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THE LAUNCH BLOG
How to Evaluate Construction Quality in Rowing Uniforms: A Practical Guide for Coaches and Athletic Directors
Rowing uniforms live hard lives. They are soaked repeatedly, experience constant abrasion at the seat, stretch through extreme ranges of motion, and endure daily washing. When coaches and athletic directors evaluate a uniform supplier, the most reliable indicator of long-term performance is construction quality.
This guide explains what to look for — and how to evaluate it — so programs can make informed, long-term decisions that support their athletes.
1. Start With the Seat: The Highest-Wear Area in Rowing
No part of a rowing uniform breaks down faster than the seat. The combination of compression, friction, rotation, and moisture exposes construction flaws immediately.
What coaches should look for
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Double-layered seat panels for abrasion resistance
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Reinforced stitching that can stretch with the rower’s motion
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Panel design that distributes pressure, not concentrates it
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Predictable performance across wet/dry cycles
A uniform without a reinforced seat will not last for a full training year, let alone multiple seasons.
JL Racing uses double-layered seat construction across all trou and unisuits. Their premium unisuits use a double layer with zigzag stitching for stretch; their Powerband line uses a full double layer for added durability and reduced frictio
2. Examine Seam Architecture (Flatlock vs. Overlock)
Seams determine how a garment behaves under stretch and whether it holds up to repeated use. Coaches should understand that seam choice is functional, and different seams serve different purposes.
What coaches should look for
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Flatlock seams in areas needing reduced bulk and minimal chafing
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Overlock seams where elasticity and long-term stretch recovery are essential
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Clean, even tension along seams (uneven tension predicts early failure)
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Thread that stretches with the fabric, not against it
The right seam in the wrong place can cause premature failure. The wrong seam everywhere guarantees it.
JL Racing uses both flatlock and overlock seams depending on the garment model and performance requirement, aligning seam type with the stretch and stress needs of each panel.
3. Evaluate Panel Layout and Movement Engineering
Rowing is a seated power sport with unique movement: hip hinge, rotation, compression, and extended reaches. Garments not built around that motion will twist, bind, or degrade quickly.
What coaches should look for
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Panels shaped for rowing-specific mechanics, not adapted from generic designs
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Seams placed away from friction zones
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Freedom of movement at hips, shoulders, and torso
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Paneling that maintains shape under tension
Well-designed paneling reduces stress on both the athlete and the garment.
JL’s patterning is specifically engineered for rowing, using decades of athlete testing to place seams and panels where they move naturally through the stroke rather than fighting it.
4. Check Thread and Fabric Compatibility
Construction quality depends on more than fabric — thread selection and seam engineering must match the fabric’s stretch profile and intended use.
What coaches should look for
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Thread that flexes with the garment
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Stitching that recovers cleanly after stretch
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Seams with even tension and no visible distortion
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Consistent thread type for key stress zones
In high-compression garments such as performance bras and certain unisuits, small “pops” may occur during first use as stitch tension settles. This is normal in high-stretch construction and not a sign of seam failure.
Thread–fabric mismatch remains one of the most common causes of early garment failure, and coaches should evaluate how well a supplier manages tension, elasticity, and seam placement across the garment.
Because JL maintains tight control over materials and construction, thread selection is paired intentionally with the fabric’s stretch and recovery profile for long-term seam integrity.
5. Confirm the Outerwear Is Built for Rowing, Not General Athletics
Rowing outerwear must shed water quickly, allow full shoulder and torso rotation, and avoid front bulk that interferes with the oar handle — factors many generic athletic jackets fail to address.
What coaches should look for
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Lightweight, fast-drying shells
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Extended back coverage for splashes
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Unrestricted shoulder rotation
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Front cut shaped to avoid handle interference
Generic training jackets can actively disrupt technique.
JL’s rowing outerwear is engineered with panel-specific stretch mechanics, combining extended back lengths to manage backsplash with shorter front cuts and targeted stretch zones that support seated movement and effective weather protection.
6. Evaluate Sublimation Compatibility and Color Stability
Sublimation is only as good as the fabric’s ability to accept it. Coaches should look for fabrics designed for strong, stable dye bonding — otherwise, colors fade, wash out, or print inconsistently between seasons.
What coaches should look for
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Fabrics engineered for sublimation (not general-purpose knits)
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Sharp, saturated color that doesn’t wash out
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Consistency between production runs
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Stability under UV, chlorine, and wet/dry cycling
Programs should also expect consistent reorders and color matching from year to year.
JL selects fabrics specifically developed for sublimation, paired with controlled color calibration and dedicated team profiles for season-over-season consistency.
7. Look for Real Durability Evidence
Promises of durability mean little without real-world proof. Rowers train daily, in all conditions — uniforms must survive far more stress than typical athletic wear.
What coaches should look for
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Programs reporting multi-year use
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Garments that maintain shape after repeated washing
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Gear that survives daily seat abrasion
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Consistent feedback from multiple teams, not isolated anecdotes
Durability should be proven, not claimed.
JL regularly receives notes from programs whose JL gear remains in active use after 10–20 years, reflecting how construction choices hold up through thousands of strokes.
Product Spotlight
JL Racing Elite Unisuits: A 45-Year Construction Standard
JL’s Elite unisuits have been refined over decades, using stable, time-tested construction methods that deliver consistent performance for programs training daily.
JL Powerband Unisuits: A Modern Construction Upgrade
The Powerband line applies updated patterning and a firmer double-layer seat (no zigzag stitching) to deliver increased durability and technical performance for athletes who prefer a more structured feel.
Both lines demonstrate what coaches should expect from a supplier that understands rowing at a construction level, but these standards are also useful benchmarks for evaluating any brand.
Conclusion: Construction Quality Is the True Differentiator
For rowing programs, construction quality determines:
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how long a uniform lasts
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how it performs under load
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how it recovers when wet
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how it moves with the athlete
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how consistently it can be reordered
A supplier’s philosophy is revealed in stitching, paneling, reinforcement, and material compatibility — not in marketing language.
JL Racing’s approach reflects this standard, but the criteria outlined here serve as a universal guide for anyone evaluating rowing uniform construction.
What Teams Should Expect From a Uniform Supplier
Ordering team uniforms should be straightforward, but most programs know it rarely works out that way.
Coaches, kit secretaries, and parent managers juggle confusing sizing charts, mismatched reorders, shifting timelines, unclear communication, and suppliers who promise more than they deliver. When you’re already managing practice schedules, parent emails, regattas, and budgets, the last thing you need is uniform drama on top of it.
That’s why choosing the right supplier matters. The process only runs smoothly when the company behind it truly understands the sport, controls its production, and takes responsibility for consistency and timelines.
JL Racing has spent 45 years building exactly that kind of system. We’ve seen every challenge teams face, and our structure was built to remove those pain points entirely. Here’s what teams should expect — and why so many programs trust JL year after year.
1. Full-Team Fit That Actually Fits the Whole Team
Teams don’t come in standard sizes. A coxswain and a stroke seat might wear the same “size,” but with completely different heights and proportions. Stock uniforms force athletes into compromises that affect comfort, movement, and performance.
A supplier should offer:
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Mixed sizing options
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Custom torso adjustments
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Proper length variations
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Consistent proportions across a full roster
What makes JL different
JL builds uniforms with individualized top/bottom sizing and optional length adjustments so the entire boat fits correctly — not just most of it. It takes more work, but we do it because performance depends on proper fit, not “closest size available.”
2. Year-Over-Year Color Consistency You Can Trust
The frustration is real: a re-order arrives, and the color doesn’t match last year’s kit. That happens when suppliers outsource production and rely on whatever machines or settings their factory happens to use.
Long-term consistency requires:
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High-end sublimation equipment
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Stable, calibrated printers
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Controlled production environments
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Dedicated color profiles
What makes JL different
JL operates best-in-class industrial sublimation printers, maintains dedicated team-specific color profiles, and preserves those settings season after season. Because our family owns and oversees our production, we control every calibration, every batch, every detail — something outsourced brands simply cannot guarantee.
3. Premium Fabrics, No Compromises
Uniforms should be made from materials engineered for high output training — fast drying, stable when saturated, abrasion resistant, comfortable, and durable.
Buyers should expect:
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Bluesign-approved materials
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Fabrics that handle sweat and backsplash
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Proper stretch and recovery
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Long-term shape retention
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Wet-state stability (essential for rowing)
What makes JL different
JL uses majority Bluesign-approved textiles and does not compromise on fabric quality. For 45 years, we’ve tested and refined materials specifically for high-performance training, including repeated wet/dry cycles, UV exposure, and long sessions on the water. Our fabrics wick sweat and backsplash quickly and are purpose-built for athletes who demand more from their gear.
4. Durable Construction That Actually Lasts
Coaches hate buying replacement gear because seams fail, seats blow out, or garments stretch out after a season. Durability comes from construction choices, not shortcuts.
Teams should look for:
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Reinforced high-wear zones
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Strategic seam placement
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Double-layer seat construction
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Stability under heavy training volume
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Proven longevity
What makes JL different
JL is known for gear that lasts. Our classic and Powerband unisuits both feature double-layer seat construction, and our trou are built with the same durability-focused approach. Many teams tell us they’re still using JL kit that’s well over a decade old — and still training hard in it.
5. Production Oversight That Eliminates Uncertainty
Many suppliers outsource every step of production, which introduces multiple points of failure — color drift, sizing inconsistencies, miscommunication, and inaccurate timelines.
Teams deserve suppliers who offer:
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Direct manufacturing control
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Consistent machinery and calibration
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Transparent communication
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Reliable production timelines
What makes JL different
JL is family-owned and vertically integrated, meaning we oversee every stage from patterning to production to finishing. We’re manufactured in the Americas, which drastically reduces transit time and carbon footprint. Most importantly, having everything under one roof allows us to avoid the multi-point failure chain found in outsourced operations.
6. Sustainability That Is Real, Not a Marketing Line
Every brand talks about sustainability, but few can back it up with operational choices that meaningfully reduce impact.
Genuinely sustainable operations include:
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Localized production to reduce shipping emissions
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Renewable energy usage
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Responsible fabric sourcing
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Waste reduction
What makes JL different
JL’s manufacturing is powered by approximately 90 percent renewable energy, including geothermal, hydropower, and solar. We laser-cut fabric to reduce waste, use Bluesign-approved textiles where possible, focus on long-life construction to reduce replacement cycles, and operate our JL RePlay program to responsibly handle end-of-life gear. Very few suppliers can point to sustainability that is this structural and measurable.
7. Customer Service That Actually Cares
Coaches and kit secretaries need communication, clarity, and accountability — especially during busy parts of the season.
A reliable supplier should offer:
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Clear timelines
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Honest updates
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Transparent problem solving
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Fast issue resolution
What makes JL different
JL maintains a 97 percent customer satisfaction rating — one of the highest in any industry. We take customer service seriously because reliability isn’t a feature; it’s the foundation of our entire brand.
The Bottom Line: Teams Choose JL Because We Make Their Season Easier
From fit to fabric to production control to sustainability, JL delivers what teams expect but rarely receive from other suppliers. Our 45-year commitment to quality, consistency, and service is why thousands of programs — from youth clubs to national teams — rely on us year after year.
10 Reasons to Order Team Uniforms with JL
Choosing a uniform supplier is not just another task on the season checklist. It affects how your athletes feel in the boat, how they perform, how your program looks, and how smoothly your season runs. Coaches and parent managers want gear that fits every athlete, arrives when it is supposed to, and stays consistent year after year.
JL Racing has spent 45 years raising the standard in team uniforms, earning the trust of coaches and parent managers with gear that helps athletes move better, fits every body on the roster, and stays consistent season after season.
Below are the core reasons programs choose JL over competitors.
1. Tailored, Engineered Fit for Every Athlete on Your Team
Most suppliers rely on fixed stock sizing designed to be “close enough.” In real lineups, that does not work. Two athletes may wear the same size yet have completely different torso lengths, inseams, or proportions. A single pattern cannot solve that, and athletes are forced to choose the “closest fit,” which compromises comfort and performance.
JL solves that problem with an on-demand sizing system we’ve refined over decades, giving every athlete the ability to order a tailored fit no other supplier can match. We offer mixed sizing in many unisuits and optional length adjustments on a majority of custom products, so every athlete can move comfortably through the stroke without restriction. Proper fit also supports safe, efficient movement — reducing distractions and helping athletes train and compete with confidence. When athletes feel good in their gear, they perform better. And when the whole roster looks sharp and fits properly, the person managing the order looks great too.
This is one of the reasons teams return to JL year after year.
2. Colors That Stay Consistent Season After Season
One of the most frustrating issues for coaches and parent managers is when reorders come back in a different shade or print than the original. With many suppliers, color drift is common because they use outsourced production, lower-quality printers, or shared factory color settings.
JL’s family-owned manufacturing gives us unprecedented oversight of your team’s color profiles, ensuring they stay consistent year after year. We operate premium industrial sublimation machinery, maintain dedicated color profiles for each team, and preserve those settings season after season. Because our brand oversees its own sustainably powered manufacturing, we control calibration, output quality, and every variable that affects long-term consistency.
While natural wear and washing will cause any fabric to evolve over time, our high-end sublimation process resists fading far better than traditional dye methods. The result is the closest possible match on every reorder.
When your team reorders with JL, your colors remain true.
3. Premium Fabrics Engineered for Real Performance
JL does not compromise on textiles. We prioritize bluesign-approved materials, partner with mills actively working toward low-to-no PFAS chemistry, and rely on fabrics we’ve refined and tested for more than 45 years in real on-water conditions. Every material is selected for durability, stretch recovery, color stability, and comfort — not cost cutting.
Our performance fabrics move sweat and backsplash off the body quickly, dry fast, and hold their shape under load so athletes can row without distraction. Even under heavy use, our materials resist the sagging, transparency, and early breakdown that are common with cheaper stock fabrics.
Many suppliers choose lower-cost textiles to protect their margins. JL invests in fabrics that protect your athletes. You feel the difference on day one, and you see the difference in how the gear holds up season after season.
4. Construction Built to Withstand Years of Training
Durability is one of JL’s strongest reputational anchors. Coaches often send us photos of JL gear that has lasted decades because our construction is engineered for real rowing mileage — thousands of strokes, heavy training cycles, and constant friction.
Every JL unisuit and pair of trou includes a reinforced double seat built to withstand rowing-specific wear while maintaining stretch, recovery, and long-term strength. Our construction methods help uniforms keep their shape and performance season after season.
“I have no idea how many thousands of miles are on these shorts. They were with me when I crossed the Atlantic, and they continued to serve me well in the two decades since.”
— Tori Murden McClure, first woman to row solo across the Atlantic
JL’s craftsmanship has also been trusted on some of the sport’s biggest stages, as the trusted performance-gear partner behind the Chanel J12 Boat Race with Oxford and Cambridge, and previously selected by top national teams including the United States, Great Britain, the Netherlands, Germany, Ireland, Mexico, Ukraine and others. These partnerships reflect the standard of reliability and craftsmanship expected at the highest levels of the sport. Long-lasting uniforms save programs money, reduce replacement cycles, and keep athletes comfortable year after year.
5. Pricing and Program Options Designed for Every Team
JL offers flexible purchasing options without compromising quality for any program. Every athlete — from a novice rower ordering their first unisuit to a national team competing on the world stage — receives the same premium construction, the same advanced fabrics, and the same long-term color consistency. We never downgrade materials for “entry-level” teams and we never box programs out with high minimums.
Teams can order through team stores, bulk orders, or fundraising programs depending on what fits their budget and roster size. Most domestic team stores receive free shipping at over $149, and international teams benefit from VAT-inclusive pricing and free shipping in select countries.
Whether you’re outfitting a large collegiate roster or a small club just getting started, JL delivers the same trusted quality, fast production timelines, and seamless customer experience — because every team deserves elite gear.
Whether a program is working within tight financial limits or outfitting elite athletes, JL provides options that maintain the performance, durability, and consistency teams expect from a top-tier brand.
6. Sustainably Powered Manufacturing with Real Oversight
For JL, sustainability goes far beyond marketing language. It’s woven into every step of how we create gear, from responsible material selection to sustainably powered manufacturing, regional production that reduces shipping emissions, long-life durability, and end-of-life solutions through JL RePlay. JL is the only teamwear brand where sustainability is designed into the system, not added on at the end.
Unlike brands that outsource production and have little visibility into how their gear is actually made, JL has direct oversight of its manufacturing, which runs on approximately 90 percent renewable energy through solar, hydroelectric, and geothermal systems. Our cutting processes are designed to reduce waste, our fabrics prioritize bluesign-approved materials and low-to-no PFAS where possible, and our durability-first construction reduces the environmental impact of replacements over time.
This structure isn’t common in teamwear, and it’s a major reason programs choose JL. Teams get gear they can feel good about ethically and environmentally — without sacrificing performance or longevity.
7. Customer Service That Coaches Actually Rely On
JL’s customer service rating sits at an incredible 97 percent. In custom teamwear, that is almost unheard of. Coaches and parent managers consistently tell us that what sets JL apart is our communication, honesty, and ability to actually deliver on what we promise. Last year, more than 95 percent of JL custom race-ready and game-day gear orders were produced in three weeks or less, not including shipping.
We also know that in custom manufacturing, surprises can happen. Fabric shortages, upstream delays, or supply chain issues are a reality for every brand. The difference with JL is how we handle them. Because our brand has full oversight of production from patterning to cutting to sewing, we can identify issues early, communicate quickly, and correct problems before they become major setbacks.
Other suppliers work through layers of vendors and handoffs, which slows down responses and leaves teams frustrated. JL keeps everything connected, which means faster answers, clearer communication, and a team that stays accountable from start to finish.
JL delivers reliability, even when circumstances aren’t perfect. And our customers notice.
8. Art That Makes Switching to JL Effortless
Transitioning your uniform designs shouldn’t be a burden, it should be an upgrade. That’s why JL does not charge art fees on custom designs. You get access to our full in-house design team at no additional cost, so whether you want to match your current look, refine it, or build something entirely new, we make that process easy and collaborative.
We can replicate any design concept in your team colors on all apparel, from unisuits and tops to tights and outerwear. If you can imagine it, our designers can bring it to life with precision and accuracy that honors your branding. When you need to confirm colors or fine-tune a design, we can send mini-prints and swatches to help you refine your colors before anything goes into production.
JL’s art support is built into the custom experience so there are no surprise fees, no extra hurdles, and a process that helps teams feel confident about their gear before production begins.
9. Ordering & Delivery Options That Work for Every Program
Every team has its own rhythm, so JL offers multiple ordering paths that make life easier.
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Team stores let each athlete order their own size and customization and have it shipped directly to their doorstep. This removes the coordination burden from coaches and parent managers completely: no collecting sizes, money, or distributing gear.
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Bulk orders allow programs to manage everything together and receive gear packed exactly how they want it: by contact or by style. This keeps distribution simple, organized, and fast.
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Fundraising stores help teams raise money without lifting a finger. JL runs the design, setup, and fulfillment, while your program earns revenue through spirit-wear sales. JL gives teams flexible ways to order without adding stress, so every program can choose the option that fits their workflow and budget.
10. Custom Production Timelines That Other Brands Can’t Match
Fast, predictable turnaround is one of the biggest pain points in custom teamwear. Many suppliers advertise short timelines, but because they rely on outsourced production, orders often get batched, delayed, or pushed behind larger programs — turning “3–4 weeks” into 6–10 weeks or more.
JL operates differently. Because we oversee our own family-owned, sustainably powered manufacturing, we control the full production process from patterning to cutting to sewing. That’s why over 95 percent of JL custom race-ready and game-day uniforms were produced in three weeks last year (shipping not included).
Teams stick with JL because our timelines are clear and our communication is proactive. If a delay happens, we notify customers immediately and keep them informed every step of the way. That reliability and customer service is one of the biggest reasons programs switch to JL and stay with JL.
The Difference Is Structural
JL’s benefits are not marketing lines. They come from a structure no competitor mirrors. Our ability to fit every athlete, maintain long-term color consistency, use premium fabrics, deliver durable construction, offer flexible pricing programs, operate with sustainable oversight, and provide dependable communication is built into how we operate.
If you want athletes who perform their best, a team that looks unified, and an ordering experience that is predictable and trustworthy, JL is your partner to deliver it.