Free Fly Men's Seawool Flannel Shirt Review: Sustainable Travel Layering

I’ve owned my fair share of flannel shirts over the years, from the heavy, sturdy work shirts to the lightweight weekend options. I’ve also worn a lot of Free Fly Men’s apparel for my travel uses, and I’ve gotten to know the brand.

I have to tell you, though: the fabric make up of the Free Fly Men’s Seawool Flannel Shirt is the most surprising product from the company, to date. I was curious to see how the brand’s sustainable approach to such a traditional clothing item would stack up against traditional flannels.

Here are my first impressions checking out this modern flannel shirt for cool weather travel. I hope you’re ready to see some surprising facts about it.

A different kind of flannel

The first thing I noticed about this flannel is how lightweight it feels compared to the heavy, sturdy flannels I own (I am currently also trying out a heavyweight flannel from Pladra, if that helps create context). It’s not as intense as other flannels, and functions more like a button-up shirt with a collar that happens to be flannel, for winter. Does that make sense?

The Free Fly Seawool Flannel isn’t your typical thick, work-ready flannel that could double as a blanket (haha). Instead, it’s designed as a proper layering piece for those fall mornings that turn into warmer days, and for heating up in winter around a campfire.

What makes this work so well is the brushed twill construction. It has that classic flannel texture and feel, but without the bulk. This makes it perfect for wearing under a jacket or over a T-shirt, which is exactly how I tend to layer my flannels anyway.

The fit that works for me, and a style, too

I’m a true-to-size Medium when it comes to Free Fly, and this flannel fits exactly as expected. That’s the good news. The relaxed cut through the body gives me plenty of room to move, and there’s ample space in the armpits.

The sleeve length is appropriate for what I’d expect. I appreciate that I can cuff and roll up the sleeves as part of my preferred style; I rarely wear flannel shirt sleeves not rolled up, unless it’s a “Shacket” style.

In addition, I tend to button up my flannels rather than wearing them open, and this one works perfectly with jeans or canvas pants for weekend outings or hiking trips.

The sustainability factor

Here’s what really impressed me about this shirt: the sustainability story. The Seawool fabric is made from upcycled oyster shells and recycled plastic bottles, but you’d never know it from the feel. If I hadn’t been told about the recycled materials, I would have thought this was a soft cotton-wool blend.

A mix of cotton, “recycled Seawool” upcycled blend and spandex (for a little stretch) creates a fabric that’s pretty quick to dry, and substantially anti-odor. These are the same performance benefits you get from Free Fly’s bamboo styles, but in a classic flannel look. Pretty sweet.

A note on materials: Free Fly’s sustainability factor

I want to point out that this is a sustainable piece from Free Fly: much more eco-consciously created than some of their other pieces, which are a more “regular” polyester, bamboo viscose or spandex blend.

I should mention that if you have sensitive skin and worry about the plastic component in recycled materials, this shirt might not be the right choice for you. While the fabric feels incredibly soft and comfortable to me, the recycled plastic bottle content could be a concern for those with skin sensitivities.

I’m really just saying this to cover my bases: I’m no expert in the technical composition of fabrics, but I felt compelled to bring it up.

For me, with no skin sensitivities, the environmentally-conscious benefits of this product are exciting, nonetheless.

Perfect for travel and everyday wear (How I wear it)

In my mind, this one makes an ideal travel piece because it’s lightweight. It packs down small, dries quickly, and provides just the right amount of warmth for layering.

When I wear flannel shirts, I tend to button them up and tuck them in at the waist, rather than keeping them open, like a casual style. I can’t describe why: it’s just how I wear my flannel shirts. The Seawool Flannel is good for me to have on a trip, because it’s an elevated step up from a hoodie or a crew neck sweatshirt, and still provides warmth while we’re walking around a new city or out for an occasion somewhere far from home.

The fabric is versatile because it’s not heavy, like I mentioned. Consider that this is a flannel that can be worn to “dress up a bit more,” if I wear it with khakis and some boots, and we’re meeting friends at a bar. Or it can be totally dressed-down, with sleeves rolled up, buttoned up or worn open and serving as an in-between layer for my shirt and an ultralight down coat, while we’re hiking trails up north.

What I’d change

If I had to nitpick, I’d probably have liked to see the Seawool Flannel for men in more color options. I don’t really go for the crunchy stripe pattern, and with only two solid color options, I chose Navy. I think I actually would’ve jived with a traditional flannel plaid, or a deep autumnal color like a warm brown, or burgundy. If you see the shirt in those colors by the time you read this, maybe Free Fly took my suggestions to heart!

The other thing is that while Free Fly tries to be size-inclusive for men, this shirt comes as big as XXL, but not as small as XS for smaller slimmer guys. Keep that in mind if you see your measurements not quite aligning with the size S, and if you’re typically an XS guy.

Bottom line

The Free Fly Men’s Seawool Flannel Shirt is a sustainable apparel option if you’re into eco-conscious travel shopping. It’s lightweight enough for layering, comfortable enough for all-day wear, and sustainable enough to feel good about buying it.

The fit is spot-on (true to size), and the fabric feels premium despite being made from recycled materials.

This is exactly the kind of flannel I want in my travel wardrobe: sustainable, not too heavy nor bulky and built to last. If it can really stand the demands of travel and the timeless design can hang around, maybe I can pass it on to my son for his adventures in years to come.

Comparison with similar products

Here's how this product compares to similar options. Use this table to find the best of the bunch!

Next steps

Ready to try the Free Fly Men’s Seawool Flannel Shirt? Check it out here.

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