#4 - The 5 Coolest Rugby Jerseys of All Time
I Never Said the Coolest Rugby Jerseys Had to Be Worn on the Field...
When I compiled my Top 5 Coolest Rugby Jerseys of All Time, I never specified they had to grace the pitch. Some jerseys transcend the sport, embedding themselves in streetwear and broader culture. A prime example is this Palace x Polo Ralph Lauren rugby shirt donned by Carmy in The Bear (S2, Ep6 “Fishes”).
Ever since The Bear dropped, Jeremy Allen White has been the talk of the town in mens fashion. Shout out to Harry Has for his explainer on his style. His character Carmy Berzatto isn’t just one of the most compelling characters on TV—he’s also quietly become a style icon. Not in a loud, look-at-me way, but in a “this guy just gets it” way. Apparently this is called “Sauce”
"Sauce" in fashion is a term used to describe the unique personality and authenticity that makes an outfit stand out. It can also refer to the way someone wears their clothing.
Carmy’s wardrobe is an intentional mix of classics: white tees, A.P.C. denim, a perfectly cut NN.07 wool jacket, Red Wing boots—all things with heritage, craftsmanship, and authenticity baked in.
So when costume designer Courtney Wheeler put him in the Navy blue Palace x Polo rugby, it wasn’t random. It was a nod to Carmy’s past—to a guy who once cared about style, who traveled and absorbed different influences, but never in a try-hard way. He’s the kind of guy who, years ago, would’ve thought this was the best rugby shirt out there. And honestly? He wouldn’t have been wrong.
Key highlights:
In 2018, London-based skate brand Palace and American icon Polo Ralph Lauren unveiled a collaboration that seamlessly blended British streetwear with classic American prep.
The collection was launched with a new lookbook shot by David Sims, with the rise of western style in recent years and even more recent re-imagining of the Ralph Lauren Bear
The collaboration was teased with a string of billboards appearing all over the world, creating anticipation for the unexpected partnership between London skate label Palace and the all-American Polo Ralph Lauren.
When the collection eventually released in November 2018, with the most popular items, such as the Kickflip Polo Bear knit sweater and teddy bear, selling out in an hour and a half.
The patchwork Rugby jersey above isn’t in keeping with Carmy’s or my style. But I do like the references to classic striped jersey identity. The Navy blue, however, with a crisp white collar and the iconic Polo player embroidered over “PALACE”—it’s the kind of piece that transcends trends. And seeing it on Carmy? It cements his place as an top 5 coolest Rugby jersey of all time.
Rugby jerseys have always been more than just sportswear. They’re symbols of culture, identity, and style. And this one? It’s one of the greatest.
What’s your pick for the best rugby jersey ever—on or off the field?
#TheBear #CarmyBerzatto #RugbyJersey #PoloRalphLauren #Palace #Streetwear #Menswear #FashionStorytelling