In the scrum

A showcase of my Rugby shirt collection

Like a lot of my wardrobe, it crept up on me. At one point I didn’t own a rugby jersey. Then I had one for every day of the week.

Could they be the perfect transitional layer? I think there’s a strong case for it.

A sweatshirt can feel too heavy. A long sleeve tee is just that. But a rugby shirt sits somewhere in between, and it does something the others don’t.

Like I mentioned in last week’s blog about socks, they’re fun to play around with. There’s a bit of freedom to them.

Throw one over a shirt, a T-shirt, even a roll neck if you feel like pushing it. Either way, if you enjoy colour, a rugby shirt is one of the easiest ways to bring it into an outfit.

I’ve picked up more than a few over the years, so like any normal person, I’ve photographed and documented them.

The Real McCoy’s Climber’s Rugby

I’ll start with the one I’ve probably worn the most.

I picked this up in Tokyo from The Real McCoy’s, which deserves a section of its own at some point. It’s one of those places you walk into and don’t really want to leave.

For those who aren’t familiar, The Real McCoy’s is a Japanese reproduction brand. They base their pieces on original garments and go as far as sourcing period-correct details. If they’re making something inspired by the 40s, they’ll track down buttons and trims that match the era. That level of care is what sets them apart.

This particular rugby is inspired by what rock climbers were wearing on the West Coast of America in the 70s. Places like San Francisco. A lot of them were wearing imported rugby shirts from England and New Zealand, and this is a nod to that.

It’s easily one of my favourites and I wear it to death. This one in particular works well with a pair of fatigues.

Withernot Ulysses Rugby Shirt

If we’re talking climbing shirts, this one is a much more direct reference.

Withernot build a lot of their pieces around archival imagery, and you can find photos of climbers from the Yosemite scene in the 70s wearing this exact style. This shirt is a clear nod to that, right down to the layout and feel of it. It actually started the brand, which makes it a bit more special. They’ve become quite sought after since, so this is one I’ll be holding onto.

The royal blue really stands out, especially with that tricolour stripe across the chest. It’s bold without feeling overdone.

Fit-wise, it leans more relaxed, but not in an oversized way. There’s a natural slouch to it that feels true to the period, which suits the reference it’s built on.

Black & Blue 1871 Heritage Rugby Shirt

Black & Blue lean heavily into rugby’s early history. The “1871” isn’t when the brand started, but a reference to the founding of the Rugby Football Union, when the rules of the game were first properly set.

That sense of heritage comes through in the shirt itself. It has a slightly distressed wash, and it feels closer to the older idea of a rugby shirt. Properly hard-wearing, like it’s built to be used.

The colourway is as classic as it gets, which makes it one of the easiest to wear in the rotation. It goes with just about anything.

I find myself reaching for it under a corduroy three-roll-two blazer more often than not.

TRiCKETT England Rugby Shirt

I’m pretty sure this was the first rugby shirt I picked up.

It’s from TRiCKETT England, run by Iain Trickett and his family up in Accrington. What I like about the brand, aside from the product itself, is that it feels very personal. Everything clearly comes from him, from his own interests and references.

Nothing feels like it’s there for the sake of it. Every piece is considered, and usually tied back to something that’s genuinely inspired him, rather than just filling out a range.

I’ve always appreciated the fact that they champion local British factories that have been doing things properly for years. This one’s made in the Midlands, which only adds to that.

J. Press Mountain Stripe Rugby Shirt

J. Press is J. Press, and I’ve always been a massive devotee of the brand. This is a really high-quality piece—made in the USA from heavyweight cotton jersey, and it comes in that relaxed, proper fit that the brand does so well. Honestly, the fit is brilliant; it sits perfectly over one of their also Made in USA Oxford cloth button-downs, which makes it one of my favourite ways to wear it.

This one features a small logo. Some people don’t like that, but for me, it just feels like a quiet nod to the brand, and I don’t mind it at all.

Aubin Irnham Rugby Shirt

Last year, Aubin filmed a video featuring me wearing some of their pieces. One of my favourites was this rugby shirt, which I paired with one of their green corduroy suits. The combination of casual and formal felt really nice and made for a look I’ve kept coming back to.

I’ve kept wearing this rugby shirt ever since. The colours are spot on, all the classic rugby details are there, and it just works. It’s an easy piece to throw on and always adds a bit of character to an outfit.

Barbarian Long and Short Sleeve Rugby Shirts

If you’re a fan of rugby shirts, you’ve no doubt heard of Barbarian. They’ve been making rugby jerseys in Canada since 1981. I picked up two pieces here at the fantastic shop MAINE in Tokyo. Along with the Real McCoy’s Climber’s Rugby, these were the three rugby shirts I came away with from hot, humid Tokyo, and you can’t really blame me.

The first is a striking long sleeve version in green, white, and yellow continuous stripes. I love this colourway. It stands out without being too loud.

The second is a short sleeve rugby shirt in navy and green stripes. When I first heard Barbarian made short sleeve shirts, I wasn’t completely convinced. Now I wish I had picked up more. The short sleeve version almost gives a modern city boy take on the look. It works perfectly for days that are too warm for a sweatshirt but not quite T-shirt weather.

I’m still kicking myself for not stocking up on the short-sleeve versions while I had the chance.

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Well, there it is.

These are the eight rugby shirts I currently have in my collection. I love them not just as a mid-layer but for their versatility. They sit perfectly between a T-shirt and a sweatshirt, so you can layer them over a shirt, throw them on over a T-shirt, or wear them on their own.

My favourite thing about them, of course, is the colour. They’re one of the easiest ways to add a pop of colour to any outfit.

Depending on when you read this, who knows? I might own eight more, or maybe multiply that by ten and then ten more. Is it an addiction? Possibly. Do I regret it? Not at all.