Our Rodd & Gunn spring/summer edit brings together eight pieces we'd build a warm-weather wardrobe around: the Gunn Polo in two colours, a long sleeve polo, two shirts, the Wendon Valley Tee, Italian denim and a stretch leather belt. Below you'll find why each one made the cut, how Rodd & Gunn's fits work, and easy ways to wear the range from spring through to Christmas.
It's one of the most common questions we get asked in store once the weather warms up: “What's new from Rodd & Gunn, and what's actually worth buying?” It's a fair question. The range is big, the colours change every season, and the fits aren't all the same. So we've done the sorting for you. These are the pieces our team keeps reaching for, chosen for fabric, fit and how easily they work with what you already own.
Quick answer: what are the best Rodd & Gunn pieces for spring/summer?
- The Gunn Polo is the brand's signature piece: Australian cotton pique with four-way stretch.
- The Long Sleeve Gunn Mesh Polo covers cool spring mornings and evenings.
- Two shirts: the Lakeside Oxford for everyday, and the Italian cotton Sail Rock for events.
- The Wendon Valley Tee and Sutton jean make an easy weekend uniform.
- Finish with the Stratford Stretch Belt in navy leather.
Why is Rodd & Gunn so popular for an Australian summer?
Because it gets the basics right: quality fabrics, relaxed shapes and colours that work together. Rodd & Gunn is a premium New Zealand brand, and its warm-weather range suits the kind of summer we get in regional Australia. Key facts:
- Natural fibres first: the polos, tees and Oxford shirts use 100% Australian Good Earth Cotton, and the Sail Rock Shirt is Italian cotton.
- Built to last: many pieces are pre-washed for softness and to help prevent shrinkage, so they hold their shape wash after wash.
- A palette that mixes and matches: navy, white, French blue and a pop of coral all work with one another, which makes outfits easy.
- Smart enough for most occasions: a polo or Oxford shirt from the range looks right at a long lunch, the races or a work barbecue.
Is it worth the price? For pieces you'll wear every week from October to March, we think so. Browse the full Rodd & Gunn range to see every colour we carry.
Which Rodd & Gunn polo should you buy?
Start with the Gunn Polo. It's the piece Rodd & Gunn is best known for, and it comes in enough colours to cover the whole season. Quick breakdown:
- The fabric: 100% Australian Good Earth Cotton in a breathable pique knit made with double yarns, plus four-way stretch.
- The details: a high-retention rib collar that won't curl, pointer dog embroidery on the chest and herringbone tape at the neck and side splits.
- The colours: Eclipse is the everyday navy that goes with everything; Coral is the summer colour for weekends and holidays.
- The fit: Sports Fit, close across the chest and shoulders, and noted as running small, so consider sizing up.
Want the same polo for cooler days? The long sleeve version is just as useful through spring.
$89.00 | Long Sleeve Gunn Polo
The Long Sleeve Gunn Mesh Polo in Eclipse: breathable cotton pique with a knitted collar and cuffs, made for cool spring mornings.
You'll find every colour in our Rodd & Gunn polo collection, and if you're still not sold on the polo, our post on why polo shirts are a timeless staple makes the case.
Rodd & Gunn shirts: Lakeside Oxford or Sail Rock?
Choose the Lakeside Oxford for everyday wear and the Sail Rock when you need to look sharper. Both are Sports Fit, slim through the chest and shoulders. Key facts:
- Lakeside Oxford Shirt: 100% Australian Good Earth Cotton with a button-down collar, metal buttons, a box pleat at the back and adjustable rounded cuffs. The French blue and white stripe is easy to wear with chinos or denim.
- Sail Rock Shirt: 100% Italian cotton with a point collar and removable stays, a French-style button front, knife pleats for ease of movement and adjustable cuffs. Pre-washed for softness.
- Price: the Lakeside Oxford is $139 and the Sail Rock is $179.
Wear the Oxford untucked on the weekend or tucked into chinos with a belt for the office. The Sail Rock in Midnight works for spring weddings, the races and dinners out. See the full range of Rodd & Gunn shirts, or compare other brands in our men’s shirts collection.
The Wendon Valley Tee and Sutton jean: your weekend uniform
If the polo and shirts are for going out, this pair is for everything else: the school run, the farmers' market, a backyard barbecue. Quick breakdown:
- Wendon Valley T-Shirt: 100% Australian Good Earth Cotton in a soft, breathable textured jersey, with a high-retention ribbed crew neck and reinforced shoulder seams. Sports Fit and pre-washed.
- Sutton Straight Jean: premium Italian denim from the Candiani mill, 98% cotton with 2% elastane for comfortable stretch. It's a straight fit with a light wash for a raw look that creases naturally over time.
- Why they work: a crisp white tee and dark straight denim is the simplest outfit there is, and it suits boots, sneakers or boat shoes.
See every colour in our Rodd & Gunn T-shirts and the full Rodd & Gunn jeans range. Not sure which leg shape suits you? Our guide to jean styles by body type can help.
How do Rodd & Gunn fits work?
Rodd & Gunn labels most pieces with a named fit, and knowing the difference is the easiest way to get your size right online. Key facts:
- Sports Fit: fitted across the chest and shoulders for a modern look. If you like room to move, consider going up a size.
- Original Fit: a fuller cut designed for comfort and everyday wear. Most men take their usual size.
- Straight fit (denim): the Sutton jean runs straight through the leg, a classic shape that sits neatly over boots.
| Piece in this edit | Fit | Fabric | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Gunn Polo | Sports Fit | 100% Australian cotton pique, four-way stretch | $79.00 |
| Long Sleeve Gunn Mesh Polo | Sports Fit | 100% Australian cotton pique mesh | $89.00 |
| Lakeside Oxford Shirt | Sports Fit | 100% Australian cotton | $139.00 |
| Sail Rock Shirt | Sports Fit | 100% Italian cotton | $179.00 |
| Wendon Valley T-Shirt | Sports Fit | 100% Australian cotton jersey | $59.00 |
| Sutton Straight Jean | Straight | 98% cotton, 2% elastane Italian denim | $179.00 |
Still not sure? Our team has been fitting customers in store for decades, so drop in and try a couple of sizes side by side.
How to wear the Rodd & Gunn edit: three easy summer looks
Every piece in this edit works with the others, so you can build plenty of outfits from a few pieces. Here are three we put together in store. Quick breakdown:
- The weekend: the Wendon Valley Tee with the Sutton jean and boots or boat shoes, plus the Long Sleeve Gunn Polo over the top for the cool start.
- The long lunch: the Gunn Polo in Coral with stone or navy chinos and the Stratford Stretch Belt.
- The summer event: the Sail Rock Shirt tucked into tailored chinos with loafers or boots. For more ideas, see our guide to smart casual dress.
$139.00 | Stratford Stretch Belt
The Stratford Stretch Belt in Navy: leather woven with stretch fabric for comfort, made in Italy, with the English Pointer embossed on the buckle.
Planning ahead for the holidays? Our guide to what to wear on Christmas Day in an Aussie summer picks up where this one leaves off. For more belts, see our Rodd & Gunn belts, and our belt fitting tips will help you choose a size.
Frequently asked questions
Is Rodd & Gunn a good brand?
Yes. Rodd & Gunn is a premium New Zealand brand known for well-made casual menswear in quality fabrics. The Gunn Polo and Wendon Valley Tee use Australian Good Earth Cotton, and the Sutton jean is cut from Italian denim by the Candiani mill. Pieces are pre-washed to help prevent shrinkage, which is why customers tend to wear them for years.
Where is Rodd & Gunn from?
Rodd & Gunn is a New Zealand brand headquartered in Auckland. Its relaxed, outdoors-inspired style suits Australian summers well, which is why it's become a favourite with our customers across regional NSW. Look for the pointer dog embroidered on the chest of the Gunn Polo and Lakeside Oxford, the brand's best-known signature detail.
Does Rodd & Gunn run small?
Sports Fit pieces can feel snug. The Gunn Polo, Lakeside Oxford, Sail Rock Shirt and Wendon Valley Tee are all Sports Fit, cut close across the chest and shoulders, and the Gunn Polo is noted as running small. If you like room to move or you're between sizes, go up one, or try both sizes in store.
What is the difference between Rodd & Gunn Sports Fit and Original Fit?
Sports Fit is the slimmer option, fitted across the chest and shoulders for a modern look. Original Fit is fuller through the body and designed for comfort and everyday wear. Most of this season's polos, shirts and tees are Sports Fit, so check the fit on each product page before you choose your usual size.
What is the Rodd & Gunn Gunn Polo made from?
The Gunn Polo is made from 100% Australian Good Earth Cotton in a breathable pique knit crafted with double yarns. It has four-way stretch for easy movement, a high-retention rib collar and cuffs that hold their shape, and herringbone tape reinforcing the neck seam and side splits. It's pre-washed to help prevent shrinkage.
How do I care for Rodd & Gunn polos and shirts?
Wash them cold on a gentle cycle with similar colours, and skip the tumble dryer to protect the fit. Reshape the collar while damp and line dry in the shade so the colour stays bright. Oxford and Italian cotton shirts iron best on a medium setting while still slightly damp, which gives a crisp finish.
Shop the Rodd & Gunn spring/summer edit
Every piece from our edit, in one place.
Not sure which size or fit is right for you? Browse the full Rodd & Gunn range, or drop into one of our stores for hands-on, in-store expertise.
Not sure which Rodd & Gunn size suits you?
As a third-generation, family-owned business fitting Australian men since 1936, we know the difference a good fit makes, and a Sports Fit polo can feel very different from your usual size. Drop into one of our stores in Bathurst, Orange, Mudgee, Dubbo or Wagga Wagga to try them on, or get in touch and our team will help you choose.