The Rowing TutorThe Best Kit to Wear for Rowing
The best kit to wear for rowing: close-fitting layers, shorts or an all-in-one, what to wear at each temperature, the erg, and what to avoid in a boat.
By Dan Higgins · Updated · 4 min read
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The best kit to wear for rowing is close-fitting, stretchy clothing that won’t catch on the seat or slide, in layers you can adjust. You don’t need rowing-specific kit to start, and fitted shorts or leggings with a sports top are enough for your first sessions.
What to wear by temperature
As a rule of thumb, start slightly cool, because you warm up within about 10 minutes. Use these as a starting point and adjust for wind and rain.
| Air temperature | On the water | Afterwards |
|---|---|---|
| Below 5°C | Leggings, 2 thin tops, windproof top, hat, gloves or pogies, thick socks | Full dry change, warm jacket |
| 5 to 12°C | Leggings, base layer, top, splash top if windy | Dry top and warm trousers |
| 12 to 18°C | Shorts or leggings, long-sleeved top | Dry top |
| Above 18°C | Shorts or all-in-one, light top, cap, sun cream | Dry top |
Check the wind as well. A breeze on open water feels much colder than the forecast suggests.
What to wear in the boat
- Fitted shorts or leggings. Baggy hems catch in the slide. Tight leggings dry quickly, and many rowers wear long ones in winter and short ones in summer.
- A one-piece rowing suit (all-in-one). Popular for racing and some training because it stays put and wicks sweat. It can be fiddly to put on and take off, so it isn’t essential.
- A close-fitting top. Short or long sleeved, in a breathable fabric. Avoid cotton, which holds sweat and gets cold. A technical top works under an all-in-one or on its own.
- Layers. A light base layer, a mid layer you can take off, and a waterproof if it rains. Several thin layers beat one thick one, since you can shed them as you warm up.
- A splash top. A light waterproof made for rowing keeps spray off while allowing full movement.
- Socks. Thin socks inside rowing shoes reduce rubbing. Some rowers wear longer socks they can pull up in cold weather.
- Hat and gloves in winter. A hat keeps heat in. Our guide to rowing gloves covers gloves and pogies.
A gilet or body warmer is handy while you rig and wait, but it can snag on the oar handles, so take it off before you launch.
What to avoid
| Item | Problem | Wear instead |
|---|---|---|
| Baggy shorts or joggers | Fabric catches in the slide | Fitted shorts or leggings |
| Loose hoodie | Handles catch it at the finish | Fitted long-sleeved top |
| Cotton T-shirt in cold weather | Stays wet and chills you | Technical top |
| Thick jacket | Restricts your arms | Thin layers and a splash top |
| Long drawstrings | Tangle in the handle or seat | Tuck them in or cut them out |
Before and after
Pack a tracksuit or warm trousers and a jacket. Muscles cool quickly, and standing around in wet kit is miserable. Always take a dry change of clothes and a towel. Our kit bag checklist covers what else to carry.
What to wear on the erg
Comfortable gym kit is fine. Choose shorts or leggings that don’t ride up, and avoid anything that snags on the seat or the chain housing. Sweat-wicking fabrics help, since it gets warm indoors. Padded shorts are optional. Flat-soled trainers work well, and a fan does more for you than any top.
Rain, sun and wind
- Wet. Wear a breathable waterproof, and keep a change of clothes in a plastic bag.
- Hot. Light, close-cut fabrics, a cap and sun cream. The NHS advises at least SPF 30 and 4 stars, reapplied every 2 hours and after you get wet. UK sun is strongest from 11am to 3pm between March and October. Our page on protecting yourself from the sun has more.
- Windy. Add a windproof layer you can remove, because wind chill can be severe on the water.
Dress for the water as well as the air
Cold water is a real hazard. Water below 15°C can trigger cold water shock, and UK rivers and lakes can stay that cold even on a hot day. So a warm spring afternoon doesn’t mean warm water. Follow your club’s guidance for cold-weather rowing, and if you fall in, float first and control your breathing for about 90 seconds before you try to swim. That’s the Met Office’s advice.
Footwear and extras
Our guide to rowing shoes explains what to wear in and around the boat. A cap, sunglasses and a bottle are useful additions, and our list of essential rowing equipment for beginners puts everything in priority order. If you’re shopping for a rower, see what to give rowers as a gift.
Club kit
Many clubs have racing kit for events. Ask before you buy anything, since colours and designs are usually set by the club. It’s usually ordered in batches, so check the deadlines.
Looking after your kit
- Wash technical kit at the temperature on the label and skip fabric softener.
- Dry it fully before you pack it.
- Rinse anything that’s been in muddy or salty water.
- Replace anything that’s worn thin or lost its stretch.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a rowing all-in-one?
No. An all-in-one is popular for racing and some training because it stays put and wicks sweat, but fitted shorts or leggings and a close-fitting top work well.
What should I avoid wearing in a boat?
Loose clothing that can catch on the seat, slide or oar handles, cotton in cold weather, and anything that restricts your arm movement.
What should I wear rowing in winter?
Thin base layers, leggings, a hat, a windproof top you can remove, and a dry warm layer for afterwards. Dress for the water temperature as well as the air.
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