Rugby is one of the most popular sports in the world, with its 2023 World Cup drawing 481 million views worldwide. Hence, it’s no surprise the rugby clothing market offers exciting opportunities for business buyers. From classic rugby jerseys to off-field outfits, rugby clothing is a mainstay for every player and fan.
This article will dive into the five rugby clothing that will make any inventory instantly attractive to rugby fans and players. Retailers will also find tips on how to choose and market the best items of rugby clothing in 2024.
Table of Contents
What’s the state of the rugby clothing market?
Rugby clothing: 5 items players absolutely need for a good game
4 rugby clothing trends businesses can take advantage of in 2024
Rounding up
What’s the state of the rugby clothing market?
Verified Market Research reports that the rugby clothing market accumulated a US$ 1.30 billion value in 2023. They also project the market will cross US$ 3.4 billion by 2030 at a 12.2% compound annual growth rate (CAGR). The rugby clothing market owes its surging demand to the sport’s general appeal in regions like Asia, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.
Experts also attribute the rising demand to the increased participation levels in amateur and professional rugby. According to the same report, Europe holds the largest market share, followed by North America and Asia Pacific. Latin America is also expanding rapidly due to the rising appeal in Argentina and Brazil.
Rugby clothing: 5 items players absolutely need for a good game
Rugby jerseys
Rugby jerseys are a must for players’ uniforms. They often feature lightweight, breathable fabric (like polyester or cotton) to give wearers maximum movement and flexibility during play. Rugby teams often have two jersey sets: one for home games and the other for away games.
Retailers can offer replicas and authentic jerseys for fans. Manufacturers make replica jerseys from cheaper materials to make them more affordable for fans hoping to show support for their favorite team. On the other hand, authentic jerseys have higher-quality materials and are the closest thing to what players wear during games.
In addition, authentic jerseys typically have the same designs and details as their official counterparts. Some even include the player’s name and number. Currently, 14,000 people are searching for rugby jerseys in 2024—but demand surged by over 300% during the 2023 Rugby World Cup to 301,000. Retailers can also expect demand to rise again during the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Base layers
Base layers’ main purpose is to provide extra warmth and comfort while playing a match or training. Rugby games often happen in winter, so players may get cold without base layers. Manufacturers design them to fit snugly on the wearer’s body, providing compression and assisting blood flow.
However, some Rugby competitions happen in summer, and retailers can offer base layers for warmer conditions. Instead of warmth, these base layers keep players cool. Although they have snug fits, these base layers have moisture-wicking properties that prevent overheating.
Some manufacturers may use different sizing systems for their base layers, but businesses can still find suppliers that follow the uniform sizing system from S to 2XL for men. Then, women’s base layers range from XS to XL, while kid sizes come in 5 to 12 sizes (or mini, small boys, and large boys). According to Google ads, base layers also generated 14,800 searches in May 2024.
Rugby shorts
Rugby shorts often come in pairs with rugby jerseys. They also feature lightweight, breathable fabrics (polyester or cotton) and comfortable, flexible designs. Design and style typically vary depending on the manufacturer.
Some rugby shorts have elastic waistbands for secure fits, while others have drawstrings for adjustability. They may also feature traditional designs or a more modern, fitted look. However, rugby shorts must satisfy some requirements before players can wear them comfortably.
For example, men must wear these shorts over groin protectors, so businesses must offer them in slightly larger sizes than standard models. Additionally, rugby shorts must be airy enough to provide enough cooling during sweaty games. Based on Google ads, rugby shorts raked in 22,200 searches in May 2024.
Jackets/hoodies
Rugby players wear jackets and hoodies in various settings, both on and off the field, for various reasons. Before and after matches or training sessions, players often wear jackets/hoodies to stay warm and maintain muscle flexibility. Substitutes and inactive players during matches may also wear them for warmth on the sidelines.
Additionally, rugby jackets/hoodies are essential clothing items for travel. They keep players comfortable and warm on airplanes, buses, and airports. Moreover, these items have become popular casual wear for regular outfits. They are stylish and comfortable, meaning businesses can market them to more than just players.
Many rugby jackets and hoodies have useful features, like zippered pockets for storing essentials or adjustable hoods for added protection. Material-wise, rugby jackets and hoodies typically consist of fleece or other insulating fabrics. They may also have water-resistant or windproof properties to protect sideline players from the elements during matches or training sessions.
Headgear
Rugby headgear, often called scrum caps, provides valuable protection for players. While they won’t prevent concussions, they do help reduce the risk of cuts, abrasions, and cauliflower ear (a deformity caused by repeated trauma to the ear). Additionally, manufacturers make scrum caps from soft materials like foam and design them to cushion blows and absorb impact.
Rugby players also need headgear for safety. The sport’s physical nature involves a lot of contact, including tackles, scrums, and rucks. In these situations, players’ heads can smash into other players, the ground, or the ball, leading to potential injuries. However, rugby headgear helps to minimize the severity of these impacts and protect vulnerable areas like the ears and scalp.
Here’s some exciting news for rugby headgear. Some manufacturers are exploring technology integration for their products. This trend could include sensors that monitor impact force or communication devices that allow players to communicate with each other or coaches during matches. Nevertheless, manufacturers are constantly working to improve rugby headgear’s protective capabilities by using advanced materials and innovative designs that absorb and disperse impact.
4 rugby clothing trends businesses can take advantage of in 2024
The increasing popularity of rugby sevens
Rugby sevens, a quicker and more friendly version, has seen increased participation in recent years. It has also boosted demand for rugby clothing. Since events featuring rugby sevens, including the Olympics and the World Rugby Sevens Series garner a lot of views, businesses can leverage the increased attention to boost team uniform sales and other memorabilia.
Endorsements and sponsorships
Fans love their favorite players and are always on the hunt for keepsakes. While major players sponsor rugby teams to drive more sales, smaller businesses can benefit from player endorsements. Most rugby clothing sales come from customers frequently searching for products their favorite player rocks. Even options signed by them attract high value. And the hype will be bigger than ever during the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Fabric technology innovation
While trying to attract the attention of fans and aspiring teams, business buyers must remember to keep up with innovations. Rugby clothing offering extreme durability, better performance, and maximum comfort is now available due to fabric technology advancements.
Lifestyle trends and fashion options
Rugby clothing also has a huge presence beyond the pitch. More consumers are adding rugby jerseys, shorts, jackets, and base layers to their regular outfits. For this reason, businesses can curate a casual rugby-inspired line to target this thriving market.
Rounding up
As the 2024 Paris Olympics draw near, the spotlight on rugby intensifies, creating a prime opportunity for business buyers. The six rugby clothing items discussed in this article—performance jerseys, base layers, headgear, shorts, and jackets/hoodies—cater to a diverse range of needs and preferences within the rugby community.
By strategically incorporating these items into inventories, retailers can align with the latest trends and contribute to the growing excitement surrounding rugby in 2024. Subscribe to Alibaba Reads’ sports section to continue getting more insightful articles like this.
