These 21 Rugby Shirts Are the Perfect Rugged Pullovers Your Wardrobe Is Missing

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Way back in the day, I was asked by a burly dude in the hallway of my high school whether I might be interested in joining the rugby team. I knew exactly fuck-all about how the sport was played, other than that the players wore tiny shorts and cool shirts. With the shirts informing entirely too much of my thought process, I figured I might give it a go. Why not? These aren't your average long-sleeves, or your sweatshirts or sweaters, or a cushy thermal or cashmere number. It's a damn rugby shirt.

Not too long ago, the rugby came marching triumphantly back onto the scene, sometimes channeling the '90s vibe of its earlier heyday, sometimes looking like it might actually show up in a match, and sometimes looking entirely new and different. It's been a few years since that initial comeback, and the rugby revival is showing no signs of slowing down. Which means if you haven't already added one to your rotation, now's the time. And if you've already got a few, get a few more. The 21 best ones are below.

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Classic Fit Striped Jersey Rugby Shirt

There's no going wrong with a striped rugby shirt. This one comes in an array of colors, too, and is stamped with PRL's signature logo on the chest.

The Premium-Weight Rugby Shirt

For a classic cut in classic colors, Everlane has a heavyweight rugby shirt that goes with jeans or trousers, sneakers, or loafers. This one is simple enough to be paired with anything, but chic enough that no matter what, it'll look good.

Classic Rugby Shirt

For an everyday rugby shirt, this one is up to the task. It's got the classic, basic rugby look, too, so you could pass for an athlete yourself, if that's your vibe.

Long-Sleeve Rugby Polo

With dropped shoulders and a slightly boxy fit, A&F's take on the rugby shirt is a casual, relaxed vibe that you can easily transition from weekday to weekend attire.

Long Sleeve Sports Polo Rugby Shirt

For another timeless, versatile rugby shirt, look to Kings Of NY. For 30 bucks, you get a style that you can dress up (try pleated trousers and loafers with a white sock showing) or down (grab your favorite jeans).

Rugby Shirt

If anyone can take a simple, classic rugby shirt and make it look cool AF and boyishly handsome, it's J.Crew. This style features a simple, minimalist black and white look, plus a cool graphic stamped on the left wrist...basically, you'll look damn good from every angle.

Merino Wool Rugby Shirt

This isn't a rugby shirt you want to play rugby in, but it is a rugby shirt you want to do absolutely everything else in. Drake's makes the sporty style chic and luxe, with thick, warm merino wool.

Nirvana Heavy Slub Stripe Rugby Polo

If a '70s-esque, retro vibe appeals to you, I've got good news: it appeals to the guys over at Marine Layer, too, as evidenced by this chic, vintage-y number.

Wicked Soft Rugby Polo

L.L. Bean has one of the softest rugby shirts out there. Take your pick of the color scheme, but know that you'll be sporting cozy stripes all the way down.

Life Twill-Trimmed Striped Cotton-Jersey Rugby Shirt

Nike's rugby polo walks a fine line between cool, casual street style and actually functional athletic gear. With jeans and loafers, you're set for the everyday; with shorts and sneakers, you're suddenly Normal People's Connell Waldron.

Zig Zag Rugby

Rowing Blazers knows a thing or two about a rugby shirt. This bold, bright style is sophisticated and preppy, but it doesn't shy away from being outright daring.

Vertical Stripe Cotton Rugby Shirt

As a brand that has mastered the art of fashionable, durable workwear Carhartt WIP's striped rugby shirt is a chic and functional style to keep on your radar.

Relaxed Fleece Rugby

Todd Snyder's collaboration with Champion seamlessly combines the very best of both brands' worlds; Todd Snyder's chic, classic style, and Champion's durable, high-quality fabrics.

Cotton Graphic Rugby Shirt

TNF has a cool, casual rugby shirt that's just right for dressing down on a cold day. With some black trousers, this is a certified fit.

Wade Rugby Shirt

This relaxed, laid-back vibe with thick stripes is an obvious closet staple. The kind of shirt you don't have to think twice about.

Cotton Colorblock Rugby Polo

Of course, the iconic purveyor of polo shirts has a damn great rugby polo, too. With a single colorblocked stripe in the middle of the torso, Lacoste knows how to turn out a look.

Traditional Rugby Jersey

Who doesn't love Guinness? That was a trick question. Everyone loves Guinness. If you don't, act like you do; and if you do, grab a chic, trendy rugby shirt that reps Ireland's finest brew.

Rugby Sweater

For winter, you probably want a thicker option, and we don't blame you. Amazon Essentials has a sweater-like rugby shirt that you can layer with or wear on its own—the lightweight knit is just right for the season.

Union Rugby Polo Shirt

From your favorite denim brand comes—get this—a stylish top to wear with that denim! Who would have thought it?

Indigo Long Sleeve Rugby Polo

Todd Snyder knows how timeless a rugby shirt can be, and thought ahead so you don't have to. With each wear and wash, this indigo fabric will fade ever so slightly, giving it a ruggedly handsome look.

Striped Cotton-Jersey Rugby Shirt

Beams Plus takes a soft, cotton-jersey fabric and gives it the rugby treatment, with striped color-blocking and alternate-colored sleeves to add some extra dimension and detail.

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