Flannel button-up shirts are fall casual wardrobe staples. They’re a perfect match for crisp autumn days, cool evenings, and transitional weather.
When it comes to men’s fashion, flannel shirts are about as timeless as it gets. No matter the fashion trend of the day, classic flannel shirts will never go out of style. They’re wardrobe workhorses that pair with practically anything. With their rugged outdoorsy vibe, they’ll always look great, whether in the backcountry, at the range, or around town.
Flannel shirts are versatile garments meant to be functional, durable, and comfortable. They’re excellent for layering when the weather can’t seem to make up its mind. A flannel shirt can be worn as an alternative to a jacket or overshirt during transitional periods. Worn untucked, flannel shirts also serve as excellent cover garments for concealed carry, offering both discretion and style.
Vertx Last Line of Defense Stretch Flannel SHIRT
The Vertx Last Line of Defense Stretch Flannel shirt is a collaboration between Vertx and Last Line of Defense, designed specifically for concealed carry and tactical-minded individuals.
It’s a purpose-built garment engineered to blend seamlessly into everyday life while offering hidden utility. Refined through extensive beta testing, this shirt embodies the brand’s commitment to reliability and performance, ensuring every detail meets the demands of real-world use. It exudes quality.
Fit and Construction
The Last Line of Defense Stretch Flannel features a relaxed fit that allows a wide range of motion and drapes naturally over my firearm and holster without printing. Underarm gussets and an angled back yoke ensure smooth, unrestricted mobility. I can bend and move freely without the shirt pulling or bunching.
The sleeves are generously cut to layer over thicker garments, yet they roll up easily for a casual look. Adjustable two-button cuffs provide added flexibility.
The shirt has a straight hem with a drop back for wearing untucked, although it can be worn tucked if desired. The straight hem gives the shirts a more finished look when worn untucked than a shirt with curved tails that’s designed for tucking.
The straight hem also has better side coverage. The drop-back hem gives added coverage when bending and during strenuous activity, without being so long as to restrict clearing of the garment when seated.
The shirt is currently available in one length only. It should work for most people. A good way to check if the length of a cover garment is sufficient is to raise both of your arms over your head. If the garment rides up to a point that it exposes your gun or holster when you do this, or it nearly does, the garment is likely too short in length.
Concealed Carry Features
Concealed carry optimization stays at the heart of the shirt’s design, and it shows it in the details. Vertx has a long history in designing apparel for armed professionals.
The placket has faux buttons that are actually button-front metal snaps to allow for breakaway clearing of the garment.
There are two chest patch pockets with stylish mitered pocket flaps. The chest pocket flaps have hook and loop closures for easy access. The left chest pocket has a sunglasses/pen slot.
The shirt has a hidden large internal pocket (5.5 inches deep by 4 inches wide) inside the shirt on the left chest. It fits my smartphone perfectly, giving me discreet storage and easy access without adding bulk. It can also be used for a passport or other documents.
Two hand pockets add casual functionality and comfort. The hand pockets are located on the side seams and blend perfectly into the garment. I initially missed them when I examined the shirt. The pockets have a soft interior that helps keep hands warm.
The shirt has a roll collar (stand collar that folds over) with sewn channels/pockets on the underside for collar stays (not included) or small tools. The collar shape, length, and feel are more casual in styling, as is befitting of a flannel shirt. There’s a comms loop inside the back collar for cord management of comms wires and the earpiece.
The shirt has low-profile hem pockets on the bottom of the front placket for weights (to aid in clearing the garment) or similarly sized items.
The two hem pockets coupled with the collar stay pockets together offer a total of four hidden mini stash pockets that allow you to preload items up to 2” long. The mini stash pockets may be employed for stashing handcuff keys and/or other small e&e tools when operating in hostile areas or non-permissive environments.
Fabric and Performance
The fabric feels just right: medium-weight plain weave flannel balancing durability with comfort. It feels substantial yet light enough to layer without overheating. All stress points are bar tacked for strength and durability.
The blend of 80% Polyester, 17% Cotton, and 3% Spandex performs exactly as advertised. The polyester keeps the shirt looking sharp after multiple washes, the cotton provides softness and breathability, and the spandex adds slight stretch for comfort and mobility. The fabric is single-napped for a soft exterior texture. The fabric resists wrinkles and stains.
Maintenance is simple: machine wash cold, tumble dry low as recommended, and the shirt comes out crisp. Hanging it after washing helps preserve its shape.
Style and Colorways
I ordered the Marshland Grey Plaid and Marshland Plaid for my evaluation. The other colorways (Eldorado Sun Cimbre Plaid, Green Mountain Buffalo Plaid) look just as sharp, and I plan on adding them to my wardrobe, as well.
All things being equal, darker shirts better conceal than lighter colored shirts since they visually print less to the eye. Patterned shirts, such as plaid shirts, conceal better than solid color shirts, since they tend to visually break up any bulges and shadows. The Marshland Grey Plaid and Marshland Plaid pattern colorways touch all of the bases.
Final Thoughts
The Vertx Last Line of Defense Stretch Flannel Shirt is more than just another flannel. The combination of timeless style and tactical functionality makes it stand out. From the breakaway placket to the hidden stash pockets, every detail is engineered for performance.
At an MSRP of $79.99, it’s an excellent value considering its durability, design, and versatility. Like all Vertx products, it’s available at vertx.com and authorized dealers.
For anyone seeking a flannel that blends seamlessly into everyday life while offering concealed carry optimization, this shirt continues to stand as a top-tier choice. It’s built to last, designed to perform, and offers great outdoorsy style. It’s an outstanding addition to any wardrobe where practicality and concealment matter.
