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A staple item to have on hand is your team’s jersey – you can’t go wrong with this come game day
If you've landed here, chances are you may not have been to a rugby league game before and wondering what threads to wear. Do I dress up, dress down, any rule breakers and how far can I push my look? Whether you're completely new to the sport or decided the couch isn't for you this season, we've got your ultimate guide to game day outfit ideas so you can show your true colours in style.
What we love about league is the fangear range that's available for the whole family including the NRL (National Rugby League) and State of Origin teams. We'll start with the must-have team's jersey, run through some seasonal ideas, and leave you with a checklist so you'll be ready come kick off (no excuses).
Show your true colours
A staple item to have on hand is your team's jersey – you can't go wrong with this come game day. The official NRL jerseys are available in a variety of designs for you to choose from including the current season, past seasons, retro (limited teams available), indigenous rounds and more.
Depending on the weather, you can pair your team jersey with jeans, skirts, shorts, leggings or dress pants. You'll need to consider where you're sitting. Why? Because the corporate and member areas have a dress code with slightly different rules, which we will discuss next.
Game day outfit ideas
NRL game days are different for everyone. Some come out in force – think war paint, wild hairstyles and incredible costumes to match their team's mascot. Others will put on their weekend best in suits, ties, stylish outfits and maybe even heels to complete the look. It comes down to a mix of personal style and where you're seated.
General seating: Go wild. Just be clothed and wear non-offensive clothing. Yes, you can go crazy with hairstyles, add some homemade love to your costume to show your true colours and potentially earn a spot on prime time TV.
Corporate & Members Areas: Dress codes apply – smart casual. This means you can wear official NRL fangear, jeans, skirts, tops, polos, dresses, enclosed shoes or sandals as a general guide. Even had a touch of colour with your team's scarf. What you can't wear includes leggings, athleisure wear, beachwear, thongs or have bare feet. Make sure to check with the stadiums rules and guidelines you are attending as they can vary.
Seasonally it can be daunting to think will I be warm enough or will I melt in my seat? Here we will break down the options for the cooler and warmer months, plus check out some great accessories you can have on hand all year round.
Spring/Autumn
The NRL season kicks off in March when it can still be quite warm. Many of the teams have a great selection of options if you want to mix up your look from your regular team jersey. Some great ideas include training singlets, shorts and tees that come in a variety of sizes from kids to adults.
Winter
The weather can start to cool down quite quickly as the season kicks off, especially for the southern states and New Zealand. For some, you might have a favourite puffer or killer warm jacket you prefer to wear to keep warm and comfy in as you scream from the sidelines. You can still show your colours with the addition of team beanies or scarves to top your look off. For others who are keen to double down on their team colours there is official NRL merchandise available in the form of hoodies, jackets, crews and quarter zips with new design arrivals every season.
All season essentials
No matter what the weather is you can't go wrong with these game day essentials. Many of the NRL teams have on hand their official socks and caps to top your look off in rain or shine.
Fangear you can't go past are the team bags to ensure you stay organised and make the day a logistical dream. This is the perfect time to look at your final checklist, which we have provided below to ensure your day is one to remember (good memories only).
Your checklist
To help plan your first trip to an NRL game we have put together a quick check list, so you don't forget the essentials:
Essentials:
- Game day entry ticket
- Fangear/Outfit (show your colours)
- Mobile phone
- Wallet & keys
- Wear comfy shoes
- Sunscreen
- Water bottle
Weather Dependent:
- Waterproof jacket (rainy days)
- Extra warm clothing/accessories (beanie, scarf, jacket etc)
Post-Game Plans
It's worth noting if you have plans after the game, you'll need to consider if your outfit can transition to the venue you're heading to. Some venues have strict bag size rules, so consider if you need to pack light or can store your bag somewhere, like your car.
Looking for some fangear ideas?
Check out rebel's range of Official NRL Fangear available online or in store, so this season you can be ready to show your true colours come game day.