Free Fly Women's Bamboo Shade Long Sleeve II
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Usually ready in 24 hours
Second-Generation Sun Protection That Wears Like a Second Skin
The Bamboo Shade Long Sleeve II is the updated version of Free Fly's beloved women's sun shirt, rebuilt with a refined fit that sits closer and moves better without giving up any of the fabric's signature softness. If you have worn the original, you will notice the difference immediately. If this is your first time, you will understand why it earned a second generation.
Bamboo Fabric: Why It Outperforms Standard Sun Shirts
The fabric is a stretch knit blended from 68% Viscose from Bamboo, 29% Polyester, and 3% Spandex at 180 GSM. That combination delivers four things that synthetic-only rash guards rarely manage at once:
- Softness - Viscose from bamboo has a cashmere-adjacent hand feel that gets softer with wear, not scratchier.
- Temperature regulation - Bamboo fiber breathes and wicks in a way that keeps you comfortable whether you are out in South Florida heat or sitting in an over-air-conditioned airport.
- Natural odor resistance - Bamboo is inherently antimicrobial, which means the shirt stays fresher through back-to-back wear during travel or multi-day surf trips.
- Drape - At 180 GSM the fabric has enough weight to drape flatteringly instead of clinging, giving it a casual look that works on and off the water.
UPF 50+ Long Sleeve Sun Protection
The Bamboo Shade Long Sleeve II carries a UPF 50+ rating, blocking the vast majority of harmful UV rays across the full sleeve length. Paired with thumbholes that anchor the cuffs and keep sleeves from riding up, you get consistent coverage through paddling, hiking, or any overhead movement. This is the kind of all-day sun protection that lets you skip the sunscreen reapplication on covered skin.
Construction Details
- 4-way stretch fabric for unrestricted movement in every direction
- Set-forward shoulder seams that reduce chafing under a pack or wetsuit
- Thumbholes keep sleeves anchored at the wrist
- Timeless crewneck design with a relaxed fit through the body
- Lightweight construction that layers easily under a wetsuit or hoodie
Versatility: From the Water to the Weekend
Because the Bamboo Shade Long Sleeve II looks like a casual long sleeve shirt rather than technical activewear, it crosses categories effortlessly. Wear it as a rash guard base layer under a wetsuit, as a standalone sun shirt for a day of paddleboarding or kayaking, or as an everyday top for travel days when odor resistance and packability matter. The relaxed body fit and clean crewneck work in any of those contexts without announcing that you are wearing performance apparel.
Care
Turn inside out and machine wash cold on a delicate cycle with like colors. Hang dry. Avoid heat drying to preserve fabric softness and UPF rating.
Free Shipping, No Minimum for IWS Beach Club Members.
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Specifications
- Brand
- Free Fly
- Material
- 68% Viscose from Bamboo / 29% Polyester / 3% Spandex
- Fabric Weight
- 180 GSM
- Fabric Construction
- Ultra-soft, stretch knit
- UPF Rating
- UPF 50+
- Stretch
- 4-way stretch
- Neckline
- Crewneck
- Fit
- Relaxed through body
- Features
- Thumbholes, set-forward shoulder seams, naturally odor-resistant, temperature-regulating
- Care
- Machine wash cold, delicate cycle, inside out, with like colors; hang dry
- MPN
- itemMatrix-42176
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the Free Fly Bamboo Shade Long Sleeve II good for surfing and water sports?
- Yes. The 4-way stretch fabric moves with you during paddling and overhead movements, and the UPF 50+ rating provides reliable sun protection on the water. The thumbholes keep sleeves in place so coverage stays consistent. It works as a standalone sun shirt or as a base layer under a wetsuit.
- What is the UPF rating on the Bamboo Shade Long Sleeve II?
- The Bamboo Shade Long Sleeve II is rated UPF 50+, which blocks the vast majority of UV rays. Full sleeve coverage, including thumbholes that anchor the cuffs, means protected skin without reapplying sunscreen to covered areas.
- Is bamboo fabric good for a rash guard or sun shirt?
- Bamboo-blend fabric is an excellent choice for a sun shirt. It is naturally temperature-regulating and odor-resistant, softer against the skin than most synthetic rash guards, and still delivers the stretch needed for active movement. The tradeoff versus a pure synthetic is a slightly more casual look, which makes it more versatile off the water.
- How does the Bamboo Shade Long Sleeve II fit?
- The fit is relaxed through the body, designed for comfort and freedom of movement rather than a compression or athletic fit. Set-forward shoulder seams reduce irritation. Use the variant picker to select your size.
- Can I wear the Bamboo Shade Long Sleeve II for travel?
- It is an excellent travel shirt. Natural odor resistance from the bamboo fiber means you can wear it across back-to-back days, and the temperature-regulating fabric handles both heat outdoors and aggressive air conditioning. It packs light and looks like a casual top.
- How do I care for the Free Fly Bamboo Shade Long Sleeve II?
- Turn it inside out and machine wash cold on a delicate cycle with like colors. Hang dry. Avoid machine drying, which can break down the bamboo fibers and reduce the fabric's softness and UPF performance over time.
- What is the difference between the Bamboo Shade Long Sleeve and the Bamboo Shade Long Sleeve II?
- The Bamboo Shade Long Sleeve II is the second generation of the original style. Free Fly updated the fit to be more dialed and flattering while keeping the same bamboo-blend fabric, UPF 50+ rating, and core features. The fabric weight, material composition, and thumbhole design carry over from the original.