#3 - The 5 Coolest Rugby Jerseys of All Time
The Rugby Jersey That Built Patagonia: The Brand’s First Step into Apparel
Last week, I stepped off field and talked about the Palace x Polo Ralph Lauren rugby shirt … sadly, we’re off field again. I can promise next weeks is an on-field classic.
Before Patagonia became the benchmark for sustainable outdoor gear, before Synchilla fleece and recycled nylon shells, the company’s first foray into clothing wasn’t in the realm of mountaineering apparel. It was something much humbler, yet deeply functional: a rugby jersey.
This isn’t just a piece of brand trivia. The Patagonia rugby jersey was an early signpost for what the company would become, a brand that didn’t just make gear, but questioned how it should be made, where inspiration should be drawn from, and why the status quo wasn’t good enough.
A Rugged Solution to a Real Problem
In the early 1970s, Patagonia was still just an offshoot of Chouinard Equipment, a company that made climbing hardware. Yvon Chouinard, a climber and environmentalist, wasn’t thinking about fashion, he was thinking about functionality.
Rock climbers needed a long-sleeved shirt that could withstand constant abrasion from rough granite, provide coverage from the sun, and resist tearing under the strain of big wall climbing. Traditional cotton shirts were too flimsy, and synthetic fabrics of the era hadn’t yet been developed for performance wear.
During a trip to Scotland, Chouinard stumbled upon a rugby jersey that caught his attention. Its heavyweight knit, reinforced collar, and boxy fit made it ideal for climbing. The shirt wasn’t designed for the outdoors, but it was built for impact, literally. Rugby jerseys were engineered to withstand tackles, scrums, and the kind of physical punishment that climbers also endured.
Chouinard brought a few back to the U.S. for personal use, and soon, friends in the Yosemite climbing community were asking for them. Seeing the demand, he began importing them in small batches.
Performance Apparel Before Performance Apparel
This rugby jersey was Patagonia’s first piece of apparel. It was also a pioneering moment for performance wear. It predated the modern concept of “technical” clothing garments designed with specific sport or outdoor applications in mind. Patagonia’s decision to sell rugby jerseys as climbing gear was an early example of cross-functional apparel—a concept that would later define entire industries, from athleisure to workwear-inspired streetwear.
Patagonia’s rugby jerseys became an unexpected but essential part of the dirtbag climber’s uniform 1. They weren’t just durable; they were symbols of an alternative approach to outdoor gear one that prioritised real-world functionality over industry norms.
Even today, Patagonia occasionally reissues rugby jerseys as a nod to its roots. The original design remains largely unchanged: heavyweight cotton, bold stripes, and a rugged fit. More than just a nostalgic throwback, it’s a reminder that great performance apparel often comes from unexpected places.
If you’re in any doubt around the coolness of this jersey…. I tried to buy one for my research….
1970s Patagonia OG Colour £1200
Rare Vintage 1970's Jersey - £750
Patagonia’s first apparel wasn’t built in a lab. It wasn’t engineered by textile scientists. It was discovered through lived experience, tested by climbers, and embraced because it worked.
I would love to hear your thoughts, was the rugby jersey the perfect accidental performance piece, or was it just a happy coincidence?
Should this really be in the top 5 coolest rugby jerseys of all time?
Drop your take below and please follow or subscribe for next weeks article.
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