Last autumn, a desire for a rugby shirt struck me, despite never having played rugby or engaging in sports. I was drawn to the shirt's sporty yet preppy aesthetic. Starting my search on various secondhand platforms, I soon discovered that most vintage options were tailored for men. At five-foot-three and typically wearing an extra small or small, I realized these sizes wouldn't work for me, leaving me unfulfilled as the season transitioned.
With the arrival of Labor Day this year, I dove back into my search, this time focused on women’s rugby shirts. Aimless and unequipped as I was before, I sought a version that had a tailored fit—slimmer shoulders and a shorter length, while still providing some slouch and drape. Ideally, I wanted one made from 100 percent cotton with horizontal stripes. After trying on several options from various brands, I was finally able to find one that stood out.
Top Contenders for Rugby Shirts
I explored numerous contenders, leading me to consider a variety of brands and styles:
- Kotn Shrunken Rugby Shirt - Taupe/Powder: This shirt was thick, durable, and fittingly proportioned, proving to be a strong candidate.
- Mersea Amelia Rugby Tee: Although a perfect fit, it was limited to one size, preventing it from taking the top spot.
- L.L.Bean Women’s Mountain Classic Rugby, Long-Sleeve Multi-Stripe: I loved its pattern and cut, but it was just a tad too large for my liking.
Less Successful Picks
Some shirts didn’t quite meet my expectations:
- Lands’ End Men’s Long Sleeve Stripe Rugby Shirt: I tried this men's option in an extra small, which still turned out too long and not boxy enough, leading to a frumpy silhouette.
- Patagonia Women’s Long-Sleeved Rugby Shirt: Although I admired the berry and fig stripes, the collar was too formal, leading to discomfort.
Rugby Shirts That Almost Won
Next, I assessed some noteworthy runners-up:
- J.Crew Boyfriend Jersey Rugby Shirt in Stripe: The cropped design and boxy fit appealed to me, but the lightweight fabric was too thin for my needs, making it better suited for spring.
- Lands’ End Women’s Long Sleeve Boxy Mariner Rugby Polo: The soft fabric, while comfortable, felt too light for a rugby shirt. The pale-blue and forest-green accents were a plus for me, though.
The Winning Choice
The standout shirt was Kotn’s shrunken rugby shirt. Upon wearing it, I realized how much thicker and more substantial it felt compared to others. I discovered that it was crafted in collaboration with Barbarian, a well-known heritage rugbywear manufacturer. This collaboration ensured that the shirt was made from heavyweight cotton sourced from North Carolina. Unlike the standard styles, this version is tailored for women, with a slightly tighter fit and shorter length that suits my proportions better.
Choosing a size small instead of my usual extra small gave me that desired loose, boxy fit rather than a slim look. Available in a variety of appealing color combinations, this shirt has become my go-to. In terms of both style and comfort, it aligned perfectly with my original vision, and I plan on wearing it throughout the colder months until the first snowfall arrives.