Rugbycore Is Fall’s Answer to Tenniscore—Here Are 9 Shirts That’ll Score You Major Style Points

Name: 9. Cotton On Oversized Long-Sleeve Polo
Brand: Cotton On
Price: 20 USD

Call it the Ilona Maher effect

By Abby Hepworth

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Published Oct 31, 2024

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Abby Hepworth for PureWow

The evolution of athleticwear as everyday clothing has been moving along at a steady clip for ages, but in just the past five or so years it’s really taken off—and it appears we may be nearing the peak. Tennis skirts became a summertime staple in 2019 before becoming a full-on tenniscore craze just a few years later thanks to Zendaya’s sexy, tennis-centric movie Challengers. But for fall 2024, it appears there’s a new champion sport in town that everyone wants to embrace: rugby. And I have to admit, I’m not at all surprised.

The 2004 Summer Olympics in Paris definitely deserves some of the credit (though I’d give most to Ilona Maher), as does Taylor Swift, who rocked a rugby shirtdress with knee-high boots back in January. But rugby shirts were also a big trend back in the late ‘90s/early 2000s, a time period it seems we’re all trying to relive through our clothes these days. With so many other fashion trends of that era making major comebacks—slip skirts and dresses, baguette bags, eclectic layering—it is entirely unsurprising that rugby shirts would be coming back around for another turn in the spotlight.

Just in case you didn’t hold on to your old J.Crew rugbys from back in the day, here are nine classic rugby shirts to help you embrace rugbycore like a total pro.

Free People

1. FP Movement Rugby Tunic Layer

Free People

Senior Editor Dana Dickey highly recommends this super-classic striped number from Free People for those who prefer a cozy, roomy fit. “I love this top’s classic colorways and oversized fit, as well as the way the brand styles it over a T-shirt and a collar shirt, as though it’s a sweater. Also, that price point is solid!” There are currently three colors to choose from—red, green or black, all with white stripes—all of which have that perfect folded collar and adjustable button placket at the neck. Reviewers agree this FP style is definitely oversized, but they also note it’s not comically large. That said, if you’re petite you may want to go one (or two) down from your usual size.

FAST FACTS

Size Range: XS to XL
Materials: 100 percent cotton
Care Instructions: machine wash cold

$98 at Free People

Rowing Blazers

2. Rowing Blazers Block Stripe Rugby Shirt

Rowing Blazers

Rowing Blazers is all about classic English sportswear (as well as that iconic Princess Diana black sheep sweater), and has tons of rugby shirts to shop, but I’m partial to this timeless green-and-navy combo to wear over jeans, leggings and even skirts this fall/winter. Most of the brand’s offerings come in men’s sizes, although there are also some women’s styles, so be sure to double check the size chart before you add to cart. Otherwise, you can expect a lovely heavy cotton material, adjustable button placket at the collage and stretchy cuffs.

FAST FACTS

Size Range: men’s XS to XXL
Materials: 100 percent cotton
Care Instructions: machine wash cold, wash inside out, do not tumble dry

$138 at Rowing Blazers

Tuckernuck

3. Tuckernuck Cotton Warren Rugby Shirt

Tuckernuck

Executive Managing Editor Catrina Yohay has her sights set on this sleek pink-and-green number as a girly twist on the sporty staple. It has a slightly cropped cut to hit just above the hips, and the sleeves have more of a bell shape than a traditional rugby. It does, however, have that classic heavy cotton feel and a three-button placket at the collar. Reviewers also rave about the quality, especially for the price, and say the fit is impeccable.

FAST FACTS

Size Range: XS to XXL
Materials: 95 percent cotton, 5 percent spandex
Care Instructions: hand wash cold, hang to dry

$118 at Tuckernuck

KOTN

4. KOTN Rugby Shirt

KOTN

This unisex rugby shirt from KOTN is made from a soft-yet-durable cotton that has just the right amount of heft, and as of the time of publishing is available in five fun color combos, all with that stand-out white collar for a traditional collegiate look. Because this piece is listed as unisex, I highly recommend double checking the size chart before you order, but reviewers seem to agree it fits true to size, with just enough bagginess to feel comfy without looking frumpy. Per one 5-star reviewer, “This is seriously my new favorite shirt. I will be living in it for the foreseeable future.”

FAST FACTS

Size Range: XXS to XL
Materials: 100 percent cotton
Care Instructions: wash in cold water, lay flat to dry

$148 at KOTN

Abercrombie & Fitch

5. Abercrombie & Fitch Long-Sleeve Rugby Polo Top

Abercrombie & Fitch

Another fabulous under-$100 option, this Abercrombie cutie comes in three stripe combinations at time of publish, all variations on navy, burgundy and white. My personal favorite is definitely the navy style pictured above, which you can style as you would any other striped tee, but it will go with more items in my wardrobe than a busier print might. The brand notes, and reviewers generally agree, that this rugby shirt fits true to size. However, it is designed to have a roomier cut, so if you want something a bit more snug you may prefer to go down one from your usual size.

FAST FACTS

Size Range: XXS to XL
Materials: 100 percent cotton
Care Instructions: machine wash cold, tumble dry low

$50 at Abercrombie & Fitch

Anthropologie

6. Maeve Rugby Polo Sweater

Maeve

Stand out from the usual red, navy or green rugbys with this gorgeous lilac-and-brown combination from Maeve. It has the same fit and features of a traditional rugby shirt—the wide color, button placket and slightly oversize fit—but is made from a cozy knit material, rather than heavy cotton. If you’ve not feeling the purple, it also comes in a mossy green-and-rusty red combo and a fuchsia-and-pale blue design. Whichever color you choose, just know this chic knit is hand wash only.

FAST FACTS

Size Range: XXS to 3X, also Petite
Materials: 42 percent acrylic, 38 percent polyamide, 14 percent wool, 6 percent elastane
Care Instructions: hand wash

$118 at Anthropologie

Levi’s

7. Levi’s Ivy League Striped Polo Sweater

Levi’s

This Levi’s pullover is another cute knit option for those who want something more substantial that the usual cotton. It has a ribbed collar, cuffs and hem and stand-out green buttons at the neck that really pop against that gorgeous sky blue. The cotton-wool-blend material is reportedly incredibly soft and breathable, so you won’t overheat, and the relaxed fit is so chic. And if you want something that feels even more autumnal, this sweater also comes in burgundy with navy stripes.

FAST FACTS

Size Range: XS to XL
Materials: 60 percent cotton, 30 percent polyamide, 10 percent wool
Care Instructions: dry clean only

$80 at Levi’s

Revolve

8. Lovers and Friends Parvati Stripe Sweater

Lovers and Friends

If you’re the type who always asks, “but does it come in black?”, then this simple black-and-white number is sure to fit in perfectly with your existing wardrobe. It’s made of a wonderfully soft ribbed knit and has a roomy cut that still fits true to size. Both those features give this rugby shirt and more elevated vibe, as does the neutral color palette—no wonder it’s a best-seller!

FAST FACTS

Size Range: XXS to XL
Materials: not listed
Care Instructions: hand wash recommended

$178 at Revolve

Cotton On

9. Cotton On Oversized Long-Sleeve Polo

Cotton On

Not looking to spend a ton to get in on the TSwift-approved trend? This cotton cutie is currently just $20, down from $60, and available in five fun stripe designs, as well as solid white or navy. It has a roomy fit that reviewers say is just the right amount of oversized, so you can stick with your usual size when ordering. “As an elder millennial, it reminds me of the good old days,” writes one 5-star reviewer. “Washed beautifully and ironed well too!” Just be sure to lay it flat to dry to prevent the material from shrinking when washing.

FAST FACTS

Size Range: 2XS to 2XL
Materials: 100 percentcotton
Care Instructions: warm gentlemachine wash, do not tumble dry

~~$60;~~ $20 at Cotton On

Abby Hepworth

Editor

Covers fashion, trends and all things running
Received certification as an RRCA run coach
Has worked in fashion for over a decade

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