In any man’s wardrobe, a rugby shirt is an absolute staple. Whether they’re built to be tugged at for 80 minutes during a gruelling match or made for casual wear, men’s rugby shirts are an essential piece of sports attire, embraced both on and off the field.
Initially, rugby players wore white button-front shirts, white trousers, and a bow tie for their games. It’s as if they were getting dressed up for a candlelight dinner, not to play a rigorous sport while rolling around in the dirt. It took a few years for the O.G rugby players to hang up their tweed shirts and ditch the bowties, but once they did, thankfully, they began rocking team shirts and jerseys.
Shortly after it debuted, rugby shirts became a sought-after piece of sports apparel, recognised for their durability without compromising comfort. Now, these shirts are almost worn more off the field than on as it’s highly versatile piece of clothing and offers different looks.
If you’re looking to upgrade your athletic wear and are partial to the preppy rubgy vibe, we’ve come up with a list of brands serving the coolest rugby shirts and jerseys – an array of styles and patterns we know you’ll love. It doesn’t matter if you’re after a soft, breathable shirt perfect for the summer or a heavy, rugged knit to endure the colder months; we have you covered.
Ralph Lauren
1/15
Price: From $138
Sizes: XS-XXL
Ralph Lauren once said, “colour is capable of changing the way you feel and the way you act,” so it’s no wonder the sport range includes some of the brightest and boldest looks. Founded in 1967, Ralph Lauren has always created authentic, timeless apparel manufactured by the finest, high-quality materials.
Taking sports apparel to another level, you’re sure to find some of the most fashionable rugby shirts in the Ralph Lauren collection. Many of these shirts are 100% cotton featuring the famous Ralph Lauren logo and are ultra-soft and comfy, suitable for lounging around. You’re sure to make a fashion statement on the field as their range is the perfect blend of preppy and slick sporty style.
Drake's
2/15
Price: From $245
Sizes: XXS-XXL
If you’re looking for a luxurious brand, check out Drake’s rugby shirt range, as their designs are the pinnacle of British elegance. Founded in East London in the late 70s, Drake’s began manufacturing scarves, shawls, and plaids. After expanding to a more diverse collection of men’s apparel, Drake cultivated loyal customers worldwide.
Drake’s create fashionable sportswear as they believe being off duty is no excuse for style to suffer. Their shirts are highly functioning as they come with chest pockets, rubber buttons, and ribbed cuffs. But they’re also very striking, available in various colours, featuring contrasting patterns and stripes while drawing influence from vintage style.
Rowing Blazers
3/15
Price: From $195
Sizes: XS-XXXL
Rowing Blazers is an American clothing brand founded by Jack Carlson in 2017. Known for incorporating traditional craftsmanship with a dash of panache, you’re sure to find a fun design featuring bright and bold colours. Rowing Blazers are so distinct because they draw inspiration from sport, travel, preppy culture, the 80s and 90s cultural tropes, Oxbridge style, Japan’s subversive take on ‘Ivy’, and hip-hop culture.
Extremely heavyweight, the Rowing Blazers shirts add comfort and layering, perfect for playing sport in colder weather. With a rugby collar, three-button placket, and gorgeous rib knit cuffs, these shirts are convenient while still being fun and a little provocative. Aiming to bring life to the sport, Rowing Blazers are redefining preppy school style.
Todd Snyder
4/15
Price: From $148
Sizes: XS-XXL
Since launching his label in 2011, Todd Snyder infused his love for New York City into his collection while upgrading how modern men present themselves. Offering the finest accessories, statement pieces, and custom suiting, Todd Snyder reflects classic American style.
Todd Snyder offers both long sleeve and short sleeve designs, meaning they offer shirts suitable for all types of weather. The collar and placket are sustainably made from white cotton twill and feature authentic rubber buttons. These shirts are also tailor-made to be a flattering fit so that you can feel super confident on (or off) the field.
Noah
5/15
Price: From $188
Sizes: XS-XXL
Noah is one of the most fly menswear brands out there right now as they’re currently dishing up a 70s vibe. Drawing influence from a mix of iconic artists and musicians, Noah’s collection is timeless while embracing gender fluidity with rich textured fabrics, made to capture individuality. Their designs are ethically produced too.
Noah’s rugby shirts are constructed with brushed-back fleece and feature their colourful embroidered logo on the front. They also offer a selection of long-sleeved polos and shirts if you’re after that extra coverage.
Club Monaco
6/15
Price: From $99
Sizes: XXS-L
Club Monaco, defined as “affordable luxury”, is ideal for the modern man seeking out sportswear apparel without breaking the bank. Club Monaco launched in 1985 and was founded on the dream to create “better basics” through their classic, chic, and effortless pieces. They are genuinely producing the most detail-oriented clothing as the brand infuse high-quality textiles, materials, and fabrics into all of their designs.
Club Monaco’s rugby shirts are made out of 100% recycled cashmere and offer a three-button half placket with a spread collar, long sleeves, ribbed cuffs, and hem. Perfect for wearing on and off the field, these luxe shirts feel soft and easy to move in while still being stylish.
Gant
7/15
Price: From $130
Sizes: XS-5XL
Gant is an American Swedish clothing brand founded on the idea to ‘never stop learning’. Keeping to this theme, Gant has continued to evolve its style, refinding the casual-yet-smart look. Modelling its designs on Ivy League college attire and classic American sportswear, you’re sure to find something a little more sophisticated.
Gant has a wide selection of rugby shirts, available in all different types of tops that are long-sleeved, heavyweight, short-sleeved, and polos. Their shirts are super soft and comfy, courtesy of their sustainable cotton design.
Tommy Hilfiger
8/15
Price: From $80
Sizes: XS-XXXL
Tommy Hilfiger has been the purveyors of classic, American relaxed style since 1985. Founded by Tommy Hilfiger himself, in the late 70s, Hilfiger moved to Manhattan- the epicentre of design and fashion, to start his clothing line. Since then, the brand has accumulated over $6 billion in global retail sales and has opened stores in over 100 countries. Drawing influence from pop culture and Americana heritage, the brand has a creative vision to break conventions and embrace individuality.
If you’re after something putting a modern twist on tradition, check out Tommy Hilfiger’s colourful shirts. Made from pure cotton, these shirts feature a polo neck collar, signature tape on the neckline, and a Tommy Hilfiger monogram on the front of the design. Also, many of these shirts are made with pure jersey cotton for a relaxed and comfy fit.
RM Williams
9/15
Price: From $110
Sizes: S-5XL
Born in 1932, RM Williams began producing handcrafted Chelsea boots for the harsh, treacherous Australian outback. Since then, the brand expanded to create all types of men’s footwear, clothing, and accessories. RM Williams uses the Australian bush as inspiration, helping them curate a range of classic and timeless looks, including their polos and trans-seasonal rugby approved shirts.
RM Williams’ shirts are super soft and are 100% cotton. Their shirts are available in long and short sleeves, with different patterns as well – whether you’re looking for a more simplistic design or you’re after a shirt with stripes. The heavyweight jersey knits feature a contrast twill collar, an embroidered chest logo, and a concealed button placket; suitable for the colder months.
AMI
10/15
Price: From $289
Sizes: S-XXL
Alexandre Mattiussi founded AMI after he studied at the Duperré fashion design school in Paris. The name AMI comes from the french word for ‘friends’ and plays around with the initials of Alexandre Mattiussi. Created for the modern Parisian man, their collection is inspired by the city while blurring the boundaries between casual and chic.
Their stripy team shirts come in several colours and feature a twill weave collar, super stylish AMI logo embroidered on the chest, and a two-button placket. This is the perfect casual rugby shirt for a lazy day on the couch, as it’s a carefree and straightforward design.
Dickies
11/15
Dickies is dedicated to the needs and feedback of its customer by producing high-quality workwear, which has helped them transform from a small bib overall company to the largest retail manufacturer in the world. Dickies offers a vast range of work garments for the average labourer, from work pants, work shirts, denim jeans, and most importantly, rugby shirts.
If you’re looking for a rugged shirt built to endure wear and tear, then look no further. Dickie’s casual shirts are worn for everyday comfort – a staple for the wardrobe if you will. Their shirts are crafted from soft cotton and promise a relaxed fit, complete with snug ribbed cuffs and a woven brand logo on the chest.
Mackintosh
12/15
Price: From $200
Sizes: S-XL
In 1824 Mackintosh quickly rose to prominence for being influential coat makers. The company is recognised for creating high-quality apparel and constantly evolving its style to keep up with trends. Though Mackinstock is synonymous with its outerwear products, they’ve also branched out to make casual menswear.
Offering some of the most stylish shirts, Mackintosh’s designs come in an array of visually striking soft colours. The shirts are also highly functional with their soft knitted construction, short front button, spread collar, and long sleeves. Shirts have also been made from 100% wool, securing ultimate comfort and warmth.
MJ Bale
13/15
Price: From $129
Sizes: XXS-XXXL
MJ Bale is an Australian-gentlemen’s clothier founded by Matt Jensen in 2009. The company is known for tailoring its clothes with natural fibres, in particular Australian merino wool. MJ Bale always aims to create products with integrity, tenets of provenance, authenticity, and character. They also make clothing for famous athletes and are the official tailors to the Australian Test cricket side & Wallabies.
Their jersey cotton men’s rugby style shirts are a nod to the golden age of Australian rugby, and their fabric is woven from 100% organic cotton, maintaining shape and breathability. Shirts also include a contrast texture collar, placket opening, and vintage rubber buttons – a perfect blend of casual and smart.
Lands' End
14/15
Price: From $78
Sizes: S-XXL
Lands’ End is all about providing “Sunday comfort” for your everyday wardrobe. If you’re looking for super soft attire, Lands’ End has you covered as they make comfort a priority for everything they design – whether it’s their winter coats, boots, or jumpers; soft fabrics are a part of the Lands’ End DNA.
You’ll love their striped shirts as they’re substantial yet breathable 100% cotton. The stripes are vibrant and bold, ensuring you’ll add a pop of colour to the sport. As for the details, the shirts have twill tape on the placket, rib-knit cuffs, and long sleeves. You’re sure to feel super free and snug in these well-crafted shirts.
Paul Smith
15/15
Price: From $150
Sizes: XS-XXL
Paul Smith is Britain’s foremost designer brand as it’s known for its creative aesthetic, which seamlessly blends tradition and modernity. Launching in 1970, the company has always strived to create ‘classic with a twist ’ pieces. The Paul Smith quote, ‘you can find inspiration in everything’, is embedded into the brand as they mix high art and street style influences regularly in the collection.
Featuring rugby shirts with ‘artist stripe’ placket linings and an oversized Paul Smith signature logo patch, you’re sure to look super chic in this sportswear attire. Also, shirts are made with 100% organically grown cotton and include a colour-block panelled design with a classic contrasting white collar. These are timeless designs, suitable for both on and off the field.