I know that plaid is less than pretty and has probably never been called feminine. It's associated with lumberjacks, grunge and school uniforms. So why is there so much of it? Why is it so hard to find good quality second-hand flannel that isn't plaid?

Flannels that are yarn-dyed before weaving as opposed to printed upon after weaving hold their colors longer. High quality flannels are preferably yarn-dyed. Yarn-dyed woven fabrics come in plaid, stripes, solids... maybe argyle? That's about it.

Usually a fabric's quality is apparent by the time I get my hands on it. A lot of the plaid flannel shirting is very soft and unpilly, while a lot of the printed flannel pj's do not look and feel nice enough to be used as an outside layer. There are exceptions - I've got some very good quality printed flannels and I've seen poor quality yarn-dyed. I've used up a shirt that was printed blue plaid, but it faded beautifully and was very soft and absorbent. I miss that shirt. If you've got a blue "cats" pad from me you probably have some of it.

I'm still taking all the non-plaid flannel I can get because ladies ask for it, but a lot of this plaid flannel is really good stuff.