Tradition vs. Modernity in Rowing Clothing Design

The actual kits used in professional and other competitive rowing events lean heavily towards streamlining and comfort. But there are other traditional items which are of importance too, namely blazers, which feature heavily in regattas and other events. Let's take a closer look at how this relationship unfolds.

Rowing also has its own set of unwritten rules, dating back centuries, that are still observed today. One is that you have to earn the right to wear your team colors. How do you do this? Simply, by competing in a race. Once you’ve rowed competitively, you can wear the gear with pride. Racing colors are a mark of belonging, a mark of selection, and one of achievement. It’s a rite of passage that has been passed down from rower to rower, and one that is adhered to by almost every rowing club out there, from grassroots up to elite level.

Of course, you could still wear the colors while training, but expect to be frowned upon by your seniors. It should be stressed that this is a very serious thing, especially as rowers rely so heavily on each other in race situations, and the sport is so physically demanding. Some clubs even have ceremonies, presenting the kit, which can now be custom-designed at affordable levels, to new team members.

Most custom-designed rowing suits follow a similar pattern, that is, they come in the form of singlets and shorts, or a one-piece suit of the same nature. It’s not just about the balance between traditional colors and modernity, but between comfort and performance, which can be achieved with modern materials and designs. You’ll need a base layer, which helps to protect your core and regulate body temperature, crucial for watersports. Sweat-wicking, breathable and quick-drying are the names of the game, so it must also feel comforting, like a second skin. Repetitive motions, such as those associated with sports like rowing, can create chafing, which causes discomfort and severely affects performance.

Mid layers provide comfort and protection with a slightly thicker layer and custom options such as zip pockets, cuffs for contactless cards, and provisions for earphones and other items. These are designed more for training than competition, unless you compete in colder climates, where warmth and temperature regulation are more prescient for a competitive edge. If you’re training, you’ll also need a jacket, which can come as softshell, slim-fit options, or more traditional outerwear. Rowing is tough on the muscles, so preventing cramping in colder conditions is vital for performance.

Rowers traditionally wear caps to signify team colors and protect from sunburn and glare from the reflective water in sunny conditions. Caps can help minimize distraction, allowing rowers to concentrate on instructions from the cox, or when rowing with a smaller crew, to simply concentrate on their strokes. The history of caps stretches back a long way, evolving from cricketing-esque headwear through to visors and more aerodynamic designs.

An oddity of British style, some 200 years old, is the rowing blazer. Of course, these aren’t worn during competition, as they would seriously affect performance. But blazers are a symbolic and traditional part of the rowing regalia. However, this wasn’t the case; blazers were worn in competition back in the old days at events such as the Oxford vs Cambridge boat race, to enable spectators to better distinguish between the two teams. But now, rowers strip down to their customized kits before hitting the water to maximize their performance.

Odd traditions are also associated with rowing blazers. For example, Dutch rowers don’t own their own blazers; they are hand-me-downs from rower to rower. What’s more, they aren’t allowed to be cleaned, meaning they have often been drenched in river water, sweat, and celebratory beer from over the years. You’ll find spectators often donning their teams’ colors on the river banks to support the rowers, although this may be somewhat frowned upon (we mentioned earning one’s stripes earlier in the article).

Rowing is a seriously demanding sport, so kit design is an important part of assuring peak performance. However, preserving the spirit of this historic pastime means that finding and striking a balance between tradition and modernity is equally vital. Because tradition is healthy and alive in rowing circles, athletes and fans alike can enjoy the best of both worlds, with a respectful nod to the past, alongside fierce competition on the water.

Image credits Title image: Wikimedia / Wikipedia; Image 2: Unsplash / Wanghao SANG; Image 3: Unsplash / Thiago Zanutigh; Image 4: Unsplash / David Trinks; Image 5: Wikimedia / Wikipedia; Image 6: Unsplash / David Trinks