Long-sleeved polos have always felt like a strange blind spot in men’s shirting, at least to me.
Plenty of brands, especially those on the preppy spectrum like Ralph Lauren and, more recently, Rowing Blazers, have attached at least part of their fashion identity to a particular style of long-sleeve polo, a.k.a. the rugby shirt.
But the typical rugby shirt is bold and loud, nodding in part to the sport’s traditions and the trends of #fashion. And while power clashing has its appeal for some, thick stripes, contrasting collars, and large chest insignias don’t mesh easily with many people’s sense of style.
Then there are the sweater shirts, which look much like a standard polo with longer sleeves. But they usually feel and wear more like sweaters because they’re knit from materials like cashmere and wool, feature ribbed waistlines, or both.
That’s why Buck Mason’s new Field-Spec Rugby Polo is surprisingly rare. It features all the fit and shape details that make rugby shirts appealing.
