There is something about a rugby shirt that makes even the simplest outfit look considered. Maybe it’s the oversized stripes, the contrasting collar, or the slightly relaxed proportions that distinguish it from an ordinary polo. Whatever the appeal, the garment has secured a comfortable place in contemporary menswear, particularly as designers and independent labels revisit the sportswear and collegiate references of the 1990s and early 2000s. The best rugby shirts for men capture that period without looking like costume pieces, offering enough personality to stand out while remaining easy to incorporate into an everyday wardrobe.
The selection has also moved well beyond the familiar heavyweight cotton jersey. Some labels are experimenting with brushed knits, French terry, and softer double-knit fabrics, while others remain closer to the traditional construction that made the rugby shirt a sporting staple. That distinction matters when choosing one. A classic striped shirt brings a different character to an outfit than a chocolate-brown knitted version or one covered in playful graphics. These 11 men’s rugby shirts explore that range, with options from established American labels, contemporary menswear brands, and sportswear names that understand the garment’s enduring appeal.
Whether you’re drawn to its collegiate heritage, relaxed silhouette, or more contemporary interpretations, there’s a rugby shirt worth considering for your cold-weather wardrobe. Here are 11 options that combine sporting influences with modern everyday style.
Here are some of the best rugby shirts for men to add to your cold-weather wardrobe…
#1. Brooks Brothers Cotton Rugby Shirt
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Brooks Brothers understands that sometimes the original formula needs very little intervention. Its Cotton Rugby Shirt sticks to heavyweight jersey, a woven collar, and rubber buttons, delivering the substantial construction expected from this sporting classic. What makes this particular fall release more interesting is its garment-washed finish, which gives the cotton a slightly faded, already-worn appearance.
It’s the kind of treatment that works especially well with washed denim, corduroy trousers, and vintage-inspired sneakers. If you’re looking for a rugby shirt rooted in traditional American casualwear, this is a sensible place to start.
#2. J.Crew Rugby Shirt With Striped Placket
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Not every rugby shirt needs to look as though it has been pulled straight from a vintage locker room. J.Crew takes a softer approach with its Seaboard fabric, a double-knit construction combining 59% cotton and 41% recycled polyester.
Brushing on both sides gives the material an unusually soft finish, while the stretch makes it closer in character to a lightweight sweater than a conventional rugby jersey. The striped placket and point collar preserve enough of the original design to keep it recognizable. It’s an interesting alternative for days when a traditional heavyweight rugby shirt feels too substantial.
#3. Patagonia Long-Sleeved Rugby Shirt
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Patagonia’s connection to the rugby shirt goes beyond a passing design reference. The company’s first clothing product was a durable rugby shirt made for pioneering rock climbers, and this long-sleeved version carries that history forward. It uses heavyweight Regenerative Organic Certified cotton jersey, complemented by a sturdy cotton twill collar and rib-knit cuffs designed to retain their shape through regular wear.
There’s a practical quality to the construction, but the shirt also has the rugged character that works naturally with outdoor-inspired wardrobes. Fair Trade Certified sewing is another worthwhile detail.
#4. Alex Mill Rugby Striped Shirt in Cotton Jersey
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The proportions are what make Alex Mill’s striped rugby shirt worth a closer look. Rather than following the more fitted lines of traditional sportswear, it features a boxier shape, slightly dropped shoulders, and a washed cotton jersey finish.
The yarn-dyed stripes give the pattern a more considered appearance, while the contrasting cotton twill collar keeps the design familiar. Look inside the placket, and you’ll find a herringbone cotton finish, another small detail that reflects the brand’s attention to construction. It would sit particularly well with relaxed jeans or loose chinos.
#5. Banana Republic Archive Reissue Striped Rugby Jersey
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Banana Republic reaches into its archives for this reissue, but the French terry construction gives the shirt a personality of its own. The material is softer than conventional rugby jersey, while a special wash adds to its broken-in appearance. Its corduroy collar is arguably the most interesting detail, introducing a contrasting texture against the striped body. A roomy fit, dropped shoulder seams, and vented side hems complete the relaxed silhouette. It has a distinctly vintage character without relying on an overly complicated design.
#6. MKI Double Knit Rugby
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MKI Miyuki-Zoku approaches the rugby shirt from a more restrained menswear perspective. Its Double Knit Rugby trades the familiar emphasis on oversized stripes for a compact knitted construction and minimal branding. The fabric is an unusual blend of recycled polyester, polyester, nylon, acrylic, wool, and spandex, setting it apart from the cotton-heavy versions elsewhere on this list.
A classic collar, button placket, and ribbed trims keep the silhouette recognizable. This is the sort of piece that works particularly well when the rest of an outfit already has enough going on.
#7. PUMA x Le Père Knitted Rugby Top
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The PUMA and Le Père collaboration looks to several corners of old-school sports culture for its Fall/Winter 2026 collection, including football terraces, rugby fields, and college uniforms. The knitted rugby top is one of its more distinctive results.
Its chocolate-brown body, contrasting stripes, and ivory cotton collar create a color combination that stands apart from the usual bright rugby-shirt palette. A boxier shape and ribbed trims reinforce its relaxed character. The cotton-polyester blend also makes it a more tactile interpretation of the garment than a standard sports jersey.
#8. ICECREAM Running Dog Striped Rugby Shirt
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ICECREAM has never been particularly interested in keeping its graphics quiet, and this rugby shirt is no exception. At first glance, the stripes appear to follow a familiar collegiate pattern. Look closer, however, and you’ll notice that they’re actually composed of repeating logo prints.
An embroidered Running Dog provides another signature detail, introducing a playful element without abandoning the traditional silhouette. Made from 100% cotton, the shirt also features contrasting trims, a button placket, and a classic collar. It’s a more expressive choice for wardrobes that lean toward graphic streetwear.
#9. Polo Ralph Lauren Polo Sport Rugby Shirt
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Polo Sport’s 1990s athletic identity remains an important reference point for Ralph Lauren, and this rugby shirt draws directly from that period. Bold color blocking gives the 100% cotton design its visual impact, while the embroidered branding, ribbed cuffs, and button placket retain the familiar Polo Sport aesthetic.
There’s a nostalgic quality to the design that makes it particularly interesting alongside baggy jeans, track pants, or vintage-inspired sneakers. Among the options for men drawn to the intersection of American prep and retro athleticwear, this one has an especially recognizable identity.
#10. Corridor Brushed Knit Rugby
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Corridor takes the idea of a rugby shirt somewhere less expected with this brushed-knit interpretation. Instead of cotton jersey, the brand uses a blend of 60% baby alpaca, 35% recycled polyamide, and 5% merino wool. The result is a softer, more textured garment that borrows the rugby shirt’s familiar silhouette without adhering to traditional sportswear construction.
A two-button placket and ribbed cuffs and hem keep the design relatively simple, allowing the material to take center stage. It’s an especially interesting option for colder-weather dressing, when a conventional rugby shirt might not provide enough warmth on its own.
#11. Noah Classic Rugby
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Noah’s Classic Rugby is perhaps the closest to what enthusiasts of the garment would consider a traditional version. Made in Canada from 8-ounce, 100% cotton Practice Cloth, it features engineered stripes, a cotton twill collar and placket, and a three-button closure.
Rib-knit cuffs and a split hem with side vents complete the construction, while a small embroidered logo sits above the sleeve cuff. There’s no need for an elaborate reinterpretation here. The appeal lies in the fabric, proportions, and straightforward sporting details that have kept rugby shirts relevant across generations.
Choosing the Right Rugby Shirt
The best men’s rugby shirts don’t all serve the same purpose. Brooks Brothers, Patagonia, and Noah offer more traditional interpretations, while Alex Mill and Banana Republic bring a relaxed, vintage-inspired sensibility to the garment. For something further removed from conventional cotton jersey, Corridor, MKI, and PUMA x Le Père offer interesting knitted alternatives. Meanwhile, ICECREAM and Polo Ralph Lauren provide options for anyone who prefers a more expressive, retro-sportswear aesthetic.
The styling possibilities are equally varied. For men with darker skin tones, a striped rugby shirt paired with faded jeans and sneakers is an easy starting point, but there’s also room to experiment with richer colors and contrasting combinations. During colder months, try wearing one beneath a tailored wool coat or layering it over a lightweight T-shirt. Wider-leg trousers, corduroy pants, and relaxed chinos also make natural companions. The contrast between the shirt’s sporting origins and more considered wardrobe pieces is often what makes the outfit interesting.
The appeal of a good rugby shirt lies in its versatility. It can introduce a little collegiate character into an otherwise simple outfit, add texture to a casual wardrobe, or provide a relaxed alternative to the usual sweater or sweatshirt. Choose one that suits your preferred fit, fabric, and approach to dressing, and you’ll have a piece worth reaching for well beyond the rugby season.
Featured image: J.Crew
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