Women's and girls' rugby has grown into a full part of many club programmes, yet kit is often an afterthought, with players handed men's shirts in small sizes. If your club is planning custom made rugby shirts for a women's or girls' section, it pays to treat fit as a design decision rather than a sizing footnote.
Short answer: ask your maker for a women's specific pattern, run a fit session with real players before ordering, and keep the club design identical across sections so everyone wears the same identity.
Why don't men's shirts in smaller sizes work?
A men's pattern scaled down keeps the same proportions. That usually means shoulders that are too wide, a body that is too long and boxy, and sleeves that sit awkwardly. On the pitch, loose fabric gives opponents something to grab in the tackle and the shirt rides up in the scrum. A women's cut adjusts the shoulder width, chest to waist shape and body length so the shirt sits close without restricting movement.
What fit options should a club ask about?
Most players fall into a few preferences, so it helps to offer choice where your supplier allows it:
Women's fitted cut for forwards and backs who want a close, grip resistant shirt.
Relaxed or unisex cut for players who prefer more room, often useful for social or touch sides.
Junior sizing for girls' age groups, where growth means you may size up for the season.
Ask whether the same fabric and print can be applied to every cut so the team still looks uniform.
How do you run a useful fit session?
Request a size set or sample shirts before you finalise the order. Book a training night, lay the samples out by size and let players try them over a sports bra and base layer, the way they would actually play. Ask them to bind, crouch and lift arms overhead. Note the size each player chooses and any comments about length or collar comfort. This one evening prevents most returns and complaints later.
Does the collar style matter?
It does. Traditional collars look smart but some players find them bulky under scrum caps or in contact. A low grandad collar or a simple crew neck can be more comfortable. Whichever you choose, keep it consistent across the club so photos and match day line ups look unified.
What about sponsors and names?
Check that sponsor logos and numbers are scaled for the smaller panel area of a fitted shirt. A logo sized for a men's XL can look oversized on a women's small. Ask your supplier to show proofs for both a small and a large size before approval.
FAQ
Can we mix cuts within one squad?
Yes. Players can choose fitted or relaxed versions as long as colours and print are matched, and the team will still look consistent.
How early should we start the order?
Start well before your first fixture so there is time for samples, a fit session, artwork proofs and production.
Should girls' sizes be ordered with room to grow?
Many clubs size up slightly for junior players so a shirt lasts a full season, but avoid going so large that it becomes easy to grab.
Key takeaways
Men's shirts in small sizes rarely fit women well; ask for a dedicated pattern.
Offer fitted and relaxed options where possible.
Run a fit session with samples before you confirm quantities.
Check logo and number scaling on smaller sizes.
Keep one club design across every section.
If you are ready to compare fabrics, collars and cuts for your section, start with the range of custom made rugby shirts and ask for a size set before committing to your full order.