Tenniscore might’ve ruled your wardrobe last summer, but this season it’s all about a different kind of sporty uniform: the rugby shirt.
Once a staple of muddy playing fields, the now-trending style is no longer reserved for ball games. At Copenhagen Fashion Week, it appeared styled with sequins and sheer skirts, while others offset cherry-red stripes with lace and satin.
Locally, brands like Oroton, Bassike and Frisson Knits are offering up iterations in knits, wool and cashmere – preppy layering pieces that pair well with button-downs, trench coats and loafers with socks.
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Whether you lean toward a slouchy, oversized fit or a more polished take with collar-popping potential, these are our picks of the season.
13 rugby shirts to shop
Bassike striped polo knit
$460 
Pairing the bold stripes of a rugby jersey with the silhouette of a long-sleeve polo – Bassike’s style sits somewhere between the two. The relaxed boxy fit of this design means it’ll suit everything from days at work to weekends at the market. And its blend of fine cashmere and merino wool means it’ll last for seasons to come too.
Oroton striped rugby dress
$349 
Oroton’s sell-out rugby shirt is now available in a cosy dress design – style it with bold hosiery and leather riding boots to kick the winter pants rut. It’s made from 100 per cent merino wool and guaranteed to keep you warm.
The Frankie Shop Hapton striped polo
175 EUR (approximately $306.64) 
The Frankie Shop is owned by a New Yorker originally from France, whose trademark style is smart tailoring, but the brand also crafts chic pieces for layering in winter. This design blends a lightweight cotton knit with linen and pairs well with a button-up shirt.
Frisson Knits Sarah sweater
$643 
Frisson Knits has built a cult following for its hand-knitted, made-to-order pieces. The Kiwi label’s Sarah sweater is a fan favourite, defined by its cinched waist and voluminous balloon sleeves. Made from 100 per cent merino wool, it’s finished with contrast stripes through the neckline, arms and bust for a sporty feel.
Agolde x RSVP Gallery striped rugby polo
$361 (was $567) 
Agolde isn’t afraid to go bold on the sporting paraphernalia. Its pale pink and burgundy design has a contrast collar that nods to the origins of this trend. This particular style has been designed to be worn oversized because comfort is key (obviously).
Loewe polo sweater
$1600 
This list would simply be incomplete without a swoony investment piece. Loewe’s buttery-soft design contrasts a rich berry hue with a zing of baby blue for a statement piece that’ll serve you for many seasons to come. It’s finished with mother-of-pearl buttons and an embroidered anagram at the neck.
Reformation Anna rugby shirt
$170 
The LA label first amassed a following for its signature polka dot dresses, before cementing its place as a one-stop shop for “jeans and a nice top”. Its sporty debut features a khaki green hue – pair it with beige trench and brown denim for a tonal result.
Kowtow Lineup jersey
$159 
New Zealand label Kowtow has a knack for nailing ageless styles with a contemporary difference. True to the brand’s approach, this garment is made from 100 per cent Fairtrade organic cotton, making it soft and breathable on the skin. And the contrasting sleeve stripes give it an effortless sense of cool.
RM Williams rugby shirt
$149 
Iconic Australian heritage label RM Williams is well versed in translating classic styles for the modern day. Its take on the rugby jumper features a jade stripe colour block over the bust, on the collared neckline, and on the cuffs. Plus, pop its collar for a subtle logomania moment.
Polo Ralph Lauren rugby shirt
$249 
The rise of the rugby jumper can be credited, in part, to our ongoing fascination with vintage. This azure-and-green iteration nods to that retro aesthetic without feeling too dated. It’s no surprise Polo Ralph Lauren – pioneers of the polo – have nailed it with this sharp style.
Cos jersey rugby shirt
$125 
The rugby-inspired aesthetic doesn’t have to scream sports. Take Cos’s chic and timeless jersey – the dropped shoulder adds interest, while the boxy silhouette takes it from the sports field to the office. Plus, it serves the monochromatic moment we’re here for.
LMND Luna striped polo
$259 
Best known for its collection of button-down shirts, LMND is here to inject a little colour into your life. The Luna style comes in two colourways – each with (optional) matching shorts for striped co-ordination. Layer with the Bondi brand’s signature Chiara shirt for seasonal layering.
Venroy striped jersey polo
$180 
Brown is a colour trend with staying power. And Venroy pairs it with yellow and black with a design that feels distinctly ’70s. Balance it out with dark-wash denim – or dress it up with a chunky knit and blazer.
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