When someone mentions a flannel shirt, the picture that forms in the mind is the classic tartan style or classic scotch plaid flannel shirt design more commonly known as plaid. This is a frequent misconception that goes hand in hand with this iconic shirt. Flannel refers to the soft fabric used in the production of many clothing items and bedding. The flannel shirt just happens to be the most popular item made from this wonderful material. Plaid refers to the actual pattern or design used in most flannel shirts but these articles of clothing do come in solid colors and other designs as well. Plaid often makes an appearance in ordinary cotton or linen clothing items as well.