Celtics Wear the rugby trend like Jayson Tatum, trendsetting celebs, and other athletes Tatum impressed sports fans and fashionistas alike in a trendy rugby sweater before the Celtics’ decisive Friday night win against the Indiana Pacers. Jayson Tatum wore a Carlton Rugby collection rugby sweater, horizontally striped in pine green. Maddie Meyer/Getty Images
The rugby shirt, a classic sportswear piece with a historical backstory, has made a stylish comeback — blending traditional with modern swag, as seen on Jayson Tatum and other trendsetters like Hailey Bieber, Taylor Swift, and 76ers guard Jared McCain.
But if you’re like me and missed the return to rugby seen trending on runways and TikTok, you need a quick rundown on why they are popular and how it can be styled like Tatum or another one of your faves.
Worn Friday night before that win against the Indiana Pacers in Boston: A Carlton Rugby collection rugby sweater, horizontally striped in pine green, with the Wisdom of Age emblem on the front and signature on the lower right sleeve. Last online for a Thanksgiving drop, much of the brand’s apparel becomes available through various seasonal, limited releases and holiday capsules.
Rugby shirts popped up on spring 2024 runways, gained popularity throughout the year, had a high moment this past fall, and have been around for generations.
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According to Vogue, the iconic striped top with its contrasting collar originated in England sometime in the 19th century and became an important part of rugby culture, the colors of the stripes distinguishing teams. The shirts entered the fashion realm in the 1980s, popularized by public figures like Princess Diana, becoming even more mainstream by Ralph Lauren, which makes both polo and rugby shirts.
And now they are back. Why? Some say trends like “tenniscore” helped usher in so-called “rugbycore.” Others might say it’s because athleisure is accessible, sportswear is cool, and making it upscale broadens the appeal to people who want to be comfy but look stylish beyond sports jerseys or yoga pants. Rugby shirts provide the best of both, while adding a global touch and preppy flair … if that’s your thing.
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But if a classic rugby-and-chinos look like Tatum’s isn’t your thing, but you like style trends and classic patterns, you can try one of these variations that elevate its timeless look into one fit for today.
Fold it into tenniscore with a cute skirt or jazz it up with a satin midi skirt.
Or you could go all out in straight streetwear drip.
And if none of those appeal to you, keep it simple and fall back on the rugby staples.
If you’re not into the rugby aesthetic at all and you just want to look hot, try a bomber jacket and Burberry hoodie like Al Horford.
The present and the future 🤩 pic.twitter.com/is9Zysr3aG — Boston Celtics (@celtics) December 27, 2024
Or if you just want to be hot like Jaylen Brown’s season-high 44-point game, you could grab some 741 gear like Celtics analyst Brian Scalabrine copped and then wore Friday night.
“I’m wearing the quarter zip,” Drew Carter promised for the upcoming Sunday night rematch against the Pacers.