{"id":102618,"date":"2025-08-28T18:20:37","date_gmt":"2025-08-28T18:20:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/102618\/"},"modified":"2025-08-28T18:20:37","modified_gmt":"2025-08-28T18:20:37","slug":"the-rugby-shirt-trend-renaissance-explained-why-ive-worn-rugby-shirts-all-along","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/102618\/","title":{"rendered":"The Rugby Shirt Trend Renaissance Explained\u2014Why I’ve Worn Rugby Shirts All Along"},"content":{"rendered":"

According to Google Trends<\/a>, the rugby shirt <\/a>hasn\u2019t been this popular since 2007. I\u2019m not all that surprised, as I\u2019ve been tracking its slow and steady return since spring 2024. I haven\u2019t been particularly quiet about it, either. I\u2019ve made TikToks about their comeback, written endlessly about them on my Substack, trademarked<\/a>, and wear mine constantly.<\/p>\n

As a lifetime truther, I have deep opinions on what makes a good rugby<\/a> great. To me, the best ones are either thrifted, found on eBay, or borrowed from a man in your life (grandfather, boyfriend, husband, brother, dad\u2026take \u2018em all). Also, I\u2019m of the camp that rugbys should have a white collar, heavyweight cotton fabric (although I love the sweater varieties in winter), and, ideally, elbow patches.<\/p>\n

Rugby shirts belong in the same category as perfectly worn denim or a great baseball cap: the good ones are built to last, and they get better with age. If you can\u2019t close your eyes and envision yourself wearing the same one in 20 years, you\u2019re doing it wrong.<\/p>\n

\n

\"women\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n

You\u2019ll usually find me wearing my dad\u2019s 30-year-old rugby with wide-leg jeans and loafers<\/a> for dinners, panels, or even a first date. Other times it\u2019s my airport uniform: an aged baseball cap, Dries sneakers<\/a>, my rugby, and leggings<\/a> with longer socks. Most notably, it was my \u201clucky\u201d shirt during Kamala Harris\u2019s campaign<\/a> last fall, meaning I wore it to phonebank almost every week.<\/p>\n

While I\u2019ve never needed external validation for my rugby devotion<\/a>, last spring I did start noticing them being worn more frequently by my favorite trend bellwether: the Elusive (International) Hot Girls, coined by me on trademarked<\/a>. These are women who move through cities and countries with ease, and whose wardrobes reflect a life that\u2019s deeply personal yet hard to replicate. I\u2019ve spotted them wearing rugbys in the Hamptons with poplin boxer shorts<\/a> and metallic sneakers<\/a>; in Marylebone this spring with wide-leg (khaki!) pants<\/a>; and over fall and winter, chic vintage rugbys were layered over post-Pilates leggings<\/a>, as seen around pockets of NYC on a Tuesday morning.<\/p>\n

\n

\"Tariro\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Tariro Makoni)<\/p>\n

\n

\"Tariro\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Tariro Makoni)<\/p>\n

Finally, we have the data to confirm my observations, and it feels glorious. Which is also what my monthly column, status symbols, exists to track: the convergence of data, personal allegiance, and observational momentum. With that, here\u2019s a quick edit of the best rugbys (vintage and new) below.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n

\"ebay,\n<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

Ralph Lauren<\/p>\n

Vintage 90’s Yellow Ralph Lauren Polo Rugby<\/p>\n

If you love the idea of wearing a rugby, but you\u2019re afraid of the stripes (don\u2019t be, they go with everything!), this one is the perfect place to start. <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n

\"Carolyn\n<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

SEA<\/p>\n

Carolyn Appliqu\u00e9d Embroidered Striped Cotton-Jersey Polo Shirt<\/p>\n

A darling and modern twist on the rugby. Embroidered everything is a rising moment for fall! <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n

\"Riis\n<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

K.ngsley<\/p>\n

Riis Cotton Polo Shirt<\/p>\n

The fashion girl\u2019s dream! This is the rugby I saw styled with poplin shorts out east. Buy a size up for a more boyish fit, or true-to-size if you want something more structured and preppy.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n

\"Pegasus\n<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

K.ngsley<\/p>\n

Pegasus Cutout Striped Cotton Polo Shirt<\/p>\n

Speaking of\u00a0K.ngsley, I also\u00a0looove\u00a0the long version. I saw this one more in the city this spring, with a pair of vintage Levis and\u00a0Havaianas\u00a0flip-flops.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n

\"Men's\n<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

Rowing Blazers<\/p>\n

Block Stripe Rugby <\/p>\n

Of course I have to mention Rowing Blazers! The modern icon.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n

\"EmporoiSeven,\n<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

EmporoiSeven<\/p>\n

Vintage Polo Ralph Lauren Green Plaid Rugby Longsleeve Shirt<\/p>\n

Tartan is another print that is back for fall. I couldn\u2019t imagine a better combo than wearing it in vintage rugby form! <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n

\"Striped\n<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

Loewe<\/p>\n

Striped Cotton Fleece Polo Sweater<\/p>\n

To me, rugbys are unisex. This men\u2019s one from Loewe is\u2026perfect. The weight of the cotton, the saturation of color,\u00a0the gym teacher of it all\u2014it\u2019s just special!<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n

\"a\n<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

Ralph Lauren<\/p>\n

Vintage 90s Mens Polo Rugby Shirt<\/p>\n

Three words: Vintage + Elbow Patches.\u00a0Ralph Lauren is such a classic, there’s simply no better note to end on! <\/p>\n

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