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Flannel shirts are warm, but flannel jackets are even warmer.

Cemented in the wardrobes of most men, destined to make their annual debut whenever the leaves start turning, are flannel shirts; they feel great, look good, and come with plenty of Americana, outdoorsman lore. We'd all be lost without them. They're perfect for days when it's cold but a jacket would be too damn much. Slide one on over a T-shirt, thermal crewneck or lightweight knit and you're set. But that's about as far as they'll take you.

When real winter weather arrives, plain flannels prove futile against the cold on their own. They have to be sandwiched between other layers, tasked with providing additional warmth but not shouldering the load. But, I'll be honest, what's the fun in hiding your boldly patterned flannel under a puffer, parka or peacoat? The textured, checkered shirts deserve better — their own time in the spotlight.

Seek out a flannel jacket instead of a flimsy shirt made from chamois. Sure, not all of these could keep you warm in extreme climates — in fact, probably none of them could — but they provide ample warmth to endure the weather of late autumn and early winter. Simply put, these are more substantial than your standard flannel.

Some of these listed below have sherpa fleece liners or a heftier construction; down inside to trap your body heat; and pockets to keep your hands warm. You won't find these added features on your traditional flannel. When you're worried your usual chamois won't keep you warm, it's time to upgrade to a flannel jacket.

This one's easy to explain. It has everything you love about Outerknown's existing Transitional Flannel — soft organic flannel in a flattering cut with several colors to choose from — but made thicker so you can trust it in the winter. This one has a quilted cupro lining and polyester fill for added warmth, plus hand pockets for your frozen fingers.

Filson, in my opinion, is one of the foremost outerwear brands around. As such, you trust their ability to make something super warm yet plenty functional. (You won't feel suffocated but you'll definitely still survive.) This style in particular is more than 100 years old and made using tightly woven Pendleton Woolen Mills wool. This is definitely the most serious jacket on this list — hence the price.

Everlane's The Flannel Chore Jacket forgoes retro plaid or patterns for a plain blue look. But that doesn't make it inferior. It's plenty comfortable, and, honestly, super soft. Plus, it is a twist on a trusted, classic style, the chore coat.

Forgoing buttons in favor of a zip front, River Island's Flannel Zip Overshirt looks super stylish done up, but it also works as a mid- or top-layer too. The pocketing adds interest, while the two on the side serve as hand warmers.

Wax London's made a name for itself with the Whiting Overshirt, a tightly wound, heavyweight flannel overshirt. It comes in tons of patterns, plus plenty of colors.

Think of Buck Mason's version as merely a flannel made better fit for colder temps. It looks almost identical to your regular flannel; it's just way heavier. And, honestly, I wish all flannels were this way. Chamois shirts can sometimes be unnecessarily flimsy or flowing.

With something substantial underneath it, Madewell's flannel Shirt Jacket looks like a serious coat. But, it breathes better than those. You won't sweat through it, but you'll be sufficiently warm.

Not sure I'd call this a jacket, per se, as it's probably best described as an oversized, ultra-heavy shirt. It's beefier than basic flannels, that's for sure, but you'd freeze in this alone. With another layer underneath? You're golden.

Consider this Sofa Check Jacket the ideal last second add: Wear it over a long-sleeve T-shirt, sweater, or sweatshirt for the perfect fall outfit.

This one isn't just made from soft, warm flannel, but it's lined with sherpa. As such, you get the best of a comfortable flannel shirt and a cozy fleece, making this one OK in freezing temps as a mid-layer and on its own when the weather warms.

Although this one looks the least like a traditional flannel, it's probably the third heftiest (behind Filson and Todd Snyder). It's made from a mix of polyester and wool, and has an all-over bluish, white "fireworks" print.

This is probably the most jacket-like option listed here. Lined with soft sherpa, XXIII's Tex Jacket keeps you warm while looking rather modern.