Barbarian for Inventory Items Short Sleeve Rugby Shirt

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—01. Colour blocking.
—02. Red and beige microstripe.

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While summer may be waning, the short sleeves on our latest Barbarian make-ups are still a welcome addition considering the sweltering temperatures outside. The simple colour blocks and lighter colours give a staple item a bit more of a whimsical feel. The short sleeved versions, in two light and unique micro-striped colourways, are ideal for the warm weather and the thick cotton jersey fabric will carry over well into fall.

—Inventory Stockroom

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Inventory Item 013: Barbarian Rugby Shirts

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—01. Made in Canada.

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It's not too often that we are able to make products in Canada, but working with Barbarian is something we've been planning for awhile. The 100% heavyweight cotton shirts feature a white collar, a slimmed down fit and come in two colour options. The grey/ivory combination and the heather/navy both look great and the natural colors are perfect compliments for blues, reds and chambrays. Rugby shirts are often overdone, but we feel our version offers the authenticity and toughness of the traditional shirt while using soft tones, great fabric and a much nicer fit.

—Inventory Stockroom

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The Hideout + Norse Projects + Barbarian

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—01. Red short sleeve.
—02. Navy long sleeve.

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Barbarian is another company that has its roots in North American history, specifically Canadian history, yet has thrived in Japan in recent years. As a tougher alternative to a Breton top, the rugby shirts offer a shirt/jacket/sweater option that can be quite diverse and look great. We haven't seen the brand reach out beyond the East, except for on rugby pitches, but Norse Projects and The Hideout have done a great job putting together a couple of spring shirts. The colours, white collars and long and short sleeve options are nicely done.

—Norse Projects / The Hideout

Weekend Wear: Rugby Shirts

Rugby shirts are worn around the world by supporters and players, both on the pitch and in the streets — however they are not usually worn or done very well. While Canterbury of New Zealand has done a fair job and transitioning into casual wear, Canada's own Barbarian Rugby Wear continue to make what they make best, and nothing else. We've noted a couple Japanese retailers bringing in products you might not regularly see in the standard catalogues and that would make great casual over shirts in the fall-winter. Simple stripes, nice colours and a well made 12oz cotton does well to stand up to the cold, wind and water. Other designers have made rugby wears within their collections but it doesn't often come together very well, or feels a little fake. While Mr. Sternberg isn't likely to be round in a scrum on weekends, Band of Outsiders has done a nice version this fall.

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Barbarian Stripe Henley

I love navy stripes on a white long sleeve. Visvim probably does it the best, along with Saint James, but sometimes you might not want that nautical look, so where does that leave you? Wearing the same brand I wore in PE class I suppose. In Japan Barbarian seems to have picked up a nice bit of steam within the casual, work wear garment market. Due to it's tough feel and durability as it's made for the rugby pitch, it should be able to hold up for Sunday coffee. The Henley version of the rugby shirt looks great here as an alternative to the latter brands. The neck is well cut and the lack of wrist or waist bands leave the sweater open for layering a BD underneath. This one's even available in size large and will only run you around $110, an easy fall addition to the wardrobe that could quickly become a key player.

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