What to Wear at a Rugby Match?
Whether you're an avid rugby fan, an all-round sports enthusiast that enjoys a spot of rugby from time to time, or a guy who's attending his very first stadium rugby match, dressing for a game isn't always the easiest affair! Ultimately, you want to enjoy the occasion to the full and, believe it or not, looking good and feeling good plays a big role in this. Simply put, ridding yourself of any wardrobe worries will let you kick back and enjoy match day distraction-free. So, let us guide you on what to wear to the rugby and help you pick out an outfit that's appropriate for the event, the weather and the season! Read on for a rugby clothing rundown…
What you need to know when dressing for the rugby
Before diving into the details, it's worth taking a moment to consider the key factors that should influence the outfit you pick for a day spent observing scrums, tries and tackles.The type and location of the match you're off to see will in part dictate your clothing requirements. If you'll be standing pitch-side for a more informal match, bear in mind that you'll likely be entirely exposed to the elements. If that's the case, windproof and water-repellent outerwear is highly recommended! If a professional tournament is on the agenda though and you're off to sit in a stadium, the level of your exposure to the elements will no doubt be a slightly different story. That being said, the conditions experienced in a stadium might depend on the time of day and where in the stand you're seated, along with wind direction and which way you're facing (will you be looking directly into the sun, for instance?). Thinking these things through will help you dress accordingly, informing your decisions and leading you to pick out a practical outfit.
It's also a smart move to build your look around layers that can be added or removed throughout the day, for ultimate comfort. Some stadiums have bag restrictions in place, so be sure to read the fine print and pack light. But, if you're allowed, it's preferable to take a couple of extra clothes or accessories with you, so you're fully prepared for changing temperatures and weather fronts. Remember, you'll want an outfit that suits all occasions too; in other words, one that fits the bill when you're en route to the match, cheering on from the sidelines, and stopping via the pub on your way home. Layers offer an obstruction-free path towards a comfortable, practical, feel-good and look-good outfit that you can adapt as you go – the real end goal!
Our last general nugget of advice before we discuss the specifics? Wear comfy shoes! Watching a rugby game will likely leave you standing on your feet for long periods and, as any rugby fan knows, stadium match days require a lot of walking to and from (let alone around) the venue!
What to wear to a rugby game – go-to sports fan staples!
It's a no-brainer, but if you're off to support a particular team and if you've got the merchandise that mirrors your favourite team's kit, then of course you'll want to wear it proudly when watching the match! Rugby games don't come around too frequently, so seize the opportunity to don your gear and flaunt the fact you’re a fan. However, don't worry if you've not got any of the official garments to hand – they're a nice to have but not a must-have. If you're still keen to display your support, select clothing that reflects your chosen team's colours instead. More importantly, pay particular attention to not dress in colours that might suggest you're rooting for the opposition... If you're scrounging around and struggling on the kit and colours front though, why not opt for a casual rugby shirt and jeans combo instead? A striped polo shirt will still make an athletic statement and get you in the sporting spirit! Pair it with trainers (no matter how scruffy) for an active look, or go for solid heavy-duty boots that reflect the ruggedness and robustness of on-pitch play.What to wear to a rugby game in winter?
When dressing for the rugby, it's essential to keep the weather in mind. In and around winter, you'll want to make sure your outfit is composed of lots of layers and, in our humble opinion, nothing beats men's gilets. Whether you settle upon a heavy-duty or lighter-weight padded design, or go for a super-soft fleece style instead, it doesn't really matter. Just choose a design that suits your taste. Ultimately, what's important is that you have this versatile sleeveless layer to hand, to supply extra warmth as needed. Wear it as a mid-layer beneath your outerwear for increased insulation, or, if the thrill of the match has you heating up, strip back your parka or puffer jacket and wear your gilet as an outer layer instead. Dependent on what end of the smart-casual spectrum you want to place yourself, both warm knitted jumpers paired with a shirt and relaxed quarter-zip jumpers make for hard-to-fault winter wardrobe rugby attire. Trust us, you'll see these garments up and down the stand! Finally, fleeces can't be faulted if you're determined to stay warm.What to wear to a watch a rugby match in summer?
Dressing for a summer rugby match really requires looking at the weather forecast. If it's set to be boiling hot, you'll want to wear clothing that's as lightweight as possible, such as breathable cotton t-shirts and shorts. If you're needing to abide by a smarter dress code, chino shorts and a short-sleeved shirt should be just fine. However, if the weather is a little temperamental (hello British summertime), consider taking a backup sweatshirt or jacket along, or swapping out the shorts for full-length trousers.Prepare for all eventualities with a selection of accessories!
If you're attending a rugby match in the autumn, winter or early spring, make sure you're equipped with a hat, gloves, scarf and warm socks! Even if it feels mild out, be aware that you'll get cold sitting in the stand after a while, especially if the sun goes down while you’re watching on. Having a selection of winter warmers at your disposal will help you regulate your temperature, stay comfortable, and keep your attention fixed on the game. So, prepare for the cold and make sure you've got your extremities covered. You might even have a scarf or headwear that's representative of your team. If so, wear that! In less chilly climes or even in sunny weather when you need protection from UV rays, a cap makes a great sporty addition to any rugby match outfit. On bright days, remember your sunglasses too! Even in a domed stadium the sun has a way of glaring in and, after being lucky enough to nab tickets, you don't want your view to be obscured!Sharpen up for hospitality or a corporate box and nail the dress code!
If you've been fortunate enough to bag hospitality tickets or to gain access to a corporate box, make sure you're appropriately dressed for the occasion. Stay smart in a shirt and, to class-up your look, why not consider adding a tie? Maintain a casual aspect to your overall outfit though by sticking to chinos in a neutral or monochrome shade. These smart-casual trousers will strike exactly the right tone for this up-market rugby experience. To polish off your look, opt for smarter shoes (trainers are a no-go if you want to meet the dress code requirements).
