History Behind the Rugby Jumper When rugby was first played in England, participants would often wear white flannel shirts, caps and trousers. Some players even wore monocles when they played. However, these materials and pieces of clothing were not fit for purpose due to the rough nature of the game. As rugby evolved, so did the uniforms. Flannel shirts were now replaced with collared wool sweaters. However, players often found the wool jumper too hot and itchy to wear for a full game. In the early-to-mid 1900s, rugby jumpers changed again—now being created from thick cotton which was better suited to withstand the punishment of tackles and scrums. These rugby jumpers now featured a firm collar and rubber buttons. Teams would also now be able to customise their jumpers easier with the new material, allowing them to choose one solid colour for the whole piece. However, as the sport grew in popularity so did the number of teams. Working alongside the football association of the time, rugby teams would be allowed to customise their jumpers with horizontal stripes (also known as hoops), while football teams could use vertical stripes. With the rise of preppy style in the 1950s, rugby jumpers soon became a popular sight off the field. They were commonly worn by English private school and university students to show support for their school team. Eventually, this style spread to the US and then the rest of the world. As rugby progressed, so did the materials used to make jerseys. Synthetic materials such as polyester and cotton blends were lighter and more durable, while the thick cotton rugby jumpers became a style icon instead. How to Wear a Rugby Jumper Perfect for transitional seasons such as Autumn and Spring, rugby jumpers can be easily layered for extra warmth, or worn by themselves due to the nature of the soft fabrication. Their comfort, versatility and sporty look make them one of our wardrobe staples. For a casual look Whether you’re walking the dog, running errands, or enjoying a perfect for Spring barbeques, a rugby jumper can be worn as part of a comfortable casual outfit. Complement it with a pair of dark wash blue jeans or black jeans for a neat look. Finish it off with casual sneakers to add to the sporty look. For added comfort and warmth, wear your rugby jumper over a plain white t-shirt. For a more formal look Channel that classic look and elevate your outfit by pairing your rugby jumper under a casual sports jacket. Chinos will further enhance your look, while dress shoes or leather boots should also be considered to polish off your look. What not to wear it with Although rugby jumpers have collars, ties and bow ties should never be worn with them Rugby jumpers should not be worn instead of a shirt for formal occasions (such as weddings) Rugby jumpers work best with casual outerwear styles like blouson or a Harrington style or you could try a vest Looking to add some more colour to your wardrobe? Featuring bold stripes and colour blocks, a rugby jumper can easily enhance your outfit for any casual occasion. Shop our wide range of rugby jumpers at GAZMAN now.