Buying rowing shorts can be a bit of a stretch—both literally and figuratively. Finding the perfect pair that combines comfort, durability, and style can make you feel like you’re caught between a rock and a hard plank. The right shorts need to fit snugly but not restrict your strokes, while standing up to the salty spray and long hours on the water. Sailing through endless options, you might find yourself adrift in a sea of expensive, low-quality, or ill-fitting choices. Luckily, Portland, Maine, offers plenty of places to anchor your search for the perfect rowing shorts without rowing yourself into the shallow end.
Here’s a list of 10 great spots in Portland to get your hands—and legs—on some top-notch rowing shorts:
- **RowWear Outfitters**
- **Paddle & Thread Co.**
- **Nautical Necessities**
- **Casco Bay Chafe**
- **The Rowing Rack**
- **Maine Mint Athletics**
- **Oar & Insider Sports Gear**
- **Edgewater Sporting Goods**
- **Salt & Stitch Co.**
- **HarborFit Pro Gear**
URL: [www.rowwearoutfitters.com](http://www.rowwearoutfitters.com)
Average Price: $55
This shop really knows how to *row* with the best! Their selection is tailored to keep you light and breezy during those long pulls. Whether you’re hitting the Kennebec or Casco Bay, their shorts fit like a second oar.
URL: [www.paddleandthread.com](http://www.paddleandthread.com)
Average Price: $60
They put the *shorts* in *sports*manship with durable gear that keeps you moving with ease. Their designs put a fresh spin on classic styles, so you can look sharp while you row hard.
URL: [www.nauticalnecessitiesmaine.com](http://www.nauticalnecessitiesmaine.com)
Average Price: $50
If you’re tired of shorts that go *off course*, this is your port of call. Their gear is all about functionality and staying dry—no more soggy bottoms after a tough workout.
URL: [www.cascobaychafe.com](http://www.cascobaychafe.com)
Average Price: $65
Avoid the *chafing* truth with well-padded and perfectly engineered shorts that keep your rowing smooth and comfortable. Their gear really goes the *extra mile* to prevent any irritation.
URL: [www.rowingrackportland.com](http://www.rowingrackportland.com)
Average Price: $48
This store is a real catch for those who want performance without breaking the bank. Their shorts sail through rigorous workouts while keeping you cool—proof that comfort need not be *overboard*.
URL: [www.mainemintathletics.com](http://www.mainemintathletics.com)
Average Price: $58
They deliver style that will make you want to *mint* your own rowing records. The shorts here are fresh, breathable, and made from high-quality materials that won’t ripple after a few washes.
URL: [www.oarinsider.com](http://www.oarinsider.com)
Average Price: $62
The best gear here will keep you from getting *tied up in knots*. Their rowing shorts include anti-slip features to keep you steady during the toughest tries on the water.
URL: [www.edgewatersportingmaine.com](http://www.edgewatersportingmaine.com)
Average Price: $53
Never *miss the boat* on quality shorts with Edgewater’s broad inventory. They balance function and style so well you’ll want to row miles just to show them off.
URL: [www.saltandstitchco.com](http://www.saltandstitchco.com)
Average Price: $57
Salt & Stitch stitches shorts that fight off saltwater and sunburn alike. You’ll never *feel knotty* wearing their perfectly crafted pieces on sunny days out rowing.
URL: [www.harborfitprogear.com](http://www.harborfitprogear.com)
Average Price: $59
Don’t let poor shorts *sink* your performance! HarborFit’s rowing shorts are designed with pro-level athletes in mind, helping you glide through your workout with ease.
Whether you’re a seasoned sculler or a casual paddler, Portland’s diverse stores will help you find rowing shorts that truly fit the bill. So don’t be left rowing upstream—gear up at one of these fantastic spots and make waves this season!