Last year we saw a surge in tennis-core outfits, but now it’s time to put your rackets away and head to the pitch in one of the high street's coolest rugby shirts. Preppy polo collars have been spotted everywhere recently and it’s the perfect trend to give your wardrobe a stylish update. Pair with a suede jacket and you’ve got yourself a fashion-forward look that is sure to slay.
The trend began on the catwalks, which were awash with rugby shirts galore. From Miu Miu to Prada and Tommy Hilfiger, the runways had preppy designs taking centre stage. It didn't take long for the street stylers to take note. At recent fashion weeks, including Copenhagen, New York and Paris the style set has been repping collared rugby shirts left, right and centre. And it's serving us a lot of style inspiration!
It’s even got Taylor Swift and Gigi Hadid’s approval. The singer and model have both been spotted wearing rugby shirts. Instead of bold stripes Taylor opted for a classic logo style which she paired with brown knee high boots for a look that oozed style. Gigi rocked a striped rugby shirt with a pair of laidback green cargo trousers and a très chic leather jacket.
If you fancy following suit and adding a preppy polo top to your wardrobe, we’ve found all the best rugby shirts on the high street. Our top picks include styles from all our fashion faves, including H&M and M&S. The hardest part is choosing just one, we want them all.
Heat's pick of the best rugby shirts, at a glance
SHOP: the best rugby tops from the high-street
Best timeless rugby shirt
M&Swww.marksandspencer.com
There's no denying that M&S has been seriously killing it recently with their sell-out collections and their latest drop is of no exception. We love their classic take on the rugby shirt trend, which features neutral black stripes and a white collar. It's crafted from 100% cotton for a super comfortable fit. We have a feeling this style will sell out fast.
Best knitted rugby shirt
ASOSwww.asos.com
While rugby shirts are typically made from cotton, knitted versions have also been taking the high street by storm. One in particular that we've got our eye on is this stunning style from ASOS. We love the sky blue colour and slouchy relaxed fit - it's the perfect piece to pair with your favourite pair of jeans.
Best luxe-looking rugby shirt
Anthropologiewww.anthropologie.com
Anthropologie is always our go-to destination for designs that feel more unique and luxe-looking. Enter this gorgeous khaki green and lilac rugby shirt. It's made from 100% cotton, so is super breathable and comfortable to wear. Style with your favourite denim for a causal look, or try a pair of tailored trousers for a smarter feel.
Best bold striped rugby shirt
Mangoshop.mango.com
Run don't walk to bag this amazing sale find. We couldn't believe our eyes when we came across this Mango piece still available in sale. At half price you can snap up a very chic rugby shirt featuring stylish bold red stripes. It's made in a fine knit fabric that's super cosy to wear.
Best bargain rugby shirt
H&Mwww2.hm.com
Try out the trend without splashing too much cash thanks to H&M's bargain rugby shirt. You can never go wrong with timeless navy and white The key to looking effortlessly cool is opting for an oversized silhouette and this style fits that bill perfectly. It features drop shoulders and is cut in a looser fit - size up if you're after an extra baggy look.
Best pink rugby shirt
Damson Madderdamsonmadder.com
Female-founded and eco-conscious brand Damson Madder has fast become one of our favourite places to shop. Not to mention, we're always spotting our favourite fashion girlies sporting the brand. Damson Madder has come up trumps with this preppy pink rugby top of dreams. It's made from 100% cotton and features a cool oversized fit.
Best burgundy rugby shirt
Pull & Bearwww.pullandbear.com
Burgundy was big news towards the end of last year and isn't going anywhere anytime soon. The colour trend works so well in the form of a rugby shirt, and this one from Pull & Bear is right up our street. It looks particularly great when paired with classic blue denim.
Best smart rugby shirt
Nextwww.next.co.uk
For a smarter, office-appropriate rugby shirt opt for this knitted design from Next. It has less of a slouchy fit and the chocolate brown and black colour way looks mega sophisticated. Layer over an oversized blazer for a chic look. It also features recycled polyester, which we always love to see.
Best colourful rugby shirt
M&Swww.marksandspencer.com
If you fancy a colourful rugby shirt then M&S have got you covered with this gorge blue style, that's made from 100% cotton. Perfect for transitioning into spring, the design is a welcome injection of colour to any weekend-ready look. It also comes in a vibrant apple green hue.
Emma White is a Senior Style Writer for heat and Closer, where she covers all things fashion, beauty and interiors. As a lover of high street fashion and someone who unashamedly trawls the new in sections of Mango, Zara and H&M on an almost daily basis, Emma is your go-to person for any what to wear woes.