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10 Best Rugby Shirts for the Sports Loving Man
If you’re looking for something more casual and comfortable than a collared button up, but still more unique and showstopping than a simple polo, a rugby shirt might be exactly what you’re seeking. As the name suggests, rugby shirts originated from the popular English game of rugby.
Rugby is a relatively aggressive sport that involves full-contact force and action. Unlike in football, rugby players don’t have much protection or padding, meaning that injury and accident are at a high risk. That being said, rugby shirts were created with extremely strong and durable fabric in order to be able to handle these heavy blows.
Since then, rugby shirts have become an icon in a lot of prep-inspired fashion, as well as being a comfortable yet statement-making option for men wanting to appear both stylish and masculine. In order to help you best find your most resonant rugby shirt, here is a list of the 10 best rugby shirts for the sport-loving man.
Best Buy
1. Polo Ralph Lauren Logo-Embroidered Rugby Sweater
It is no surprise the iconic and legendary Polo Ralph Lauren brand would dip its toe in the rugby shirt waters. Being that the more prep polo style is quite similar to the one found in rugby shirts, this Polo Ralph Lauren rugby shirt embodies that same essence and style with a navy blue base, crisp white collar, and red embroidered logo.
This shirt is made from 60% cotton and 40% polyester, making it soft yet stretchy so as to eliminate that tight, stuffy feeling that most want to avoid when throwing on a rugby shirt. This Ralph Lauren rugby shirt is one that can easily be dressed up if necessary, making it our number one pick for rugby shirts.
2. Thom Browne 4-Stripe Sleeve Polo Shirt
This luxurious shirt comes from high-end designer Thom Browne. The Thom Browne 4-Stripe Sleeve Polo Shirt is a long sleeve rugby shirt that puts a unique spin on the classic style. While the shirt does feature the traditional horizontal stripes, it does so in a way that is very artsy and detailed, creating a unique look.
Though its color seems to be a very basic black and white, this 100% cotton rugby shirt features a very subtle yet fashion-forward red stripe on its side. In the most simple of terms, the Thom Browne 4-Stripe Sleeve Polo Shirt can best be described as a “cool” addition to your wardrobe.
3. UO Club Heavyweight Stripe Rugby Shirt
If you’re looking for something that is stylish but also within a low budget, the UO Club Heavyweight Stripe Rugby Shirt offers a colorful, trendy look at a low price. While the assortment of pink, purple, green, and red might not be enticing to everyone, it’s a great shirt for the more retro, 90s-inspired guy who prefers to rock a more quirky yet intentional style.
The stiff green collar of the shirt adds a bit of flair to the otherwise simple garment. This shirt in particular is made of 80% cotton and 20% polyester, giving slight flexibility while still maintaining its original shape and cut. According to reviews, this shirt also has a reputation for looking better in person than it does online.
4. Todd Snyder Plaid Rugby Polo
This Todd Snyder Plaid Rugby Polo puts an elegant twist on the typically sporty style by forgoing the classic horizontal stripes and adding a plaid pattern. The shirt has a stark white collar that compliments the hues of red and blue found woven throughout the plaid pattern.
In a subtle nod to the original style of rugby shirts, the Todd Snyder Plaid Rugby Polo also features cuffs on the sleeves that are black with white, horizontal stripes running across them. The shirt is on the pricier side, however, it’s a versatile selection that can be dressed up more easily than most rugby shirts.
5. Patagonia Work Rugby Shirt
If you’re seeking something that will allow you to be active while still looking decent and put together, the Patagonia Work Rugby Shirt is a sturdy and comfy route to explore. Instead of this shirt’s primary fabric being cotton, it’s actually 55% industrial hemp, giving a unique texture and feel.
While it isn’t exactly cheap, it’s a pretty solid price for the level of care and quality that goes into making it. Patagonia is known for creating products that last and impress, and this rugby shirt is no exception. Best of all, it’s available in three different colors: feather grey, stone blue, and sage khaki.
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6. Reigning Champ Rugby Shirt
While different designs and patterns can be a fun way to add some flair to a simple shirt, this Reigning Champ Rugby Shirt proves that less is often more. The stark white color of the body plus the simple yet bold, yellow stripe across the center pair perfectly, creating a versatile product that can be worn in several different styles.
It’s made from 100% heavyweight cotton, giving it a sturdy and durable feel. While not cheap, customers can be sure that they’ll be getting what they are paying for with the Reigning Champ Rugby Shirt.
7. Norse Projects Ruben Polo Block Stripe
This boxy, 100% cotton Norse Projects Ruben Polo Bock Stripe rugby shirt is the real deal in terms of quality and design. The material is made from 225 GSM, giving it that heavy weighted, durable feeling that traditional rugby shirts possess.
The shirt is available in three different colors of Dartmouth green, ultra marine, and magnet grey. No matter which color you go with, all three options carry that sort of regal feel that can be found in old-school rugby shirts.
8. adidas Solid Rugby Shirt
Staying true to the rugby shirt’s original sporty fashion, the adidas Solid Rugby Shirt is a relaxed and casual option that is also a real bargain. This stretch-friendly shirt is an affordable yet quality selection.
The adidas Solid Rugby Shirt is composed primarily of cotton and polyester, giving you some extra room to move and maintain elasticity while wearing it. The iconic adidas horizontal lines fit in perfectly with the traditional lines found on rugby shirts, spreading across the shoulders as opposed to the torso for a more unique and clean design.
9. Rowing Blazers Block Stripe Rugby
For those wanting to add a bit of color to the closet, the Rowing Blazers Block Stripe Rugby is a prime piece of retail that is both fun and fashionable. While it comes in several different color schemes, the rainbow stripe is a statement-making option. However, if the rainbow pattern is too much and you would prefer something a bit more subtle, the royal blue/white or orange/pink choices may suit you well.
These shirts can be rocked in a variety of styles, from ultra prep to an artsy beach bum. The Rowing Blazers Block Stripe Rugby is a great alternative to your average rugby shirt. This luxurious, heavyweight rugby top has a hefty price, however, the quality makes it beyond worth it.
10. Supreme Split Rugby Top
Featuring a soft 100% cotton feel, the Supreme Split Rugby Top is a very relaxed yet quirky rugby shirt. The three-color combo of purple, orange, and greenish-brown gives a sort of retro, 70s feel to this unique take on the rugby shirt.
Rather than having the traditional horizontal stripes across the shirt, the Supreme Split Rugby has three vertical blocks of each color, modernizing the typically sporty attire. While there is still a slight essence of prep, this rugby shirt has a more hipster feel to it, setting it apart from most other options.
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Rugby Shirt FAQs
A rugby shirt, sometimes known as a rugby jersey, is a shirt that originated from the sport of rugby. Traditionally, rugby shirts have horizontal stripes and a button at the top of the collar. They can have either a tight or loose fit and are similar in style to polo shirts.
Rugby shirts have a very stiff collar in addition to a very strong and durable fabric. Also, since they originated from a sport, they have a very specific style and standard that sets them apart from more basic polos and button downs.
While rugby shirts are typically considered to be casual yet prep, they can also be dressed down with jeans or dressed up with a dress coat and slacks.
