Yes, rugby shirts are the next big thing in fashion!

Sporty, chic and oh-so-comfortable.

By Bani Sachar

06 September, 2024

Yes, rugby shirts are the next big thing in fashion!

In 2024, fashion is all about sports—from the Olympics to the rise of tenniscore, we just can't seem to get enough of it. Naomi Osaka’s recent outfits at the US Open are a testament to the amalgamation of style and sport. Meanwhile, tennis whites with pleated mini skirts and preppy polos have become more popular on both the streets and the runways. But there's another sporty trend that has caught our attention and that is rugby stripes!

The boxy oversized cotton shirts first showed up on our fashion radars during the 1950s, as a part of collegiate sporting uniforms. The popularity of the traditional sports top, regularly featuring a collar and a three-button neckline, peaked in the '80s and '90s—when the likes of Princess Diana and Mick Jagger were sporting it.

Even if you’ve never really enjoyed the sport, the colourful assortments of rugby shirts are sure to pique your interest. The striped shirt comes with a contrasting collar and its recent resurgence has made it quite the fashion statement, with its preppy and upbeat style. They were spotted frequently on the spring 2024 runways with brands like Dries Van Noten, JW Anderson, and Dsquared2 all putting their stamp on the classic rugby shirt, styling it casually with tailored shorts or jeans.

Although it has been around for ages, the rugby shirt feels fresh this season. Mostly because it comes as a breath of fresh air in an increasingly monochromatic athleisure-driven sports space. Moreover, seeing celebrities like Hailey Bieber and Taylor Swift rock them has also cemented the idea that rugby shirts can read as elevated and stylish (when styled right). The key to making it look chic? Consider pairing it with a pair of pleated dress trousers, or a pair of flared jeans, for a more retro slant. Do the same for your shoes—instead of sneakers, consider pairing them with chunky loafers (bonus points if they’re Prada). Finding the perfect balance between athleticism and dressiness creates a classic off-duty vibe, meaning the outfit is casual yet put together. While we might not be playing rugby on the weekends, we can still enjoy the outfit.

We've rounded up some of our favourite rugby shirts that are vibrant, comfy, and super chic!

Polo Ralph Lauren The Iconic Rugby Shirt, ₹23,000