The Universal Appeal of Rugby Shirts
Get in the scrum spirit, no sports skill require.
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.
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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 baggy Bermuda shorts.
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.
We The Free American Dream polo
In search of a modernized rugby design? Free People’s take on the classic adds lace details, drop-shoulder sleeves and deep pockets for a look that brings feminine aesthetic codes to the traditionally masculine design. Plus, with an intentionally slouchy silhouette, it’s a piece that’s made for layering.
Old Navy ’94 rugby polo
Craving something cropped? Old Navy’s polo shirt — re-released from the brand’s vault of ‘90s designs — blends prep with play. Featuring rib-knit cuffs, a loose fit and a shortened cut that hits just below the belly button, it pairs perfectly with big cargos or high-waisted straight leg jeans. Plus, it’s size-inclusive, ranging up to a 4X.
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 linen shorts and flats for an A+ transitional weather ‘fit.
Levi’s Union rugby shirt
All-American label Levi’s deems the rugby shirt an “everyday essential.” The legacy brand’s take features contrasting stripes that sit in the middle of the shirt, a cotton-twill collar and comfortable ribbed cuffs. The silhouette is characteristically relaxed, while the subtle Levi’s stitching adds some under-the-radar branding.
Kule The Women’s rugby
For those with a taste for minimalism, Kule’s no-frills rugby jersey is an ideal choice. Free of stripes and other embellishments, the brand’s navy rugby is clean, simple and polished.
Made of organic cotton, it has a lightweight feel with a more delicate draping effect. This feminine design can be worn alone or layered under blazers all autumn long.
Guest in Residence striped rugby
Made with cashmere sourced from Mongolia, Guest in Residence’s design puts a luxe spin on the rugby shirt experience. Its ultra-long fit and straight silhouette is designed for all genders, while it’s matcha-black colour blocking crafts an eye-catching aesthetic. Pair with hiked-up socks and sneakers for a beautiful bloke-core finish.
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