In Celebration of Rowing Blazers

Founded by Jack Carlson, Rowing Blazers is a company that knows where it’s going. Combining his love for sport with a passion for sartorial histories, Carlson–whose resume includes, but is not limited to, archaeologist, author, professional rowing champion, and designer– started the brand in 2017 after releasing a book with the same name three years prior. 

Growing up between Boston and England, Carlson started rowing at a young age, and, after obtaining degrees from Georgetown and Oxford, went on to win both the Henley Royal Regatta and the Head of the Charles. He credits these experiences for influencing his adoration of New England charm and British flair. Combining the precision of Ralph Lauren’s tailoring with the whimsy of Elton John’s styles (think “Rod Laver Eat Your Heart Out” sweater or Canadian tuxedo adorned with vintage, iron-on patches), Rowing Blazers seems to know what people want before they want it.
Through values like artistry, ethical craftsmanship, and authenticity, Carlson and his team are reinventing the classics to make a new vision of Americana. It’s not quite preppy, but also not not preppy. With colors resembling 1960’s Pucci, a versatile range of fabrics and textures and striped patterns of all kinds, Rowing Blazers presents a new genre of style. Hats with cheeky emblems and logo-emblazoned sweatshirts alike find their way into customers’ carts, and into the wardrobes of celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow and Justin Bieber no less. Graphic tees, rugby shirts and, of course, blazers decorate the newly opened flagship store on Manhattan’s Lower East Side. In addition to apparel, antique brooches, limited-edition art prints and eclectic coffee-table books are fast-sellers on the website. 

Partnerships with renowned British labels Gyles & George and Warm & Wonderful, each responsible for some of Princess Diana’s most iconic sweaters, have gained Rowing Blazers standing on a level almost inconceivable for a company this early in the game. As far as collaborations go, capsule collections with the National Basketball Association and Harry’s Bar New York have seen huge success. Bridging fresh ideas with old-school designs, Jack Carlson has propelled Rowing Blazers to extraordinary heights in just under six years, proving himself yet again to be no rookie in the world of competition.