I know this is probably a little bit different of a photo then you expect to find on The Shopping Mama, but TSM was presented with an opportunity for a product review of some awesome new clothing technology from DRIFIRE Performance Wear. After hearing about The Support Military Moms Event DRIFIRE contacted TSM about getting involved. So this is the first post of The Shopping Dada: a product review of DRIFIRE Performance Wear.
The picture above was taken on an Operation Iraqi Freedom mission over the Arabian Gulf. While in flight, the F-16 has an awesome a/c system, but on the ground in 120° temps with 80% humidity wearing a flight suit, g-suit, harness, and combat survival vest, things are a little warmer. I have spent my flying career wishing that there was an undershirt besides the standard cotton t-shirt that I could wear. A standard cotton t-shirt doesn’t even making it through the aircraft pre-flight before getting drenched in sweat. I often wished that we were allowed to wear some of the fancy moisture wicking shirts that athletes wear. Unfortunately, the military began to frown upon moisture wicking fabrics and pilots were told specifically not to wear the shirts because of the hazards involved with the nylon fabrics. (See related Stars and Stripes article.)
I figured I was doomed to days of sweat soaked, odor saturated cotton t-shirts… until I found out about DRIFIRE. I received the DRIFIRE 5.5 oz. Silkweight Short Sleeve Tee (along with some other great products) and decided to put it to the test. I was scheduled to fly three times in two days in the heat and humidity of South Carolina and wore my DRIFIRE tee to see how it would perform. From the moment you put the shirt on you can tell it is not your standard cotton or moisture wicking tee. It combines the best of both worlds…it has the soft feel of cotton and the lightweight feeling of a moisture wicking shirt. After the first flight the shirt was still in good shape, I didn’t feel sweaty and the shirt still looked and felt great. 
Later in the day as the temperatures heated up, the shirt held up awesome. At the end of the day the shirt looked great, and more importantly, smelled about the same as it did when I put it on in the morning.
I wasn’t sure at first if I was going to be able to pull of wearing the same shirt two days in a row, but the next day I was met with the same results, the shirt stayed dry and smelling good. After three flights I was truly impressed with the shirt and I decided to leave it on for a three mile run. Same results, the shirt kept me dry and I was even able to wear it at the dinner table and not offend everyone else with a sweaty smelly shirt… I was sold.
DRIFIRE performance technology offers a full line of clothing from long-pants to boxer shorts and short sleeve shirts to sweatshirts. All of the products are made of their patented Dri-release® performance technology offering unparalleled moisture management, comfort, and flame resistance. DRIFIRE engineered hybrid performance garments offer everything you demand in a high performance undergarment. For garments that are as technologically advanced as an F-16, the bottom line is they are comfortable and look good while providing you with the features and peace of mind.
Check them out today at http://www.drifire.com/ and see for yourself what you have been missing. And check back later in the week for an exclusive offer to The Shopping Mama readers.
The Shopping Mama
May 16, 2009Thanks for the great review Shopping Dada!
A Psych Mommy
May 16, 2009Sounds like a realy great product! Great review!
Karen of Sillymonkeez
May 16, 2009Thanks for sharing about this product! This brand sounds like something my husband would love to try.
Amanda
May 16, 2009That sounds awesome. I can think of so many times my DH could use these.
StacieinAtlanta
May 16, 2009My sweaty husband needs these shirts. Great reviews.
Amber
May 16, 2009Awesome review!
We’ll have to check these out for hubby…those SWAT uniforms are wretched-ly stinky after being used…I’ll bet these would help keep him cooler.
Trish
May 16, 2009These sound great for my Dad the sweaty jogger. He still runs daily, but man, does he stink when he gets home. All of his shirts are stained and are just gross. I’ll have to look into these as a Christmas gift or something. Thanks!
Sarah
May 16, 2009These sound great, I’ll definitely have to look into getting some for my husband. Father’s Day maybe?
Love the photos and such a well written review!
Memere and Papa Lou
May 17, 2009Great review…gonna get me one.
Sara
May 18, 2009Great review with father’s day coming up!