The rugby shirt is back in the scrum. Long a cornerstone of the classic campus wardrobe—right alongside Oxfords, chinos and loafers—it has all the polish of a polo, but considerably more grit. The heavyweight cotton, sturdy woven collar and rubber buttons were originally designed to endure an actual match. Later, outdoorsmen like Patagonia founder Yvon Chouinard wore them while climbing, which tells you everything you need to know: This is prep built to take a beating.
That rugged versatility is what makes the rugby shirt feel so right again. Designers are loosening the fit, playing with unexpected color combinations and treating it as something closer to a lightweight sweatshirt. It’s substantial enough for a crisp fall day, distinctive without being loud and only gets better once it’s been broken in. In other words, buy a good one now and wear it on its own while the weather’s still mild, then use it as a substantial mid-layer once temperatures drop. It’s comfortable, rugged and distinctive without feeling like you’re trying too hard … which is exactly what a Fall Foundation should be.
