The Timeless Preppy Icon: The Rugby Shirt

From the Rugby Pitch to Preppy Fashion

The history of the rugby shirt dates back to the early days of the sport, where its functional design played a crucial role. Originally, the shirts featured horizontal stripes – known as hoops – typicaly consisting of five or six broad bands in the teams' unique colours. These distinctive patterns made it easy to differentiate between teams and reinforced a sense of unity among players.

In the 1950s, the rugby shirt began making its way beyond the pitch and into everyday fashion. At British universities, it became a favourite among students who wanted to display their school spirit outside the sports arena. Meanwhile, Ivy League students in the United States embraced the garment, and it soon became a natural part of the preppy uniform – often paired with chinos, loafers, and a Barbour jacket on cooler days.

With its sporting heritage and rugged yet elegant design, it embodies the quintessential preppy attitude: being stylish without appearing overly effortful or formal.

A Timeless Preppy Icon

Today, the rugby shirt is as relevant as ever. Brands such as Ralph Lauren, Gant and Rowing Blazers have all celebrated its heritage and modernised it for a new generation of style-conscious men. Whether worn for a spring walk in the city, a weekend in the countryside or to cheer on a favourite team in the Six Nations, the rugby shirt remains an icon – a symbol of tradition, sport and a garment that stands the test of time.