Flannel Basics – What Makes Sullen Different?

Sullen Flannel: What’s the Difference Between Our Flannels and Everyone Else’s?

You've probably thrown on a generic flannel at least once and thought to yourself... I’m sure there’s a better option out there. Well, now you have one. Sullen Flannel is not an ordinary flannel. We make our flannels the same way we create our art and tees – with a focus on quality detail beyond what anyone will likely even notice (though you’ll be able to tell every single time you put it on). Here’s what sets us apart from everyone else.

All of it begins with the material

In terms of materials, there really isn’t anything unique about ours. But what makes them special is the fact that we only use 100% cotton – no cheap polyester mixes. And because we chose to use the heaviest 8.5oz possible cotton, these flannels won’t fall apart after 10 washes. Most other brands will also quietly add polyester to their cotton fabrics. This is usually done to cut down costs. Polyester fabrics tend to look kind of shiny, can be stiff, very warm, and plastic. Also, since plastic does not shrink as much as cotton during washing, you can wash it in a washing machine.

When you compare our 100% cotton to those flannels using polyester and/or blends, you'll find:

• They look less artificial
• More comfortable to wear all day
• It breaks in and becomes softer over time
• And it doesn't retain that "plastic" feel when layered under a tee-shirt or zipped up
• tight on a chilly evening.

You'll notice:

• A far more natural hand-feel (less shiny)
• Better comfort when you’re wearing it for an extended period
• Fiber that ages the way it should – doesn’t fall apart quickly

Why Dry Cleaning?

Why we recommend dry cleaning (and what happens if you don’t)

At the bottom of the care label, you'll read that we highly recommend dry cleaning. That's not just for show. Because our flannel shirts are 100% cotton and yarn-dyed, the dry cleaning helps protect:

• Prevents shrinkage
• Keeps the colors vibrant and strong
• Maintains the original fit

Wouldn’t you love to toss it in the washer at home? Some people do — but please keep in mind that:

• There will be some degree of shrinkage if you use high heat
• May lose some of its structure due to repeated exposure to washing & drying
• Colors will fade faster with harsher washing & drying methods

If you want this shirt to last and maintain its shape over the seasons, consider dry cleaning.

Handmade, Design-From-Scratch Yarn-Dyed Designs

Yarn-dye printing is one of the biggest ways many people miss seeing how well-made the actual shirt is.

As stated above, our flannels are all made using yarn-dyed fabric. That means that the threads were dyed prior to being woven together. As such, the color was developed into the fabric itself -- rather than applied to the outside via printing.

Why Does It Matter?

• Richer and deeper-looking patterns
• Colors hold their vibrancy longer and don’t fade unevenly
• None of that stiff, printed-on-top feel — the fabric moves smoothly

Clean lines in that plaid? Those lines come from the fact that the pattern was woven right into the fabric — not printed onto it later.

Designing Quality That Stands Up To Time

While designing our flannels to resemble staples within your wardrobe (not throw-away items), here are some elements we factor into their development:

• Heavier-than-most fabric weights which stand up better to everyday wear
• Sturdy reinforced stitching in shoulders and cuffs to prevent blowing-out
• Buttons and trim details matched perfectly to each collection’s artwork/color scheme.

You’re buying a quality shirt. Not just another t-shirt. A shirt you can take to work, or the bar, or simply lounge in all day without worrying about it falling apart.

Sullen Flannel

• Fabric 100% cotton, 8.5 oz
• Natural Breathability Cotton has excellent breathing properties.
• Recommended Care Dry clean preferred
• Original Yarn Dyed Patterns Yarn-dyed patterns.
• Fit Relaxed.
• Functional Details None.
• Break-in Over Time Breaks in, develops patina.
• Cost $56-$60

A person interested in purchasing high-quality garments with natural fibers, long-lasting wear, original yarn-dyed patterns created exclusively for Sullen, and shirts that become more beautiful with age. Built To Last Flannels. Small Batch. Timeless.

Q&A

Do Sullen Flannels run true to size?

Yes. Relaxed fit is part of the design; order your usual size.

Why dry-clean vs machine-wash?

Cotton yarn-dyed flannel is best preserved when cleaned with gentle methods (dry cleaning) to prevent damage caused by agitation/heat generated by standard wash cycles. Colors remain true longer when preserving the integrity of the fibers. If you choose to hand-wash, cold water/hang dry; never machine dry.

Will my new Sullen Flannel pattern repeat next season?

Each new season brings completely original designs; although, some color variations might appear again in new forms. Each collection includes exclusive designs; not restocked/repeated designs from a library.

Is 8.5 oz too heavy for warmer climates?

Any type of cotton will breathe; regardless of thickness. Although substantial feeling-wise, our 8.5 oz construction is still a natural fiber allowing for airflow in a manner synthetics cannot. Tossing it on over a tee-shirt works throughout the majority of a mild climate; including Southern California.