What should you wear when rowing at home?

When rowing at home, wearing the right clothing enhances performance, prevents discomfort, and helps maintain proper form during your workout. Ideal rowing attire includes moisture-wicking, form-fitting garments that allow unrestricted movement throughout the rowing stroke. The right outfit balances comfort with functionality, letting you focus on technique rather than adjusting clothing or dealing with chafing. Your footwear, fit, and even consideration of gloves all play important roles in creating an optimal rowing experience.

What basic clothing is best for home rowing workouts?

The best clothing for home rowing workouts combines moisture-wicking fabrics with a form-fitting design that allows full range of motion. Here’s what to consider for your rowing wardrobe:

• Technical fabrics – Choose polyester blends, nylon, or specialized performance fabrics that draw sweat away from your body, keeping you dry and preventing chafing that cotton can cause when damp
• Upper body options – Wear short-sleeved t-shirts, athletic vests, or fitted long sleeves depending on room temperature, avoiding loose tops that might catch on the handle or interfere with movement
• Lower body choices – Select close-fitting shorts, leggings, or rowing tights with stretch properties that accommodate the full compression and extension of your legs during each stroke
• Layering strategy – Start with a removable light layer that you can shed as your body temperature increases during your workout
• Seam placement – Ensure clothing seams don’t create pressure points where they might rub against the machine or your body during repetitive movements

By selecting the right combination of these clothing elements, you’ll create a comfortable foundation for effective rowing sessions. Your clothing should ultimately become a seamless extension of your body, allowing you to focus entirely on your rowing technique and workout intensity rather than wardrobe distractions.

How should rowing clothes fit for optimal performance?

Rowing clothes should fit snugly but not restrictively, allowing full range of motion while preventing excess fabric from interfering with your workout. Here are key considerations for the ideal fit:

• Overall balance – Aim for clothing that conforms to your body’s contours without compression that limits movement or circulation
• Upper body fit – Ensure tops are fitted around the shoulders and chest to prevent fabric bunching during the forward reach and pull phases
• Sleeve design – Avoid loose sleeves that could catch on the handle or cause friction during repetitive motions
• Waistband security – Choose bottoms with a secure waistband that won’t slide down during the forward lean at the catch position
• Length considerations – Select shirts long enough to cover your lower back when leaning forward and bottoms that maintain coverage throughout all rowing positions

When your rowing clothes fit properly, they become virtually unnoticeable during your workout. This perfect fit eliminates the need for mid-session adjustments and allows complete mental focus on your rowing technique, breathing, and performance goals rather than managing wardrobe malfunctions or discomfort.

What footwear options work best for indoor rowing?

The best footwear for indoor rowing provides a direct connection to the footplate while offering adequate support. Consider these options for your rowing sessions:

• Athletic socks only – Many experienced rowers prefer this “barefoot” approach as it maximizes foot contact with the footplate and enhances feel; choose quality athletic socks with sufficient thickness and some grip to prevent slipping
• Minimalist cross-trainers – Shoes with thin, flexible soles work well as they allow proper foot positioning without excessive cushioning that might reduce power transfer
• Dedicated rowing shoes – Similar to cycling shoes with flat soles, these provide excellent connection to the machine while supporting your feet during the drive phase
• Avoid running shoes – Thick cushioned soles create an unstable platform and reduce the direct connection needed for optimal power transfer
• Secure fastening – Whatever option you choose, ensure it allows your feet to remain securely in the foot straps throughout your rowing motion

Your footwear choice significantly impacts your power transfer and comfort during rowing. By selecting an option that balances support with connection to the machine, you’ll establish a solid foundation for efficient technique and maximize the effectiveness of each stroke, whether during quick sprints or extended endurance sessions.

Should you wear gloves when rowing at home?

Whether to wear gloves when rowing at home depends on your personal preference, skin sensitivity, and workout duration. Consider these factors when deciding:

• Benefits of gloves – Prevent blisters, enhance grip, and provide comfort, particularly for beginners or during longer sessions when hands may become sweaty
• Potential drawbacks – Slightly reduce direct connection to the handle and may interfere with natural callus development that protects hands over time
• Beginner considerations – If you’re new to rowing or returning after a break, gloves can protect your hands while calluses develop
• Choosing the right gloves – Look for thin, flexible rowing-specific options that cover just the palm and base of fingers without restricting wrist movement
• Alternatives – Consider fingerless gloves, athletic tape for specific problem areas, or rowing handle grips that reduce friction while maintaining feel

The glove decision ultimately comes down to balancing hand protection with tactile feedback. Many rowers find their preferences evolve over time, often starting with full protection and gradually transitioning to more minimalist options as their technique improves and hands adapt. Experiment with different approaches to discover what works best for your unique rowing style and skin sensitivity.

How should you adjust your rowing outfit for different workout intensities?

Adjust your rowing outfit based on workout intensity and duration to maintain optimal comfort and performance. Here’s how to dress for different rowing scenarios:

• Warm-ups and low-intensity sessions – Start with an additional light layer that you can easily remove as your body temperature increases
• High-intensity interval training – Choose minimalist, highly breathable clothing that allows maximum heat dissipation and freedom of movement during powerful strokes
• Long endurance sessions – Prioritize moisture management with technical fabrics that continue wicking effectively even after extended use; consider compression garments for muscle support
• Combined workouts – For sessions involving both rowing and floor exercises, opt for layered clothing that adapts to different movement patterns and intensity levels
• Environmental considerations – Account for your home temperature when planning your outfit, as proper thermoregulation significantly impacts performance and comfort

Being strategic about your rowing attire across different workout types enhances both comfort and performance. By anticipating your body’s changing temperature needs throughout various training intensities, you’ll maintain optimal conditions for focusing on technique and pushing your limits appropriately, whether you’re in a recovery session or tackling a challenging high-intensity workout.

The right rowing attire enhances your connection with the machine while allowing you to focus entirely on your technique and workout goals. At RP3 Rowing, we understand that every element of your rowing experience matters—from the equipment you use to the clothes you wear. By selecting appropriate clothing that moves with your body and supports your performance needs, you’ll enjoy more comfortable, effective workouts that help you achieve your rowing and fitness objectives. Always consult with your doctor before starting any new exercise regimen, particularly if you have existing health conditions.

If you’re interested in learning more about the benefits of rowing, reach out to our team of experts today.

Related Articles

• How do you engage your legs properly during the rowing stroke?
• How do you incorporate sprints safely into rowing workouts?
• How do you prevent dust and debris from affecting your rowing machine?
• What are the benefits of dynamic vs static rowing machines?
• Can rowing help improve your mental clarity and focus?