St. John's Bay Flannel Shirt Jacket
We designed the St. John's Bay flannel shirt jacket for those in-between days when a sweater feels like too much and a regular shirt isn't quite enough. This layering piece starts with 100% cotton flannel brushed on both sides for a soft hand and lasting warmth. The shirt-jacket silhouette gives you the structure of outerwear with the ease of your favorite flannel—button it up for cooler mornings or wear it open over a tee when the sun comes out.
We source pure cotton for our St. John's Bay flannel shirt jacket and brush both faces of the fabric to lift the fibers and create that signature soft texture. The 6-ounce weight sits heavier than standard dress-shirt flannel but lighter than a true overshirt, giving you warmth without bulk. This weight holds its shape through repeated washing—the yarns are tight enough to resist the surface wear that causes cheaper flannels to pill after a few wears.
Fit and sizing details
Our relaxed fit cuts the St. John’s Bay flannel shirt jacket with extra room through the chest and shoulders so you can layer a thermal or lightweight sweater underneath when temperatures drop. The body measures approximately 2 inches wider across the chest than our standard flannel shirts, and the sleeves are cut slightly longer to account for the fabric drawing up when you bend your elbows.
The straight hem falls just below the hip, which keeps the proportions right whether you’re wearing it open as a layering piece or buttoned as a standalone shirt. We recommend ordering your usual size—the relaxed cut already accounts for layering room, so sizing up typically results in excess fabric through the waist and sleeves.
Care instructions for long-lasting wear
Machine wash your St. John’s Bay flannel shirt jacket in cold water with like colors to preserve the dye and prevent shrinkage. We recommend turning the garment inside out before washing to protect the brushed surface and button closures from abrasion. Tumble dry on low heat or hang to air dry—high heat can cause cotton flannel to shrink up to a full size and may fade colors faster over time.
Skip fabric softener, which coats the fibers and reduces the natural breathability of cotton. If the flannel loses some of its soft hand after multiple washes, a quick pass with a fabric brush or a few minutes in the dryer with a damp towel will help lift the nap again. The same care approach you’d use for your everyday flannel button-ups works here, though the heavier weight means this piece can handle slightly more aggressive washing without losing structure.
What makes this flannel shirt jacket different
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Common questions about the St. John's Bay flannel shirt jacket
Yes, we recommend ordering your usual size. The St. John’s Bay flannel shirt jacket is cut with a relaxed fit that provides extra room through the chest and shoulders for layering, so the standard size already accounts for wearing it over a thermal or tee. Sizing up typically results in excess fabric through the waist and sleeves.
The 6-ounce cotton flannel provides good warmth for cool fall days and mild winter weather, typically comfortable down to the mid-40s Fahrenheit when worn over a base layer. For colder conditions, we recommend layering it under a heavier jacket or choosing our sherpa-lined flannel jacket option, which adds insulation for temperatures below freezing.
Minimal shrinkage may occur with the first wash, typically less than one percent in length and width. To prevent further shrinkage, machine wash in cold water and tumble dry on low heat or hang to air dry. High heat in the dryer can cause cotton flannel to shrink significantly, so we always recommend using the lowest heat setting.
The St. John’s Bay flannel shirt jacket uses a heavier 6-ounce fabric compared to standard 4-ounce flannel shirts, making it more durable and warmer. The cut is also more relaxed through the body and sleeves to accommodate layering, and the straight hem is designed to wear untucked. Regular flannel shirts have a slimmer fit and lighter weight fabric meant for wearing on its own or under a jacket.
Turn the garment inside out before washing to protect the brushed surface. Use cold water and avoid fabric softener, which can coat the fibers and reduce softness over time. If the flannel loses its soft texture after multiple washes, tumble dry with a damp towel for a few minutes or gently brush the surface with a fabric brush to lift the nap.
No, this piece is made from 100% cotton flannel with no stretch fibers. The relaxed fit provides freedom of movement through the natural drape and cut of the fabric rather than relying on elastic fibers. Pure cotton also breathes better and resists odor compared to synthetic blends.
Both chest pockets are fully functional with button-through flaps that secure your items. Each pocket measures approximately 5 inches wide and 6 inches deep, large enough to hold a smartphone, wallet, or small notebook. The flap closures keep contents secure even when you’re bending or moving actively.