If you’ve got a day out watching the rugby coming up soon, the last thing you want is for what you’re wearing (or not for that matter) to take away from your experience of watching the game. So it’s a good idea to have a handle on what you’re going to wear for the day.
Make sure you are well prepared with warm clothes to watch the game. It is good practice to come equipped with a hat, a scarf, a pair of gloves, some warm socks and a comfy pair of shoes when you go to a rugby match. Remember it can get cold as a spectator standing pitch side or sat in a stadium.
In this post I shall go into a bit more detail on how to dress for a rugby match. In doing so I’ll list 8 things that you should bear in mind when you’re thinking about what to wear for a day out at the rugby.
What You Should Wear To A Rugby Match & 8 Things To Consider.
Before I dive in to the 8 factors that you should consider when it comes to the question of what to wear to a rugby game, I want to remind you that we’re all different. Our bodies vary in how they cope with the cold or warmth on any given day.
Choose What To Wear Once You’ve Checked The Weather.
This is a must. You absolutely must check the weather on game day! Don’t do this, and you risk reduced enjoyment on your day out, due to a discomfort that could have been so easily avoided.
You don’t want to turn up dressed for the Baltics, wearing multiple layers, only to sit in a stand facing the sun on a glorious autumnal day. You’ll soon to be stifling hot and squirming in discomfort.
Dress For Where The Match Is Being Played.
The match location plays a huge factor in what you should wear to watch the game.
I’d expect that most of you who’ve happened to stumble across this post, are looking for guidance on what to wear on a day out at a rugby stadium. However, there just may be a few of you who want answers on what to wear to a grass roots club match too.
If You’re Watching Grass Roots Rugby
Standing pitch side at a club game can get very cold, especially if the pitch is in a position that’s exposed to the elements.
It’s not uncommon to experience driving horizontal rain at grass roots matches, so make sure you come very well prepared. Spectators in complete waterproof clothing (trousers, Jackets & Footwear) is a common sight at amateur club rugby matches.
The upside is that parking will usually be very near the pitch, meaning that you can have:-
- Clothes at the ready, suited for the more extreme weather conditions.
- A dry set of clothes and a towel in the car, in case the weather turns and catches you out.
If You’re Watching Rugby At A Stadium
If you’re going to be watching the match in a rugby stadium, it’s worth doing a bit of research on that specific stadium. The different stands, tiers and blocks in any given stadium will have their own ‘micro-environments’, which will be influenced by:-
- Which direction they are facing.
- Whether they are covered.
Where you sit in the stadium will result in you experiencing different aspects of the weather on any particular day and might therefore have a bearing on what you should wear.
If you haven’t yet decided on your seats, then it might be worth your while having a read of this post where I cover where to sit in a rugby stadium & 9 things to consider.
Or if you happen to have hospitality tickets, you should check out this article which I wrote about how to dress for a rugby hospitality event.
What’s The Kick-Off Time? Bring Clothes Suitable For The Time(s) Of Day.
Pay attention to kick off times and remember that in the autumn and winter months the sun goes down pretty quick. Quicker still in a stadium with multiple tiered stands rising high and creating a blockade which the sun can’t penetrate.
You could have a beautiful warm autumn day at the start of a rugby match that kicks off sometime mid afternoon. This won’t warrant many layers of clothing at the start. But after half time, as the sun descends; so too, will the temperature.
Look After Your Extremities With Hats, Warm Socks & Gloves.
In my own experience; if I’m to be sitting, potentially in the cold, for a period of time then I need to think about looking after my hands, my feet and my head. If I can keep them well wrapped and snug, then generally I’ll feel that bit warmer!
So if you’ve checked the weather, and it’s forecast to be chilly. Then a thick, warm pair of socks, a warm hat and either some gloves or warm pockets are a must. Gloves can get a touch annoying if you want to show your support by clapping; hence the suggestion of warm pockets.
Wear comfortable Shoes.
A day out at a rugby stadium will usually demand a lot of walking. Put it this way, if you wear a fitness tracker, odds are you’ll hit your steps goal!
Depending on how you’ve travelled to the stadium you’re likely to be in for a bit of a stroll. You’ll need to walk from one of where you’ve parked, the train or tube station you’ve travelled to, or the bus stop you’ve been dropped off at.
Even if you’re planning on a rugby holiday, or you’ve decided to make a weekend of it, and are going to be staying at either a hotel or in rented accommodation nearby; you’ll likely have to travel a fair distance on foot in order to get to the stadium.
All of this walking warrants comfort for your feet. So make sure to wear comfortable shoes or boots on match day. And for that matter ones that you’re used to walking decent distances in.
Wear Clothes That Will Also Work For Your Post Match Plans.
It’s worth having a think about what your post match plans are. You might be heading out to a bar after the match for a few drinks before getting the train home, or to a nearby restaurant for a meal. Whatever your post match plans are, the best bet is to try to wear clothes that will work for both occasions.
Most Stadiums these days are pretty strict on bag size, so if you do need a spare pair of clothes for the evening, you’ll either need to pack light, or store your bag in a luggage store facility near the stadium.
Wear Something To Show Your Support.
If you’re a fan who likes to show your support then why not show everyone know who’s side you’re on by what you’re wearing. Get yourself a some fans clothing and show your support!
Pack Lightly For Different Eventualities.
It’s pretty hard to be prepared for every different outcome that a turn of the weather can bring on a day out watching the rugby. Ultimately though, you should aim to wear warm clothes and comfortable shoes.
If you can, try to bring a small bag (ideally one that could be rolled up and put in your pocket) so that you can pack some extra clothing (like a waterproof jacket) in case the weather turns.