweed book from Gladson
Ever wonder what really makes flannel, flannel? Or why tweed feels like it could outlive you? Let’s break it down.
Flannel
Flannel isn’t a type of fiber, it’s a finish. (think eggs, crack two eggs into two separate pans, one is scrambled, one is sunny side up). Traditionally wool, today often cotton, it’s woven plain or twill, then brushed with fine metal combs that raise the nap (a fabric's directional texture or grain, created by raised fibers or a one-way print). That brushing gives it the soft, slightly fuzzy surface we all associate with flannel shirts. Warm, cozy, and breathable, it’s fabric that feels like Sunday morning.
Tweed
Tweed is less about finish and more about structure. It’s a rough, tightly woven wool, often done in a twill or herringbone weave. What makes it stand out is the use of multi-colored yarns, heathered or flecked, that give tweed its signature depth. Tweed was born in the Scottish and Irish countryside to resist wind, rain, and hard wear. It’s why a tweed sport coat feels like armor compared to a flannel shirt.
Brushed Cotton
Brushed cotton uses the same technique as flannel, those fine brushes that raise a nap, but applied to cotton cloth instead of wool. The result? A fabric that has softness without the weight. Shirts, trousers, even pajamas, brushed cotton makes everyday pieces feel elevated while keeping comfort front and center.
Year-Round Wool
Here’s the curveball: year-round wool isn’t brushed, flecked, or rustic. It’s all about the weave density. Made with fine worsted yarns, it creates a tight, smooth finish that breathes in the summer and insulates in the winter. It’s the Swiss Army knife of tailoring, always appropriate, never out of place.
✨ The difference in plain English:
Flannel = soft from brushing.
Tweed = tough from yarns + weave.
Brushed Cotton = cozy cotton cousin.
Year-Round Wool = versatile, polished, season-proof.
👉 Which story do you want your wardrobe to tell? Let’s design your next piece in the fabric that fits your season and your soul.
