Rowing uniforms live hard lives. They are soaked repeatedly, experience constant abrasion at the seat, stretch through extreme ranges of motion, and endure daily washing. When coaches and athletic directors evaluate a uniform supplier, the most reliable indicator of long-term performance is construction quality. 

This guide explains what to look for — and how to evaluate it — so programs can make informed, long-term decisions that support their athletes. 

1. Start With the Seat: The Highest-Wear Area in Rowing 

No part of a rowing uniform breaks down faster than the seat. The combination of compression, friction, rotation, and moisture exposes construction flaws immediately. 

What coaches should look for 

A uniform without a reinforced seat will not last for a full training year, let alone multiple seasons. 

JL Racing uses double-layered seat construction across all trou and unisuits. Their premium unisuits use a double layer with zigzag stitching for stretch; their Powerband line uses a full double layer for added durability and reduced frictio

2. Examine Seam Architecture (Flatlock vs. Overlock) 

Seams determine how a garment behaves under stretch and whether it holds up to repeated use. Coaches should understand that seam choice is functional, and different seams serve different purposes. 

What coaches should look for 

The right seam in the wrong place can cause premature failure. The wrong seam everywhere guarantees it. 

JL Racing uses both flatlock and overlock seams depending on the garment model and performance requirement, aligning seam type with the stretch and stress needs of each panel.  

3. Evaluate Panel Layout and Movement Engineering 

Rowing is a seated power sport with unique movement: hip hinge, rotation, compression, and extended reaches. Garments not built around that motion will twist, bind, or degrade quickly. 

What coaches should look for 

Well-designed paneling reduces stress on both the athlete and the garment. 

JL’s patterning is specifically engineered for rowing, using decades of athlete testing to place seams and panels where they move naturally through the stroke rather than fighting it. 

4. Check Thread and Fabric Compatibility 

Construction quality depends on more than fabric — thread selection and seam engineering must match the fabric’s stretch profile and intended use. 

What coaches should look for 

In high-compression garments such as performance bras and certain unisuits, small “pops” may occur during first use as stitch tension settles. This is normal in high-stretch construction and not a sign of seam failure. 

Thread–fabric mismatch remains one of the most common causes of early garment failure, and coaches should evaluate how well a supplier manages tension, elasticity, and seam placement across the garment. 

Because JL maintains tight control over materials and construction, thread selection is paired intentionally with the fabric’s stretch and recovery profile for long-term seam integrity. 

5. Confirm the Outerwear Is Built for Rowing, Not General Athletics 

Rowing outerwear must shed water quickly, allow full shoulder and torso rotation, and avoid front bulk that interferes with the oar handle — factors many generic athletic jackets fail to address. 

What coaches should look for 

Generic training jackets can actively disrupt technique. 

JL’s rowing outerwear is engineered with panel-specific stretch mechanics, combining extended back lengths to manage backsplash with shorter front cuts and targeted stretch zones that support seated movement and effective weather protection. 

6. Evaluate Sublimation Compatibility and Color Stability 

Sublimation is only as good as the fabric’s ability to accept it. Coaches should look for fabrics designed for strong, stable dye bonding — otherwise, colors fade, wash out, or print inconsistently between seasons. 

What coaches should look for 

Programs should also expect consistent reorders and color matching from year to year. 

JL selects fabrics specifically developed for sublimation, paired with controlled color calibration and dedicated team profiles for season-over-season consistency. 

7. Look for Real Durability Evidence 

Promises of durability mean little without real-world proof. Rowers train daily, in all conditions — uniforms must survive far more stress than typical athletic wear. 

What coaches should look for 

Durability should be proven, not claimed. 

JL regularly receives notes from programs whose JL gear remains in active use after 10–20 years, reflecting how construction choices hold up through thousands of strokes. 

Product Spotlight

JL Racing Elite Unisuits: A 45-Year Construction Standard 

JL’s Elite unisuits have been refined over decades, using stable, time-tested construction methods that deliver consistent performance for programs training daily. 

JL Powerband Unisuits: A Modern Construction Upgrade 

The Powerband line applies updated patterning and a firmer double-layer seat (no zigzag stitching) to deliver increased durability and technical performance for athletes who prefer a more structured feel. 

Both lines demonstrate what coaches should expect from a supplier that understands rowing at a construction level, but these standards are also useful benchmarks for evaluating any brand. 

Conclusion: Construction Quality Is the True Differentiator 

For rowing programs, construction quality determines: 

A supplier’s philosophy is revealed in stitching, paneling, reinforcement, and material compatibility — not in marketing language. 

JL Racing’s approach reflects this standard, but the criteria outlined here serve as a universal guide for anyone evaluating rowing uniform construction. 

Ordering team uniforms should be straightforward, but most programs know it rarely works out that way. 

Coaches, kit secretaries, and parent managers juggle confusing sizing charts, mismatched reorders, shifting timelines, unclear communication, and suppliers who promise more than they deliver. When you’re already managing practice schedules, parent emails, regattas, and budgets, the last thing you need is uniform drama on top of it. 

That’s why choosing the right supplier matters. The process only runs smoothly when the company behind it truly understands the sport, controls its production, and takes responsibility for consistency and timelines. 

JL Racing has spent 45 years building exactly that kind of system. We’ve seen every challenge teams face, and our structure was built to remove those pain points entirely. Here’s what teams should expect — and why so many programs trust JL year after year. 

1. Full-Team Fit That Actually Fits the Whole Team 

Teams don’t come in standard sizes. A coxswain and a stroke seat might wear the same “size,” but with completely different heights and proportions. Stock uniforms force athletes into compromises that affect comfort, movement, and performance. 

A supplier should offer: 

What makes JL different 
JL builds uniforms with individualized top/bottom sizing and optional length adjustments so the entire boat fits correctly — not just most of it. It takes more work, but we do it because performance depends on proper fit, not “closest size available.” 

2. Year-Over-Year Color Consistency You Can Trust 

The frustration is real: a re-order arrives, and the color doesn’t match last year’s kit. That happens when suppliers outsource production and rely on whatever machines or settings their factory happens to use. 

Long-term consistency requires: 

What makes JL different 
JL operates best-in-class industrial sublimation printers, maintains dedicated team-specific color profiles, and preserves those settings season after season. Because our family owns and oversees our production, we control every calibration, every batch, every detail — something outsourced brands simply cannot guarantee. 

3. Premium Fabrics, No Compromises 

Uniforms should be made from materials engineered for high output training — fast drying, stable when saturated, abrasion resistant, comfortable, and durable. 

Buyers should expect: 

What makes JL different 
JL uses majority Bluesign-approved textiles and does not compromise on fabric quality. For 45 years, we’ve tested and refined materials specifically for high-performance training, including repeated wet/dry cycles, UV exposure, and long sessions on the water. Our fabrics wick sweat and backsplash quickly and are purpose-built for athletes who demand more from their gear. 

4. Durable Construction That Actually Lasts 

Coaches hate buying replacement gear because seams fail, seats blow out, or garments stretch out after a season. Durability comes from construction choices, not shortcuts. 

Teams should look for: 

What makes JL different 
JL is known for gear that lasts. Our classic and Powerband unisuits both feature double-layer seat construction, and our trou are built with the same durability-focused approach. Many teams tell us they’re still using JL kit that’s well over a decade old — and still training hard in it. 

5. Production Oversight That Eliminates Uncertainty 

Many suppliers outsource every step of production, which introduces multiple points of failure — color drift, sizing inconsistencies, miscommunication, and inaccurate timelines. 

Teams deserve suppliers who offer: 

What makes JL different 
JL is family-owned and vertically integrated, meaning we oversee every stage from patterning to production to finishing. We’re manufactured in the Americas, which drastically reduces transit time and carbon footprint. Most importantly, having everything under one roof allows us to avoid the multi-point failure chain found in outsourced operations. 

6. Sustainability That Is Real, Not a Marketing Line 

Every brand talks about sustainability, but few can back it up with operational choices that meaningfully reduce impact. 

Genuinely sustainable operations include: 

What makes JL different 
JL’s manufacturing is powered by approximately 90 percent renewable energy, including geothermal, hydropower, and solar. We laser-cut fabric to reduce waste, use Bluesign-approved textiles where possible, focus on long-life construction to reduce replacement cycles, and operate our JL RePlay program to responsibly handle end-of-life gear. Very few suppliers can point to sustainability that is this structural and measurable. 

7. Customer Service That Actually Cares 

Coaches and kit secretaries need communication, clarity, and accountability — especially during busy parts of the season. 

A reliable supplier should offer: 

What makes JL different 
JL maintains a 97 percent customer satisfaction rating — one of the highest in any industry. We take customer service seriously because reliability isn’t a feature; it’s the foundation of our entire brand. 

The Bottom Line: Teams Choose JL Because We Make Their Season Easier 

From fit to fabric to production control to sustainability, JL delivers what teams expect but rarely receive from other suppliers. Our 45-year commitment to quality, consistency, and service is why thousands of programs — from youth clubs to national teams — rely on us year after year. 

9. Ordering & Delivery Options That Work for Every Program 

Every team has its own rhythm, so JL offers multiple ordering paths that make life easier. 

10. Custom Production Timelines That Other Brands Can’t Match 

Fast, predictable turnaround is one of the biggest pain points in custom teamwear. Many suppliers advertise short timelines, but because they rely on outsourced production, orders often get batched, delayed, or pushed behind larger programs — turning “3–4 weeks” into 6–10 weeks or more. 

JL operates differently. Because we oversee our own family-owned, sustainably powered manufacturing, we control the full production process from patterning to cutting to sewing. That’s why over 95 percent of JL custom race-ready and game-day uniforms were produced in three weeks last year (shipping not included). 

Teams stick with JL because our timelines are clear and our communication is proactive. If a delay happens, we notify customers immediately and keep them informed every step of the way. That reliability and customer service is one of the biggest reasons programs switch to JL and stay with JL. 

The Difference Is Structural 

JL’s benefits are not marketing lines. They come from a structure no competitor mirrors. Our ability to fit every athlete, maintain long-term color consistency, use premium fabrics, deliver durable construction, offer flexible pricing programs, operate with sustainable oversight, and provide dependable communication is built into how we operate. 

If you want athletes who perform their best, a team that looks unified, and an ordering experience that is predictable and trustworthy, JL is your partner to deliver it.  

What “True Sustainability” Really Means 

Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword. In performance apparel, especially rowing gear, it involves responsible manufacturing practices, intentional fabric choices, long-lasting fit and durability, local production, and performance that doesn’t trade quality for environmental claims. Real sustainability goes beyond greenwashing: it requires decisions that benefit athletes, the planet, and team budgets over the long term. 

 Why Manufacturing Structure Matters 

Production transparency is the first essential step to sustainability. 

Fabric Selection: The Heart of Sustainable Performance Apparel 

Performance fabrics in rowing need to do more than feel good — they need to: 

Sustainable performance starts at the fiber. 
At JL, sustainability starts with fabric selection because the most sustainable garment is the one that doesn’t need to be replaced. That’s why JL sources primarily bluesign® certified performance fabrics, supporting responsible chemical standards and safer textile processing from the beginning of the supply chain. 

Rowing is one of the most abrasion-intensive sports in the world. Fabrics aren’t just exposed to sweat and sun, they endure constant friction at the hips, legs, and seat with every stroke. JL fabrics are selected specifically for exceptional abrasion resistance, stretch recovery, and long-term durability, and many athletes still wear JL pieces that have held up for years — even decades. 

Sustainable performance starts at the fiber — but it’s proven through longevity. JL’s approach is simple: build gear that lasts, and source materials through partners that meet higher standards for chemical responsibility and long-term quality. 

High-Quality Sublimation Without Excess Waste 

Sublimation is a printing process that uses heat to transfer an image directly into fabric, creating permanent, full-color graphics without using traditional dye baths. It isn’t just aesthetic — it determines color longevity and can reduce waste compared with traditional dye processes. When done in-house, sublimation reduces rework and rejects caused by inconsistencies, which also means fewer returns, fewer re-orders, and less fabric waste overall. Sustainability is repeatability. 

At JL, sublimation is a core part of how we produce high-performance rowing apparel — not just because it looks sharp, but because it allows us to create long-lasting color and detail without relying on heavily dyed fabrics wherever it can be avoided. Traditional dyeing processes can require dramatically more water than sublimation, making sublimation a more water-efficient way to deliver custom, high-impact design. 

Fit & Cut: Longevity Through Better Design 

Sustainability has just as much to do with the manufacturing process as it does with the life of the garment itself. Poor fit leads to faster wear, replacements, and waste, but performance-centric patterns extend the life of your apparel. Rowing-specific proportions reduce pressure points, friction, and excess stress on seams — helping uniforms last longer.  
 
JL also builds rowing-specific fit and durability directly into garment construction. Bottoms are designed with a double-lined seat, reducing fabric-on-skin friction while also creating an extra barrier in the rare event that abrasion eventually causes wear-through. Combined with highly colorfast fabrics, this results in apparel that stays functional and looks sharp season after season. 

Sustainable garments are designed to last — in function and in fit. 

Timely Delivery and Supply Chain Efficiency 

Sustainability ismore than materials and construction, it’s also about avoiding the waste created by inefficient timelines and long supply chains.  Late deliveries force rushed re-orders, expedited shipping, and inventory waste — hidden sustainability costs. Suppliers in control of timelines reduce excess resource use and improve planning accuracy. 

Sustainability includes time and resource efficiency. 

At JL, supply chain sustainability includes where and how apparel is made. Our custom team apparel is manufactured in our own facility in El Salvador, which shortens shipping distances to teams across the United States compared to overseas production. Shorter transit routes reduce transportation impact and help teams receive gear without relying on last-minute expedited shipping. 

JL also produces custom team apparel made-to-order, meaning garments are created based on real demand rather than projections. This reduces excess inventory, prevents unsold product waste, and supports a more efficient production cycle. With a typical production timeline of 3–5 weeks, teams can plan confidently, reorder responsibly, and avoid the resource-heavy consequences of rushed replacements. 

Choosing a Supplier Who Values True Sustainability 

Real sustainability is measurable, not aspirational. Choosing the right supplier means choosing one that builds products to last, minimizes waste at every stage, and operates with accountability, not just marketing language. When durability, responsible production, and efficient fulfillment come together, sustainability stops being a claim and becomes the standard. 

Buyers can spot these risks early. Watch for: 

• Year-round stores without a clear production schedule 

If a supplier cannot tell you how frequently they run production, they are likely batching—and delays follow. 

• Promises without historical data 

If they cannot show last season’s actual turnaround times, the promise is not grounded in reality. 

• Limited visibility into production 

A supplier that outsources cannot accurately tell you when your order will start or finish. 

• Unclear process for matching reorders 

Reorders require consistent color calibration, fabric stability, and identical production settings. If a supplier can’t explain how they ensure this, mismatches become more likely. 

• Production spread across multiple factories 

This increases the chances of color drift, fabric variation, and inconsistent timing. 

3. What Reliable Delivery Actually Requires 

Consistent turnaround comes from structure, not optimism. A reliable supplier has: 

Without these, quick-turn promises are just marketing. 

4. The JL Difference

Some suppliers offer year-round ordering without explaining how often they actually run production. That leaves teams assuming their order has started when it hasn’t. Reliable suppliers are transparent about production timing and capacity. 

JL can offer year-round stores when appropriate, but we make sure teams know exactly when production will run. We set clear ordering windows and communicate schedules so there is no confusion about when uniforms will move into production. This keeps expectations aligned and prevents the uncertainty that comes with open-ended stores. 

JL controls sublimation, sewing, patterning, and quality oversight within its own facilities. The only factor that can occasionally affect timing is fabric logistics, since materials come from external suppliers. Because everything else happens in-house within a family-run operation, fabric availability is the only potential point of delay. Suppliers that outsource multiple stages of production face far more risk because delays can occur at several points in the process. 

This structure is why JL produced ~95% of custom race gear in three weeks last year, not including shipping. 

5. What Smart Buyers Should Do Before Choosing a Supplier 

Ask these questions: 

These questions make it clear which suppliers operate with real control and which rely on hope. 

Conclusion 

Delivery issues aren’t random. They stem from how a supplier manages (or doesn’t manage) production, fabrics, equipment, and scheduling. When evaluating a partner, look for internal control, transparency, stable materials, and a consistent track record. JL follows these principles, but the purpose of this guide is to help any coach, AD, or team manager recognize what a reliable supplier looks like long before timelines slip.

Why Color Consistency, Machine Control, and Production Structure Matter More Than Design 

For rowing programs, sublimation is not just a graphic preference. It directly determines whether a team’s colors, branding, and identity remain consistent across seasons. Many sublimated uniforms look great on day one, yet fail when teams place reorders or combine multiple training cycles over several years. 

Most of these failures come from structural limitations in how the uniforms are produced, not from artwork quality. 

This guide explains what coaches and athletic directors should look for when evaluating sublimation quality, and how to avoid long-term inconsistency.

1. Sublimation Is Only as Good as the Production Environment 

Sublimation output is extremely sensitive to production variables including printer quality, machine calibration, heat press consistency, fabric composition, and ink formulation. A single variable shift can alter final color. 

What coaches should look for 

Outsourced manufacturing makes this difficult because brands cannot control which factory, machine, operator, or calibration profile is used for each run 

JL Racing keeps sublimation internal, allowing long-term control over machine settings and color profiles. 

2. Why Reorders Often Fail 

The most common sublimation issue is when reorders come back noticeably different from previous seasons — even when artwork hasn’t changed. 

This usually happens because: 

What coaches should look for: 

JL maintains dedicated color calibrations for every team so reorders match the original gear, not the factory’s current defaults. 

3. Fabric Determines Sublimation Performance 

Two fabrics can both be “polyester” yet behave completely differently when sublimated. Yarn structure, finishing, and stretch profile all influence: 

What coaches should look for:

JL selects performance fabrics proven to accept sublimation cleanly and consistently in on-water environments. 

4. Sublimation Durability Under Rowing Conditions 

Rowing exposes garments to moisture, abrasion, UV, and repeated washing. Weak sublimation will show fading or wash-out long before the garment structurally fails. 

What coaches should look for:

JL’s sublimation process is optimized for on-water use, maintaining color integrity even in repeated wet/dry cycles. 

5. The Hidden Cost of Inconsistent Sublimation 

When sublimated colors drift between seasons, the consequences extend beyond aesthetics. Many programs are forced to perform a full design overhaul - new art approvals, new samples, and complete re-kits - just to avoid mismatched uniforms in the lineup. This is expensive, time-consuming, and disruptive to program identity. 

Reorders fail most often when production is outsourced and factory settings vary based on other clients’ jobs. Brands cannot prevent recalibration, operator changes, or machine substitutions at external facilities. 

JL’s long-term calibration is maintained because sublimation occurs within the same controlled production environment used for elite performance clients. Family ownership and dedicated color panels allow the team’s colors to remain consistent year over year. 

6. Machine Quality Determines Long-Term Accuracy 

High-end sublimation printers maintain tighter tolerances and more stable color profiles. Lower-quality or heavily used machines produce gradual drift, inconsistent blacks, and washed-out gradients. 

What coaches should look for:

JL prints on industrial sublimation systems that represent the highest standard in the performance-wear industry, offering the tightest tolerances and the most consistent long-term color accuracy. 

7. Structural Control Is the Real Differentiator 

Sublimation quality depends on repeatability. Without control over equipment, fabrics, production settings, and calibration files, no supplier can guarantee long-term color consistency. 

What coaches should look for:

JL’s vertically integrated structure makes long-term consistency possible rather than dependent on external factory choices. 

Conclusion: Sublimation Isn’t About Artwork — It’s About Infrastructure 

A rowing program’s identity relies on consistent, reliable sublimated uniforms. True sublimation quality shows up not in the first order, but in every order that comes after. 

Suppliers without internal control cannot protect teams from drift, inconsistency, or full-program redesigns. 

JL maintains year-over-year color consistency by operating the highest-quality sublimation equipment in the industry, preserving dedicated color profiles for every team, and overseeing every part of production within a family-owned, fully controlled manufacturing environment. 

Why Vertical Integration Changes Everything in Performance Apparel

In custom performance apparel, manufacturing structure is not a behind-the-scenes detail. It directly determines whether timelines are met, colors stay consistent, reorders match, and garments perform as expected season after season. 

Many of the issues teams experience with uniforms are not design failures. They are manufacturing failures. 

Understanding how a supplier is built is one of the most important steps in choosing the right uniform partner.

Why Outsourced Manufacturing Creates Risk 

Most sports apparel brands rely on outsourced production through third-party factories. While this model can reduce upfront costs, it introduces variables that teams often experience as inconsistent outcomes. 

Common issues with outsourced manufacturing include missed delivery timelines, color changes from season to season, and reorders that do not match original gear. Because production is shared across multiple customers, factories frequently adjust color settings, fabric sourcing, and production priorities, creating inconsistency even within the same program. 

Sustainability and emissions are also difficult to control in outsourced models. When production occurs overseas, garments often travel across multiple continents before delivery, increasing carbon footprint and limiting visibility into energy use and environmental practices. 

These challenges are not accidental. They are structural. 

What Vertical Integration Actually Changes 

Vertical integration means that patterning, production, color management, and quality control operate under a single organization rather than being distributed across vendors. 

This structure allows suppliers to: 

When manufacturing decisions are centralized, accountability is clear and outcomes become repeatable. 

Family-Owned Manufacturing and Accountability 

When both the brand and the manufacturing operation are family-owned, oversight is not abstract. It is direct and continuous. 

JL Racing operates with full family-owned control across manufacturing, color management, and quality control. This structure provides direct insight into every stage of production and removes the disconnect that often exists between design teams and factories. 

Because production is not outsourced, decisions around materials, construction, and timelines are made with full awareness of their impact on the athlete and the team. 

This level of control is also what enables JL to offer mixed sizing and tailored lengths across entire teams, something most outsourced production systems are not structurally set up to support. 

Manufacturing Location, Speed, and Sustainability 

Where apparel is made matters. 

Manufacturing in the Americas allows for shorter shipping distances, faster delivery, and lower overall emissions compared to multi-continent production models. It also allows for tighter oversight, clearer communication, and faster response when adjustments are needed. 

JL Racing’s manufacturing operations are powered by approximately 90 percent renewable energy, reducing the footprint of every garment produced. This operational approach prioritizes durability, efficiency, and responsible production rather than surface-level sustainability claims. 

Technology and Process Matter 

Consistency in performance apparel depends heavily on manufacturing technology. 

High-end sublimation equipment allows for precise color reproduction without water waste. Advanced color calibration ensures that team colors remain consistent across seasons rather than shifting based on factory settings or production queues. 

In addition to print technology, specialized textile development for on-water use ensures fabrics maintain opacity, stability, and durability when wet, compressed, and exposed to repeated abrasion. 

These systems work together to deliver predictable results rather than variable outcomes. 

The Takeaway for Teams 

Many of the uniform problems teams accept as normal are the result of manufacturing models designed for efficiency rather than performance. 

When evaluating a supplier, teams should look beyond samples and mockups and ask: 

Manufacturing structure determines whether promises can be kept. Suppliers built for control, accountability, and consistency deliver very different outcomes than those relying on outsourced production. 

Rowing apparel operates in a very different environment than most sportswear. Athletes are seated, moving through repetitive compression and extension, exposed to water, wind, and friction, and interacting constantly with equipment. 

Because of this, fit and garment cut are not aesthetic choices. They directly affect comfort, safety, and performance. 

This is true not only for unisuits, but across every piece of rowing apparel, from racing layers to training and outerwear. 

Why Generic Athletic Fit Fails on the Water 

Most sports apparel is designed for upright movement. Running, lifting, or court sports assume vertical posture, free arm swing, and minimal equipment interaction. 

Rowing does not. 

Rowers are seated, leaning forward and back, with repetitive hip compression, torso extension, and constant contact with the shell and oar. Garments that are not designed for this posture often create problems such as: 

These issues compound during long training sessions and races. 

Unisuits: Proportion Matters More Than Stretch 

Stretch alone does not solve fit issues in rowing. In fact, relying on stretch to compensate for poor proportion often creates new problems once the garment is wet. 

Common issues with generic unisuits include: 

Rowing unisuits require proportional patterning that accounts for seated posture, hip angle, and repeated compression. 

JL Racing designs rowing unisuits with mixed sizing and proportional adjustments, allowing torso and bottom length to be tailored across entire teams rather than forcing athletes into a single standardized fit. 

Training Layers and Tops: Designed for Motion, Not Standing 

Rowing tops and training layers must stay in place through the stroke cycle without riding up, twisting, or trapping moisture. 

Poorly designed tops often: 

Purpose-built rowing tops use pattern shapes that account for forward reach, shoulder rotation, and seated posture so the garment moves with the athlete rather than against them. 

Outerwear: Where Cut Becomes Critical 

Outerwear is where rowing-specific design differences are most visible and most important. 

Generic jackets designed for land sports often fail on the water because they are cut symmetrically front to back and assume an upright stance. In rowing, this creates multiple issues. 

Common problems with non-rowing-specific jackets include: 

Purpose-built rowing outerwear addresses these issues directly. 

JL Racing’s rowing jackets are cut shorter in the front to prevent bunching and interference with the oar, while extending longer in the back to protect against splash and exposure when seated. This asymmetric cut improves comfort, mobility, and safety in real on-water conditions. 

Why Purpose-Built Design Requires Manufacturing Control 

Designing garments specifically for rowing requires more than good intentions. It requires the ability to control patterning, test iterations, and maintain consistency across seasons. 

Suppliers that outsource production often face limitations such as: 

JL Racing’s family-owned, vertically integrated manufacturing model allows rowing-specific designs to be developed, refined, and consistently reproduced without being constrained by third-party factory limitations. 

The Takeaway for Teams 

Rowing apparel should not be selected based on how it looks on land. It should be evaluated based on how it performs when seated, moving, and exposed to real on-water conditions. 

Across unisuits, training layers, and outerwear, teams should look for: 

When apparel is built specifically for the demands of rowing, the difference is felt immediately and appreciated over time.