So this rugby shirt idea started when I scored a vintage one cheap at the thrift store last Tuesday. It was this deep green and navy stripe deal, looked cool folded up, but when I got home and tried it on? Disaster. Felt like I was drowning in fabric or wearing a kid’s uniform.
The Frustrating First Try
Grabbed it Wednesday morning, determined to make it casual-cool. Tried rolling the sleeves like I do with my denim shirts – epic fail. Thicker rugby collar popped straight up like I was cosplaying a 70s coach. Tucked it into my regular jeans? Instant potato sack vibes around the waist. Untucked? Looked like I forgot pants. Seriously frustrating.
Worse part? The cut. Why do women’s rugby shirts always hug the shoulders but turn into tents below? Wanted something relaxed, not “borrowed my boyfriend’s gear”. Got so annoyed I almost shoved it back into the donation pile right then.
Getting Closer (And Finding the Armhole Issue)
Tried again Thursday. Pulled on a pair of my black bike shorts – you know, the comfy stretchy kind? Slightly better. At least not drowning anymore. Half-tucked the front of the shirt to show the waistband. Okay, progress.
But then I lifted my arms. Oh boy. Those armholes! Felt like the shirt was strangling my pits. Took a selfie in the mirror mid-arm-raise. Yup, looked as bad as it felt. That super boxy shoulder seam just cuts into you.
- Problem: Wrong fit everywhere – too boxy up top, too much fabric below, armpit jail.
- Discovery: Women’s “fitted” rugby shirts are often scaled-up kids sizes. Explains the awkward cling and looseness combo.
The Oversized Hack That Actually Worked
Friday, I was pissed. Scrolled online for ideas and saw someone wearing an oversized rugby polo layered over a tank. Lightbulb moment.
Dug through my closet and found this old oversized men’s rugby shirt I bought ages ago (husband claimed it smelled like thrift store detergent, never touched it). Threw that baby on instead. Instantly better. The shoulders actually sat where they should. Armholes? Roomy. Length? Purposefully long.
Here’s what clicked:
- Ditched “women’s sizing.” Went full XL men’s/unisex. The extra room around the shoulders and armpits is key.
- Paired it with the bike shorts again. The shirt covered my butt just right, felt sporty but casual.
- Threw on chunky white sneakers and baseball cap. Messy bun essential.
- Cut off the damn collar’s inner lining tag thing with scissors. No more neck itch.
Snapped some pics. Not bad. Not glamorous, but genuinely comfortable and looked like I tried without overdoing it. Total thrift store miracle paired with closet leftovers.
Main takeaway? Forget the “right size.” Grab a giant one. Screw the rules. Makes all the difference for a legit casual look.
