The rugby shirt has emerged as the must-have fashion item for 2024, replacing the classic Breton top as a weekend wardrobe staple. According to fashion expert Jess Cartner-Morley, style icons like Chloë Sevigny and even Prince William in his university days have embraced the look. Sevigny described the rugby shirt as 'a nicer version of a sweatshirt' because it has a collar, making it both warm and casual.
The trend has moved beyond its sporting origins, with street style in New York, Los Angeles, and Copenhagen leading the charge. This reinvention has shed the class and 'blokeish' associations of the past, presenting the rugby shirt as a chic, easy garment suitable for everything from errands to evenings at the pub. It fits the current fashion preference for sportswear, slightly oversized silhouettes, and the straightforward appeal of a white collar.
To wear the rugby shirt as a fashion item rather than sports kit, experts advise avoiding shorts or towelling sweatbands. Instead, pair it with white jeans for an easygoing yet refined look, or even a pencil skirt for a smarter ensemble. The key is to elevate the shirt's rough-and-tumble charm with a little poise. A faded, loveworn appearance is preferable to a brand-new shirt, but the contrast white collar must be pristine to avoid looking like spare games kit.
Vintage stores are the best places to find quality rugby shirts, particularly 1990s editions from brands like Tommy Hilfiger or Abercrombie & Fitch, which often remain in mint condition. This sturdy garment offers a resounding win for fashion enthusiasts seeking a timeless yet trendy addition to their wardrobe.
