Rugby shirts have emerged as one of the season's leading fashion trends, propelled by renewed interest in women's sport and a wave of designer and high‑street releases for autumn. Retail activity and runway shows suggest the once‑functional jersey has been reframed as a versatile wardrobe staple.
Searches for rugby shirts on ASOS rose about 300%, according to reporting by the Mail on Sunday, reflecting consumer appetite that follows high‑profile sporting moments such as the Lionesses' European Championship success and the Red Roses' run at the Rugby World Cup. That sporting halo has been amplified on runways and by celebrity sightings, lifting the piece from playing field to street style.
Design houses have incorporated the silhouette into their autumn‑winter collections. Prada and Miu Miu sent micro‑striped interpretations down AW25 catwalks, and the latter's designer iteration retail price has been reported at about £990. High‑profile fans include Hailey Bieber, Kendall Jenner and Gigi Hadid, while celebrities such as Rihanna and Taylor Swift have been photographed wearing jerseys in social settings. At the same time, more affordable versions are widely available: George at ASDA has been highlighted around a £17 price point, and brands including Bershka and Lindex are offering options for under £30.
Hannah Skelley, fashion editor at the Mail on Sunday, advised readers on styling the rugby shirt to avoid an overly matronly or frumpy appearance. She recommended choosing muted, earthy tones over traditional Navy‑and‑white Breton stripes or garish neon bands, and avoiding prominent chest logos that can read as overly clubby. Jewellery choices, she said, should lean toward simple gold or silver tones rather than classic pearls, which risk a dated effect when paired with the athletic cut.
Skelley set out practical fit and styling tips to refine the silhouette. For those with a smaller bust she suggested buttoning the collar up, a look also seen on recent runways; wearers with larger busts were advised to open the neckline to break up the shirt's boxy shape. Rather than leaving the hem loose, she recommended a French tuck into trousers or skirts to create a more flattering waistline. The editor pointed to the top's versatility, noting it works with denim, pleated skirts, leather trousers, tailored trousers and even with leggings and trainers for casual errands.
Retail and runway choices reflect the dual nature of the trend: luxe designer takes sit alongside inexpensive high‑street copies. Fashion buyers and editors say that silhouette, stripe scale and colour palette determine whether a rugby shirt reads as contemporary or retro. On the catwalk, micro‑stripes and tailoring contrast with the more literal sporting references that appear in budget ranges.
While the style has broad age appeal, Skelley cautioned against certain combinations she believes reinforce an undesired, antiquated look. She singled out Breton‑style blue and white stripes, loud neon patterns and pairing a rugby shirt with white shorts and knee‑high socks as examples to avoid if the goal is a modern, polished appearance.
Retailers are responding to demand in the coming weeks with fresh stock and editorial features, and the trend is expected to remain visible through autumn as sport and streetwear continue to intersect. For consumers, the choice spans price points and aesthetics: a statement designer jersey at the high end or a budget‑friendly piece from the high street can both be styled to fit contemporary wardrobes when attention is paid to colour, fit and complementary pieces.