Shorter days, afternoon thunderstorms, ski films being premiered all over the place. These are a few of the things that signal the transition from summer to fall. That list, however, does not include the most important milestone that marks the seasonal switchover. I’m of course referring to the wardrobe-switchover from board shorts and tank tops to everybody’s favorite fall staples, flannel, flannel, and more flannel. Oh, and plaid, of course.

Now that we’ve established that plaid flannel is the perfect summer clothing-style, it’s time to look at a few different options. What’s that? You don’t think flannel is “where it’s at?” Well, everyone is entitled to their own opinion. Yours just happens to be wrong in this case. Anyway, back to the flannel at hand. With so many temperatures and occasions to dress for, it’s lucky we live in an age that provides us with a wealth of choices.

Feedback Flannel

Maybe it’s a crisp evening and you’re headed to a Giants game with some friends. If, for some reason, you opt not to wear your jersey which, oddly enough, are not generally flannels, (get on that Giants) then your best bet is going to be something that’s not too heavy, but that won’t leave you hugging a hot pretzel for warmth come the 8th inning. In a situation like that, check out the Feedback Flannel from Outdoor Research. In addition to being extremely soft, the Feedback Flannel is also quick-drying and moisture-wicking. While this won’t completely save you when the drunken yahoo behind you starts spilling beer all over you, it should at least console you enough to prevent any sort of riot from breaking out. After all, this is a Giants game, not a Raiders game.

Sherman Flannel

When things get a bit chillier and you’re looking to keep that same logger-style, while taking off the rough edges, throw on the Sherman Flannel Jacket. The Sherman is similar on the outside to the Feedback, but the inside is comprised of high-loft Sherpa fleece, one of the softest materials we’ve ever seen. Don’t believe the hype? We dare you to come into Granite Chief, check out this fleece and tell us that you’ve felt softer. Go on, we’ll wait. In case that wasn’t enough, the Sherman also sports some stylish elbow patches that will have people around you buying you coffee and asking for an extension on their homework.

Winter Bullwheel

“So these flannels are all well and good,” you say. “But what plaid flannel am I supposed to wear when the snow starts falling and it’s starting to look like winter?” Good question! And, thankfully, we have the answer for you in the form of the Winter Bullwheel Jacket. The Bullwheel features the flannel look you know and love, with winter-specific featuers in the mix like water- and wind-resistant outer fabric, stretch materials for comfort, and an internal front stormflap to help keep off the chill when winter winds are a’blowing.

So, if all this isn’t enough to convince you of the gloriousness that is the combination of plaid and flannel in the fall, let us leave you with this quote from everyone’s favorite fashion mogul and theoretical physicist, Albert Einstein, “Once you can accept the universe as being something expanding into an infinite nothing which is something, wearing stripes with plaid is easy.”