How to Evaluate Construction Quality in Rowing Uniforms: A Practical Guide for Coaches and Athletic Directors

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.