The forgotten charm of rugby sweatshirts for men

The story had its beginning in the old days of the 19th Century when the change was the only ‘in’ thing in everything. The rugby sweatshirts began their saga by placing their right foot forward on the pitch. No, this was not a sales pitch of sweaty presentations, followed by snarky questions by disinterested investors! This was the pitch where it was totally allowed for men to proudly eviscerate their opponents and knock the snot out of their snooty noses. Those were the days of infancy for the game of rugby itself! This was the modern man’s polo who was elite enough but still not quite sissy enough to ignore their primal need of getting down and dirty fighting mano-a-mano. 

However, another welcome change was necessary, until then the players had been showing up adorned in classic white button-down shirts, neatly tied bow ties and white trousers. This laughable fashion for rugby players was soon disregarded, thanks to all the dirt, dust, sweat and stains that soiled their white shirts after every match. Thus, was born the Rugby shirt as we see it today! 

The rugby world admittedly decided that a shirt was to be designed that could wick off and absorb all the sweat and tears, easily, so it was made of thick cotton. A good quality cotton shirt would be comfortable, yet stand strong in the wrong side of a fight. However, the iconic style of collars was given a special importance. While we don’t know what led to the decision, it was probably because they thought that when kicking your opponent, one should always sport a collar just to look dignified! While the urban-er may not get into a spontaneous scrum, it pays to be well-prepared. If you are looking to buy rugby t-shirts online you must understand its evolution through the ages and the present trending style.

However, still the Rugby shirt has undergone several iterations. A story that started with the lesson to have a thick cotton shirt with a delicate collar that limited whiplash, found itself transformed into the emblem for frat-boys during the days of preppy look uprising. Yes, it took a while for gentleman players of the bygone days to hang their tweed blazers up and put on sporty apparel, but the style of rugby shirts online has been resurrected once again.

These days it is all about slim fitting rugby shirts that fit just right but are too tight. Many would prefer to layer something under their rugby shirt in the cold months like an Oxford or a Henley. However, in warmer days a good pairing would be to wear them with a ribbon belt and slightly pushed up sleeves. After all the slightly folded up sleeves on a rugby shirt is the ultimate understated, hunky look for urban boys spending most of their times in front of a computer making excels than screaming on the field! Rugby shops online have responded with a large of stock of shirts which still owe their style essence to Ivy League inspiration, but are definitely a lot more versatile. That being said, do not buy rugby t-shirts that feel like a rugby but looks like an alternative to the polo shirts. 

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