Free Fly Apparel creates buttery-soft performance gear, woven with sun protection up to UPF 50+.
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Free Fly Apparel Review: Buttery-soft UPF clothing (We Tried It!)
Updated on Jul. 23, 2024
I first heard about Free Fly Apparel on a trip to Charleston, South Carolina in 2017. Browsing through an outdoor retailer, I felt the infamous bamboo hoodie and was instantly sold on first touch. For the past six years, I’ve fished, hiked, paddle-boarded, boated, camped and lounged in Free Fly’s ultra-comfortable outdoor gear.
As if the soft-to-the-touch component wasn’t enough, each article of clothing has ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) for sun protection. Every product mentioned in this piece has been personally tested in a variety of climates on varying terrains by yours truly. My dad, brothers and friends have tested the men’s clothing.
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What is Free Fly Apparel?
Free Fly Apparel is known for its versatile, buttery-soft UPF clothing. Certified organic bamboo is blended with quick-dry material for an OEKO-TEX- and FSC-certified fabric that’s odor-resistant and wicks moisture.
The founders of Free Fly worked as fishing guides in Montana and found a gap in the market with a need for simple, comfortable performance apparel. Tanner Sutton convinced his sister, Jenna, and brother-in-law, Austin, to leave their jobs and move to Charleston to further Free Fly as a family business.
“We are a family business, and to us, that runs deeper than the three of us,” shared Jenna Sutton. “At Free Fly, we want to keep things simple. Simplicity. Freedom. Comfort… That feeling when you’re just enjoying nature, that’s a feeling that everyone relates to. How can we bring that feeling of freedom back? That’s what kind of inspired Free Fly.”
Free Fly’s motto is “Comfort On. Adventure Out”—and, rightfully so. With Free Fly’s gear, you don’t have to sacrifice comfort for protection while enjoying time outdoors. The brand crafts its gear with a variety of climates and destinations in mind, and it offers several different fabrics and fits. (Follow the guides on their website to discover what styles best suit your lifestyle.)
Pros
- Buttery-soft comfort
- UV protection, ranging from UPF 20 to 50+
- Quick-drying
- Breathable
- Odor-resistant
- Durable and made to last
- Vast selection of colors and materials
- Versatile to wear from boat to bar
Cons
- Must air dry, not safe for the dryer
- Fewer styles available in women’s offerings
Why I Love It
Free Fly really is the most comfortable outdoor clothing I’ve ever worn. The bamboo blend creates buttery-soft fabric, and every bamboo article of clothing delivers UV protection with ratings from UPF 20 to 50+. Plus, the clothing is durable and made to last. I still wear pieces I purchased six years ago! I’ve hooked every single male in my life on Free Fly, and it’s my go-to gift for any male for every occasion.
When the temperatures rise, Free Fly Apparel’s quick-dry fabric keeps me cool and dry, making it smart for transitional clothing. If you’ve never experienced it, wearing bamboo feels like you’re wearing nothing. It’s the most breathable material for clothing and sheets—better than cotton, hemp, wool and synthetics.
Free Fly Apparel is crafted to be worn all day with no odors, as bamboo resists odor retention. Each piece of clothing is strategically versatile from first catch to happy hour and engineered with a specific activity in mind. Real fishing guides and outdoorsmen and women test Free Fly gear in the field.
The company places an emphasis on giving back, focusing on three initiatives: conservation, humanitarian and next-gen. They partner with Charleston Waterkeeper, Windwood Farm and OneWorld Health. And, the bamboo is renewable, free of pesticides and irrigation.
But Don’t Take My Word for It!
What sets Free Fly’s gear apart is its specialization in bamboo, and reviewers agree.
Andrew K., a five-star reviewer, says, “Bamboo believer. I have become a huge bamboo convert, difficult to go back to wearing anything else in fact.”
Regarding the men’s bamboo lightweight hoodie, Jason C. shares, “I’m going to spend the rest of my life in these shirts, so incredibly comfortable.”
It’s the best hoodie Richard M owns, and he says, “I tried several ‘fishing’ shirts, but none were comfortable. I bought two of these Free Fly on a whim. I couldn’t be happier. It’s been upwards of 90 degrees Fahrenheit while fishing in the open sun with no shade and I am still comfortable.”
From sunny Arizona, Connie T. remarks, “Great coverage in any weather, but I especially love for sunny day protection, hood up hat on. I’m a 70-year-old Arizona woman and my skin has had enough sun…I own five of this style now for year-round wear. My oldest ones are still in great shape.”
Where to Buy Free Fly Apparel
Free Fly Apparel can be purchased via the brand’s website or in person at a Free Fly dealer. Most pieces range from $75 to $100. If you don’t own a piece of Free Fly Apparel, what are you waiting for?
Best Free Fly Apparel Products
Bamboo Lightweight Hoodie
While on the water (on a boat or inflatable kayak), a bamboo hoodie and breeze shorts are my everyday uniform—I own six of the hoodies. It serves as a buttery-soft, lightweight layer, complete with a crossover hood and thumb holes. The bamboo is breathable and odor-resistant with a UPF 20+ rating and offers an airy, relaxed fit. No wonder it has hundreds of five-star ratings!
Breeze Shorts
Made with UPF 50+ and four-way stretch, the breeze shorts are lightweight and airy with an interior drawstring for a custom fit and a wide elastic waistband. Women’s breeze shorts offer a mid-rise fit and feature a 3.5-inch inseam.
Latitude Shorts
The latitude short is constructed from a quick-dry fabric with a durable water-repellent finish and UPF 50+ for all-day, moisture-wicking comfort. Men’s latitude shorts have a fixed waist with a belt loop, button closure and tapered leg with a 7.5-inch inseam.
Elevate Hoodie
Elevate fabric was created with lightning-fast drying times in mind while prioritizing protection and durability. Enjoy extended performance with UPF 30+ for hours on the water. The Elevate Hoodie features an innovative sun cuff, crossover hood and raglan sleeves for easy movement. Pair it with polarized sunglasses for all-day sun protection.
Bamboo Fleece Jogger
These are truly the coziest sweatpants I’ve ever owned. Crafted with bamboo fleece, the bamboo jogger features an elastic waistband with a drawstring and side pockets, and offers a tailored, slim fit just for her.
Cloudshield Rain Jacket
The Cloudshield rain jacket is 100% waterproof and whisper-quiet with two-way stretch. Every seam on the three-layer waterproof shell is fully taped with a breathable waterproof membrane. It’s designed to be worn over light layers, ideal for travel. Both the men’s and women’s styles feature a tapered arm and sleeve.
Breeze Jacket
Living on the coast, you’ll quickly learn that it’s always 10 degrees cooler on the water or shore. That’s when I whip out my breeze jacket, a must-have for boating and just everyday use. I sunburn very easily, and this jacket is always on my person or in my car during the summer months for that very reason.
The breeze jacket is lightweight, breathable, made from UPF 50+ and has a durable water-repellent finish. It features a hood, zippered hand pockets and two chest pockets with concealed zippers. While I typically order a small in Free Fly Apparel, I opt for a medium in jackets for a roomier fit.
FAQ
What is UPF clothing and how does it work?
UPF denotes a fabric’s ability to fight against the sun’s rays. The higher a piece of clothing’s UPF number, the more protection it provides. If a shirt has a UPF of 50, only 1/50 of the sun’s rays can perforate through it, so it’s 98% efficient in blocking UVA and UVB rays.
Sunscreen is vital, but your clothes can also protect you from the sun. There’s no need to reapply sunscreen over areas in which you’re wearing UPF clothing—and you can enjoy the outdoors for longer. Lake days extended!
How do you wash Free Fly Apparel?
I recommend washing with cold water and a light detergent on the gentle cycle. Do not, I repeat, do not put Free Fly Apparel in the dryer. It won’t ruin your clothing after one mistake, but it shortens garments’ lifespans.
Where is Free Fly Apparel made?
Free Fly is a family business based out of Charleston, South Carolina. Products are manufactured in a few sustainable Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP)-certified factories in China and Vietnam.
Free Fly bamboo is sourced from China’s northern forests and is grown on Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified regenerative farmland. No pesticides or fertilizers are involved. When harvesting bamboo, they only take the top part to minimize replanting and soil erosion.
