How to Wear a Rugby Shirt
Menswear Style Guide
Let’s be clear from the very beginning, we’re talking about a style of shirt here. The rugby shirt has transcended the sport itself. You don’t have to be an upper-middle class dad who pines for Clarkson-era Top Gear and the absolute pinnacle of British engineering in order to own a rugby shirt these days. It’s 2026, we’ve reclaimed the rugby shirt. And by ‘we’, we mean you, us, stylish men all over the world. Learn how to style an important weapon in your menswear arsenal.
What is a rugby polo shirt?
A rugby polo shirt is a durable, long-sleeved cotton shirt with two or three buttons hidden behind a plaquart, which sits below a traditionally stiff collar.
Where did the rugby shirt come from?
There’s no trick answer here. If you were half-expecting us to tell you they’re just a particular style of shirt designed by Mr. Jean-Baptiste Rugby in the 1800s, which carry his name to this day, well, we’d forgive you. Alas, rugby shirts came from the sport of rugby.
What is the difference between a polo shirt and a rugby shirt?
Polo shirts are generally lightweight base layers for everyday wear. Rugby shirts are generally a little more heavy duty and more durable, originally designed to withstand the physical battering of a rugby match.
Is a rugby shirt just a long sleeve polo?
No, not at all. If you wore a long-sleeved polo whilst playing rugby, there’s a solid chance you have it ripped off your back. A rugby shirt would do just fine, and it provides a more relaxed, boxier fit.
Are rugby shirts smart casual?
In a word, yes.
How should a men's rugby shirt fit?
Rugby shirts should fit a little loose and boxy, creating a relaxed silhouette.
Are rugby shirts meant to be tucked in?
Again, this depends on the fit. If you’re going for a super casual look with shorts, for example, then it’s best not to tuck. If you’re going for a smarter style with tailored trousers or jeans, we’d recommend tucking.
Are rugby polos in fashion?
Rugby polo shirts are very much in fashion right now. Whether you’re a rugby connoisseur, a football fan, a snooker enthusiast, or completely disinterested in all sports, it doesn’t matter. If you’re a fan of looking good, rugby polos are extremely relevant.
The return of striped rugby shirts
Striped rugby shirts are an all-time classic of the sport/fashion crossover genre. There’s just something about those horizontal stripes, or hoops, that keeps them coming back into style again and again. A solid investment for your wardrobe.
Different types of men's rugby shirts
Actual rugby shirts used in professional rugby are an altogether different beast now. They’re ultra lightweight, tight-fitting, collarless things designed for sports performance and with minimal material for opponents to cling onto. Rugby polo shirts have evolved too. A few different styles for your consideration below.
Striped rugby shirts
Striped Rugby Shirts are a tradition as old as the sport itself. Sure, you get the odd quartered shirt, and they’re iconic too, but striped shirts are proper.
Contrast collar rugby shirts
Another classic trope of a rugby shirt is the instantly recognisable contrast collar. Usually a white or ecru collar against a darker block colour or combination of colours in the case of striped shirts.
Embroidered rugby shirts
Sports shirts and jerseys at professional level tend to have cheap, iron-on patches and embellishments because professional clubs all have professional sports scientists feeding them nonsense about ‘marginal gains’ that will help them win the league, in their professional opinion, as if an iron-on badge is going to save them from relegation. Absolute trollop.
Perci’s Embroidered Rugby Shirts are designed for style, quality, and a long life. Pseudoscience that, if you dare.
Rugby sweaters
One of the great joys of a rugby polo is that they work as either a shirt or a sweater. They occupy the liminal space between the two.
How to style a rugby polo
As with all outfits, it’s about how you style it as well as what you wear. How are we going about rugby polos, then? Let’s have a look.
Rugby shirt with jeans
A classic look. Tucked into a pair of Jeans, a rugby shirt creates a smart casual look that is difficult to rival. Untucked, you get a casual fit for just about any situation.
Rugby shirt with tailored trousers
If pairing with Tailored Trousers, definitely tuck in. Those trousers are tailored for a reason, so show them off. A tucked rugby shirt will give you a superb smart casual look—the stiff collar maintains a level of formality, whilst the overall look creates a sense of ease.
How to layer a long sleeve rugby shirt
A rugby shirt can be a midlayer or a base layer. Actually, if the autumn is as alarmingly warm as the summer has been, a rugby shirt would be a superb outer layer too. Make sure you wear something with a relaxed fit over the top of it, since rugby shirts are naturally a little boxy and thick. A gilet also works here.
Are you supposed to wear anything under a rugby shirt?
You don’t have to wear anything under a rugby shirt, but you absolutely can. That’s the beauty of a rugby shirt—it’s equally comfortable as a stand-alone shirt, or on top of a clean white tee (white is going to go with whatever colourway of rugby shirt you opt for, as it’ll likely be visible at the upper chest if unbuttoned).
Women’s Rugby Polo Shirts
Generally speaking, women’s rugby polo shirts tend to be a little more contoured, less boxy, and a slimmer fit than the men’s equivalent.
How to style a women’s rugby sweater
The slimmer, more contoured fit means that women’s rugby sweaters can be paired more easily with tailored trousers or as a slightly more formal option.
What are rugby shirts made from?
Perci’s Rugby Shirts are 100% cotton, as they always have been, and as they always should be. A rugby sweater is a slightly different kettle of fish, and can be made with wool for a more autumnal/wintry feel.
Cotton rugby shirts
Cotton rugby shirts are your classic, vintage sports jersey. They’re the blueprint for all that came after, slightly tweaked for extra quality and attention to detail.
Wool rugby sweaters
A Wool Rugby Sweater is a variation on the theme, providing what is essentially a collared jumper that acts as a smart layer to be paired with a basic tee. Extremely effective when used correctly.
