One thing’s for sure, right now we’re all in our sporty fashion era. First tenniscore took hold and had us all sporting our best Wimbledon whites, then the Euros had us all fighting to get our hands on the cutest vintage football shirts and now there’s a new wave of sporty style taking hold: it’s time to embrace the rugby shirt.
Originating in the 1800’s as the uniform of choice for rugby leagues, the rugby shirt is most noted for its chunky coloured stripes paired with a contrasting, usually white, collar. This season however it’s made its way off the field and is fast becoming the chicest piece to introduce into your summer wardrobe.
A big part of Dries Van Noten’s Spring/Summer 2024 collection, rugby stripes stretched not just across shirts but through trousers and dresses too, while at DSquared2 they took on a more classic style in traditional shirts worn in slouchy, oversized shapes.
But while the catwalks have provided the perfect starting point, it’s the influencers who have been catching my eye, restyling the humble sweat into something fresh and interesting. Just take a look at Grece Ghanem’s elevated pairing of a rugby shirt and bermuda shorts and Kajsa Ellen’s interesting aesthetic clash, combining the sporty style with a floral midi skirt, to see for yourself.
So, why wait for rugby season to roll around, as these looks prove, it’s trending all year round so it's the perfect time to give them a try (no pun intended).
Shop the best rugby shirts
For an update on a traditional breton stripe tee, this navy and white rugby shirt is a chic option.
With a loose silhouette and classic colourway, this rugby shirt is a cut above all others.
For an elevated feel, I love this modern silhouette from Anthropologie. The neutral dark hues feel elegant amongst the knitted material rather than traditional cotton.
This knitted option is a great year-round investment with an ultra-luxe colour way.
Founded by Gigi Hadid, Guest in Residence uses high quality cashmere in all its designs to ensure it's styles last in your wardrobe for years.
Designed with a slightly cropped length for a modern fit, this striped style from COS offers an updated take on the classic rugby shirt.
This super sleek rugby style knit is made from pure cashmere for an elevated buttery-soft finish.
Made of 100% wool, this rugby polo top is a true wardrobe must-have for the chillier days ahead.
The rugby shirt thrives from interesting colour combinations and this pastel style offers a more subtle yet no less striking take.
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