The t-shirts from the brand Nike
This page showcases rugby-style Nike t-shirts, from the American brand that equipped the French national team from the late 1990s to 2012 and remains a historic partner of Stade Toulousain. Technical Dri-FIT training t-shirts and cotton models emblazoned with the Swoosh for everyday wear: a selection for both players and supporters.
The Swoosh, from the field to the city.
Nike and rugby, from Toulouse to the French XV
Founded in 1964 in Oregon under the name Blue Ribbon Sports by Phil Knight and his track coach Bill Bowerman, the company took the name Nike in the early 1970s. In rugby, the brand dressed the French XV from the late 1990s to 2012, after supplying South Africa and Ireland. Its longest-lasting connection is with Stade Toulousain, which it has been supporting since the 1990-1991 season, with a break of a few years in the mid-2010s. Its t-shirts carry on this story, mixing high-level training gear with basics to wear in town.
Other brands
The t-shirts are also available by brand:
The full selection can be found on the t-shirts page.
Dri-FIT or cotton: choosing your Nike t-shirt
The Dri-FIT technology equips the brand's training t-shirts: a microfibre polyester that wicks sweat to the surface of the fabric, where it evaporates quickly. The t-shirt stays lightweight and dry during a fitness session or a run. The cotton t-shirt focuses on softness and a thicker fall, with the logo embroidered or printed on the chest: it’s the everyday piece. Between the two, blended cotton models offer a popular compromise for before and after matches, softer than technical fabric and more durable than pure cotton.
Standard, slim or oversized fit: the size of a Nike t-shirt
Nike indicates the fit of its t-shirts: the standard fit allows room in the bust and arms, the slim fit follows the silhouette more closely, and oversized fits are deliberately baggy. Sizes range from S to XXL as in France; you keep your usual size in standard fit. A forward player will choose one size up in slim fit to avoid shoulder restriction. To maintain the properties of Dri-FIT, wash at a maximum of 30 degrees, without fabric softener, which clogs the microfibres and reduces their ability to wick sweat.
Good deals
Good bargains can be found in promotions, clearance, sales, Black Friday. The new arrivals showcase the latest collections. Items shipped within 24 hours are prepared and sent within 24 hours. The highlight events of the year come in a stable order: Black Friday at the end of autumn, the holiday season, the winter sales, the French Days in spring, then the summer sales and back to school.
Frequently asked questions
Why is the brand called Nike?
Nike is the Greek goddess of victory. The name, proposed by one of the very first employees, replaced Blue Ribbon Sports in the early 1970s, when the company was launching its own shoes.
Who designed the Swoosh?
The logo was created in 1971 by Carolyn Davidson, then a graphic design student in Portland. It evokes movement and the wing of the goddess of victory, and has appeared on all brand items, including the t-shirts.
Is a Dri-FIT t-shirt suitable for cold weather?
Yes, as a base layer: it keeps sweat away from the skin, which avoids the feeling of cold dampness during exercise. You add an insulating layer on top when the temperature drops, which you take off once you warm up.
Why does a t-shirt logo come off?
The heat-activated logo stays on thanks to a heat-sensitive glue: a run in the dryer or direct ironing softens it. Washed inside out and air-dried, it will stay in place much longer.
What’s the difference between Nike Pro and Dri-FIT?
Nike Pro refers to compression or very fitted t-shirts, worn as a second skin under the outfit. Dri-FIT is the sweat-wicking technology, present on many classic t-shirts as well as these models.
