Free People Ashley Plaid Shirt vs GAP Nixie Plaid Flannel Shirt

Buy the Free People Ashley if you want a thick shirt jacket you can wear as outerwear over a tee or sweater. Buy the GAP Nixie if you want a lighter, more standard flannel for layering under jackets or wearing to work. The Free People is the heavier, boxier piece with drop shoulders and a roomier cut; the GAP is trimmer and shorter, closer to a classic button-up. Owners of both describe cotton flannel that softens with washing, but the Free People runs very oversized, so most shoppers size down.

• Choose the Free People Ashley if you want an oversized flannel shirt jacket to wear as a light coat.
• Choose the GAP Nixie if you want a relaxed but ordinary flannel shirt that tucks in and layers under outerwear.