Best Rugby Shirts

It’s something often talked about in the wonderful world of menswear: The best style staples of today sprang from purpose, from utility and from reliability. The list goes on, including the cotton chino, the white T-shirt and the blue jean, and you can apply those same benchmarks to the best rugby shirts. A long-sleeve cousin of the polo shirt, the multi-button placket and foldover collar made the shirt a sporting staple that’s been modified over time for modern-day wear (and yet, it’s still worn to great effect to actually play rugby). If the polo shirt is a touch preppy, then the best rugby shirts for men are both preppy and yet slightly more rugged: This writer can recall his grandfather wearing one from L.L Bean over the holidays in front of a roaring fire, a style move that still works to great effect today. The best men’s rugby shirts are often built from thickly woven cotton or even wool and cashmere, or else performance-minded merino fabric. Some rugby shirts boast a contrasting collar, often in white to play off the body of the shirt itself, and others feature bold, thick stripes across the chest. The rugby shirt is as wearable as the Oxford shirt or the chambray shirt, a piece that’s crisp and versatile but a step below wearing a blazer (a rugby shirt might prove apt for Thanksgiving when worn with corduroy trousers). RELATED: Best Full-Zip Sweaters for Men The cold weather suits the best rugby shirts, but they can be used as a casually cool layer in spring when styled the right way (think light wash jeans and chunky leather loafers for a preppy, high-low change of pace). If you value the crisp look of a polo but want something a dash more rugged, thank the best rugby shirts this season. Buck Mason Seafarer Cotton Rugby Polo Both a sweater and a polo, but fashioned from thick yarn-dyed cotton, this handsome rugby polo upgrades the classic polo in fine fashion. Note the racked stitch detailing at the cuffs and hem for a sporty, secure fit. The three-button placket is also an utterly classic touch. $198 at BuckMason.com  Flint and Tinder Rugby Polo The good folks at Huckberry, always with a keen eye for vintage-inspired details and Americana classics, have used their in-house Flint and Tinder line to freshen up what the company calls “a collegiate classic.” Heavyweight cotton twill meets heritage-inspired contrast stitching throughout, while thick contrasting stripes fall perfectly in line with autumnal walks across campus. $138 at Huckberry.com  Everlane Luxe Fleece Rugby Polo Everlane’s sustainable spin on the rugby polo uses a blend of organic cotton and polyester for extreme softness and stretch, while the contrasting white collar and placket is a timeless rugby polo touch. With a more burly, relaxed fit, this option offers contemporary looks in a relatively affordable package, to boot. $118 at Everlane.com  Taylor Stitch Newton Sweater Polo The luxe appeal of merino wool meets the refinement and yet classically rugged nature of the rugby polo — would you expect anything less from Taylor Stitch? The best rugby polos should feel comfortable as can be, and the thick-ribbed cuffs and hem of this shirt make for an extremely easy wearing experience — especially alongside Taylor Stitch’s expertly washed chinos. $178 at TaylorStitch.com  Brooks Brothers Cotton Rugby Shirt A pillar of all-American prep style, Brooks Brothers brings a collegiate, vintage look and feel to modern times with this heritage favorite. Heavyweight jersey cotton construction and classic chest stripes add what the famed menswear house calls “authentic sporting style” to your next tailored-yet-versatile wearing occasion. $148 at BrooksBrothers.com  Polo Ralph Lauren Icon Rugby Shirt Ralph Lauren is another designer that helped bring prep and Americana to the masses, with a tasteful and stylish finish that blended luxury with a laidback, sporty appeal. The best men’s rugby shirts embody each of those qualities, with the Icon Shirt and the brand’s legendary Polo logo serving as exhibit A when it comes to traditional prep style made modern. $149.97 at Amazon.com  Levi’s Classic Long-Sleeve Rugby Shirt Although perhaps better known for its game-changing denim and rock n’roll-approved denim jackets, Levi’s is a cornerstone of straightforward American style, and the preppy appeal of the rugby polo is a fine match for the famed California brand. This one gets a fitting update with a ‘90s-esque denim collar for good measure. $39.99 at Amazon.com  Croker Traditional Ireland Rugby Polo If you’d prefer to go all-out when wearing one of the best rugby polos, perhaps celebrating your Irish heritage and your love of sport in the process, go straight to the source with this foundational rugby polo celebrating tradition in every stitch. Richly crafted chest logos offer a sense of pride and authentic style. $68.95 at Amazon.com  Charles River Apparel Classic Rugby Shirt There’s something to be said for going incredibly classic when it comes to wearing a rugby shirt — it’s right there in the name of this handsome, timeless option from Charles River Apparel. Select from a wide array of striped and solid color options at a highly agreeable price, all the better to add some prep sporting appeal to your autumnal wardrobe. $43.60 at Amazon.com  Adidas Go-To Rugby Polo The three stripes of Adidas turn into flattering vertical striping on this polo, which calls to mind long-sleeve soccer jerseys (a fitting move for the sportswear giant and its influence on the game of futbol, naturally). The 100 percent cotton construction of this shirt, as the brand notes, also makes it an apt golfing shirt, but it should prove every bit as stylish when not hitting the links. $63.81 at Amazon.com  You Might Also Dig: Best Corduroy ShirtsBest Lightweight Long-Sleeve ShirtsBest Retro Tracksuits