True Sustainability in Performance Apparel

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.