Actor Jacob Elordi has helped transform the Australian flanno shirt from a working-class staple into a high-fashion item [1].

This shift represents a broader cultural pivot in Australia, where clothing historically associated with the "bogan" identity is being reclaimed by the "bougie" elite. The trend highlights how celebrity influence can rapidly alter the perceived social status of traditional regional attire.

The flanno, or flannel shirt, has long been a fixture of Australian rural and working-class wardrobes. Its visibility on a global stage was notably cemented during the 2000 Sydney Olympics opening ceremony, where 1,300 tap dancers wore the shirts as part of a choreographed routine [2]. At the time, the garment was viewed primarily as a symbol of unrefined, salt-of-the-earth identity.

Recent public appearances by Elordi have shifted this narrative. By incorporating the flanno into a curated, modern aesthetic, the actor has sparked renewed interest in the garment across fashion circles [1]. This transition has moved the shirt from the workshops and paddocks of the countryside into the high-end boutiques and street style of urban centers.

Industry observers said that the flanno's rise follows a pattern of "blue-collar chic," where functional garments are stripped of their original utility and repurposed as status symbols. While the shirt remains a practical choice for many, its current popularity is driven by the aesthetic endorsement of global stars [1].

The garment's journey from a mass-performance costume in 2000 [2] to a curated fashion statement in 2026 reflects the fluid nature of Australian class markers. The flanno is no longer just a tool for warmth or work; it is now a deliberate style choice.

“The flanno shirt’s transition from a ‘bogan’ staple to a fashionable ‘bougie’ item”

The elevation of the flanno shirt illustrates the power of celebrity curation to decouple a garment from its socioeconomic origins. By rebranding a symbol of the Australian working class as a luxury item, the trend demonstrates how fashion often appropriates regional identity to create new 'authentic' aesthetics for the affluent.