Once a classic sports essential, the rugby shirt is getting a fresh fashion update. For AW26/27, its bold stripes, contrast collars and relaxed shape are moving beyond the pitch and becoming part of everyday menswear.
The return of the rugby shirt is closely connected to the wider revival of preppy and Ivy League dressing seen across the AW26 menswear collections. But this season, designers are giving the classic a more contemporary attitude, mixing traditional sportswear codes with oversized proportions, new textures, graphic details and unexpected styling.
At Ralph Lauren, vintage-inspired Polo Sport rugby shirts appeared alongside new knitted versions, featuring bold lettering and nostalgic references. The collection mixed rugby stripes with baggy denim, tailoring, workwear and other heritage pieces, creating a relaxed but highly styled take on classic American menswear.
The rugby shirt also appeared across the AW26 runway at Willy Chavarria, Drôle de Monsieur and Rag & Bone, where traditional rugby codes were reworked through bigger proportions and a more fashion-forward approach.
What makes the trend particularly interesting is how easily the rugby shirt moves between different fashion worlds. It can feel preppy, sporty, vintage or streetwear-inspired, depending on how it is styled. This reflects a wider AW26 menswear direction towards mixing traditional wardrobe pieces with more casual and contemporary elements.
From the pitch to everyday style, the rugby shirt is proving that sporty pieces can be anything but basic. Discover how to style it and make this season’s trend your own. Explore StylingDrop for more fashion inspiration, trends and styling ideas.
Images: Launchmetrics.com/spotlight | Ralph Lauren, Willy Chavarria, Drôle de Monsieur.