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Free Fly Apparel Review: Buttery Soft UPF Clothing (We Tried It Out!)
I first heard about Free Fly Apparel in 2017 on a trip to Charleston, South Carolina. While browsing in an outdoor store, I came across the famous bamboo hoodie and was immediately hooked. For the past six years, I’ve fished, hiked, paddled, boated, camped, and relaxed in Free Fly’s ultra-comfortable outdoor gear.
I first heard about Free Fly Apparel in 2017 on a trip to Charleston, South Carolina. While browsing in an outdoor store, I came across the famous bamboo hoodie and was immediately hooked. For the past six years, I’ve fished, hiked, paddled, boated, camped, and relaxed in Free Fly’s ultra-comfortable outdoor gear.
What is Free Fly Apparel?
Free Fly Apparel is known for its versatile, buttery soft UPF clothing. Certified organic bamboo is combined with quick-drying fabric to create an OEKO-TEX and FSC-certified fabric that’s odor-resistant and moisture-wicking.
The founders of Free Fly worked as fishing guides in Montana and discovered a gap in the market: the need for simple, comfortable performance clothing. Tanner Sutton convinced his sister Jenna and brother-in-law Austin to quit their jobs and move to Charleston to continue Free Fly as a family business.
“We’re a family business, and that extends beyond the three of us,” says Jenna Sutton. “At Free Fly, we like to keep things simple. Simplicity. Freedom. Comfort… Everyone has that feeling of enjoying the outdoors. How can we bring that feeling of freedom back? That’s what inspired Free Fly.”
Free Fly’s motto is “Comfort in. Adventure out”—and rightly so. With Free Fly gear, you don’t have to sacrifice comfort while enjoying the outdoors. The brand crafts its gear for different climates and destinations, offering a variety of materials and fits. (Follow the guides on the website to find out which styles best suit your lifestyle.)
Pros
Buttery soft comfort
UV protection from SPF 20 to 50+
Quick-drying
Breathable
Odor-resistant
Durable and long-lasting
Wide range of colors and materials
Versatile – from boat to bar
Cons
Must air dry, not tumble dry
Fewer styles available for women
Why I love it
Free Fly is truly the most comfortable outdoor clothing I’ve ever worn. The bamboo blend makes for buttery soft fabric, and every bamboo garment offers UV protection from SPF 20 to 50+. Plus, the clothing is durable and long-lasting. I still wear clothes I bought six years ago! I’ve won over every man in my life with Free Fly, and it’s my favorite gift for any man for any occasion.
When the temperatures rise, the quick-drying fabric of Free Fly Apparel keeps me cool and dry—ideal for transitional seasons. In case you’ve never experienced it, bamboo feels like you’re wearing nothing. It’s the most breathable material for clothing and bedding—better than cotton, hemp, wool, and synthetics.
Free Fly Apparel is designed to be worn all day, odor-free, because bamboo prevents odor retention. Each garment is versatile, from your first catch to happy hour, and is specifically designed for a specific activity. Fishing guides and outdoor enthusiasts test Free Fly gear in the field.
The company places a strong emphasis on giving back and focuses on three initiatives: conservation, humanitarian aid, and future technologies. It partners with Charleston Waterkeeper, Windwood Farm, and OneWorld Health. The bamboo is renewable, pesticide-free, and irrigation-free.
But don’t take my word for it! What sets Free Fly’s gear apart is its specialization in bamboo. The testers agree.
Andrew K., a five-star tester, says: “Bamboo fan. I’ve become a huge bamboo fan and can hardly wear anything else.”
Jason C. says of the lightweight men’s bamboo hoodie: “I’ll spend the rest of my life in these shirts, they’re so incredibly comfortable.”
It’s the best hoodie Richard M. owns. He says, “I tried several fishing shirts, but none were comfortable. I spontaneously bought two of these Free Fly shirts. I’m completely satisfied. Even while fishing in the sun with no shade, it was over 90 degrees Fahrenheit, and I still feel comfortable.”
Connie T. from sunny Arizona notes, “Great protection in any weather, but I especially love being protected with a hood and hat on sunny days. I’m a 70-year-old woman from Arizona, and my skin has seen enough sun… I now own five of these models that I can wear year-round. My oldest ones are still in great shape.”
Where can I find Free Fly Apparel?
Free Fly Apparel can be purchased through the brand’s website or in person at a Free Fly retailer. Most items cost between $75 and $100. If you don’t already own Free Fly Apparel, what are you waiting for?
On the water (on a boat or in an inflatable kayak), a bamboo hoodie and Breeze shorts are my everyday essentials—I own six of them. They serve as a buttery-soft, lightweight layer with a crossover hood and thumbholes. The bamboo hoodie is breathable and odor-resistant, has UPF 20+, and offers a breezy, relaxed fit. No wonder they have hundreds of five-star reviews!
The Breeze shorts, with UPF 50+ and four-way stretch, are lightweight and airy. They feature an internal drawcord for a custom fit and a wide elastic waistband. The women’s Breeze shorts have a mid-rise fit and a 3.5″ inseam.
The Latitude Shorts are made from a quick-drying fabric with a durable water-repellent finish and UPF 50+ for all-day, moisture-wicking comfort. The men’s Latitude Shorts feature a fixed waistband with a belt loop, a button closure, and a tapered leg with a 19 cm inseam.
Elevate fabric is engineered for lightning-fast drying while offering superior protection and durability. Enjoy hours of performance on the water with UPF 30+. The Elevate Hoodie features an innovative sun protection waistband, a crossover hood, and raglan sleeves for optimal freedom of movement. Pair it with polarized sunglasses for all-day sun protection.
FAQ
What is UPF clothing and how does it work?
UPF indicates a fabric’s ability to block the sun’s rays. The higher a garment’s UPF rating, the better the protection. A shirt with SPF 50 can only penetrate 1/50 of the sun’s rays, blocking 98% of UVA and UVB rays.
Sun protection is important, but your clothing can also protect you from the sun. You won’t need to reapply sunscreen when you wear clothing with SPF—and you can enjoy the outdoors longer. Longer days at the lake!
How do you wash Free Fly Apparel?
I recommend cold water with a mild detergent on the gentle cycle. Do not put Free Fly Apparel in the dryer. While one mistake won’t ruin your clothes, it will shorten their lifespan.
Where is Free Fly Apparel made?
Free Fly is a family-owned company based in Charleston, South Carolina. Its products are manufactured in several sustainable, WRAP-certified (Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production) factories in China and Vietnam.
Free Fly Bamboo is sourced from the forests of northern China and grown on FSC-certified, regenerative farmland. No pesticides or fertilizers are used. Only the tops of bamboo are removed during harvesting to minimize replanting and soil erosion.