Free People Ashley Plaid Shirt vs Style & Co Plaid Cotton Gauze Shirt

The Free People Ashley is the heavier, roomier piece: a thick cotton flannel shirt jacket with a 48-inch bust, drop shoulders and a 31-inch length, so it works as outerwear over a tee. The Style & Co is a lighter cotton gauze button-up in a regular cut, better as a soft, breathable shirt on its own. Owners of Free People flannel praise the cozy weight and oversized drape but note it runs very big and is dry-clean-leaning in practice; the Style & Co is easy to wash and layer but thin and boxy for some. Buy the Ashley for warmth and a statement layer, the Style & Co for everyday lightweight wear.

• Choose the Free People Ashley Plaid Shirt if you want a thick flannel shirt jacket to wear as a layer over other tops and you like an oversized, drop-shoulder fit.
• Choose the Style & Co Plaid Cotton Gauze Button-Up if you want a light, breathable plaid shirt for warm days and a trimmer, regular fit.