Jay Clark

Rowing Blazers is an American clothing brand and design lab for the classics founded by Jack Carlson. We are dedicated to authenticity, quality, and craftsmanship; and simultaneously to irreverence, inclusivity, sustainability, empowerment, and fun. There's a sense of humor, often a hint of irony, in everything we do; and it's as central to the brand as our sense of community, our timeless aesthetic, our dedication to historical research, and our commitment to making pieces that will last a lifetime.

We work with some of the best fabric mills, artisans, factories and workshops in the world, and we hold ourselves and our partners to the highest standards. Almost all of our clothes are made in Europe and the United States -- by people who are skilled in traditional construction techniques and whose commitment to quality, to their own people, to the planet, and to ethical, sustainable production matches our own. That’s one of the reasons that we are entrusted to make blazers and other kit for some of the world’s leading sporting and social clubs, including the U.S. national rowing and rugby teams.

Jack Carlson is a former champion coxswain, a doctor of archeology, and the founder of Rowing Blazers. He’s also an esteemed author and consultant for numerous brands, including the NBA. This master of trades has long been interested in history, fashion, and sports, and he’s found a confluence in his career that allows him to express his talents in numerous ways. 

Carlson received his undergraduate in Classics and Chinese Studies at the School of Foreign Service, Georgetown before getting his Ph.D. in archeology from Brasenose, Oxford. He is a Henley Royal Regatta Champion, a Head of Charles Champion, and a bronze-medal winner in the World Championships. He’s also a board member of Row New York, a non-profit that gives young people the chance to excel in rowing despite their background. 

Jack Carlson is most well-known for his company, Rowing Blazers. Described by Men’s Journal magazine as Ivy League meets punk, the company is known for its twists on the traditional. Starting exclusively for rowing clubs and universities, the company recently opened to the rest of the world. 

Carlson takes the vintage patterns and accessories of yesterday and refreshes them for a modern world, something that he’s honed through his years of studying pageantry of all kinds. He's known for his attention to detail, particularly when it comes to the materials, fit, and aesthetics of each piece. Pop-up shops have appeared in Los Angeles, Paris, Tokyo, Nantucket, and Soho, New York. 

In addition to founding a company and working with brands like J. Crew, Ralph Lauren, and Lands’ End, Jack has authored Rowing Blazers. His essays have appeared in a number of academic journals as well as popular publications like Vogue and GQ.