6 Best Plaid Shirts for Men: Choice Tartan Tops for 2024

Though fashion is fickle, some staples never fall out of favor.

The best plaid shirts for men are one of those timeless pieces that remain a core item in any man’s wardrobe. Whether you’re grabbing groceries or catching up over coffee, few garments boast as much year-round versatility.

Easy to style, comfy to wear, and always reliable, the perennially wearable shirt is a must-have for this season and beyond. Keep reading as I round up the checkered classics eagerly awaiting your approval.

Key Takeaways

From national parks to city sidewalks, the top plaid shirts for men can be worn anywhere, with anything. Which is why I’ve set out to help you secure the styles deemed the crème de la crème.

After poring over ratings, reviews, and just about every Reddit forum I could find, I’ve managed to settle on six standouts, including options from Ralph Lauren and Closed, that are versatile, ruggedly handsome, and forever stylish.

Why it’s great: Whenever I feel like rocking the quintessentially American, preppy look, Ralph Lauren is my go-to; no surprise then that it was my first port of call for the best plaid shirts for men.

Ready for the ranch but classy enough for college, this casual Oxford is as good as it gets. It’s made from a soft yet tough cotton fabric in a perfect plaid pattern and features a classic button-down collar plus the brand’s signature embroidery at the chest. Pair it with jeans or chinos, and you’ll be ready for office days, weekend lunches, and everything in between.

Who is this for? This type of shirt will survive the chopping and changing of fashion trends, so it’s a great investment piece that you’ll be wearing for many years to come. Though more casual than formal, it can still be smartened up, making it a versatile option that you can wear for many occasions.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: Sizes tend to sell out pretty fast, though other colors and variations of the pattern are available.

Material: 100% Cotton | Sizes Available: S–XXL | Colors Available: 10+

Why it’s great: This is the kind of lovable style you’ll return to time and time again. Why? Because it’s soft, durable, and versatile enough to dress up or down. Lightweight with single-needle stitching and genuine mother-of-pearl buttons, it’s a luxury addition to your smart-casual rotation that you can wear with jeans, shorts, chinos, or cords. This standout among the best plaid shirts for men gets five stars from me.

Who is this for? The ultimate all-rounder, it’s the perfect everyday option that can be worn throughout the year. Better yet, with just a few styling tweaks, such as rolling the sleeves or leaving them down, you can show it off pretty much anywhere.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: It’s much lighter than a standard flannel shirt and fairly similar to a business-casual style. You’ll definitely need to increase the layers during the winter months.

Material: 100% Cotton | Sizes Available: XS–XXL | Colors Available: 1

Why it’s great: Whether thrown over a black tee for breezy summer nights or between a hoodie and jacket during the cold snap, this Wax London overshirt is going to become a useful and rather stylish addition to your layering line-up. Crafted from a heavy, sustainably made cotton-blend fabric and decorated with an eye-catching plaid pattern, it’s a bold choice that you’ll end up wearing season after season.

Who is this for? Great for introducing patterns to your everyday attire, this overshirt is essential for keeping warm. It’s been designed with versatility in mind, so you can wear it as a shirt, mid-layer, or jacket.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: Some bigger guys found that it fits a little snug. I’d suggest double checking the measurements before hitting purchase.

Material: 85% Cotton, 12% Polyester, 3% Other | Sizes Available: XS–XXL | Colors Available: 5

Why it’s great: The first thing I noticed about this shirt, apart from the plaid pattern, was the weight. It has that heavier handle you usually get with a shacket, giving it a premium feel that also makes it tough and perfect for layering. The fit is loose but not oversized, and the two chest pockets add to the overall utilitarian vibe. I think it looks great with a white tee and cargos, but it’ll look the part with most bottom-half choices—from jeans to chinos.

Who is this for? You’ll need to be working with a fairly generous budget to bring home this paragon of plaid shirts for men, but it’s worth the splurge. The heavyweight fabric makes it better suited to fall or winter, especially when you wear it on top of hoodies and crew neck T-shirts.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: The price tag might put you off, and it’s a shame it comes in only one color.

Material: 100% Cotton | Sizes Available: XS–XXL | Colors Available: 1

Why it’s great: Looking just as good on the street as it does on horseback, Wrangler’s plaid flannel shirt would certainly get the seal of approval from the Duttons (Yellowstone). Crafted from a cotton-blend fabric that has a hint of stretch for comfort, it’s an ever-reliable option that only gets better with age (I’m talking from experience).

Suitable for work or play, you can layer it on top of your favorite band tee or let it take center stage with your trusty denim and boots.

Who is this for? Not just for cowboys, this budget-friendly shirt has universal appeal. The classic fit shape accommodates larger builds, and the cotton construction is tough enough to tackle manual labor and plenty of washes.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: If you prefer your plaid shirts for men slim, then you’d be best off considering another option.

Material: 64% Cotton, 34% Recycled Polyester, 2% Spandex | Sizes Available: S–3XL | Colors Available: 5

Why it’s great: Legendary Whitetails specializes in outdoor gear, so it’s no surprise that it has some of the best plaid shirts for men. This one is stylishly ready for all of your adventures, whether you’re tackling tricky terrain or going for a beer with the boys.

Seriously soft, thick, and fitted in all the right places, it can be styled like an overshirt or worn like your favorite flannel. I was particularly impressed with the corduroy-lined collar and cuffs, which I thought gave the piece a subtle point of difference.

Who is this for? A must-have for fall but suitable for year-round wear (it might be a little too heavy for particularly warm days), this option is versatile enough to satisfy all sartorial preferences. It’s also surprisingly cheap for the quality.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: You might experience a bit of shrinkage after the first wash. Bear this in mind when choosing your size.

Material: 100% Cotton | Sizes Available: S–5XL | Colors Available: 10+

Buying Considerations for the Best Plaid Shirts For Men

Fabric

For ultimate comfort and durability, always choose high-quality materials such as cotton, flannel, or wool. You may also want to consider blends that offer extra stretch or other benefits. The top plaid shirts for men should be soft, breathable, and appropriate for the season.

Fit

The best plaid shirts for men come in various fits. Ensure that the one you choose is flattering for your body type, whether it’s slim, regular, or relaxed. Though your choice may be driven by aesthetic reasons, the shirt should still provide comfort and allow for easy movement without being too tight or loose.

Color/Style

Select a color scheme and plaid pattern that complements your personal style and wardrobe. Consider versatile colors that can be easily paired with other clothing items, such as T-shirts, and choose patterns that suit your taste and the occasions you’ll wear them for.

How We Chose

Before deciding on the top plaid shirts for men, I researched more than 50 different styles. Based on specs and user feedback, plus my own experiences, I eventually narrowed the field to six special styles that were judged on the criteria below:

Sizing: I assessed each shirt’s availability in a wide range of sizes to ensure a good fit for various body types. This included examining size charts for accuracy and consistency across different brands. I also considered user feedback on whether the shirts ran true to size, were too tight, or were loose, which helped gauge the reliability of the sizing information provided by manufacturers.

Quality: I focused on the materials used, looking for high-quality fabrics such as 100% cotton, wool, or cotton blends with good durability and comfort. Stitching quality, button strength, and resistance to wear and tear were also important factors – as well as how well each one held up after multiple washes.

Versatility: To be considered one of the best plaid shirts for men, the shirts had to be versatile. I evaluated how well each option could be integrated into various outfits and settings, which involved considering the color schemes and patterns to determine if they were suitable for both casual and semi-formal occasions.

I also looked for styles that could be layered with other clothing items, such as jackets and sweaters, to enhance their versatility throughout different seasons.

Price: Price was considered in relation to the quality and features offered by each shirt. I compared prices across brands to find options that provided the best value for money. This involved looking at both high-end and budget-friendly versions and weighing the benefits of each to determine whether the price was justified by the durability, comfort, and style of the shirt.

Why Trust Us?

Billy Webb is an experienced writer, having worked in the fashion industry for more than 10 years. Bringing a wealth of knowledge and a keen eye for style to his work, he has contributed to some of menswear’s most well-known publications, earning a reputation for his insightful articles and trend analyses.

Beyond writing, Billy has hands-on experience as a stylist and has worked in various retail settings, giving him a comprehensive understanding of fashion from both a consumer and an industry perspective.

His meticulous approach to detailed research ensures that his recommendations are trustworthy and well-informed, making him a reliable source for finding the top plaid shirts for men.

Final Verdict

Polo Ralph Lauren’s popular button-down might carry considerable clout because of its designer, but it more than backs it up with its soft and durable fabric, versatile design, and timeless appeal. It is one of the best plaid shirts for men, and I’m certain you’ll love and wear it as much as I do.