A few years ago, Tudor, the renowned watch brand and sponsor of the legendary New Zealand All Blacks, invited a journalist to an unconventional press event: the chance to train with the world’s most formidable rugby team. While the “training” turned out to be more of a gentle coaching session with stars like Beauden Barrett and TJ Perenara, the experience was memorable — not least because of the tailored All Blacks rugby shirt he received. Unlike the heavy cotton jerseys worn during school rugby days, this modern shirt was made of technical fabric that contoured to the torso, offering a flattering fit and a contemporary design with a V-neck rather than the traditional collar and buttons. It immediately became a staple for gym sessions, proving that the right fit and fabric can enhance both appearance and confidence.
Yet when most people hear “rugby shirt,” their minds still conjure up the classic style — thick cotton, white collars, horizontal stripes — garments that speak more to fashion than the actual sport. Much like the polo shirt, cricket sweater, or tennis shoe, the rugby shirt has become one of those pieces that bridges the gap between sportswear and everyday style, appreciated even by those who’ve never set foot on a pitch. This nostalgic appeal is helping drive a broader resurgence of rugby shirts in menswear collections across the globe.
Drake’s, the British brand known for refined classics, offers rugby shirts in a range of traditional and inventive styles. While most follow the familiar template of heavyweight cotton with contrasting collars, there are notable variations in merino wool, linen, and cotton blends. The merino versions, available in understated colors like green, grey, red, and navy, present a more polished alternative to a smart polo shirt. These merino iterations also nod to rugby’s past — a time when wool was the dominant fabric for sports uniforms before the rise of breathable cotton.
For those seeking luxury, Guest in Residence — the brand founded by Gigi Hadid — puts an opulent spin on the classic with striped cashmere rugby shirts. Despite America’s limited engagement with rugby, the country has embraced the shirt as a fashion icon. Ralph Lauren has long championed it, drawn to its roots in British sporting heritage. The brand’s “Iconic Rugby Shirt” comes in a variety of bold stripes, even though it curiously features the brand’s polo player emblem. Another American label, Rowing Blazers, created by former U.S. national rowing team coxswain Jack Carlson, blends preppy style with irreverent charm. Their rugby shirts feature not only bright stripes and zig-zags but also whimsical embroidery of characters like Paddington Bear, Babar the Elephant, and Winnie-the-Pooh. Collaborations with groups like the Explorers Club, Harry’s New York Bar, and even the Grateful Dead add a playful edge to the collection.
Back in the UK, Patrick Grant brings both credibility and craft to the revival. Known for his appearances on The Great British Sewing Bee, Grant is also the owner of Community Clothing, a brand committed to revitalizing British manufacturing by creating timeless, locally-made clothing. Community Clothing’s rugby shirts stand out not just for their quality, but for their authenticity. Grant, who played rugby for Scotland’s under-18 and under-19 teams in the late 1980s and early ’90s, used his own collection of match-worn shirts as inspiration. The final design was based on a Welsh jersey he had swapped after an international game and recreated using traditional materials like heavy cotton jersey, woven collars, herringbone tape, and rubber buttons.
All Community Clothing’s rugby shirts are crafted by Roy Powley and his team near the town of Rugby — the birthplace of the sport itself. Powley has been making rugby jerseys for over 30 years, and he leads a small team that specializes exclusively in this garment. The shirts come in a variety of stripe patterns and bold color combinations, handcrafted with the same attention to detail and durability as their predecessors. Grant believes this craftsmanship, along with the shirt’s visual appeal, contributes to its rising popularity. He notes that the rugby shirt gives men an easy way to experiment with vibrant colors that might otherwise feel intimidating. One best-selling model, for example, boasts cerise, magenta, and green stripes — colors rarely seen in the average male wardrobe.
The rugby shirt’s charm also lies in its versatility. Grant emphasizes how it can be styled both casually and smartly: layered under a wool sweater for a semi-polished look or worn with jeans or shorts for a laid-back outfit. He finds them ideal for everyday tasks — even gardening — and appreciates how they age gracefully with wear. As the fabric softens and fades, the shirts take on a character of their own. High-quality construction ensures they can last for decades.
Durability, ease of care, and timelessness make the rugby shirt a uniquely functional piece of fashion. Grant describes it as “bomb proof,” designed to withstand the physical demands of rugby but equally adept at handling the trials of modern life. Whether it’s a thirty-year-old shirt still in rotation or a newly purchased one tossed into a travel bag, these garments offer both style and substance. Their resilience, low-maintenance nature, and adaptability have made them a quiet staple of the evolving men’s casual wardrobe. As Grant puts it, a good rugby shirt isn’t just an outfit — it’s a reliable companion.
Related Topics
- Emily Farrell Tees Off a Fashion Revolution in Women’s Golf with Abendroth Golf
- Hailey Bieber Collaborates on Husband Justin’s New Clothing Line SKYLRK
- Spring 2025 Style Alert: The Best Dress Shirts Every Man Should Own
