The iconic rugby shirt has always been connoted with preppy style, but its history is much deeper than that. Sure, these tops are stylish enough for a casual outing, but they remain sturdy enough to tackle the field — or, more accurately, your opponent on the field. Although the polo-adjacent silhouette was once tailored toward pro-league paddocks and Ivy League campus quads, it’s more recently been adopted by high-end labels, and we can’t help but admire the classic iterations that made it so popular. So, whether you want to harp on the classic silhouette’s trendy revival or simply have always appreciated the timeless preppy athletic style, our guide to the best rugby shirts for men will have you ready for your next scrum.
The Best Rugby Shirts
What is a rugby shirt?
Rugby shirts (or jerseys) were invented in England and are designed for playing the sport. They were originally made with cotton and had five or six horizontal stripes, a stiff collar, and rubber buttons. Modern rugby players have opted for synthetic materials that are closer fitting and better at controlling sweat, but these classic designs are still popular today as far as style is concerned (and they’re still pretty rugged too). Rugby shirts are also stitched from heavy-gauge knit, not pique, and they’re engineered to take a beating. Finally, rugby shirts are traditionally doused in playful palettes executed via the previously mentioned stripes.
rugby shirts vs. polo shirts
A prototypical rugby top is defined by several things that separate it from the polo shirt. Generally, you’ll see a two-or-three button placket and collar made from non-ribbed cotton twill in a contrasting color from the rugby shirt’s body, usually white. Also, polo shirts are generally lighter than rugby shirts, so the difference really comes down to the style and weight.
What to look for
Material: If you want a traditional look and feel, then a majority cotton blend is the best choice. But if you plan on playing rugby professionally (or just want more options), then a majority synthetic shirt might be up your alley.
Design: The main choice here comes down to going with short or long sleeves, and this is really a personal preference, but short sleeves are more common professionally. So if you’re going to wear your rugby shirt during a game (professional or not), then short sleeves are best.
Patterns: The iconic stripes and colors on a rugby shirt are a big part of the style and fun. They’re mostly for fashion purposes now, but they used to represent your team. So if you want a classic look, go for the stripes.
Everlane The Premium-Weight Rugby Shirt
Pros
- Made with organic cotton
Cons
- No traditional stripes
The Sustainable Pick: Everlane is an expert at crafting sustainable and accessible clothing, and this rugby shirt is another addition to the label’s green lineup. This vintage-inspired shirt is made with organic cotton and features a rib-knit collar along with ribbed cuffs. Although there aren’t any stripes on this particular shirt, the lowkey look allows for more versatile style choices.
J.Crew Short-Sleeve Rugby Shirt
Pros
- Side vents
- Traditional rubber buttons
Cons
- Some may want long sleeves
The Best Short-Sleeve Shirt: J.Crew knows a thing or two about east coast prep style, especially when you account for its Big Apple stomping grounds. Its archival pick was designed in the ‘80s, only to be revitalized in the 2010s without changing a single thing. The short-sleeved option is rounded out with a twill placket and rubber buttons, making for a nostalgia-inducing choice at an affordable price that doesn’t skimp on style.
Polo Ralph Lauren The Iconic Rugby Shirt
Pros
- Durable
- Old-school look and design
Cons
- N/A
The Classic Pick: Ralph Lauren is one of the fashion industry’s leading names, leaving no surprise as to why the designer’s Polo brand appears here. Polo Ralph Lauren’s Iconic Rugby Shirt speaks for itself, managing to blend preppy fashion with sporty apparel to the point that it sets a standard for the silhouette. It boasts all the traditional elements that make one of these tops an undeniable classic, like a white-pointed collar and concealed pocket. There are two collars to choose from, either of which will age gracefully.
Withernot Ulysses Rugby Shirt
Pros
- Design was influenced by climbers
- Very rugged
Cons
- Might be heavy for some
The Best Outdoors-Inspired Shirt: If you’re looking for one of the most traditional options imaginable, Withernot is a perfect brand to consider. The up-and-coming brand’s heavyweight Ulysses Rugby is crafted from 10.5-ounce cotton with a 12-gauge knit, ensuring that it’s built to last as long as you need it to. For an added touch of authenticity, it’s inspired by ‘70s-and-‘80s-era climbing rugby shirts that have been donned by the likes of countless celebrities, going to show it’s good enough for anyone and everyone.
Carhartt WIP Tork Stripe Rugby Shirt
Pros
- Streetwear meets sportswear
Cons
- N/A
The Best Midweight Shirt: Like anything from Carhartt WIP, the sublabel’s Tork Stripe Rugby serves as the perfect bridge between streetwear and workwear. The midweight option is put together from yarn-dyed cotton jersey material to assure you that it’s built to last, then rounded out with a white contrast collar and ribbed cuffs to make it as timeless as it is sturdy. If you prefer a more stylish option but are still in the market for durability, then this is an ideal pick-up.
Billy Reid L/S Terry Rugby Polo
Pros
- Lightweight and versatile
Cons
- Not traditional
The Softest Shirt: Although rugby shirts were created across the pond, Americans are crazy about them. And Billy Reid certainly knows how to make clothing that’s inspired by and speaks to America, with a modern southern take. This shirt is made with a soft and lightweight cotton terry fabric, and has a subtle design that makes it more wearable (even as a layer if you wanted to). So if you’re looking for a modern and versatile rugby shirt, Billy Reid is the answer.
Reigning Champ Monogram Rugby Shirt
Pros
- Made by hand in Canada
- Classic collar and buttons
Cons
- Lacking the classic stripes
The Best Slim-Fit Shirt: Reigning Champ has been elevating sportswear since 2007 while blending active and street styles. The rugby shirt itself is a piece of sportswear that’s been elevated into the world style, so you can trust that this Monogram Rugby Shirt from the brand was designed with care. It’s made with cotton milled in Canada and features a classic twill collar, a three-button placket, and the label’s monogram embroidered on the left chest.
Rowing Blazers Jagger Stripe Rugby
Pros
- Handmade in Europe
- Traditionally knit
Cons
- Some prefer lighter weights
The Best Heavyweight Shirt: If you’re a proponent of the rugby shirt’s rapid revival, then you can thank Rowing Blazers and its cheeky take on classic east coast prep style for managing to have a hand in it. The New York-bred label offers over a dozen different takes on the timeless top, with this choice proving to be one of its most stylish. The Blocks Stripe Rugby comes available in ten striking color combos that will all surely serve as the loudest in the room. Like all of RB’s rugby shirts, it is crafted from heavyweight 14oz cotton and rounded out with a traditional three-button placket.
Rag and Bone Eton Rugby Cotton Jersey
Pros
- Soft yet durable
Cons
- Dry clean only
The Best Relaxed Fit Shirt: Much like the rugby shirt, Rag and Bone has a story that’s influenced by many cultures. The New York-based label blends American workwear and British tailoring together to create lasting pieces without any shortcuts. Just like this rugby shirt that’s made with soft cotton, and all the style of the classic design. With ribbed cuffed sleeves and a woven collar, this updated design is guaranteed to last in terms of style and material.
The Best Knitted Polos for This Summer
If you can’t get enough of the retro look that’s got the fashion world in a chokehold, you should get some extra help from our guide to the best knitted polos.
