Suited not booted: Chris Robshaw on how to dress off the pitch

Growing up I always had an interest in fashion, but translating what I saw in magazines to a rugby player's build was challenging. I remember choosing my shirt size based on my big neck which means they were never tailored at all – not a good look.

It's a nice luxury these days to be able to put on a shirt and suit that are tailored for me. Proper tailoring really is the key to smart dressing.

When people picture me it's likely in my Harlequins or England kit, but off the field I like to change it up. I'm just as happy in a very tailored look as I am in more casual clothes, like a bomber jacket. If I have a reason to suit up I always love a dark blue suit, and I work with bespoke tailor Dress2Kill in London to make sure the fit is perfect.

Subscribe to The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

Sign up

On casual days off though you can never go wrong with a great pair of jeans, I love to travel and am heading to Amsterdam soon so a few different pairs will definitely be in my suitcase.

Regardless of what else I have on I'm rarely seen off the pitch without a watch, I know a lot of people rely on their mobile phones these days but I'm all about the classic watch – it's a staple that never goes out of style – and my usual watch of choice is a Tag Heuer.

Even though I think I know a thing or two about fashion, my girlfriend Camilla helps to push me in the right direction from time to time. I'm sure most men would agree that they get a bit of advice from their other half. I'm happy to say it's mostly just little touches she'll make though – I've not been sent back upstairs to totally change my outfit just yet.

When it comes to stylish celebs Ryan Gosling, David Gandy and David Beckham always get it right in my book, those men know how to wear a suit, and Becks has proven that he can wear anything. Closer to home my teammate Jamie Roberts is always a sharp dresser, and when it comes to stylish Quins players past and present it's hard to go past Ugo Monye – he's always been a trendsetter.

Much as I love to suit up and dress smartly, I'll always be at my most comfortable when I'm out on the rugby pitch. Playing for Harlequins and England was my dream ever since I was young and there is no greater feeling than putting on my kit when I play for either team, I truly do pinch myself every time I lace up my boots and run out onto the pitch.

Chris Robshaw plays flanker for London rugby union club Harlequins and has made over 250 appearances in the Quins jersey since joining the club in 2005. To purchase tickets, visit Quins.co.uk or follow @Harlequins on Twitter