Club blazers at the University Boat Race 2012

Each year in April I look forward to the University Boat Race, which takes place two miles away from Fulham.

The traditional race happens each year in April since 1829 between Oxford and Cambridge universities. It marks the beginning of the regatta season in the UK.

The subdued atmosphere alongside the river Thames from Putney Embankment to Mortlake, would be transformed into a cheerful day with plenty of international media attention.

Cambridge University rowing club officials photographed before the boat race. Photo © Zarina Holmes

Outside the boat race event, the Putney Embankment is where the rowers of the local clubs train for their sport all year round.

During the event, spectators would be occupy the southwest London bridges – Putney, Hammersmith and Chiswick – and areas alongside Bishop’s Park on the north side of the river bank to watch the race.

This is also a good time to spot supporters in their club blazers and varsity colours.

The universities’ rowing teams are represented by two distinctive blue shades – deep blue for Oxford, and light blue for Cambridge.

19-year old coxswain, Ed Bosson, wearing the Cambridge Blue outfit. Bosson looked very determined before the start of the race. Photo © Zarina Holmes

There are many characteristic hats too, depending on the rowing clubs that the wearers represent. It is claimed that different types of blazers may represent the different levels of social hierarchy in rowing.

Some of the men simply chose to wear designer trenchcoats or sports jackets instead. A few younger men would dress down traditional club blazers with denim pants, which worked quite well.

The key look is smart casual, with a touch of the traditional.

The club blazers have inspired fashion houses such as Hackett, Burberry, Ralph Lauren, Jack Wills and J-Crew.