The biggest style hack in the world is to stick to the classics. Keeping your suits away from the trendy cuts and flashy patterns. Ignoring all the garments of the moment and filling your wardrobe with the tried and true items that never go out of style. That doesn’t mean you can’t indulge in the suits with shorts, but only as an add-on to the wardrobe that makes others envious. But more on that another time, one of my favorite style staples that stands the test of time, the rugby polo. I am happy to see others reembrace this style, so I reached out to my friends at Taylor Stitch to get their insight on the reenamorment of the rugby polo.
The rugby shirt was built to take a beating—heavyweight cotton, reinforced collars, and bold horizontal stripes make it both durable and easy to identify. While originally built for the rugby fields, it’s now become synonymous with a more relaxed, yet confident style. – Luke McAlpine, Head of Brand, Taylor Stitch
A wardrobe essential for every man
As I said, this is a staple for the guy’s wardrobe. This has always been a favorite transitional wardrobe item, as it looks amazing with the more casual jeans and boots, and just as amazing with elevated dress pants and chelseas. Don’t even mention the sports coat over the rugby polo to finish off the look. But don’t take my word for it, let Luke tell you the same.
“Today, it’s an essential because it sits at the intersection of rugged and refined. It has the structure of a woven shirt but the comfort of a knit, and can have the visual interest of stripes without feeling loud. For the modern guy, it’s an easy way to add texture and personality to an outfit without overthinking it.”
Heritage paves the way for the rugby polo
If there is one thing that I have talked about over and over the last two years is the return of everything vintage. The old is new, and what was considered out of style is now all the rage. Here is the thing about fashion: it is fast. Which means it loses its focus almost the moment it finds it. The fact that fashion, at one point, moved on from the rugby polo is immaterial. Style never faltered, and the heritage behind it is leading the way.
“The resurgence is part of a broader shift toward heritage sportswear and more expressive casual dressing. Guys are moving away from overly minimal basics and looking for pieces with character—something that feels lived-in, nostalgic, and a little bit bold. The rugby shirt checks all those boxes.”
Make it happen in 2026
I am not the kind of guy to quote myself, but I am the guy to say the same thing over and over if it is something I believe in. And one of the number one things I believe in is my motto surrounding how we dress as men. Fashion is what you wear; style is how you wear it. So don’t just run out and buy a rugby polo; learn how to wear it from the experts.
“The key is balance. The rugby shirt already has a strong identity, so the rest of your outfit should support it, not compete with it.
- First, focus on fit. A slightly tailored, modern cut will feel more current than anything overly boxy. You want enough room for comfort, but still some structure.
- Second, pair it with elevated basics. Think dark denim, tailored chinos, or even a tailored sweat like our popular Apres Pants. It can also layer well under a chore coat or lightweight jacket, helping bridge the gap between casual and put-together.
- Footwear matters too—clean sneakers, loafers, or boots all work depending on the vibe you’re going for.
- And finally, don’t be afraid of the stripes, but be intentional. Classic, heritage-inspired colorways tend to be the most versatile, especially if you’re just working the rugby shirt into your rotation.”
Now that you have the style questions answered, you know how to wear it. But what about the fashion question? Is it going to be sticking around? Or will the fashion industry lose its focus again?
As for whether it’s sticking around—yes, but likely in a more refined way. Instead of oversized, logo-heavy versions, we’re seeing cleaner fits, elevated fabrics, and more versatile color palettes. That evolution gives it staying power beyond just a trend cycle.
