The Best Rugby Shirts for Men in 2025, Tested by Style Editors

I’ve tried more rugby shirts than I count, and Banana Republic’s version still takes the crown. Most rugby shirts are thick and structured—which I love—but this one feels like my favorite sweaters: it has cozy cotton that feels substantial without weighing me down. The inside is brushed to a smooth finish, giving that soft, lived-in feel that makes it perfect for the fall and winter—but it’s not just a seasonal piece. On chilly spring days, I’ve worn it solo and felt totally comfortable, making it a year-round staple.

The fit is relaxed but tailored—roomy through the shoulders, chest, and waist, so layering a tank or undershirt never leads to bunching, yet it’s never baggy. I also love the multi-color stripe: navy and gray with a pop of mustard and maroon that lifts any outfit. It’s got that classic preppy vibe that works with jeans, but I’ve also dressed it up with slacks, too. I’ve worn it over grey pants to pick up the tones in the shirt, and with clean white dress sneakers for a polished, weekend-ready look. The point collar isn’t flimsy either. On days I iron/steam it, it stays crisp all day.

Considering the quality, the price is actually a solid value—it feels and performs like something you’d find a premium heritage brand. The only downside is that it’s not the kind of shirt you’ll want to toss in the dryer; air drying is the best option to keep its shape. And since it’s so dense, it can take a minute to fully dry. But that’s a small trade-off for one of the best-built, best-fitting rugby shirts I’ve tested.

Read More: Best Sweaters for Men

J.Crew’s rugby shirt caught my eye because it ditches the typical stripe overload for something minimal and sleek. The single color comes with a crisp white canvas collar and a subtle striped placket that gives it a fresh, modern aesthetic without being loud. That means you can easily wear this to the office or casual dinner parties. The cotton fabric has that snug, homey feel of your favorite sweatshirt, so it’s soft, comfortable, and drapes neatly without being too warm in spring or early summer like heavier rugby shirts.

The relaxed fit is forgiving through the chest and roomy in the sleeves, making it work for broader builds, but it’s still flattering for all body types. I’ve worn it solo, layered under a bomber jacket, or with chinos and tailored trousers for office or dinner looks. The only downside? It could be too understated for someone who craves bold stripes, but its simplicity makes it feel versatile and easy to mix into your wardrobe.

Lands’ End rugby shirt comes with a lower price tag, but it’s just as high in quality as other options that cost twice as much. It’s made with a soft cotton jersey fabric that feels cozy and substantial like Banana Republic’s, but even more breathable. Our testers were really impressed by its durability: after five washes, multiple commutes, or even long weekends of travel, it hasn’t lost its shape or softness. It barely wrinkles, even after hours at your desk or in transit, so it’s one of those easy grab-and-go items you can throw on in the morning.

The cut is loose yet tailored through the body and arms, avoiding that boxy, oversized fit. Meanwhile, the pre-washed fabric also minimizes shrinkage while giving it that broken-in feel right off the rack. Plus, it comes in more colors than any shirt on our list, so you could rotate through your office fits without repeating the same look. The only drawback: it’s not as heavyweight as traditional rugby shirts, so you might want a different option when the weather drops below 60 degrees. Still, for the price, it’s one of the best everyday values you can find.

Ralph Lauren wrote the rulebook on preppy style, so it’s no surprise that the Polo rugby shirt remains the gold standard. I’ve worn it for years, and I love that the fabric has that substantial weight that feels structured but never stiff. I can wear it without a tank top underneath and still feel warm in the winter. The cotton is tightly woven with a soft texture that holds its shape with every wash and wear. The fit leans more classic, slightly relaxed through the body and arms, so it drapes clean but still lets you layer underneath a jacket without bunching.

The details are really where it earns its stripes (literally). The contrast twill collar stands tall after pressing, the rubber buttons are a subtle nod to vintage athletic design, and those bold, collegiate-inspired stripes feel unmistakably Ralph. I wore mine during early fall office days and weekend errands, and it handled both with ease. It was comfortable enough to work in, and still look polished enough to grab lunch after. My only gripe is it can get a little toasty under a heavy winter coat after a couple hours, so be careful of how you layer it with outerwear.

Alex Mill’s rugby shirt nails that vintage look better than most I’ve tried. It has that perfectly broken-in vibe, like something you’d find in a thrift shop, but it actually fits. In keeping with its retro spirit, the fit is boxier than most. It’s relaxed without feeling oversized, so you’re not swimming in fabric. That shape actually flatters a lot of body types, especially broader shoulders or straighter builds. The washed cotton jersey feels soft and lived-in right out of the box, and the khaki, black, and red color scheme give it a real throwback energy while still feeling fresh.

I’ve layered it over a Barbour jacket a few times, and the cropped hem and slightly dropped shoulder (that seam that falls a bit past your actual shoulder bone for a laid-back silhouette) give it a laidback drape that doesn’t look sloppy. Small details like the herringbone cotton interior placket and the topstitching on the collar keep it structured and sharp, even after a full day of wear. It’s not cheap, but for a rugby that feels instantly vintage, and holds up after multiple washes, and works well layered or solo, it’s worth the investment.

L.L.Bean stripped away the collegiate collar for a mockneck style that feels more athletic yet polished; think refined prep meets streetwear. This higher neckline gives extra coverage on breezy mornings and makes it look sharper, almost like a hybrid between a quarter-zip and a rugby shirt. When styling it, I found it paired surprisingly well with tailored chinos, pleated trousers, and even a wool coat for a smart cold-weather look.

The washed down jersey-knit cotton is really what sold me. The outer fabric feels slightly velvety, while the inside is smooth and soft like a vintage tee that’s been washed just enough times that it’s your go-to lounge shirt. It has a relaxed fit, which gives you plenty of room to move, whether you’re reaching to grab something from a high shelf or tossing around a football. After a few wears, I noticed how it breaks in even better, so the fabric relaxes without stretching out—a quality most cotton pullovers don’t have. The only catch: it’s perfect for crisp fall air, but might be too hot to wear when your radiator is on full blast.

Rowing Blazers has been the master of remixing preppy styles for younger guys. Take this nautical-stripe style: it pulls a mix of unique rugby shirt colors that stands out without feeling over the top. To keep the look balanced, I prefer to pair it with white pants, whether it’s jeans or tailored pants for a crisp, clean vibe. This one’s really a heavyweight, made with 390 GSM (grams per square meter) organic cotton, so it’s got serious heft and presence. The fit is slim but not restrictive; you can stretch your arms comfortably without feeling boxed in.

What really sets it apart is the craftsmanship. It’s made on vintage looms, older machines from the 20th century that produce fabric you don’t see in mass-produced garments. The weft thread runs across the full width of the fabric in a single pass, producing tightly woven knit that won’t fray or lose shape. You can wash it inside out and it’ll come out looking fresh, but I prefer dry cleaning to keep it looking sharp. The price might be high, but so is the quality. It felt like premium knitwear from the moment I pulled it over my head, which should be the standard for what a well-designed rugby shirt should be.