Product of the week: The Rugby Shirt

What is it:

A brief overview of rugby shirt history reveals few surprises. The shirt is believed to have originated at the Rugby School of the same name in England in the 1830s and grew in popularity along with the sport. The piece itself has not changed fundamentally since its creation. The only dramatic change is the material, which is no longer made of wool but of breathable cotton or synthetic fibers. In addition, it still bears resemblance to the polo shirt, the most important detail of which is the button-down collar.

Why you should order it:

Like other sportswear, the rugby shirt has found its way into the general fashion world as brands adopt the classic piece as a staple of preppy style for both men and women. The current resurgence in rugby shirt popularity can be attributed to the recent surge in the preppy clothing trend, which is clearly visible in the collections of numerous designers. Although the shirt fits seamlessly into current trends, it is a garment that reappears year after year, largely due to its status as a classic that rarely loses its relevance among consumers.

Where we saw it:

The rugby shirt appeared in its classic form in many designers’ collections – Dsquared2 and Beyond Closet, for example, featured the traditional striped patterns complemented by US college-inspired badges. Martine Rose opted for a similar design, but paired the shirt with a denim coat and chains, moving away from the preppy aesthetic it’s so often associated with. MSGM, on the other hand, presented a more streamlined version of the style, where details like the collar were done in contrasting tones to the body of the shirt. In even greater contrast, JW Anderson presented a completely different take on the classic, a rugby shirt with greatly exaggerated proportions but still retaining its recognizable details.

How to style it:

There are no big requirements when it comes to styling a rugby shirt. For both men and women, the look works well with jeans and some sort of casual shoe, like a sneaker. However, if the wearer wants to go a step further in the direction of the college look, one can also proceed a little more daringly. For example, by layering other shirts or by combining them with shorts in contrasting colors. If the preppy look doesn’t appeal to you, you can deviate from the theme with cargo pants or tailored trousers.

The rugby shirt has remained virtually unchanged since its inception, largely due to its wearability and effortless appearance. With the patches and signature colored block prints, it also fits well with the ongoing trend of “preppy” clothing, making it a casual “must have” these days.