The rugby shirt is perhaps an element most unavoidable in the men’s fashion world as it marries sporty looks with a touch of casual flair. From a playing field to its much more vast domain outside, the rugby shirt has long outgrown its athletic origins to be a multitalented piece within any wardrobe, its bold striped motif, robust fabric, and characteristic collar being superb features for smart casual and laid-back styles alike.
Whether thrown over jeans for a weekend adventure or layered under a jacket for a preppy flair, the rugby shirt brings an effortlessly cool, classic charm. Browse through these 35 outfit ideas to show its versatility: from street style to formal and everything in between.
1. Classic Stripes and Chinos
A rugby shirt with bold stripes paired with tan chinos is a timeless look that never fails. The horizontal lines create a sporty yet polished vibe. Opt for contrasting colors like navy and white for added flair. Finish the look with casual sneakers or loafers, depending on the occasion.
Top: Bold striped rugby shirt
Bottom: Tan chinos, casual sneakers or loafers
2. Rugged Denim with Rugby Stripes
For a rugged, laid-back look, pair a rugby shirt with worn-in denim jeans. The combination of the preppy shirt and rough denim creates a balance between clean and casual. Light-wash jeans bring a vintage vibe, while dark denim feels more refined. Throw on a leather jacket or parka if the weather cools down.
Top: Rugby shirt with stripes
Bottom: Worn-in denim jeans, desert boots or lace-up sneakers
3. Layered Over a White Tee
Layering a rugby shirt over a plain white tee adds dimension without overwhelming the look. Choose a rugby shirt with minimal patterns for a clean and modern feel. The tee peeking out from the collar and sleeves gives a subtle contrast, adding interest to the outfit. Pair with dark jeans or khakis and white sneakers for a contemporary casual look.
Top: Rugby shirt layered over a plain white tee
Bottom: Dark jeans or khakis, white sneakers
4. Preppy with a Knit Sweater
Take a preppy route by layering your rugby shirt under a knit sweater. The collar of the rugby shirt peeking out over the sweater adds a classic, collegiate feel. Pair with slim-fit chinos or dark trousers for an elevated, smart-casual look. Loafers or boat shoes complete this timeless outfit.
Top: Rugby shirt under a knit sweater
Bottom: Slim-fit chinos or dark trousers, loafers or boat shoes
5. Rugby Shirt and Tailored Blazer
Mixing formal with casual, layer a tailored blazer over a rugby shirt for a standout, smart casual outfit. The blazer adds structure while the rugby shirt keeps the vibe relaxed. Choose slim-fit chinos or tailored trousers for the bottom half. You can finish with loafers or sleek sneakers, depending on how formal or laid-back you want the outfit.
Top: Rugby shirt under a tailored blazer
Bottom: Slim-fit chinos or tailored trousers, loafers or sleek sneakers
6. Rugby Shirt with Slim-Fit Joggers
A rugby shirt paired with slim-fit joggers creates an athleisure-inspired look that combines comfort and style. The structured nature of the rugby shirt contrasts with the relaxed fit of the joggers. Opt for neutral colors for the joggers to keep the outfit balanced. Pair with sporty sneakers to tie the whole look together.
Top: Rugby shirt
Bottom: Slim-fit joggers, sporty sneakers
7. Rugby Shirt Tucked into Dress Pants
For a bold twist, tuck a rugby shirt into well-tailored dress pants. The structured lines of the dress pants contrast with the relaxed fit of the rugby shirt. This look pushes the boundaries of smart casual, blending elements of both formality and comfort. Finish with dress shoes or loafers to keep things sharp.
Top: Rugby shirt
Bottom: Well-tailored dress pants, dress shoes or loafers
8. Rugby Shirt with Cargo Pants
For a rugged, utilitarian look, pair a rugby shirt with cargo pants. The cargo pants bring a functional edge to the preppy nature of the rugby shirt. Choose earthy tones like olive, khaki, or brown to create a rugged yet stylish contrast. Complete the look with boots or chunky sneakers.
Top: Rugby shirt
Bottom: Cargo pants in earthy tones, boots or chunky sneakers
9. French Tuck for Casual Elegance
A rugby shirt half-tucked into jeans or chinos gives off a laid-back yet polished vibe. The French tuck adds structure without looking overly formal, making it perfect for casual gatherings. Pair with sneakers or loafers to keep the outfit grounded. The tucked-in portion should be subtle, giving just enough contrast without overpowering the look.
Top: Rugby shirt (half-tucked)
Bottom: Jeans or chinos, sneakers or loafers
10. Rugby Shirt and Trench Coat Combo
Layering a trench coat over a rugby shirt instantly elevates the outfit to something stylish and sophisticated. The structured silhouette of the trench coat complements the casual nature of the rugby shirt, creating a refined yet laid-back vibe. Pair with dark jeans or slim trousers and finish with polished shoes or boots.
Top: Rugby shirt under a trench coat
Bottom: Dark jeans or slim trousers, polished shoes or boots
11. With a Puffer Vest
For a casual outdoor look, layer a puffer vest over a rugby shirt. The vest adds warmth and gives the outfit a sporty, functional vibe. Choose a rugby shirt with bold stripes to add visual interest. Complete the look with jeans and hiking boots or sneakers. This outfit is ideal for brisk autumn days or casual outdoor activities with a stylish twist.
Top: Rugby shirt under a puffer vest
Bottom: Jeans, hiking boots or sneakers
12. Rolled-Up Sleeves with Shorts
When the weather warms up, wear a rugby shirt with the sleeves rolled up and pair it with tailored shorts. This gives off a relaxed yet put-together summer vibe. Opt for neutral or pastel colors for the shorts to balance the boldness of the rugby shirt. Finish with boat shoes or loafers to keep the look summery and fresh. Perfect for weekend barbecues or casual summer outings.
Top: Rugby shirt with sleeves rolled up
Bottom: Tailored shorts, boat shoes or loafers
13. Rugby Shirt Under a Denim Jacket
Layer a rugby shirt under a denim jacket for a classic, all-American look. The denim adds a rugged texture that contrasts nicely with the preppy vibe of the rugby shirt. Pair with chinos or dark jeans and finish with casual sneakers or boots. This outfit works great for cool days when you need extra warmth but want to keep the look relaxed and casual.
Top: Rugby shirt under a denim jacket
Bottom: Chinos or dark jeans, casual sneakers or boots
14. Rugby Shirt with Skinny Jeans
Pairing a rugby shirt with skinny jeans creates a modern, streamlined silhouette. The relaxed fit of the shirt contrasts with the snug fit of the jeans, creating a balanced and stylish look. Finish with ankle boots or clean white sneakers for an effortlessly cool vibe. This outfit works well for casual nights out or weekend adventures.
Top: Rugby shirt
Bottom: Skinny jeans, ankle boots or white sneakers
15. Tucked into High-Waisted Trousers
Tuck a rugby shirt into high-waisted trousers for a modern take on a retro-inspired look. The high waist adds structure, while the rugby shirt brings a casual, sporty element. Choose trousers in neutral tones like beige or grey to let the shirt stand out. Pair with loafers or derby shoes for a refined finish.
Top: Rugby shirt
Bottom: High-waisted trousers in neutral tones, loafers or derby shoes
16. Rugby Shirt Underneath a Bomber Jacket
Layering a rugby shirt under a bomber jacket creates a stylish mix of casual and sporty. The bomber jacket adds a sleek, modern edge, while the rugby shirt keeps things grounded. Pair with dark jeans or joggers for a relaxed yet put-together look. Finish with sneakers or boots depending on the vibe you’re going for.
Top: Rugby shirt under a bomber jacket
Bottom: Dark jeans or joggers, sneakers or boots
17. Rugby Shirt and Flannel Combo
For a layered, rugged look, wear a rugby shirt under an open flannel. The two patterns complement each other, especially if you opt for contrasting colors. Pair with jeans and boots for an effortlessly cool, outdoorsy vibe. This outfit is ideal for chilly days or casual outdoor gatherings when you want both style and warmth.
Top: Rugby shirt under an open flannel
Bottom: Jeans, boots
18. With Wide-Leg Trousers
For a high-fashion twist, pair a rugby shirt with wide-leg trousers. The relaxed fit of the trousers complements the casual nature of the rugby shirt, creating a unique, on-trend silhouette. Opt for muted tones to keep the outfit cohesive. Finish with polished shoes or chunky sneakers for a modern look. Ideal for those who like to experiment with proportions.
Top: Rugby shirt
Bottom: Wide-leg trousers, polished shoes or chunky sneakers
19. Rugby Shirt with Corduroy Pants
Pairing a rugby shirt with corduroy pants adds texture and warmth to your outfit. The corduroy brings a retro feel, while the rugby shirt keeps things modern. Opt for earthy tones like brown or burgundy for the pants, and finish with boots or loafers. This look is perfect for autumn outings or casual get-togethers with a vintage twist.
Top: Rugby shirt
Bottom: Corduroy pants in earthy tones, boots or loafers
20. Rugby Shirt Underneath a Hoodie
Layering a rugby shirt underneath a hoodie adds dimension and keeps things casual and cozy. The shirt collar peeking out from the hoodie adds a preppy touch to an otherwise laid-back outfit. Pair with joggers or jeans and finish with sneakers for a street-style vibe.
Top: Rugby shirt under a hoodie
Bottom: Joggers or jeans, sneakers
21. Rugby Shirt with Plaid Pants
Pairing a rugby shirt with plaid pants creates a bold, statement-making outfit. The rugby shirt’s clean lines balance out the busy pattern of the plaid. Choose subdued colors for the pants to keep the outfit cohesive. Complete the look with loafers or minimalist sneakers for a polished yet playful ensemble.
Top: Rugby shirt
Bottom: Plaid pants, loafers or minimalist sneakers
22. Casual with Distressed Jeans
A rugby shirt paired with distressed jeans gives off a rugged, casual vibe. The preppy structure of the rugby shirt contrasts with the edgy, worn-in jeans, creating a balanced and interesting look. Opt for white sneakers or boots to keep things grounded. This outfit is great for casual weekends or laid-back outings where you still want to look stylish.
Top: Rugby shirt
Bottom: Distressed jeans, white sneakers or boots
23. Rugby Shirt and Leather Jacket
Layering a leather jacket over a rugby shirt creates a stylish mix of preppy and edgy. The structured lines of the rugby shirt contrast with the rugged texture of the leather, resulting in a balanced, modern look. Pair with dark jeans or chinos and finish with boots or sleek sneakers.
Top: Rugby shirt, leather jacket
Bottom: Dark jeans or chinos, boots or sleek sneakers
24. Rugby Shirt with Tailored Shorts
For a preppy summer look, wear a rugby shirt with tailored shorts. The clean lines of the shorts elevate the casual nature of the rugby shirt, creating a polished yet relaxed outfit. Choose neutral or pastel shades for the shorts to keep the outfit balanced. Finish with loafers or boat shoes for a smart, summery vibe perfect for beach outings or barbecues.
Top: Rugby shirt
Bottom: Tailored shorts, loafers or boat shoes
25. Rugby Shirt Under a Wool Coat
For a refined winter look, layer a rugby shirt underneath a wool coat. The coat adds warmth and structure, while the rugby shirt brings a sporty, casual touch. Pair with dark trousers or jeans and finish with polished boots for a sleek finish.
Top: Rugby shirt, wool coat
Bottom: Dark trousers or jeans, polished boots
26. Rugby Shirt with Cuffed Jeans
Pairing a rugby shirt with cuffed jeans creates a casual yet put-together outfit. The cuff adds a touch of intentionality to the jeans, while the rugby shirt keeps things laid-back. Finish with loafers or sneakers for a relaxed yet stylish vibe. This look is perfect for weekend brunches or casual outings with friends.
Top: Rugby shirt
Bottom: Cuffed jeans, loafers or sneakers
27. Monochromatic Rugby Shirt Look
For a sleek and modern outfit, choose a rugby shirt and trousers in similar tones. The monochromatic look creates a streamlined, cohesive appearance. Opt for neutral shades like navy, grey, or black for a minimalist vibe.
Top: Rugby shirt in neutral tones
Bottom: Matching neutral-tone trousers, polished shoes or sneakers
28. Rugby Shirt with Slim-Fit Chinos
Pairing a rugby shirt with slim-fit chinos offers a clean and classic look. The tailored fit of the chinos balances out the relaxed nature of the rugby shirt. Choose neutral shades for the chinos and complete the outfit with loafers or dress sneakers.
Top: Rugby shirt
Bottom: Slim-fit chinos, loafers or dress sneakers
29. Rugby Shirt Underneath a Peacoat
Layer a peacoat over a rugby shirt for a polished winter outfit. The peacoat adds structure and formality, while the rugby shirt brings a casual, preppy vibe. Pair with dark jeans or slim-fit trousers and finish with boots or loafers.
Top: Rugby shirt, peacoat
Bottom: Dark jeans or slim-fit trousers, boots or loafers
30. Rugby Shirt and Linen Pants Combo
For a summer-ready outfit, pair a rugby shirt with lightweight linen pants. The breathable fabric of the pants contrasts with the structured rugby shirt, creating a relaxed yet polished look. Choose light colors like beige or white for the pants to keep things summery.
Top: Rugby shirt
Bottom: Linen pants, sandals or loafers
31. Rugby Shirt with Double-Breasted Blazer
For a more formal take, layer a double-breasted blazer over a rugby shirt. The blazer adds structure and sophistication, while the rugby shirt keeps things casual and approachable. Pair with tailored trousers or chinos for a smart-casual outfit. Finish with loafers or polished sneakers depending on the level of formality.
Top: Rugby shirt, double-breasted blazer
Bottom: Tailored trousers or chinos, loafers or polished sneakers
32. Rugby Shirt with Slim Joggers
Pairing a rugby shirt with slim joggers creates a comfortable yet stylish athleisure look. The structured rugby shirt balances the casual fit of the joggers, making the outfit look intentional rather than lazy. Finish with sporty sneakers or chunky boots for an effortlessly cool vibe.
Top: Rugby shirt
Bottom: Slim joggers, sporty sneakers or chunky boots
33. Rugby Shirt with Straight-Leg Trousers
For a more classic approach, wear a rugby shirt with straight-leg trousers. The clean lines of the trousers balance the preppy rugby shirt, creating a smart-casual outfit. Opt for neutral tones like grey or beige for the trousers to keep things simple. Finish with polished boots or loafers for a refined finish.
Top: Rugby shirt
Bottom: Straight-leg trousers, polished boots or loafers
34. Rugby Shirt with Suede Jacket
Layering a suede jacket over a rugby shirt adds a touch of texture and warmth to your outfit. The smooth suede contrasts with the rugged feel of the rugby shirt, creating a balanced look. Pair with slim-fit chinos or jeans and finish with desert boots or sneakers.
Top: Rugby shirt, suede jacket
Bottom: Slim-fit chinos or jeans, desert boots or sneakers
35. Rugby Shirt with Checked Trousers
For a bold and modern look, pair a rugby shirt with checked trousers. The pattern on the trousers contrasts with the simple lines of the rugby shirt, creating a statement-making outfit. Keep the rest of the look simple with loafers or sleek sneakers.
Top: Rugby shirt
Bottom: Checked trousers, loafers or sleek sneakers