The Universal Appeal of Rugby Shirts

Love sportswear, but utterly lacking in quick reflexes and hand-eye coordination? You’re in luck! You no longer need to know how to kick a ball to tap into the effortlessly cool essence of on-the-field fashion. Indeed, it seems everyone is dressing like an athlete these days — and the rugby shirt revival is the latest indication.

Look no further than the sports-ification of all sorts of sartorial spaces. Jerseys are inspiring designer dresses. Athletic shorts are sitting front row at fashion week. And "blokecore" — the soccer aesthetic born from British slang — continues to dominate algorithms. As a result, the easy-to-wear rugby shirt has risen to high-fashion status.

Where did the rugby shirt trend come from?

On the runway, it all arguably started at Louis Vuitton’s Fall 2022 show, where rugby shirts were paired with ruffled feminine pieces for an unconventional aesthetic marriage that really worked. Since that viral show (pictured below), the sports-inspired vibes have only gotten stronger, with the Spring 2025 collections showing off all sorts of rugby-reminiscent wares.

Marimekko presented to XL polos as mini dresses. Gucci reimagined the design through fringe. OpéraSport (below) showed sturdy striped polos with dainty satin pants for an expert high-low mix.

In the past year, Hailey Bieber, Chloë Sevigny and Taylor Swift have all stepped out in the top during heavily photographed street style outings. So as we head into autumn, the rugby shirt is understandably the It item of the moment.

But first, what exactly is a rugby shirt?

Featuring a prominent collar and often a striped design, the rugby shirt is similar to a polo top, with a little more heft. But as it has graduated from sweat-wicking uniform to sidewalk statement, the recognizable style has undergone many re-imaginations.

How to style a rugby shirt

On the surface, wearing one out might seem tricky. Stripes are not for everyone, and boxy silhouettes can lead to unwanted lumpy looks. But the magic of the rugby shirt is that it is, in fact, extremely wearable.

You see, these collared chemises mix polished professionalism with relaxed streetwear. The crisp collar gives them a refined air that can be dressed up, while the baggy shape and playful stripes offer a laid-back effect.

A surefire way to ease into the trend is by tucking it into slouchy jeans, à la Hailey Bieber. And don’t be afraid to play with length, whether you opt for an ultra-long pick that doubles as a dress or go for a cropped style that pairs with a maxi skirt.

Another option? Go bold. By pairing the striped style with different textures and patterns, you’ll craft a colour-blocking look that takes fall layering to new heights.

The key here is to embrace the unexpected and get a little weird with it. After all, like sports, fashion is its own kind of game — but here, the key to winning is confidence.

The best rugby shirt picks to shop now

Kotn rugby shirt

Oversized and collegiate, this unisex rugby shirt by Canadian retailer Kotn is a comforting fall pick. Featuring a crisp white collar, its striped design is inspired by Black Mountain College, a progressive art school from the 20th century. Made of a high-quality jersey cotton, it’s a statement piece that sings, whether its styled with a skort or baggy barrel jeans.

Reformation Anna rugby shirt

Reformation’s rugby shirt puts an ultra-striped spin on the age-old design. Featured in both muted and colourful tones, the cropped length gives it a modern freshness. Pair with low waisted jeans — yes, really — for a relaxed take on a collegiate classic.

Daydreamer Amore rugby top

Known for their eye-catching graphics, it’s no surprise that Daydreamer LA’s rugby top is a bold take on the classic collared shirt. Its slouchy silhouette and open collar make for a chic grab-and-go pullover. Tuck into a pleated skirt paired with a tennis shoe for an elevated preppy look. Amore, indeed.

Lioness rugby jersey

The beauty is in the details of this refined rugby jersey. Complete with fine-line detailing and intricate stitching, it brings contemporary sophistication to the age-old design. The crisp white collar and cuffs add polish, while the drop-shoulder design give it a casual touch. Pair with slouchy trousers and flats for an A+ cold-weather ‘fit.

Iets Frans fluffy stripe rugby shirt

If you’re searching for a touch of texture, Iets Frans’ take on the classic style is the way to go. Specializing in modern athleisure, the label transforms the traditional rugby shirt into a luxurious cold-weather staple. Filled with stripes and fuzz, this shirt has all the coziness of a winter pullover with the added playfulness of a sporty summertime design.

COS relaxed rugby shirt

The functional details of this COS striped polo shirt offer an easy approach to the rugby trend. The 100 percent cotton top features a spread collar, wide sleeves and hidden pockets for storage on the go. Its colour-blocked stripes and loose hemline make for effortless layering or statement stand-alone styling. Pair with a slouchy dress pant or denim for an effortless effect.

Guest in Residence striped cashmere rugby

Made with cashmere sourced from Mongolia, Guest in Residence’s design puts a luxe spin on the rugby aesthetic. Its ultra-long fit and straight silhouette is designed for all genders, while its warm-toned stripes make for colour-blocking coolness. Pair with hiked-up socks and sneakers for a beautiful bloke-core finish.