Still Waiting for a Flannel That Doesn’t Piss Me Off

Let’s get real — flannels are a go-to for a lot of bagger and cruiser riders, especially when the temps drop. Early spring, late fall, cool summer nights — you throw one on because you want the look, but you also want it to hold up when you’re chewing through miles at 70+ mph.

You’d think, by now, someone would’ve nailed the perfect riding flannel.
Spoiler alert: They haven’t. Not yet.

I get that fit and feel are personal. What works for me might not work for you. But there’s nothing worse than doing all your homework, reading 30 reviews that contradict each other, finally dropping $200 on something that looks dialed in — and getting a glorified fashion piece that lets you down the second it hits the road.

Not “send-it-back” bad. That’s easy. I’m talking about that worse kind of letdown: the kind that’s just good enough to keep, but not nearly good enough to love. And when a shirt runs $100–$300, that’s unacceptable. At that price point, I expect real testing, thoughtful design, and gear that respects the rider — not some marketing fluff wrapped in plaid.

What I’m Looking For

I want a heavyweight flannel that works as a stand-alone outer layer in the cold — ideally with a solid base underneath and maybe a vest over it. But I also want it to layer under a winter jacket. That kind of versatility matters. I need something that performs without feeling like stiff armor plating and still looks good off the bike.

Here are three flannels I’ve actually worn, tested, and cursed at. Let’s break down the good, the bad, and the what-the-hell-were-they-thinking.

MERLIN - AXE RIDING SHIRT (BUILT WITH KEVLAR)

Grade: B

Pros:

• Full Kevlar lining = solid abrasion protection

• Comes with Level 1 shoulder & elbow armor

• Zippered cuffs + double snap = adjustable fit

• Button-down collar, zipper + snap front

• Athletic cut — not boxy

• Plaid color options that actually look good

• True to size

Cons:

• Fades fast in the sun — even worse if you wear a vest

• Euro zipper on the "wrong" side for U.S. riders

• No back armor included

• No hand pockets — big miss

• Feels like a weighted blanket when fully armored

Verdict:
Close, but not perfect. Great abrasion resistance and cut, but fading, weight, and missing pockets hold it back.

ROLAND SANDS – BUELLTON RIDING SHIRT CE

Grade: C+

Pros:

• Ghost armor is soft and flexible

• Cordura sleeve lining = solid abrasion layer

• Snap-down collar

Cons:

• No hand pockets (again, WHY?!)

• Wool exterior itches like hell if you’ve got sensitive skin

• Front closure starts halfway up — awkward

• Boxy, outdated fit

• Only two boring plaid options

• Back armor not included

• One snap cuff = no adjustability

Verdict:
Functional enough, but the worst style of the bunch. Ugly duckling energy.

DIXXON – FLANNEL SHIRT

Grade: B-

Pros:

• Lightweight and super packable

• Cheapest of the bunch

• Utility chest pocket + hidden collar stays

• Microfiber glasses wipe built-in

• Huge variety of colorways

• Two-button adjustable cuffs

Cons:

• No armor

• No abrasion resistance

• Runs large, long, and boxy

• Too thin for cold weather

• Purely lifestyle — not built to ride

Verdict:
Looks good. Packs easy. But it’s built more for brewery patios than backroad rips.

Final Thoughts

No A’s. Not even a B+. And that should piss you off as much as it does me. We’re talking about gear that costs real money — and most of it lands somewhere between “meh” and “guess I’ll wear it since I bought it.”

That’s the problem. Too many brands are pushing product instead of perfecting it. They’re hoping riders won’t notice the half-baked details. But we do. Because we ride. And we expect more from gear that’s supposed to have our back when the road gets fast, cold, or sideways.

If you can live with the flaws, pull the trigger. But if you're like me — still searching for something that rides as hard as you do — then you already know this isn’t just about flannel.

It’s about raising the bar.

The hunt’s not over. And when I finally find a flannel that earns an A, you’ll be the first to hear about it.

Until then…

Ride fast. Stay sharp. Keep ripping.

The quest continues.

— Bagger Shawn
Founder, Steel Rippers