ROWTEX Rowing Gloves: The History, the Fit, and the Right Model for You

Blisters, pressure points, raw hands: every rower knows the feeling. It was exactly this problem that got everything started for us more than 20 years ago. In this post, we’ll first tell you how ROWTEX rowing gloves came to be. Then we’ll explain why they fit so snugly, and why that’s intentional. After that, we’ll introduce our four models, LP, SP, LP+ and SP+, and show you how they differ. Finally, you’ll get our sizing advice so you can find the right pair the first time.

Our business began with ROWTEX rowing gloves more than 20 years ago. We especially remember the first training camps on the water after a long winter of indoor training. Our hands had to get used to the oars all over again, and on top of that came the different handle materials, plastic, rubber and wood, in both sculling and sweep rowing. The result was all too familiar to many national team athletes as well: painful blisters, open wounds and sometimes even infections.

Back then, gloves were actually frowned upon in rowing. Still, we wanted to protect our hands and avoid missing training because of blisters. We tried golf gloves, cycling gloves and cross-country ski gloves, but none of them really solved the problem. So we took matters into our own hands, and the idea of dedicated rowing gloves was born.

From these gloves, our entire company gradually grew. Today, ROWTEX rowing gloves are used by thousands of rowers around the world: in elite rowing as support during training, as a trusted companion on long touring trips, and in coastal rowing, where their excellent grip is especially valued.

A rowing glove has to fit snugly, especially when you’re holding the handle. That’s why our gloves are designed with a shortened palm. This means the gloves naturally want to curl slightly inwards, automatically bringing your fingers into the rowing grip position. This prevents creases from forming in the palm, which would otherwise cause pressure points.

This is where the most common buying mistake happens. When you put the glove on for the first time, you instinctively stretch out your fingers and it feels too tight. That’s why many people order a size too big. But this feeling is actually a good sign: if the glove feels tight with your fingers straight and fits perfectly in the grip position, it fits exactly the way it should.

All four models share the shortened-palm fit described above. The palm is made of highly durable Clarino fabric, which provides excellent grip and a long lifespan. At the same time, the material is thin enough that you don’t lose your feel for the boat, because in rowing, control comes from your hands. A soft neoprene cuff at the wrist ensures comfort, and the infinitely adjustable hook-and-loop closure lets you fine-tune the fit to your hand.

The LP (Light Protection) has a single layer of Clarino on the palm and airy mesh on the back of the hand. It’s our all-rounder for summer: lightweight, breathable and with a direct feel for the handle.

The SP (Strong Protection) features foam pads on the most sensitive areas of the palm in addition to the Clarino layer. The airy mesh on the back of the hand provides a cooling effect. It’s ideal for anyone who is especially prone to blisters, and it’s also a summer model.

The LP+ (Light Protection with thermal insulation) has the same features as the LP, with one difference: instead of mesh, the back of the hand features a warming fleece. This makes it the right choice for cold days on the water.

The SP+ (Strong Protection with thermal insulation) combines the padding of the SP with the warming fleece on the back of the hand. Maximum protection against blisters and warm hands, even when the season is still fresh or already autumnal.

The safest way to find your size is with our Size Guide. Simply fill it out, and if you are unsure, our customer service team will be happy to assist you personally.

As a general rule for the reasons mentioned above: choose gloves that fit as snugly as possible. Exposure to wetness and friction causes the fabric to give slightly, and after a few rowing sessions, the gloves will adapt to the shape of your hand. If you already know your glove size, you can choose the same size for ROWTEX rowing gloves. If you are between two sizes, we recommend choosing the smaller one.