Rugby shirts are emerging as one of this autumn's dominant wardrobe trends as designers, celebrities and high-street retailers respond to a spike in consumer interest tied to recent high-profile women's sporting moments.
Daily Mail fashion editor Hannah Skelley reported that searches for rugby shirts on ASOS have risen by about 300%, a spike she links to the public's increased attention on women's sport, including the Lionesses' Euros success and England's women's rugby team at the Rugby World Cup. Luxury fashion houses translated the athletic heritage into runway pieces for the new season, while more affordable options have proliferated on the high street.
Skelley noted that Prada and Miu Miu brought micro-striped rugby-inspired tops to their AW25 catwalks, styling them with mini skirts, tailored outerwear and city shorts. She pointed to a designer iteration from Miu Miu priced at about £990, and contrasted it with lower-priced alternatives: George at ASDA offers a rugby shirt for roughly £17, while Bershka and Lindex list styles for under £30.
The fashion editor described a crossover between sportswear and off-duty celebrity dressing, saying models and stars have embraced the look. She cited examples of high-profile wearers, including Hailey Bieber, Kendall Jenner and Gigi Hadid, and referenced public appearances by musicians such as Rihanna and Taylor Swift who have been photographed in rugby-style tops.
Skelley outlined specific styling recommendations intended to keep the look contemporary rather than "frumpy". She advised avoiding Breton-style blue-and-white stripes and garish neon variants, and warned against designs with prominent chest logos. Instead, she recommended muted, earthy tones and simpler metallic jewellery in gold or silver rather than pearl necklaces.
On fit and proportion, the fashion editor suggested that those with smaller busts can fasten the top to the neck, as seen on recent runways, while those with fuller chests should open the neckline to break up the shirt's boxy silhouette. She recommended a "French tuck"—tucking the front hem into the waistband—to create a more flattering shape, and encouraged pairing the rugby shirt with pleated skirts, leather trousers, tailored trousers or even leggings and trainers for casual outings.
Skelley also warned against a particular vintage sporting shorthand: she advised readers to avoid pairing rugby shirts with white shorts and knee-high socks, saying the combination risks evoking a literal team uniform.
Retailers have responded quickly to the demand. High-end labels have folded athletic references into seasonal collections, while budget chains and online platforms have expanded their offerings with clashing stripes and preppy cuts that mimic designer shapes at lower price points.
Fashion commentators say the resurgence is part of a broader trend that blends nostalgic and athletic aesthetics with contemporary street and tailoring codes. In practical terms, the rugby shirt's boxy cut, bold stripes and collared neckline make it a versatile layering piece for autumn, able to bridge casual and smarter looks depending on fabric, colour and how it is styled.
Skelley's tips reflect a common editorial aim: to adapt a trend across price points while steering readers away from combinations that read as dated or overly costume-like. As the season progresses and sports events remain in the public eye, retailers are likely to continue introducing new takes on the rugby shirt, offering consumers a range of choices from luxury runway editions to budget-friendly high-street versions.