Golf has always been much more than fashion. It’s also been about style and through specific trends that characterized each decade, it’s pretty easy to track the development of golf clothing. It’s like stepping into a time machine, with each decade being characterized by a specific landscape fairway. It all started with those funny knickers and argyle socks back in the 1920s and if you compare it with today’s fashion, it’s obvious that a lot of things have been going on during the last 100 years. Therefore, let’s take a quick look and explore the threads that shaped the aesthetics of this beautiful sport.
1920s-1930s - The Golden Age of Golf
As mentioned, it all started in the 1920s, when players started to associate with a specific kind of clothing. This was the era when players embraced a distinctive style of the time. Back in the day, fashion was considered way more serious compared to some later times. As for men, some of the most common pieces of clothing were short pants gathered at the knee, as well as argyle socks. The upper part of clothes was characterized by button-up shirts, as well as sweater vests or cardigans, to complete the loot. A flat cap was also a pretty much regular piece of equipment, adding a touch of sophistication to the appearance.
Highlights:
- Men's Attire: Knickers, argyle socks, button-up shirts.
- Upper Wear: Sweater vests, cardigans.
- Footwear: Leather golf shoes with metal spikes.
- Headwear: Flat caps for a classic touch.
As for women, golf apparel is pretty much in line with the fashion of the era. Ankle-length skirts and drop-waist dresses are the first things that come to mind. Also, they were paired with long-sleeved blouses, while wide-brimmed hats with floral accents were also an integral piece of the attire. For a good reason, this era is called the Golden Age of golf, because the game was played with more style and grace compared to the decades that came after.
Highlights:
- Women's Attire: Ankle-length skirts, drop-waist dresses.
- Upper Wear: Long-sleeved blouses, tailored for a refined look.
- Accessories: Wide-brimmed hats with floral accents.
Altogether, men and women of golf were all about sophistication back in the day, with distinct visual identities that contributed to the overall charm of the 1920s and 1930s.
Highlights:
- Overall Aesthetic: Classic sophistication with a touch of sportiness.
- Common Theme: Elegance and refinement on the golf course.
- Fashion Legacy: The Golden Age's influence on timeless golf attire.
1940s-1950s - Post-War Elegance
Fashion started to change a lot after World War II, though the 1940s and 1950s were still characterized by a mix of refinement and quality. As for the new trends, polo shirts were probably the most prominent piece of clothing, along with pleated pants and V-neck sweaters, which added a touch of warmth and style to the golf course. There, a thing called golf shoes appeared, with metal spikes for better grip, while visors and classic fedora hats we regular pieces of accessory, elevating sophistication to an even higher level.
Highlights:
- Men's Attire: Pleated pants, and polo shirts for a polished look.
- Upper Wear: V-neck sweaters for style and warmth.
- Footwear: Leather golf shoes with metal spikes for better traction.
- Accessories: Visors and classic fedora hats for added sophistication.
Women's golf fashion also evolved a lot during this period. Female players embraced things like A-line skirts and sleeveless collared blouses, which was a perfect blend for the creation of a tailored and structured appearance. Then, there were cardigans – another common piece, which added a layer of elegance to the ensemble. As for shoes, it was all about reflecting the classic style of the era, so we can easily conclude that female golf fashion was all about refinement and grace during this era.
Highlights:
- Women's Attire: A-line skirts, and sleeveless collared blouses for a tailored look.
- Upper Wear: Cardigans for added elegance.
- Footwear: Classic women's golf shoes for a timeless appearance.
All in all, we could say that the 1940s-1950s were years when golfers embraced a sense of timeless elegance on the golf course. Moreover, it’s pretty legal to say that the fashion of this period continues to influence and inspire classic golf attire even today.
Highlights:
- Overall Aesthetic: Timeless elegance and refinement.
- Post-War Influence: Reflecting a sense of stability and sophistication.
- Fashion Legacy: Continued influence on classic golf attire.
1960s-1970s - Mod Influence
Then 1960s and 1970s came, as one of the most revolutionary chapters in human history. Of course, the impact was notable on the golf course as well. This era brought a wave of mod influence to golf fashion. It was a time when we saw a significant departure from the traditional styles of the previous decades. As for men, some of the highlights of this era were slimmer-cut pants that embraced bold patterns, while vibrant colors seemed natural back in the day. Interestingly, polo shirts remained a popular choice. On the other hand, collars became less traditional, and golfers often opted for collarless shirts for a more contemporary look. In the ln the late 1960s and early 1970s, bell-bottom pants also became a trendy choice, a great way to add a touch of flair to the golf course. Also worth mentioning is that was an era when golfers started to favor modern accessories such as visors and classic fedora hats, contributing to the overall mod aesthetic.
Highlights:
- Men's Attire: Slimmer-cut pants, bold patterns, and vibrant colors.
- Shirt Styles: Collarless shirts for a modern touch.
- Trendy Bottoms: Bell-bottom pants for added flair.
- Accessories: Visors and classic fedora hats for a mod aesthetic.
As for women’s golf fashion, skirts were becoming shorter and shorter, while tops became sleeveless. Of course, a vivid color palette was an integral element of clothing, while shift dresses and coordinating two-piece sets also became popular choices. The influence of the era was obvious. It was the era when female golfers embraced a more carefree and contemporary style. It was time for departure from the structured looks of previous decades. In other words, it was a colorful fusion of sportiness and modernity.
Highlights:
- Women's Attire: Shorter skirts, and sleeveless tops for a carefree look.
- Dress Styles: Shift dresses and coordinating two-piece sets.
- Color Palette: Vivid and bold colors for a modern touch.
All in all, the 1960s-1970s were a period of big changes in golf fashion. Golfers embraced a more mod and contemporary aesthetic and even these days, you can easily notice the influence of this period on golf clothing, as bold colors and modern designs are still the way to go.
Highlights:
- Overall Aesthetic: Mod influence for a contemporary and bold look.
- Departure from Tradition: Introduction of collarless shirts and bold patterns.
- Modern Legacy: Continued influence on experimental and vibrant golf attire.
1980s-1990s - Sporty and Preppy
The 1980s and 1990s brought another big change in clothing. Golf courses became a place for sporty and preppy styles. Some traditional pieces of attire remained. For example, men's golf attire still featured polo shirts with popped collars frequently, while khaki shorts pants, and boat shoes were common as well. Then, bright colors and bold patterns came and marked the era, reflecting a sense of vibrancy and energy on the golf course. Men’s golf fashion was a blend of casual and polished looks, with a focus on comfort and preppy fashion.
Highlights:
- Men's Attire: Polo shirts with popped collars, khaki shorts, or pants.
- Footwear: Boat shoes for a casual and stylish touch.
- Color Palette: Bright colors and bold patterns for a vibrant look.
- Aesthetic Focus: Casual yet polished, blending sporty and preppy elements.
Trends weren’t much different in women’s fashion. This era was characterized by dresses, visors, and skirts (a combination of shorts and skirts). The whole idea was to look sporty and preppy. In other words, it was all about balance, about the focus on comfortable yet stylish ensembles. It was time to embrace a more relaxed approach to clothing, but without losing that genuine sense of sophistication and refinement on the course.
Highlights:
- Women's Attire: Polo dresses, visors, and skirts for a sporty and preppy look.
- Casual Elegance: Relaxed yet stylish ensembles for comfort on the course.
- Fashion Elements: Emphasis on comfort with a touch of sophistication.
To put it in a few words, this era definitely left a lasting impact on golf fashion. It was the era when sporty and preppy elements became a common thing, with a touch of style, of course. That’s something we’re seeing on the golf course even today.
Highlights:
- Overall Aesthetic: Sporty and preppy with a focus on comfort.
- Fashion Legacy: Influence on modern golf attire, combining casual and stylish elements.
- Comfort Emphasis: Blending relaxation with a touch of sophistication.
2000s-Present - Modern Elegance
In the 2000s and continuing into the present, things have been evolving toward the perfect mix of functionality and modern elegance. This era brought things like technical fabrics and moisture-wicking materials to the golf course for the first time. This is the era when modern fits and design became the norm when golfers finally got the opportunity to move freely, but without losing their polished and refined appearance.
Highlights:
- Material Innovation: Technical fabrics and moisture-wicking materials for comfort.
- Functional Design: Modern fits that prioritize freedom of movement.
- Sophisticated Practicality: Blending style with functionality for a polished appearance.
Women’s golf fashion in this era brought a big shift to polo dresses, as well as skorts and tops that combine style and performance. As for colors, the palette seems more diverse than ever, all with the goal of catering to individual preferences.
Highlights:
- Men's Attire: Well-fitted polo shirts, performance shorts or pants, and advanced golf shoes.
- Women's Attire: Stylish polo dresses, skirts, and tops with performance features.
- Diverse Colors: A wide range of color choices for individual expression.
Also, this is the era when accessories became way more important. They serve both for the style and function, so you can often see fancy hats or visors, as well as sunglasses. Then, there is the integration of modern high-tech devices, such as GPS devices, smart watches, etc.
Highlights:
- Sun Protection: Hats, visors, and sunglasses as both stylish and functional accessories.
- Technology Integration: GPS devices in golf watch for practical use on the course.
- A blend of Style and Function: Accessories that enhance both appearance and performance.
All in all, this is an era of fusion of modern elegance and functional design in golf fashion. Golf fashion has become a blend of comfort, performance, and individual expression, so we could say that the golf course looks more colorful than ever.
Summary
As you can see, the evolution of golf fashion is quite a fascinating journey that spans decades. Each era left its important imprint on golf attire, starting from the classic sophistication in the 1920s and 1930s. Of course, we cannot neglect the sporty and preppy styles of the 1980s-1990s, and the current era's emphasis on modern elegance and functionality. What’s common for each era is that golf fashion always mirrored the broader trends of its time. Finally, the legacy of these styles is evident in the diverse and stylish choices golfers make today. Like never before, golfers mix traditional and contemporary aesthetics in such a nice way. And, as golf continues to thrive as a sport, its fashion remains not only a reflection of the times but also a testament to the game's ability to adapt and embrace new trends while maintaining an air of timeless elegance.
Marc Jones
Mark Jones is a 42-year-old golf coach from South Carolina, known for his deep passion for all aspects of golf. He skillfully channels this enthusiasm into both his coaching and writing, providing practical and engaging content that resonates with golf enthusiasts.
