A Guide to Choosing Fabrics and Crests for Rowing Blazers

A rowing blazer has a proper job. It needs to look razor-sharp on the prize-giving podium, survive a damp boat-house, and still turn heads at the post-regatta drinks roughly a century after the club was founded. No pressure. Here's how to choose the fabric and crest that'll do all three — without needing a textiles degree.

For rowing, you want a cloth with structure and a bit of character. Worsted wool is the classic — it holds its shape, resists creases, and has that satisfying weight that says 'this blazer means business'. Lighter wool mixes are lovely for spring regattas; a heavier melton is the move if your club's boathouse is more 'bracing' than 'balmy'.

The blazer below is a great example: deep navy worsted, gold piping, and a crest that's been doing the club proud since 1878. You can build something just like it in our Bespoke Studio.

If the fabric is the body, the crest is the soul. A hand-embroidered crest in gold thread is the heritage choice — it catches the light, ages beautifully, and frankly looks expensive because it is. A woven badge is a brilliant, slightly thriftier alternative that still looks the business and is ideal when you're kitting out a whole squad.

Top tip: keep your crest readable at the size it'll actually be stitched. A lion, two crossed oars and your founding year will read cleanly; a full heraldic family tree… less so. Need a hand? Our craftspeople can advise.

This is where a rowing blazer gets to have fun. Piping along the lapel and pockets in your club colour is the quiet, classy move. Bold vertical stripes — the legendary 'blazer' look — are the loud, glorious one, and they're practically a rowing tradition. Browse our striped blazers for inspiration, then go build your own.