Recently, Taylor Swift once again set fashion watchers talking by wearing the classic rugby shirt day-to-night—with no pants. The look was so appealing, we knew it was time to jump on the rugby shirt trend that’s been percolating in street style and runway circles for the past year. Basically, this style is a long-sleeve version of the popular jersey polo shirt, with a placketed three-button neckline and a crisp collar. Rugby shirts have been preppy classics ever since the 1830s, when an English institution called the Rugby School began playing a sport where boys clobbered each other fighting over a ball on a muddy field (called a “pitch”). Apparently the itchy wool sweaters of the day weren't all that comfy, so the fabric evolved into a heavy gauge cotton knit—and bright colors and stripes were added to tell one team's filthy players from their opponents. Tay Swift’s recent turn wearing the look is way sexier, since her oversize Stella McCartney iteration does double duty as a mini dress with boots. We've scouted out a range of iterations from sporty (from Tracksmith’s Fells line, $148, made for cross-country running) to sequined (Christian Cowan Mini Dress $795; $197) so we can channel her updated prep vibe.
9 Taylor Swift-Approved Rugby Shirts (From $54 to $249)
Imagine the humble polo shirt got a glow-up
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Best Rugby Shirts at-a-Glance
Best Cropped
Nike Sportswear Phoenix Fleece
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Best Textured
Tracksmith Fells Rugby
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Best Designer
Rowing Blazers New England Rugby
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Best Stripe
Madewell Striped Rugby Polo Shirt
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Best Nautical
Beverly Hills Oversized Rugby Tee
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- Size range: XS to XXL
- Fabric: body: 80 percent cotton/20 percent polyester; rib: 97 percent cotton/3 percent spandex
The midweight brushed fleece isn’t too heavy, and the oversize, cropped shape balances out everything from white jeans to sweatpants.
- Size Range: XS to XL
- Fabric: 54 percent Merino wool, 46 percent recycled polyester
Senior editor Dana Dickey has worn this rugby shirt to date night over skinny black pants, to a beachfront workout in place of her usual hoodie and to sleep in her drafty bedroom—it’s just that comfy. She raves, “The high-quality wool is only about half the fabric makeup, which must be why I am not itchy when wearing it, since it feels as cuddly as a fleece sweatshirt but looks way more stylish thanks to the waffle-knit weave. And the collar is reinforced with non-stretch cotton to keep its shape, as is the hidden two-button placket at the collar.” Tracksmith’s quality construction shows in the way this washes up and looks brand new after months of wearing.
Best Designer
- Size Range: XS to XXL
- Fabric: organic cotton
This designer has made a name for itself with hip new iterations of preppy classics such as this shirt. Made in Portugal of heavyweight cotton, wear it like a black V-neck sweater over T-shirts or solo.
- Size Range: XXS to L
- Fabric: 100 percent cotton
The goldenrod color, cropped 23.5-inch length and slight A-line silhouette of this top make it look so right now, even while the wide horizontal stripes are a nod to the top’s history as a sports uniform.
- Size Range: XXS to XL
- Fabric: 100 percent cotton
We predict this horizontal blue and white stripe is going to replace the classic French mariniere sailor’s pullover as the yacht club look of spring/summer 2024. We especially like the way the notched hem on this example lets you pull off a smart-looking half-tuck without overmuch bunching at the waist.
- Size Range: XXS to XL, standard, petite and plus
- Fabric: viscose
This silky shirt has the classic horizontal stripe and pullover body of a rugby shirt, but in a dressier and slinkier cut. The cropped shape and loose body make this super-sexy with high-waist dark-wash denim or trousers.
- Size Range: S to XL
- Fabric: 40 percent polyamide, 30 percent wool, 25 percent polyester, 5 percent alpaca
Tone-on-tone fat blue stripes make this cozy sweater cute, while the amount of wool and alpaca keep you warm without causing any itch. And the split ribbed hem is the kind of design detail you usually see on a much pricier sweater.
- Size Range: 2 to 12
- Fabric: lined polyester
Bracelet-length sleeves and a micro-mini length mean this works as a tunic over leggings or a dress over tights with boots—similarly to how T.Swift wore her rugby shirt ensemble, but with even more sparkle.
- Size Range: XS to XXL
- Fabric: organic cotton
Made of lightweight T-shirt fabric, the Kule rugby is meant to be worn on its own in warm weather or layered under a sweater or blazer in fall and winter. The off-white collar on this bleach-white top elevates the look from a school uniform to a fashionable staple.
