All too quickly, summer shot by, and it can feel like we're left with a bit of the sartorial blues. Camp collars, short shorts, and open-toed shoes are soon to be packed back in the closet, lying patiently in wait for next spring. Goodnight, linen party shirt. Goodnight, 5” inch baggies. Fall can feel stale or full of hassle, with boring neutral colors and buttoned-up expectations and the layers ... by God, the layers! But! There are some upsides to the changing of seasons. Namely, the return of the rugby shirt. There may be a chill in the air, but this style continues to be red hot—a heavy-gauge, cotton-cut shirt, the rugby is the king of casual collars. Born from U.K. origins, this heavy shirt has been a staple in fall wardrobes for as long as “fall wardrobes” have been around. Built tough, the style allows for a variety of looks, ranging from preppy to workwear and back. Under a lightweight jacket, over an oxford button-down, or just simply on its lonesome, the style looks handsome and can dress up or down to your comfort level.

The saying “if it ain't broke, don't fix it” rings very much true for the rugby. The base formula is already a smash hit—a warm, heavy layer that hangs nicely on virtually any shoulders, with a collar, a button neck, and a penchant for looking fly. In 2021, the style skews casual—a boxy cut and loose fit is the modus operandi of some of the best rugby shirts of the season. However, that doesn't mean skater-chic is the only way to style the shirt. A pair of nice khakis and easy-wear loafers certainly create a well-dressed rugby fit. Keep your eyes peeled for a knit rugby, too. Much like the knit short-sleeve polo, a woven rugby can elevate any fall look without a boring button-up in the mix. Browse our picks for the best rugby shirts below.