What’s the Purpose of Fly Fishing Apparel?

Wearing cool fly fishing apparel is nice but any fly fishing fan knows that its purpose is to keep you dry and warm in the winter and cool and comfortable in the summer. You want your fly fishing clothes to allow you the freedom to move around while still keeping you dry inside and outside. You don’t want to sweat under your clothes and you don’t want to be wet on the outside. You need clothes that are both breathable and waterproof.

Weather conditions often change several times during the course of a single day. A day that starts with full sunshine can unravel into a windy afternoon. A chilly wind can be highly annoying—and dangerous for your health—if you are soaking wet. Hence, the need for water-resistant and quick-drying materials to keep you dry and protected.

What Sort of Clothes Materials Should I Choose?

No matter how nice and comfortable natural materials like cotton are to the touch and skin, they are not the best choice for your fly fishing clothes. When cotton clothes get wet, they dry very slowly. They soak up the water, which means you will be in full contact with wet clothes for lengthy stretches of time.

Instead, you should choose synthetic fibers that dry quickly and don’t soak up water. Your aim is to always stay dry, particularly if you are going fly fishing for a whole day.

That’s why the best fly fishing apparel brands use synthetic materials like nylon, polyester, or drirelease. Drirelease is a synthetic fiber that is hydrophobic. It is often combined with cotton or other fibers to produce clothes that are nice and soft to the touch yet dry quickly without soaking up water.

When it comes to fly fishing apparel for men and women, technology has significantly improved the quality and waterproofness of materials and transformed the choice and variety of clothing textiles available. This makes fly fishing easier and more enjoyable.

Think Of Clothes Layers When You Go Fly Fishing

Since the weather is unpredictable and ever-changing, you must be prepared for everything. That means you need to have layers you can put on and take off at a moment’s notice, depending on what’s happening around you. You want to adjust your clothing to the shifting temperatures around you.

Even in the summer, early mornings and later afternoons can be chilly while midday can be hot. Layering will help protect you from morning chills and you will be able to take off a layer during the day. Similarly, in the winter, you want to be protected from the wind, rain, and cold temperatures.

Our suggestion is to have a base layer shirt that is breathable so you don’t sweat. You can then put on a mid-layer shirt and a hooded sun shirt. In the winter, you will need a waterproof jacket with a hood. Your in-between layers in winter should be warmer than in the summer.

In the summer or in tropical waters, you may enjoy wet wading—that means you don’t wear waders. If so, you could opt for a quick-drying pair of pants. They will dry fast so you are not bothered by the moisture building up around your legs.

What Other Things Should I Include in My Fly Fishing Apparel?

Besides clothes, you will need sunglasses for fishing in the summer and even on sunny winter days. Sun rays are reflected in the water and could hurt your eyes. Get high-quality sunglasses that filter out UV rays. Polarized sunglasses go a step further: you will be able to see what’s happening under the surface of the water, offering you better accessibility to fish habitats and improved precision in your casts.

You will also need a hat. A wide-brimmed hat will protect your scalp and neck from the sun while also providing shade for your eyes. Like sunglasses, a hat gives you visibility which you wouldn’t have in bright sunshine.

Many anglers like wearing a fly fishing vest with plenty of pockets and nooks and crannies to carry all their equipment, such as flies, fly lines, scissors, a water bottle, and other necessary equipment for your fly fishing trip.

If you feel that a vest will hinder your mobility, then opt for a backpack or waist pack. They should be easy to transport, lightweight, and, preferably, waterproof. Whatever you prefer, make sure it suits your fly fishing habits and personal style.

Fly Fishing Outfitters Have the Best Fly Fishing Apparel for You

We carry apparel from several fly fishing apparel companies, such as Orvis. At Fly Fishing Outfitters, you will find long-sleeved and short-sleeved shirts for men and women as well as waterproof trousers. We also have wading jackets, hoodies, and casting shirts. Depending on the season you will be fishing and your fly fishing preferences, we are sure we can deliver the right apparel for your ultimate comfort and style!