Article - Rugby Clothing
10 Jan 2018
How Rugby Clothing Evolved into the Super Attractive Sportswear of Today
The style and fabric of rugby clothing has changed considerably over the years, but one thing is for sure, whoever wears a rugby shirt, does so with pride. The shirt is symbolic of the support for a particular team or the unity within a team. For over 200 years, the rugby shirt has been the epitome of sportswear when it comes to making a statement of sportsmanship.
So where does the rugby shirt come from? The origin can be traced back to the early 1820s to William Webb Ellis who was the first person to play with a rugby ball at an actual rugby school. That was the day that the game got its official marking. It was time to create rugby clothing to ensure the best possible fit, which meant looking for styling that would be comfortable. At that stage, the Rugby School was the only institution that outfitted players with sports clothing specifically for rugby.
Of course, the original style was a far cry from our modern thinner, short sleeved version. Indeed, the pants consisted of long flannels and shirts were made from cotton. Comfortable at that stage meant loose-fitting apparel, the opposite of modern rugby clothing. However, it seemed as if the loose fitting nature of the attire made it easier for opponents to grab onto and bring down players. It would take years for the clothing to become less bulky and by the fifties, the shirt colour became bold and the first contrasting collar was introduced.
However, with the game also evolving, it became necessary to design rugby clothing for the much faster pace of modern rugby and to keep up with contemporary styling preferences. As a result, rugby clothing received a well-deserved transformation in 2003. Modern rugby clothing is slim fitting, made from a fabric consisting of a combination of polyester and cotton for better sweat removing capacity, and ultimately more comfort.
The transformation is ongoing and with the latest technology improvements, the shirts can now be customised to the requirements of teams, their fans and corporations. Logos, various images and patterns now make for super attractive shirts. This is possible because of dye fabric printing methods, which make it possible to get excellent detail and longevity of the prints because of the fade-resistant characteristics of modern print products.
Shirts are now available in a ladies fit, in addition to loose-fit for fans and tight-fit for teams. Although short sleeves are the most popular, long sleeves and even reversible types are also produced. Modern shirts, though not as bulky and thick as before, can withstand the pulls and bumps of rugby, including the wear that scrums can put on the shirt’s integrity. Tailoring has advanced to ensure that everyone, from local clubs to national and provincial teams, can have high-quality shirts, while corporations are able to cater to the team building requirements of their personnel. Everything from slim fitting to tight fitting styles are available.
With all the above also came affordability in print and nowadays, it is possible to tailor shirts without breaking the bank in the process. At XCO Sport, we make it possible for you to order customised and generic rugby clothing for clubs, companies, retail outlets and even individuals at affordable prices.