The Chicest Sports-Inspired Knitwear to Wear Now

The rugby top is a pitch-perfect style choice and the coolest way to wear stripes this season. Distinguished by its bold horizontal lines, long sleeves and contrasting pointed collar, it’s a classic piece synonymous with tastemakers on both sides of the pond, from the American collegiate to the British countryside set. JW Anderson, Frame and Proenza Schouler tackle it for fall/winter ’26 in fine-gauge cotton piqué, while Polo Ralph Lauren and Aimé Leon Dore give theirs an autumnal spin in heavyweight knits. Jeans are a natural sporting partner here, so go for classic blues, fresh white or deep indigo to let the polo shirt’s brilliant bands of color do the talking. Suede boots, leather loafers or boat shoes give this winning weekend ensemble a suitable polish.

Equal parts varsity and off-duty Olympian, the polo knit continues to reign supreme. This season, Nili Lotan, Chloé, Jil Sander and Khaite are rewriting the playbook, giving this humble piece a suitably luxe upgrade in brushed cashmere and feathery-soft alpaca blends. For color, classic marl grays and deepest blacks ensure timelessness, but for trending-now appeal, opt for off-kilter pastels or cobalt blue. Styling-wise, the softness of a polo pairs impeccably with structured denim and leather, so try yours with a sleek midi skirt in either fabric. Next, throw on an oversized jacket and finish with heels or preppy loafers for a sophisticated, fashion-forward edge.

Cricket connoisseurs and tennis aficionados, unite! The cable-knit sweater is back, adding a neat and tidy finish to outfits both on and off the court. Coming to the fore in evergreen Wimbledon white at Polo Ralph Lauren, creamy butter-yellow at Versace and watermelon-pink at Valentino Garavani, it’s a piece that will never date. Wear yours with knife-pleated skirts, high-waisted tapered pants or stonewash denim for an ’80s twist or tie it around your shoulders to add a preppy touch to office tailoring.