Fly Apparel

An examination of Fly Apparel reveals two distinct entities. One, a now-defunct menswear brand from Beachwood, United States, and the other, an active outdoor apparel company based in Charleston, South Carolina, named Free Fly Apparel.

The Beachwood-based Fly Apparel was established in 2012 by Daniel Espinosa. This direct-to-consumer e-commerce platform focused on premium menswear, utilizing domestic production to shorten product lead times. The brand's designs featured signature zippered cuffs and materials like wood and corozo. Fly Apparel secured $20,000 in a seed funding round in September 2013 from the accelerator/incubator Taivara. The company ceased operations in 2014.

Conversely, Free Fly Apparel, founded in 2011, operates in the outdoor and sporting goods market. The concept originated from founder Tanner Sutton's experience as a fly-fishing guide in Montana, where he sought comfortable and functional performance wear. This led to a two-year research and development phase culminating in the creation of a signature fabric blend derived from bamboo, known for its soft feel, quick-drying, and moisture-wicking properties. The initial product was a lightweight hoodie. Tanner Sutton's family background was in the clothing business, providing manufacturing contacts that were leveraged to produce the first items. The company was co-founded by Tanner, his sister Jenna, and his brother-in-law Austin Elliot, who both brought marketing experience from Nike.

Free Fly Apparel, a family-owned business headquartered in Charleston, South Carolina, designs and sells a range of clothing for men, women, and children. The product line is tailored for activities such as fly-fishing, surfing, and general outdoor casual wear, with a strong emphasis on sun protection. Revenue is generated through a dual-channel model, combining direct-to-consumer sales via its e-commerce website with a wholesale business that distributes products to over 600 outdoor specialty and sporting goods stores. In 2025, the company achieved B Corp certification, reflecting its commitment to social and environmental performance standards.

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