Princess Diana's go-to rugby shirts are having a fashion moment – here's how to wear one
You don't need to be sporty to appreciate the appeal of the latest chic staple enjoying a moment in the fashion spotlight: the rugby shirt. Collared and most often striped, the style looks as fresh now as it did when varsity style pin-up Diana, Princess of Wales was photographed wearing one featuring baby blue and pink stripes outside London's Chelsea Harbour Health Club in May 1997.
Diana's pastel-toned knitted rugby shirt, paired with white capri-length trousers and duck-egg blue loafers, lent a note of preppy femininity to this masculine-leaning trend. But as well as archival inspiration, there are plenty of recent catwalk examples to turn to, with rugby shirts cropping up everywhere from New York City-based Monse to Chanel.
The style was a repeat feature in the spring/summer 2025 relaunch collection of heritage brand Kent & Curwen, which earned its stripes creating collegiate gear – from Cambridge ties to Eton rugby kit – in the 1920s. A century on, it has reinvented the rugby shirt with boldly clashing stripes including salmon pink and baby blue or emerald green and aqua – though it also keeps things classic with a navy and white option.
A similarly adventurous spirit has taken hold at offbeat Belgian brand Essentiel Antwerp, where appliqué patches, beading and rhinestones add flair to sport-inspired pieces. 'Combining a bold masculine print and fit with contrasting delicate feminine embroidery feels both playful and unexpected,' says Tom Depoortere, the brand's head designer and artistic director. 'As for styling, throwing an oversized blazer over a rugby shirt always works, or you could wear it with denim and a heel.'
The same styling tricks will work for the pieces infiltrating the high street. The majority of these stick to more muted, neutral stripes, and should slot easily into your usual outfit rotations. While trusty traditional cotton is dominating at the likes of M&S, Arket and Uniqlo, there are other materials worth considering – see Cos's elegant silk blend in navy and white stripes.
Then there are the knitted incarnations, including an ecru and chocolate piece at Hush. The relaxed open collar is prime weekend wear, but it could also be dressed up with a silky midi skirt. Or you could pair it with your favourite cropped trousers and spring-ready loafers for maximum Diana chic.
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